Convergent Design Unveils NanoFlash HD Recorder/Player

Continuing to leverage the size and storage advantages of CompactFlash (CF) memory, Convergent Design has unveiled the nanoFlash portable HD Recorder/Player, which records video, audio and time code from an HD-SDI stream onto memory cards using 4:2:2 (MPEG-2) compression. The unit measures 4.2x3.7x1.4 inches and, powered by the camera battery, consumes less than 10W.

The camera-mountable nanoFlash, a miniaturized version of the company’s Flash XDR, has two CF card slots and embedded audio support only (the full-sized Flash XDR offers analog audio I/O and four CF slots). The unit can be powered from a camcorder battery (6.5 to 20V) and records 1080i60/50, 1080p30/25/24 or 720p60/50 at full-raster (1920x1080i/p and 1280x720p) 4:2:2 MPEG-2 at 50/100 Mbps (Long-GOP) or 100/160 Mbps (I-Frame only).

As both a recorder and player, nanoFlash provides HD-SDI I/O as well as an LTC input, RS-232/485 (for remote control) and a power/start/tally-light connector. MPEG-2 video and up to eight channels of embedded audio and timecode can be stored in the MXF format using the FAT32 file system. The nanoFlash records and plays back files across the two CF cards. 32 GB cards are $135 each. Two cards combined provide 140 minutes of 50 Mbps record time or 70 minutes at 100Mbps 4:2:2.

The company said that, unlike FireWire-based hard-disk recorders, which merely copy the native camera video quality, nanoFlash encodes a live camera’s “never-compressed” HD-SDI output to a much higher quality. This means higher-bit-rate acquisition with less compression, eliminating most of the common noise and blurring artifacts. The unit also offers 24p pulldown removal, image flip, time-lapse recording and RAID 1 redundant recording capability (automatic backup).

An ASI I/O (MPEG-2 TS) firmware upgrade is available, which allows the nanoFlash to be used for HD ENG/EFP (live news coverage) and video-over-IP applications. Adjustable bit rates from 17.5 to 100 Mbps support microwave and satellite transmissions.

The nanoFlash is priced at $3,495 and ships in September.

For more information, visit www.convergent-design.com

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