In the multifaceted world of field production equipment, camcorders, microphones, and live-switch encoders aren’t the only essential tools. One particular piece of equipment that has historically been considered a luxury, particularly for higher-end productions, is the field monitor.
Field Monitors Through Time: From Scarcity to Necessity
Drawing from historical perspectives, the scarcity of field monitors was largely due to the expense and bulkiness, specifically of the portable CRT monitors that could be connected to cameras. Approximately two decades ago, even color viewfinders or color flip-out view screens on professional gear were still in the realm of fantasy. Field production professionals who began their journey with VHS had to carry around a 9″ TV tied to their tripod, subsequently switched to a 5″ Sony consumer TV monitor, and finally to a 5″ off-brand (Action) LCD monitor. While the Action LCD monitor is no longer in production usage, it serves well for testing VCRs and other troubleshooting tasks involved in video transfer businesses.
Field Monitors: The Modern Scenario
Today, most professional cameras and camcorders come equipped with built-in screens that range from 3″ to 5″. However, professionals who find these inadequate have several viable alternatives — a range of lightweight field monitors that can also efficiently record to flash media have emerged in recent years.
Recorder Monitors: A Contemporary Solution
Modern recording monitors, such as the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5″ HD from the first generation, offer an array of benefits over traditional alternatives. In addition to recording for instant replay, these tech-savvy devices can capture higher-quality video compared to standard onboard camera recorders.
The Expanded Uses of Video Assist
The Video Assist, aside from being instrumental for on-camera use in the field, finds application within a variety of different contexts in production companies. Notably, during multi-camera conferences involving PowerPoint presentations, a setup wherein two cameras and laptops are fed via HDMI or HD-SDI into a Lumantek HD switcher can be achieved. By channeling one of the switcher’s two outputs to the Video Assist, the video and audio mix can be recorded, reducing editing and backup time. Additionally, the Video Assist proves beneficial in recording high-quality videotape transfers from a variety of professional and consumer formats.
In fact, producers had recently employed one of Blackmagic Design’s Teranex processors to upscale U-matic and Betacam tapes to HD. The results were recorded to ProRes HQ for a documentary featuring a globally renowned rock musician, and the producers expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome.
For an extensive comparison of what various companies are offering in terms of field viewing and recording options, refer to Table 1.
