2013Steadi-Newbies forum
Monitoring HD video from a Red Scarlett X camera mounted on a Video SK Steadicam rig
13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The original monitor on a Video SK rig may not accept HD-SDI signals and requires signal conversion to composite or SD-SDI to display the camera feed.
- A downconverter device such as a Decimator or Blackmagic Design Mini Converter can convert HD-SDI output to SD-SDI or composite video compatible with older rig monitors.
- Powering a downconverter from the rig requires creative solutions such as tapping into an existing battery plate using a P-Tap connector or installing a separate battery with a voltage regulator.
- Older Blackmagic Mini Converter models may fail if supplied with voltages above their rated input, particularly fresh camera batteries that output higher voltages.
- An alternative approach is to attach a RED touchscreen monitor externally via a long HDSDI cable rather than routing the signal through the rig.
- A daylight-viewable HDSDI monitor can be used if mounted externally, though the rig's existing infrastructure typically cannot carry SDI signals.
- Industrial-strength Velcro can be used to temporarily secure additional monitors or equipment to the rig without gaffer's tape.
- The Video SK rig has limited connection options and physical space, constraining the integration of modern monitoring solutions.
Depends on
- The Video SK is an older rig design with limited technical documentation readily available.
- Power supply and voltage regulation challenges when adding external devices to camera-mounted equipment.
- Some solutions may work indoors but perform poorly outdoors in bright sunlight, particularly touchscreen monitors.
- The original rig design was never intended to carry HD signals through its internal cabling and connectors.