The new Converter Utility 1.0 software includes Converter Utility for Windows and Mac OS X platforms and new firmware with increased features for current Mini Converter models.
All Mini Converters will be on display at NAB 2009 at the Blackmagic Design booth SL10820.
Converter Utility 1.0 takes advantage of the built in USB connection on all models of Mini Converters to allow adjustments and settings to be changed. This means all adjustments of video and audio levels can be completed via a simple and easy to use software interface.
Other brand converters use manual adjustments which require opening the converter chassis to perform adjustments with a screwdriver. Mini Converters eliminate this problem as customers can plug into the USB port at any time to make changes. Software level settings also result in a more stable design that requires less adjustment.
The new Converter Utility 1.0 software update also adds new features to some models of Mini Converter. Once this new Converter Utility software is connected to any Mini Converter via USB, an automatic check is performed to see if a firmware update is required. The customer can then update the firmware and receive new features that were not originally included in the converters.
This feature is unique to Blackmagic Design Mini Converters, and enables customers to preserve their hardware investment longer by receiving new features in the future. Because Blackmagic Mini Converters feature new technologies such as 3 Gb/s SDI, this new firmware updating feature allows new video formats to be added in the future.
In Converter Utility 1.0, an update is included for the Mini Converter SDI to Analog model that adds a new high quality hardware down converter. This down converter allows HD to be converted to SD in letterbox, anamorphic 16:9 and center cut 4:3 modes. Analog component video output can be set to directly output HD or, by selecting the bypass switch, will down convert to SD component output. If an HD-SDI input is ever connected to Mini Converter SDI to Analog when the analog output is set to S-Video or composite, the HD down converter is automatically enabled so a picture can always be seen.
Converter Utility 1.0 also includes an update for the Mini Converter SDI to HDMI model to add support for 1080p/50, 1080p/59.94 and 1080p/60 progressive 3 Gb/s SDI video formats.
“I am so happy to announce this new software because it’s the easiest way to adjust levels and settings on Mini Converters, and you could even use a laptop to make adjustments!” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “Also, any customer who has purchased SDI to Analog or SDI to HDMI models of Mini Converter receive all these great new features free of charge!”