Format converter for LCD screens

[Chris Haarhoff]

I know this is kind of dry, but I need to find a way of converting the signal into an LCD from regular to 16:9. Make the skinny guys fat, in other words. I'm about to start an anamorphic action movie and I've built the ultimate light rig for the Arri 235 or SL... now I just need the picture.

[Benjamin Treplin]

Hi Chris,

dry is pretty much OK at the moment. Good to see you here.

The Transvideo format converter is the only standalone device I know of.

What LCD Monitor do you have for your rig?

A weight saving solution would be to take a LCD that supports a 16:9 or 2,35:1 conversion like the Transvideo 5.8" and 6.5" Rainbow or the Cinemonitor 3.

I suppose there are a lot more LCD monitors that natively support 16/9 like the Panasonic 7" TC-7WMS1 but I don't have manufacturers/vendors at hand.

 

Best

 

P.S. I'm eager to know what kind of shots you had in mind when building your rig and what design you choose for your light rig.

[Mikko Wilson]

Wait, so your source is 16:9 and your monitor is 4:3?

 

You will need a converter that will "letterbox" the image. Check the image to confirm your option-

 

Miranda makes some neat little converters that work preaty well.

URL: http://www.miranda.com/product.php?i=141&l=1

 

 

 

- Mikko

[RobVanGelder]

Several good monitors, like those from Teletest are switchable between 16:9 and 4:3

 

starting from around 1500 euro´s

[Frederic Chamberland]

Hi,

 

the Anamorphic format will be very hard to unsqueeze without proper device, the 16:9 /4:3 switch on regular monitors like the Teletest and Panasonic are not enough to give you a frame you can work with. The Transvideo device works well and if you plug it before your sender, you can actually transmit a de-anamorphised image to video village. The box itself is a bit big and bulky but I would do exactly the same with my next anamorphic job.

Equipement used that day:

-Arri 435 ES with Panavision lenses( anamorphic C series).

-Transvideo frame converter

 

Hope that helps.

[Jon Myers]

I've been using the Cinemonitor 2 now a 3 for about 5 years. It works great and it can do anamorphic internally. Now with Transvideos Super Brite option it's even better. I know it's not cheap but you'll never have to worry about a video format not working with your monitor except HD. The other cool thing is that you don't need to use a monitor hood with it. I hope that this helps.

 

Jon

[Chris Haarhoff]

Guys thank you all for chipping in..

 

I have seen some of the rather expensive LCD's that convert internally, but having just bought a monitor from Optitek in LA it looks like I will have to go with the Transvideo solution. To answer Benjamin's post, we've taken the monitor out of the major balance equation using redistributed battery weight at the bottom to retain a great feel. The monitor can climb all the way up above the gimbal if it wants to... I visualise using it up high in fight sequences and balls out running shots. I've always felt that the traditional level for the monitor at a full run pulls your eyeline too close. All will be revealed the more I work with it though. Could be a pile of sh*t!

[Benjamin Treplin]

Thank you Chris for the insight. Something to think about and try.

For running shots I use a 2.5" light weight LCD that I mount to the mattbox or magazine for DJ. It enables me to run with the rig in a more controlled and natural way. I recognize obstacles (corners, door frames) earlier especially in Don Juan.

Please keep us updated.

Best