CineMonitorHD8

14 threads in the archive

CineMonitorHD8 in the catalogSpecs and owners

Based on 15 threads · 13 cited

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Pick the CineMonitorHD8 only if you work mostly in controlled light and want framelines and levels in one unit 1. Outdoors, older HD8 models lack brightness, and the closest match in the threads, the Transvideo HD8 X-sbl, is a 1500 nits monitor 2 13. It does come with an integrated gyro-compensated spirit level, and you mount it with the Transvideo bracket system on a Master Series rig 12 10.

The questions 6

Should I choose the CineMonitorHD8 over other on-camera monitors?3 threads · latest 2022

In short

Only if you work mostly in controlled light and want framelines and levels in one unit 1. For bright outdoor stabilizer work, older HD8 models lack brightness 2.

How the pros do it

Check which HD8 you are getting, because older models lack enough brightness for outdoor stabilizer operation 2. The HD8 X-SBL has an improved anti-glare coating and higher brightness than earlier models, but it is heavier than some alternatives 3.
If the HD8 suits your work, you get framelines, a digital level and aspect ratio guides in one display that runs SD and HD 1. That means fewer boxes and cables than a modular setup 1.
Transvideo monitors are praised for reliability, deep blacks and built-in level tools that work well 3. If you want even better leveling, the XCS HD PDL is superior but costs more 3.
For harsh daylight, look at the Small HD DP7 Highbright, which has excellent visibility outdoors and is durable 3. Several operators also recommend the Atomos Shinobi 7 as an affordable, very bright option 2.
Avoid glossy screens outdoors, because they reflect badly and may need anti-glare protectors 3. Boland high bright 7-inch monitors have a matte surface that cuts glare 3.
If you pick a monitor without a level, add an external one from Cinelevels or XCS 3.

What changed

Earlier, in 2008, the HD8 was valued as an integrated SD and HD monitor with framelines, level and aspect guides 1, today, in 2022, operators say older HD8 models lack the brightness for outdoor stabilizer work 2.

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Is the Transvideo HD8 bright enough for outdoor Steadicam® work?3 threads · latest 2021

In short

The closest match in the threads is the Transvideo HD8, and the 2013 thread only says it has an anti-reflective, bonded panel, with no nit figure 4. A 2021 thread lists the HD8 XSBL among the 2000-nit class options for Steadicam® 5.

How the pros do it

Look at the panel first, because Transvideo offers the HD6 and HD8 with optically enhanced anti-reflective coatings and bonded screens 4.
Don't judge by brightness alone, since anti-reflective coating and contrast ratio matter just as much 4.
Don't trust indoor or night viewing, because it doesn't tell you how a monitor performs in bright sun 4.
Use the Boland BVB07 as a benchmark, since it runs about 1500 nits with effective anti-glare 6.
Look at the hands-on side, since operators report different preferences even between similar models, so try it yourself before buying 6.
If you want built-in leveling, the HD8 XSBL has a gyro-stabilized bubble level, framelines and zoom 5.

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What yoke fits my XCS or Pro arm for the CineMonitorHD8?3 threads · latest 2019

In short

The custom friction-tilt yoke made for Transvideo HD6 and HD8 monitors fits XCS, Pro and Churchill arms 7. It was a limited-run aftermarket piece, so check availability first 7.

How the pros do it

Start with the yoke built for the Transvideo HD6 and HD8, which is compatible with XCS, Pro and Churchill arms 7.
It has friction tilt, so you change monitor angle without loosening and retightening screws 7. It also converts quickly to low mode 7.
It is a custom aftermarket product from a limited run, and the thread doesn't document availability or support 7.
On a Pro telescoping arm, a Cam-jam yoke works if you get the right connector pieces 8. The thread doesn't say which pieces, so confirm with the seller 8.
If you'd rather buy one package, the Cam-jam Quattro II arm comes with an integrated yoke and everything from centerpost to monitor attachment 8. The Artemis Monitor Bracket and OS Monitor Bracket 3 are also named for Pro telescoping arms, but the thread doesn't evaluate them 8.
Cam-jam yokes have only been confirmed on Pro arms with 6-inch Transvideo monitors, not the 8-inch 8. For a CineMonitor 8 on a Tiffen Ultra 2, a yoke with bridge is the confirmed fit, based on a single response 9.

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How do I mount and wire the CineMonitorHD8 on my sled, tally included?3 threads · latest 2013

In short

Mount it with the Transvideo bracket system on a Master Series rig 10, or with the yoke and bridge on a Tiffen Ultra 2 9. For tally, you build a custom Cat 5 cable from the MK-V Genesis Lemo output to the monitor 11.

How the pros do it

On a Steadicam® Master Series rig, use the Transvideo bracket system, which takes the CinemonitorHD or HD8 without any change to the rig 10.
The kit has a master bridge, an 89/16mm bridge, a spigot, a clamp for slide and two 20cm carbon rods 10. The rods cut vibration and let you balance the rig without compromise 10.
On a Tiffen Ultra 2, use the yoke with bridge that an expert confirmed works with the Transvideo CineMonitor 8 9.
For tally, the MK-V Genesis puts out a 3-pin Lemo with ground on pin 1, tally signal on pin 2 and 12 volt photocell power on pin 3 11.
Get the Cat 5 connector pinout from Transvideo and match it to the MK-V tally specs 11. It is just closing a circuit, not complex signal translation 11.
Make a custom Cat 5 tally cable, because other users have done this between MK-V units and external monitors 11.

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Does the CineMonitorHD8 have an electronic spirit level?2 threads · latest 2024

In short

The sources never name a CineMonitorHD8, but the closest match, the Transvideo HD8 X-SBL, has an integrated gyro-compensated spirit level 12.

How the pros do it

The sources name the Transvideo HD8 XSBL, not CineMonitorHD8, so check it is the model you mean 5.
The 2021 thread lists the HD8 XSBL with a gyro-stabilized bubble level, framelines and zoom 5.
The 2024 thread says the HD8 X-SBL has an integrated gyro-compensated spirit level, 2500 nit brightness and a 180-degree viewing angle 12.
It optionally accepts an external Bluetooth sensor, which helps if you want the sensor placed elsewhere 12.
One operator points out that a sensor built into the monitor sits far from the post and sees greater inertial forces than one mounted near the post 12.
If you want a separate level instead, a common setup pairs the SmallHD 703 Ultra Bright with Cinelevel, SmartSystem or XCS HD-PDL Plus 5.

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What are the Transvideo HD8 X-sbl screen size and specs?2 threads · latest 2014

In short

The threads don't mention a CineMonitorHD8 by that name, and the closest match is the Transvideo HD8 X-sbl 13. It is a 1500 nits monitor with a 4:3 panel, a 960 x 540 image section and a weight of 3.2 pounds, and the threads give no inch figure for it 13.

How the pros do it

Brightness is rated at 1500 nits, with an improved anti-reflective coating that will also go into the HD6 X-sbl 13.
The panel is 4:3 with a 960 x 540 native image section, which is half of 1920x1080 and handles motion blur and fast-moving images better 13. The lower portion shows waveform and lens data 13.
The 4:3 layout puts the image at the top, which can reduce obstruction from monitor brackets 13. If you don't want 4:3, a 16:9 model called Rainbow HD Sbl exists at 900 nits 13.
It weighs 3.2 pounds and can be dynamically balanced with dual follow focus systems on a yoke rig 13.
It works with external wireless level sensors and stays compatible with existing Betz-Tools external level sensors 13.
Don't judge outdoor visibility by nits alone, because optical bonding and anti-reflective coating quality matter too 13. If the image goes completely black with polarized sunglasses, switch to non-polarized eyewear, since that happens on LCD monitors in general 13.

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