By Andrew Liszewski
Instead of lugging around a separate box for capturing HD/2K streams off of a digital video camera, the makers of the Cinedeck decided to incorporate that functionality into a playback monitor that can still be mounted on the camera itself. Via its HDSDI or HDMI inputs the device captures editable, platform agnostic, 10-bit 4:2:2 or 12-bit 4:4:4 CineForm digital intermediaries in MOV or AVI wrappers, MPG2 MXF, or whatever codec you happen to prefer.
Footage is captured to solid state hard drives for added security and reliability, and the 3 1/2-inch thick recorder is essentially a compact PC powered by an Intel Core2 Extreme quad qx9300 processor, allowing you to install and use your favorite Windows-based NLE editing software with a dual-boot OS option. Now you’re probably thinking to yourself that the Cinedeck seems targeted at professional cinematographers and videographers and probably comes with a professional-grade price tag, but just keep in mind that your $7,995 investment doesn’t cost money, it makes money!