AC7 AC7-SDI User Manual 0
Table of Contents Product Introduction …………………………………………………………………… .... … 2 Caring for your AC7 Monitor ..................................................................... 4 What should be in the box: ....................................................................... 5 Powering the AC7...................................................................................... 6 Locking Connectors for AC7-OLED Models only. ...................................... 9 Additional Power Options ....................
Changing inputs: ............................................................................. 30 System Menu ...................................................................................... 31 PIP Menu ............................................................................................. 32 Updating Firmware ................................................................................. 33 Specifications ........................................................................................
Product Introduction The AC7 Resolution First and foremost, the ultimate purpose of a field monitor is to be able to see what you are shooting. Shooting in HD and monitoring in SD is, we feel, a step in the wrong direction. That’s why even with a 7 inch screen, the AC7 delivers HD a 1280x800 resolution. Simply put – this means that you truly see what you get, so there are no surprises in the editing room.
Caring for your AC7 Monitor * The AC7’s max input voltage is 18vDC. Over powering can result in damage to your AC7. SmallHD is not liable for any damage due to overpowering the unit. * Not all power sources are created equal. Using off-brand batteries can result in undesired performance and longevity issues. * Do not attempt to disassemble the AC7. Doing so voids warranty.
What should be in the box: 1. AC7 Field Monitor 2. Mini to standard USB cable 3. US Power Supply 4. SmallHD Cleaning Cloth 5.
Powering the AC7 With an amazing DC input voltage range of 7 to 18v, the AC7 can be used with nearly any battery on the production market. Battery Plates The portable powering solution. We offer several portable powering options to help our customers reduce the amount of charging equipment that is plugged in around the set. For example, if you’re using a Canon 7D, then you only need to worry about keeping your LP-E6 batteries charged – just one charging station.
Panasonic Battery Bracket Supports CGA-D54 style batteries Holds 2 batteries but will run on just one – Hot-Swap for endless power Will run a AC7 for over 12 hours straight when using highcapacity Panasonic batteries Also maintains a low profile when mounted snugly against the back of the AC7 Output Voltage: 7.
AC7 Power Supply Take it with you where ever you go. This 12V/1.5A powering option is included with each AC7 and includes a detachable US-style cable, but can be replaced with additional Australian, European or UK style plugs that are available on the Store page on the website. Output: 12v DC/1.5 Amps Output Plug Style: Male Barrel – 2.1mm ID/5.
Locking Connectors for AC7-OLED Models only. The AC7-OLED has a locking 4 pin Hirose connector on it, we sell multiple different power cable’s including a Hirose to XLR 4 pin, Hirose to D-tap, and Hirose to Flying leads (which you can use to make your own custom cable.) Additional Power Options Adaptable power for maximum performance. SmallHD does not make custom power cables.
Using the AC7 Operating the Menus 1 2 3 1 – Navigation Scroll Wheel * Click to activate Main Menu * Click to select items in menu * Scroll right and left to adjust values *(From no menu) Scroll any direction to access the Preset menu 2 – Back button/Custom Function A * Press to reverse out of the menu * Activate/deactivate Preset 3 – Custom Function B Button * Activate/deactivate Preset 10 | P a g e
Activating the menu and adjusting a function: 1 – Click the scroll wheel one time 2 – Roll the scroll wheel left or right to the proper sub menu 3 – Click the wheel to select the sub menu 4 – Roll the wheel to select the desired menu item 5 – Click the wheel to select the desired menu item 6 – Roll the wheel left or right to adjust the value 7 – Press the back button to exit out of the menu system.
DSLR Scale Presets The DSLR Scale presets are factory defined presets that enable the input signal from a variety of DSLR cameras to fill the screen of the AC7. Most monitors are unable to achieve this function. Special logic is in play when these presets are activated that keeps the image in full-screen mode even though the video signal may be changing aspect ratios behind the scenes (as in the case of the Canon 5D Mark 2, 60D, T2i, and T3i).
DSLR SCALE INACTIVE ACTIVE Most Canon and Nikon DSLR’s output signals do not fill a monitor’s screen completely. The AC7’s“DSLR Scale” function enables the operator to quickly and easily fill the full screen with the incoming signal, removing those useless black bars, giving you a larger, more detailed look at the scene.
Assigning Function Buttons The AC7 has two buttons that can be assigned to custom functions for a convenient one-press ON/OFF of your favorite features. While not in any menus: 1 – Press and hold either of the two buttons (1 or 2) for 3 seconds and release 2 – Scroll with the scroll wheel to the desired function and click the scroll wheel to select it 3 – Press the Back button to exit the menu This Menu shows that a function button is set to the 1 : 1 Mapping tool.
Image Menu The image menu controls Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Saturation, Sharpness and Gamma. Below is a description of each. Function Contrast (LCD ONLY) Range 0-100 Description Controls the maximum white point of the signal. Brightness (LCD ONLY) 0-100 Controls the maximum black point of the signal. Hue 0-100 Also known as Tint or Phase. Saturation 0-100 Also known as Chroma. Sharpness (LCD ONLY) 0-100 Amount of edge enhancement is applied.
Tools Menu The Tools menu provides access to the many software tools of the AC7 to, among other things, aid in focus and exposure. Some of the functions are explained in greater detail in later pages, marked by the asterisk (*). Function Range Focus Assist Color, Plus, Max, Off Edge Color R,B,Y,C,M,G Select the color of your focus assist edge in this menu. Peaking On, Off Over-sharpens the image to give a frosted look to areas in focus.
Stretch, shrink and move the image on screen pixel-bypixel. Use this setting to help get a full screen image on your monitor. Even if your camera output’s image in strange format or aspect ratio like the 5DmkII (Cont pg12) Desqueeze the image when using a 2x anamorphic lens. So that your image looks normal even when using anamorphic. When activated will freeze the image on-screen. Turn off to resume normal video.
False Color False color evaluates the incoming IRE levels (exposure) of the signal and then changes the colors of the pixels to represent what those IRE levels are. This is a quick way to gauge the exposure levels within an image in a very clear way. The AC7 currently has two different types of False Color. False Color HML (High / Mid / Low) Meaning High, Medium, Low, has colors for over-exposed, underexposed and mid-range.
FALSE COLOR HL INACTIVE ACTIVE 19 | P a g e
FALSE COLOR HML INACTIVE ACTIVE 20 | P a g e
FOCUS ASSIST PLUS INACTIVE ACTIVE One of the underlying principles behind SmallHD’s products is that they should greatly improve the operator’s ability to focus a high-definition camera. Increasing resolution is step number 1, as it adds detail to a scene that you wouldn’t otherwise see. In addition, the AC7 now offers one of the most accurate in-monitor focus assist filters on the market: “Focus Assist Plus”.
FOCUS IN COLOR INACTIVE ACTIVE Via a recent firmware update we now have “Focus in Color”, improving even further on our already extremely accurate focus tool: “Focus Assist Plus” 22 | P a g e
FOCUS ASSIST MAX INACTIVE ACTIVE Due to demand, we’ve added an even more intense version of Focus Assist Plus called “Focus Assist Max” for those situations where you might otherwise be struggling to see details.
2X ZOOM INACTIVE ACTIVE “2X Zoom” , or 1:2 pixel mapping simply zooms into the image past its native resolution allowing for a very fine look at the details of your image.
ANAMORPHIC DESQUEEZE INACTIVE ACTIVE Anamorphic lenses are often both beautiful and strange. Make them look less strange by using our “Anamorphic Desqueeze” filter. Even works on 2X anamorphics, stretching and cropping to a 2:35 aspect ratio for a 16:9 input (pictured).
FRAMING GUIDES INACTIVE ACTIVE The AC7 comes equipped with several “Framing Guides” to help you line up your shot. The options available are Crosshair, Crosshatch, Aspect, and Title guides.
MONOCHROME INACTIVE ACTIVE Have the choice to monitor in black and white with “Monochrome”. Some prefer monochrome while pulling focus because it can be easier on the eyes not having chrominance interfering with the focal plane. Another simple benefit is when shooting in color, but plan to deliver the final product in monochrome, you can avoid surprises in the edit bay.
1:1 Mapping When activated, each native pixel of the input signal is mapped to a native pixel on the display. This is also called “Pixel to Pixel”.
1:1 PIXEL MAPPING INACTIVE ACTIVE If you need to double check focus, or need a slightly closer look at an element of your scene, “1:1 Pixel Mapping” does the trick when it comes to 1080i/1080p signals, showing you a bit more detail than when the image is scaled to fit the screen 29 | P a g e
Input Menu The AC7 has 4 inputs to choose from: 1 – SDI 2 – HDMI 3 – YPbPr (SD/HD Component) 4 – Composite (SD Only) Changing inputs: 1 – Navigate to the “Input” sub menu with the scroll wheel 2 – Scroll to the desired input 3 – Click the scroll wheel once SDI HDMI YPbPr Composite 30 | P a g e
System Menu The System Menu provides access to critical system functions, listed below: Function Range Backlight 0-5 Menu Flip On, Off Display Off, 10s, 5s, 2s, ON Reverts the AC7 back to factory defaults Factory Reset USB Power Description Controls the overall light output of the display. Adjusts the menus according to the mounting position/Image Flip setting. Turns on Input format display for a set amount of seconds. Off, 5V Toggles power to the USB port, on or off.
PIP Menu The AC7 allows two signals (1 HD and 1 SD) to be displayed simultaneously using the PIP or POP function, located in this menu. Function Range PIP, POP (Full, 4:3) Description Determines the type of windowed view. Sub Source Composite Determines the secondary source. Position TL, TR, BL, BR Position of the window. Size Small, Medium, Large Determines the size of the window. Border Black, Blue Border or no border.
Updating Firmware The AC7 has the ability to upgrade its firmware based on new software developments. This is a unique ability of SmallHD monitors, and is very easy to do. To upgrade: 1 – Format your USB thumb drive to FAT file system 2 – Download the .BIN file from www.smallhd.com/support 3 – Copy the .BIN file to your thumb drive 4 – Insert the thumb drive into the USB to mini-USB cable, then attach to usb port of the AC7. 5 – Hold down the scroll wheel and then turn the AC7 on.
Specifications AC7-LCD LCD Size Resolution Native Aspect Ratio Color Brightness Contrast Ratio Viewing Angle 6.
Specifications AC7-OLED LCD Size Resolution Native Aspect Ratio Color Brightness Contrast Ratio Viewing Angle 7.
Warranty The AC7 comes with a one year limited hardware warranty. The limited hardware warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of our products. Warranty specifics: Warranty period begins on date of shipment Warranty is non-transferable; products not purchased directly from SmallHD or SmallHD approved affiliates and distributors do not qualify for warranty coverage. The customer shall be responsible for paying shipping charges required to return products to SmallHD for warranty repair.
Thank You! Most importantly, we value your patronage. If you have any questions about general or extreme use, or want access to the latest documentation, videos, firmware and general information, please visit www.smallhd.com.
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