Convergent Design have released the Gemini RAW video recorder for digital cinema and multi-camera productions, capable of recording 2K/4K Raw while simultaneously recording HD-SDI in either full uncompressed or Avid DNxHD. Footage recoded on the Gemini RAW with Avid DNxHD or full uncompressed may be used for today’s project, while archiving the Raw for the future, preserving the highest possible images to ensure long-term financial value for your project. While Raw is the highest image quality possible, its files are actually smaller, which is great for archiving.
Recording in Raw has other major advantages in that white balance, picture profiles and other image decisions are not baked in, preserving the ability for post to pull out the very best images, either now or in the future
And Raw typically has the highest bit-depth available from the camera, allowing for the widest dynamic range.
The Gemini RAW is a more powerful version of the Gemini 4:4:4, with more inputs and outputs, and the ability to record up to four cameras simultaneously, while maintaining the same small size, weight and low power requirements of the original Gemini 4:4:4. This new model does not replace the original Gemini 4:4:4.
With the additional processing power and memory built into the Gemini RAW, it can record up to two full uncompressed video streams, or up to four using Avid DNxHD. And in certain modes, it can record up to 120 frames per second. All of these combine to make the Gemini RAW a very powerful, but reasonably priced recorder.
The Gemini RAW excels with its built-in support for many Raw cameras, including ARRI ALEXA, many Raw Point of View (POV) cameras, and many of the very latest Raw cameras being announced at this time.
In addition, Gemini RAW has the features and functionality of the original Gemini 4:4:4. Thus the Gemini RAW is equally at home when working with a camera with Raw mode, or any other HD-SDI equipped camera. It is ideal for rental houses as it works very well with a very wide variety of cameras.Gemini RAW is ideal for multi-camera shoots. Up to four streams can be recorded, provided the cameras are gen-locked. A built-in four channel (quad) splitter may be used to view all four images simultaneously, both on the internal LCD and via an external HD-SDI monitor.
And the Gemini RAW has a built-in four-channel switcher with touch screen selection. One HD-SDI output can be selected to show the Quad-Split channels for monitoring, while a second HD-SDI can be the selected live output. Depending on the source camera, Raw can be recorded up to 48 frames per second (fps), 60 fps, or 120 fps.
Another important feature is the ability to record full uncompressed, while simultaneously recording Avid DNxHD 36 for proxy purposes. This is ideal for off-line/on-line editing workflows. And the Gemini RAW, in some modes, has the ability to create two simultaneous masters on two separate SSD’s, providing a very high degree of safety for the footage.
Avid DNxHD 444 will also be supported. The Gemini RAW comes with a Transfer Station capable of using USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Firewire 800 or Thunderbolt.
While Raw Support is optional on the original Gemini 4:4:4, it is a standard feature on the new Gemini RAW. And, more importantly, all features and options, including full 3D, are standard, on the Gemini RAW.
Gemini RAW supports 4K Raw for recording, and playback. A special feature is included so that the real 4K images can be output to a 4K monitor using four HD-SDI outputs built into the Gemini RAW.
What more? See Convergent Design for full details on the Gemini RAW recorder.