4K, or UHD (Ultra-High Definition), is a visual resolution technology that provides video recordings with a minimum of 4 times more pixels than regular HDTV (High Definition Television).

Thanks to this pixel increase, the resulting images have incomparable clarity, surpassing conventional 1080 pixel HD (High Definition) resolution with vibrant, vivid and true- to life colors. UHD produces extremely detailed photo or video shots, and is here and thriving.

[caption id="attachment_6571" align="alignright" width="275"]Toshiba IK4KH Remote Head UHD Camera and IK4KE Camera Control Unit Toshiba IK4KH Remote Head UHD Camera and IK4KE Camera Control Unit[/caption] Toshiba's IK4K camera system, the IK4KH/IK4KE, and IK-HD5H/IK-HD5E, consists of a Remote Head Camera and Camera Control Unit. The world's smallest 3-chip UHD, 4K video camera system, it epitomizes the video camera’s high definition and enhanced resolution capabilities, in an ultra-compact design. Brilliant color representation and incredibly sharp details produced by the IK4H/IK4HE remote head camera, provide astonishing video results. Because of the IK4KH/IK4KE’s ability to excel in color-critical applications, it is ideal for broadcasting, scientific imaging, life science, and defense operations. When UHD images are desired the IK-4K delivers the best imaging possible, thanks to its 1600 TV lines of resolution. The tiny (1.28” x 1.52” x 1.61”; 32.6mm x 38.6mm x 41mm), lightweight (2.5 ounces; approximately 70 g), the camera provides amazing details, and has switchable video output formats of 4K, 1080p or 1080i, allowing configuration to any HD display. The panel on the front of the IK-4KE CCU features a Freeze function, allowing the motion to be stopped without blurring. However, not every project will be a job for 4K, and not every 4K task stops at just 4K. In the words of poet Robert Frost, “Time and Tide stand still for no man …” Presenting virtual reality, the evolutionary advancement of the 4K camera’s sophistication. In this world of the world of three-dimensional graphics, virtual reality allows reality to be fashioned and manipulated by users as desired. Toshiba's IK4K UHD camera systems with added components for Virtual Reality (VR) applications take a giant leap into the future of video. Principally, virtual reality systems involve a computer and software (the ‘reality engine’), input sensors (computer, keyboard, mouse, knobs, and joysticks), and output sensors (the printer and video). When these systems are combined with AJA Video Systems’ Hi5-4K Mini-Converter, the result is an uncomplicated monitoring connection directly from these specialized 4K cameras. This allows the conversion of 12G SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signal to HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), where it is able to be viewed on a more cost-effective 4K monitor, or, recorded onto an HDMI 4K Recorder or Frame Grabber. These new, more affordable 4K monitors utilize an HDMI connection, allowing a full 4K signal to be transferred over one cable. Thanks to user-friendly Hi5-4K mini-converter, smooth connectivity is straightforward between the two. Its embedded audio feature assures that up to 8 channels of incoming SDI signals are transmitted easily into the HDMI output, where audio and visual are continuously in sync, and ready for playback on the connected monitor. 4K and UHD signal resolutions vary. 4K employs a 4096x2160 pixels resolution, and UHD's resolution is 3840x2160. Because of this disparity, not all monitors can be used in either full 4K or in UHD. However, the Hi5-4K mini-converter has the ability to offset the resolution differences and accepts UHD monitors to be used in 4K productions and the other way around. Using these camera systems with the Convergent Design Odyssey7Q+ advanced, highly versatile monitor/recorder, and a DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G capture card, the ability exists to record video from the camera without the use of a converter. And, recording can be done in HD, 2K, UHD and 4K via SDI and HDMI, and RAW (with Odyssey RAW Bundle), uncompressed DPX, and Apple ProRes 422 (HQ). This world-class system features a 7.7” OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screen with 1280x800 pixel resolution, where true blacks and an extended color range are easily viewed in its 176 degrees viewing angle. With 2 SSD (Solid State Drive) slots available, lengthened When the Toshiba IK4KH/IK4KE camera is used with the Odyssey7Q+ monitor/recorder, and a Blackmagic DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G digital cinema capture card, the ability exists to record video from the camera without the need for a converter. The DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G card has two full frames DCI 4K inputs and outputs via 12G-SDI. Dual-link, multi-rate 12G-SDI connections that work with SD, HD, and UHD even in UHD 60p, as well as full frame DCI 4K at 4096 x 2160 resolution up to 60p. With 3D stereoscopic output at full bandwidth 4:4:4:4 RGB, there is not another capture and playback card that is able to support more video formats and video connections. [caption id="attachment_6567" align="alignright" width="201"]Odyessy 7Q+ Monitor and Recorder Convergent Design's Odyssey 7Q+ Monitor and Recorder[/caption] There is no substitute for the finest professional Monitor/Recorder when it comes to video recording. The Odyssey7Q+ from Convergent Design cannot be duplicated in this field. Initially, it’s a basic formation, it is as a monitor only, and as such, it has to be respectable in that configuration. And it is. From a monitoring standpoint, the monitor is appointed with a 7.7” OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screen with 1280x800 pixel resolution and is HD/2K/Ultra-HD and 4K supported and has a 3400:1 contrast ratio. The fact that it is OLED translates to the blackest black possible, it has an extensive color range and a 176-degree viewing angle. Its substantial image analysis tools include a waveform (luma or RGB parade), a histogram (luma or RGB parade), and zebra, programmable False Color, Pixel Zoom with finger drag, a three-mode Focus Assist, and LUTs. And for multi-screen monitoring, the ability to view up to four HD video signals at once as a quad-split screen, or live-switch between inputs. - Ideal for multi-camera shoots and live streaming. However, it can also be arranged as a recorder. Being a modular system, it is completely versatile and adapts to whatever it is faced with. The 7Q also includes four stream recording, 4K UHD support, high speed (120 fps) and simultaneous raw + proxy (DNxHD-36) mode. Video or RAW files are recorded to dependable Odyssey SSDs (Solid State Drives) and are available in 256G, 512G, and 1TB sizes. With two SSD slots, extended recording times and high data load recording is a cinch. This combination of monitor/recorder is a little over one pound in weight, one inch thick, and can run on any power source from 6.5-34 volts. With an eye towards what’s next, the Odyssey7Q+ from Convergent Design can be used now on any modern camera. Simply add an Odyssey SSD, and the Odyssey7Q+ evolves into a recorder. With HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and SDI (Serial Digital Interface), and with HDMI, it is able to support 1080p60 4:2:2 8 bit, and allows up to 4 x SDI inputs. The future is here, and thanks to emerging imaging, recording and monitoring technology, the outlook for potential is unbelievably clear, crisp, and looking great!