Convergent Design Odyssey7Q ProRes 422 (HQ) User manual

Convergent Design \4465 Northpark Drive, Ste 400 \Colorado Springs, CO 80907 \T 720.221.3861 \www.Convergent-Design.com
Odyssey7Q User Manual
Last Update: 06-Nov-2013
Firmware: Version 1.0.214
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Odyssey7Q User Manual v1.0.214 i
Table of Contents
READ THIS FIRST! 1
PRODUCT OVERVIEW 2
ODYSSEY7Q FEATURES 2
PACKAGE CONTENTS 3
ACCESSORIES 3
ODYSSEY7Q ANATOMY 6
GETTING STARTED 8
MENUS 9
ODYSSEY 10
SETUP 11
RECORD 12
INPUTS & OUTPUTS 13
RECORDING CAPABILITIES & OPTIONS 23
ARRIRAW, CANON C500 4K RAW, SONY FS700 RAW 24
RECORD TIME CAPACITIES 25
SSDS: DOWNLOADING MEDIA 26
CD TRANSFER 26
CD CLIP MERGER 27
POST: WORKING WITH FILES RECORDED BY THE ODYSSEY7Q 28
APPENDIX 30
RELEASE NOTES 30
FIRMWARE UPDATES 33
SPECIFICATIONS 35
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS 36
POWER PIN OUT 37
LIMITED WARRANTY 38
OBTAINING AN RMA 39

Odyssey7Q User Manual 1
Read This First!
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Before you begin using the Odyssey7Q, we strongly suggest you review the included Quick Start
Guide, as well as:
1. Always record to the INTERNAL MEDIA OF THE CAMERA; this is critical for proper
timecode and ideal for dual media / backup.
2. DO NOT REMOVE THE FOUR SCREWS FROM REAR OF CASE. This may result in
damage to the OLED panel. Such damage is not covered by warranty.
3. Power and Cabling: Make sure you have PROPER POWER (6.5-34vdc), plugged in to
the proper power port (left side of recorder), and that 3G-rated SDI cables are used.
4. Power source must be able to provide up to 24 watts at all times to the Odyssey7Q.
5. When powering the Odyssey7Q from an ARRI ALEXA camera, we recommend using
the 24V R/S Fischer-3 output from the ALEXA using the optional Convergent Design ca-
ble.
6. Familiarize yourself with the equipment and test prior to shooting.
7. Before using the SSD’s it is IMPERATIVE TO FORMAT them in the Odyssey7Q. For-
matting SSD media is a DESTRUCTIVE PROCESS; any existing data will be lost during
format.
8. Ensure that the camera’s viewfinder data is not being recorded; IF YOU SEE VIEW-
FINDER DATA ON THE ODYSSEY7Q monitor, then it will be recorded! In a future up-
date, if your camera can provide both clean and data-overlayed video feeds, it will be
possible to monitor one while recording the other.
9. NEVER DELETE ANY FILES OFF AN SSD FROM A COMPUTER, except when going
through a firmware update procedure.
10. While we recommend that you always maintain the latest firmware on your Odys-
sey7Q, we DO NOT RECOMMEND UPDATING IF YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A
SHOOT.
11. When offloading media, ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP COPY, ideally to a RAID1 drive.
12. Be sure to allow the Odyssey7Q to finish closing a Record file before taking any fur-
ther action.

Odyssey7Q User Manual 2
Product Overview
Odyssey7Q Features
Monitoring
•Professional Monitor. 7.7” 1280x800 OLED panel featuring full range color gamut for REC709
and DCI P3 viewing.
•Image analysis tools. Waveform, Vectorscope (in future update), Histogram, False Color expo-
sure view, Zebra, three-mode Focus Assist, Pixel Zoom (1:1 & 2:1), and Frame Guides.
•Multi-Stream Monitoring. Up to four HD video signals can be input and viewed simultaneously
(quad-split) or sequentially (choose between inputs for full screen display). A future paid up-
date will allow Multi-Stream Recording and a greater control live switching.
•Flexible I/O. Two dedicated 3G-SDI inputs, two dedicated 3G-SDI outputs, two switchable
3G-SDI input/outputs, one HDMI input, one HDMI output.
Recording
•High-Capacity Recording. Two high-speed Solid State Drives (SSD), available in 256GB or
512GB, allow for extended recording.
•Uncompressed 4:4:4 RGB HD video recording. Record HD video in 10-bit DPX files. Popular
compressed codecs will be available at a later date via free firmware update.
•RAW Record Options. Optional recording features available at any time for purchase or time-
based rental*. RAW Record options include ARRIRAW (ALEXA), Canon RAW (C500), Sony
RAW (FS700) and 2K RAW* (various specialty & industrial manufacturers).
* Available in a future free firmware update.
Other Features
•Versatile Power. Wide voltage range (6.5-34v) and low draw (8-15w, depending on mode) for
great flexibility of battery and other power options.
•Light Weight. A magnesium case and efficient board design means only 1.25lbs for the basic
unit.
•Small Size. Even with a 7.7” screen, the Odyssey7Q is approximately 8”x6”x1”, making it easy
to use on cameras, mounted in tight spots or held in one’s hand.

Odyssey7Q User Manual 3
•Dual SSD Architecture. Long record time, will automatically span from one SSD to the other.
Package Contents
Odyssey7Q box contains one (1) Odyssey7Q monitor/recorder and one (1) universal power supply.
MEDIA AND ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATELY!
Accessories – Convergent Design Products
All Convergent Design products are available through our worldwide dealer network.
Power
The Odyssey7Q can accept DC power ranging from 6.5-34v. This means that small camcorder batter-
ies, large camera bricks and even large block batteries or belts can be used to power the device.
Depending on monitor and record modes, the power draw from the Odyssey7Q can range from 8-
15w. Even small camcorder batteries can power the Odyssey7Q for several hours.
The Odyssey7Q is supplied with a Convergent Design AC power supply (replacement part CD-OD-
AC-PS). This is a universal switching power supply that can be used throughout the world, and
comes complete with several interchangeable plug connectors. Only use a Convergent Design AC
power supply on the Odyssey7Q.
The Odyssey7Q uses a Neutrik 3-pin connector for power input. Convergent Design has modified this
connector for reliability, strength, and protection from shorting. Convergent Design supplies cables to
3rd party manufacturers of battery plates and other Odyssey7Q accessories. Only use a Convergent
Design power cable on the Odyssey7Q.
Convergent Design offers four optional power cables for the Odyssey7Q.
CD-OD-DTAP D-Tap (Anton Bauer 12v) power cable to Odyssey7Q (18”)
CD-OD-XLR XLR-4 (generic 12v) power cable to Odyssey7Q (18”)
CD-OD-Fischer Fischer-3 (ARRI 24v) power cable to Odyssey7Q (18”)
CD-OD-Flying Flying lead (bare wire pigtail) power cable to Odyssey7Q (36”)
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Odyssey7Q User Manual 4
Battery
Convergent Design offers a basic rechargeable battery and charger solution. Our small four-cell Lithi-
um Ion battery can be velcroed to the back of the Odyssey7Q and will power it for 3-4 hours. Our uni-
versal switching charger will recharge a battery in about three hours. Also available is a basic rear
plate for the Odyssey7Q that accepts Sony L-series camcorder batteries.
CD-OD-BATT Odyssey 4-cell Li-Ion battery, 14.8v, 45WH
CD-OD-CHRG Odyssey Battery Charger, input 110-240VAC, 50/60hz, output 1.5A
CD-OD-LPlate Odyssey battery plate for Sony L-series batteries
2.5” Premium SSD Media
To enable recording on the Odyssey7Q, you must use specific SSD media: Only Convergent Design
Premium SSD’s will work in the Odyssey7Q. These SSD’s, available in 256GB and 512GB, must be
purchased separately.
CD-SSD-256GB 256GB SSD for Odyssey7 and 7Q
CD-SSD-512GB 512GB SSD for Odyssey7 and 7Q
Accessories – Third Party Manufacturers
Convergent Design works with numerous manufacturers for additional support products for the Odys-
sey7Q. While we have provided information and support, Convergent Design makes no claim and ac-
cepts no responsibility in the use of these products. These products are available through these man-
ufacturers’ own dealers. This list also does not cover the ever-expanding number of products and
manufacturers supporting the Odyssey7Q.
Mounting and Battery Plates
Ocean Video manufactures the EnduroPower mounting plate with Anton Bauer Gold Mount or IDX V-
Lock battery mounts. The EnduroPower plate includes numerous threaded mounting points for ac-
cessories.
Nebtek manufacturers the Odyssey7 Power Cage with Anton Bauer Gold Mount or IDX V-Lock battery
mounts, or dual camcorder battery mounts for Sony, JVC Canon or Panasonic compatible batteries.
The Odyssey7 Power Cage includes numerous threaded mounting points for accessories.

Odyssey7Q User Manual 5
Soft Case
PortaBrace manufactures the Flat Screen Monitor Case – Convergent Design, which is made of wa-
terproof Nylon Taslan. Velcro flaps allow access to all sides and an integrated hood folds down as a
screen protector.
OLED Screen Protector
Pro K Solutions manufacturers the OCP optically Clear Protection stick-on / peel-off screen protector
for the Odyssey7Q. The OCP is scratch-resistant, washable and will not interfere with the OLED’s
touchscreen functionality.
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Odyssey7Q User Manual 6
Odyssey7Q Anatomy
Top of Odyssey7Q
There are two Solid State Drive (SSD) slots, SSD1 and SSD2.
Only Convergent Design 256GB and 512GB SSDs can be used on the Odyssey7Q. To mount SSD,
insert connector-end first with the label facing forward and the handle near flush with the back of the
Odyssey7Q. Push gently but firmly until the handle flange is flush with the top of the Odyssey7Q. It is
a snug fit, but the SSD should insert smoothly.
Note: There is a plastic cover plate on the top center of the Odyssey7Q. This protects a Bluetooth
antenna, which will be used in a future free firmware update to allow remote control of the Odyssey7Q
from smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth-enabled devices via free Convergent Design Apps.
When using a Bluetooth device with the Odyssey7Q, take care not to block this area as it may inter-
fere with the Bluetooth signal.
Left Side of Odyssey7Q
There are two Function buttons, F1 LOCK and F2 SHUT DOWN.
F1 LOCK Lockout control for the Odyssey7Q touchscreen. Push to engage and SCREEN
LOCK will appear in the center of the touchscreen’s Upper Tool Bar. Push F1
again to disengage.
F2 SHUT DOWN Preferred method to power down the Odyssey7Q. Properly closes files on the
SSDs and performs other maintenance functions (see Getting Started -- Power-
ing Down). Push to activate prompt asking SAFELY POWER DOWN UNIT?
In a future free firmware update it will be possible to program these buttons for additional functions.
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Right Side of Odyssey7Q
There are three connector ports, (top to bottom) USB, HDMI OUT and RMT.
USB An access point for servicing by Convergent Design. A future free firmware update will
allow firmware updates via this port.
HDMI OUT Output to an HDMI compatible device