Gemini 4:4:4 User manual

Gemini 4:4:4 User Manual
Current Firmware: Version 1.5.146
This is a Virtual Manual. As new firmware and features are released this manual
will be updated. Please check back regularly or bookmark this link for reference.
Last Updated: 13-Feb-2013
http://www.convergent-design.com/Portals/0/Gemini444/Docs/Gemini444UserManual_v1_5_146_0213132.pdf

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Contents
READ ME FIRST! .................................................................................................................4
OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................................5
PACKAGE CONTENTS............................................................................................................................. 5
FEATURES.................................................................................................................................................... 6
GEMINI 4:4:4 ANATOMY ........................................................................................................................ 9
MENU STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................................. 10
GEMINI ..................................................................................................................................... 11
SETUP ........................................................................................................................................ 12
RECORD................................................................................................................................... 13
INPUTS....................................................................................................................................... 13
OUTPUT..................................................................................................................................... 14
Enable/Disable Options ...................................................................................................................... 15
MENU QUICK KEYS ................................................................................................................................ 16
PREPARATIONS ...............................................................................................................18
TIPS, TECHNIQUES & RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................................... 18
POWER ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
AC Power Supply.................................................................................................................... 20
Camera ................................................................................................................................... 20
REGISTRATION ........................................................................................................................................ 21
ARRIRAW & Stereo 3D Options (Paid Upgrade)................................................................. 21
Upgrade Instructions.............................................................................................................. 21
SETTING DATE & TIME ............................................................................................................................ 21
SETTING METADATA .............................................................................................................................. 22
DPX HEADER METADATA........................................................................................................ 22
ARRI METADATA...................................................................................................................... 22
XML FILE.................................................................................................................................... 22
FORMATTING SSD CARDS.................................................................................................................... 23
SSD Status Indicators.............................................................................................................. 24
System Status Indicators ........................................................................................................ 24

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RECORDING....................................................................................................................25
Recording Time / Media ..................................................................................................................... 25
Frame rates of 48p and above require two SSD’s (256 GB or 512 GB)...................................................... 25
Recording Instructions ......................................................................................................................... 26
DPX............................................................................................................................................................ 26
WAV.......................................................................................................................................................... 27
ARI ............................................................................................................................................................. 27
PLAYBACK.......................................................................................................................28
TRANSFER.........................................................................................................................30
Transfer Station ...................................................................................................................................... 30
Second Generation Universal Transfer Station................................................................... 30
First Generation Transfer Station (eSATA) - DISCONTINUED .............................................. 30
Convergent Design Universal Transfer Station Instructions........................................................ 30
Setup ........................................................................................................................................................ 30
Performance .......................................................................................................................................... 31
File Support ............................................................................................................................................. 33
File Structure ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Transfer Configurations........................................................................................................................ 35
POST WORKFLOW...........................................................................................................40
DPX Files................................................................................................................................................... 40
ARRIRAW Files ...................................................................................................................... 45
XML Files / Metadata........................................................................................................................... 52
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................ 53
Firmware Updates................................................................................................................................. 53
Firmware Update Instructions............................................................................................................ 53
Specifications......................................................................................................................................... 57
Gemini Mechanical Drawings .......................................................................................................... 58
Remote Connector Pinout................................................................................................................. 58
Best Practices for Handling SSD Media, BNC Cables and Power ........................................... 59

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RELEASE NOTES ...................................................................................................................................... 64
Firmware Version 1.4.100 16-November-2012 ......................................................................................... 64
Previous Firmware Releases ............................................................................................................... 73
Firmware Version 1.3.105 23-October-2012 ............................................................................................. 73
Firmware Version 1.3.100 22-October-2012 ............................................................................................. 75
The following Features for Firmware 1.2.100 still apply. .......................................................................... 77
Firmware Version 1.2.100 10-September-2012 ........................................................................................ 77
Canon 4K Cinema Raw Support ...................................................................................................... 89
Trouble Shooting & Support ............................................................................................................... 90
Limited Warranty................................................................................................................................... 91
Obtaining an RMA................................................................................................................................ 92

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READ ME FIRST!
Before you begin using Gemini 4:4:4, 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 PULL POWER OR MEDIA (SSD, SxS, CF) from the unit or your camera during
record or playback; This may result in data that is unrecoverable.
3. Power and Cabling: Make sure you have PROPER POWER (6-19V DC), plugged in to
the proper power spigot (left side of recorder), and that 3G-rated SDI cables are
used.
4. Familiarize yourself with the equipment and test prior to shooting.
5. Before using the SSD’s it is IMPERATIVE TO FORMAT them in the Gemini 4:4:4.
Formatting SSD media is a DESTRUCTIVE PROCESS; all existing data will be lost during
format.
6. Ensure that the camera’s viewfinder data is not being recorded; IF YOU SEE VIEW
FINDER DATA ON THE GEMINI 4:4:4 monitor, then it will be recorded!
7. NEVER DELETE ANY FILES OFF AN SSD FROM A COMPUTER, except when going
through a firmware update procedure.
8. While we recommend that you always maintain the latest firmware on your Gemini
4:4:4, we DO NOT RECOMMEND UPDATING IF YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A
SHOOT.
9. When offloading media, ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP COPY, ideally to a RAID1.
10. GENLOCK YOUR CAMERAS; this is recommended in all multi-cam shoots,
and critical in 3D.
11. Ensure to allow Gemini to finish closing a Record file before taking any further
action.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Use a Convergent Design AC-Powered Transfer Station ONLY! Do not use the first generation
USB-powered, or any other USB-powered transfer station. Do not use any other 3rd party
transfer station; this could compromise the data on your SSD media.

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OVERVIEW
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Make sure you have the following items, supplied with your Gemini 4:4:4 upon purchase.
Hard Case
w/ Antistatic Foam
Gemini 4:4:4
Uncompressed Recorder
Universal Transfer
Station*
HDMI
Type C to Type A
HD-SDI (Qty 2)
Universal AC Power
Supply
Power D-Tap
4-Pin
XLR Power Cable
4-Pin
Hot Shoe Mount
Seagate GoFlex
USB 3.0 Adapter
Stylus &
Microfiber Cloth
DC –DC Converter
(incl. w/ ARRIRAW Option)
*AC Powered eSATA Transfer Station also available, see page 31. Request yours here:
http://convergent-design.com/Products/Gemini444/GeminiTransfer.aspx
IT IS IMPERATIVE TO NOTE:
Only Convergent Design SSD’s will work in the Gemini 4:4:4. These SSD’s, available in 256GB
and 512GB, must be purchased separately. Your Gemini 4:4:4 dealer is an ideal place to
purchase these1.8” SSD’s.

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FEATURES
The Gemini 4:4:4 is a professional, high-definition video recorder that fits in the palm of your hand
and is easily mountable on your camera. It is very light weight and small in size.
Gemini 4:4:4 functions as a high-quality monitor, with a wide viewing angle, high brightness with
great contrast, and no compromise video playback device.
The footage from the Gemini 4:4:4 can be easily incorporated into virtually any workflow using your
favorite codec or as native uncompressed DPX sequences.
With an extra cost option, Gemini 4:4:4 is also capable of recording, combining, and playing back 3D
video.
The Gemini 4:4:4 records to specially certified and tested 1.8” solid-state hard drives that can be
purchased from Convergent Design through your local dealer.
UNCOMPRESSED 4:4:4 RGB, 10-Bit, AND 12-Bit QUALITY
The Gemini 4:4:4 records in the highest quality possible; no other recorder exceeds the image
quality of the Gemini 4:4:4!
The Gemini 4:4:4 records Full Uncompressed 4:4:4 RGB and also accepts 4:2:2 camera signals. This
ensures that 100% of the quality of your video signal will be maintained. There are no signal losses,
no artifacts, and no loss of quality whatsoever.
This is especially important when recording Log video, such as Sony S-Log or LogC. The precise values
for each bit are recorded. No bit values are changed in any way, thus preserving the full integrity of
your images. Recording full 4:4:4 is the proper way to record S-Log and Log-C. Recording 4:2:2 from
a 4:4:4 capable camera is a compromise.
ARRIRAW OPTION (paid firmware upgrade)
Gemini 4:4:4 is ARRI Certified, supporting ARRIRAW (.ari) 2048 x 1650, up to 60fps from any ALEXA
model camera 16:9, and supports 4:3 up to 48fps with desqueeze. Supports full raster live debayer
monitoring and playback, including LUT support. No new hardware, no new SSD’s required – simple
firmware update with paid upgrade.
CANON 4K CINEMA RAW OPTION (paid firmware upgrade)
Canon Cinema Raw (.rmf) support for Canon C500, up to 60fps for 4K, 120fps 4K half-raw, and
120fps HD. Includes 4K, Quad HD, Raw, Half Raw, 2K, 12-bit (1080p) and 10-bit support. Full raster
debayer monitoring and playback (up to 60fps)
STEREO 3D SUPPORT (paid upgrade)
Gemini 4:4:4 supports 3D DPX Record/Play with multiple Combining options and Horizontal Flip
options from 2 Gen-locked cameras up to 1080p30. Combining applies to Live Preview or Play, for
Record the 2 Video Streams are recorded separately (without combining). Horizontal Flip of Left or
Right Channels, applies to Live Preview and to recorded data. Live/Record Horizontal Flip of Left or
Right Channels options are available via menu items:

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Outputs-> HFlip Left Horizontal Flip of Left Channel to LCD / Outputs and applied to
Recorded Data
Outputs-> HFlip Right Horizontal Flip of Right Channel to LCD / Outputs and applied to
Recorded Data
Combining Features for Preview/Playback include:
Side By Side
Line By Line
Anaglyph
50% + 50%
Left –Right Luma
Right –Left Luma
Choose any of the above for the built-in LCD and HD-SDI A Output. A separate choice may
be selected for the HD-SDI B Output.
DUAL-CHANNEL RECORDING (via 3D Option)
With the 3D Option, you are able to record two cameras simultaneously; Camera 1 to SDI A and
Camera 2 to SDI B. Depending on your settings, you can see both channels for preview/playback,
one separately, or Camera 1 on the Gemini and Camera 2 out to a monitor. *Cameras MUST be gen-
locked.
4:2:2 to 4:4:4 UP-CONVERSION
The Gemini 4:4:4 records in DPX file format, an industry standard for high end post processing. To
conform with widely used software that accepts the DPX file format, the Gemini 4:4:4 automatically
up-converts (up-reses) to 4:4:4.
This is accomplished by using a sophisticated routine that uses the weighted average of nearby
pixels to ensure that the 4:4:4 is of high quality, even when the source video is 4:2:2.
SPECIAL RECORDING CAPABILITIES
Time-Lapse, Vari-Frame, Project Frame Rate and high frame rates (up to 60fps) are all supported.
HD TOUCH SCREEN FOR RECORD AND PLAYBACK
The Gemini 4:4:4 is easily controlled using the touch screen. A Stylus is provided to prevent the LCD
Monitor from being smudged.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Gemini 4:4:4 will record from either a 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 camera.
A 4:2:2 signal will be up-resed to 4:4:4.

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DUAL SSD
The Gemini 4:4:4 is unique in that it supports two SSD’s for both recording and playback. To extend
recording time, a recording can automatically span from one SSD to another. This is fully automatic.
S-LOG and LOG-C SUPPORT
Many features are built into the Gemini 4:4:4 for supporting Log footage:
A menu option easily allows one to apply a built-in LUT (Lookup Table) to native S-Log footage.
The LUT is applied to the LCD and HD-SDI outputs.
LOG RECORDING
The Gemini 4:4:4 is ideally suited for recording Sony S-Log, ARRI C-Log, and will support
Canon Log-C.
SINGLE LINK 3G & DUAL LINK 1.5G/3G
The Gemini supports both single link 3G and dual link 1.5Ghz HD-SDI Input for 4:4:4 and ARRIRAW
recording, as well as Dual 3G for recording ARRIRAW 16:9 48p, 50p, and 60p (4:3 support up to
48fps). Note: Canon Raw 2K 1080 formats only require 3G single link.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SSD’S
The Gemini 4:4:4 SSD’s are specially picked for their performance and reliability. These SSD’s are
capable of read speeds of 500 Mbytes/sec, making transfer of files very quick. You’ll find these
Convergent Design SSD’s available through our Dealers at affordable rates.
FAST BOOT TIME
You can expect your Gemini 4:4:4 to power up and be ready for recording in approximately 12
seconds or less after applying power.

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GEMINI 4:4:4 ANATOMY
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SSD Drive 1
SSD Drive 2
HD Touch
Screen Monitor
Power
SDI A
IN
SDI B
IN
Audio
IN
HDMI
OUT
Audio
OUT
SDI A
OUT
SDI B
OUT
Remote
Tally

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MENU STRUCTURE
The Gemini 4:4:4 menu can be accessed through the buttons along the top of the screen. By
tapping on a Main Menu heading, a Sub-Menu 1 navigation will appear. Likewise, by tapping a Sub-
Menu 1 heading, a Sub-Item 2, and so on, may appear and subsequently provide you with an
Option related to that.
Sub-Menu 1
Sub-Menu 2
Sub-Menu 3
Options
Main Menu
Available
Sub-Menu Selection
Setting Saved/On
WARNING! DO NOT ENCLOSE THE UNIT IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER
Keep the area around the cooling fins (vertical lines on the back of the Gemini)
open for air flow. Unit temperature must not exceed 65*C. Gemini 4:4:4 and SSD’s
will operate at full potential under these conditions. Keep the unit vertical for bet
cooling.

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GEMINI
Sub-Menu 1
Sub-Menu 2
Sub-Menu 3
Option
Description
Additional Information
SET
LCD
Auto-Hide
On
The on screen menu will disappear after 15
seconds of idling. Touching the screen
anywhere will bring the menu back.
Off
The on-screen menu will always be displayed
unless the hide button is touched.
Guides
2.39:1
1.85:1
None
Removes any current Guides setting.
Flip
On
Flip the video and on-screen display by 180˚.
Great for certain mounting options.
Note: THIS DOES NOT FLIP THE
RECORDED IMAGE!
Off
Flip the video and on-screen display to normal
view.
Brightness
→
Adjustable in 10% increments.
Click OK to save selection.
Time
→
→
Set the appropriate time.
Date
→
→
Set the appropriate date.
Reset
Menu
→
Restore all default settings.
Metadata
Resets metadata fields
Keys
Unit
OK
Indicates your product was successfully
registered.
Requires nothing further after initial
registration.
ARRIRAW
To activate ARRIRAW feature, enter key code
(available with purchase).
Raw is available in Demo Mode
without purchase. Image will have
permanent watermark.
3D
To activate Stereo 3D feature, enter key code
(available with purchase).
3D is available in Demo Mode
without purchase. Image will have
permanent watermark.
Canon Raw
To activate Canon 4K Cinema Raw feature,
enter key code (available with purchase).
Canon Raw is available in Demo
Mode without purchase. Image will
have permanent watermark.
SSD's
Format
SSD 1
→
→
Permanently erases everything on SSD 1.
WARNING:
DATA WILL NOT BE RECOVERABLE!
Format
SSD 2
→
→
Permanently erases everything on SSD 2.
Format Both
→
→
Permanently erases everything from both
cards.

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Recover SSD1
→
→
Non-destructively recovers/rebuilds file system
of SSD drive 1
Use only in extreme cases (such as if
a computer corrupts the SSD’s file
system).
Recover SSD2
→
→
Non-destructively recovers/rebuilds file system
of SSD drive 2
ABOUT
→
→
→
Displays the firmware version, serial number of
your Gemini unit, warranty date, and activated
keys.
SETUP
Sub-Menu 1
Sub-Menu 2
Sub-Menu 3
Option
Description
Additional Information
MODE
→
→
DPX
Gemini records and plays 4:4:4 DPX files,
requiring a video input of 1080p 4:2:2 or 4:4:4
up to 30p, 4:2:2 input up to 60p
ARRIRAW
Gemini records and plays ARRIRAW files,
requiring a video input of ARRIRAW 16:9 up to
60p, or ARRIRAW 4:3 up to 48p. See Release
Notes at end of this document for more details
Note: Project Frame Rate cannont be set
below; Frame Rate from Camera.
3D DPX
Gemini records and plays 4:4:4 DPX files,
requiring dual gen-locked video input of 1080p
4:2:2 or 4:4:4 up to 30p. See Release Notes at
end of this document for more details
Note: Project Frame Rate cannont be set
below; Frame Rate from Camera.
Canon Raw
Records and plays Canon Cinema Raw .rmf files
up to 60p.
Some recording rates and flavors require the
use of 2 Gemini’s; See page 73.
PROJECT
Frame Rate
Only in MODE > DPX
Follows
Input
Set Project Frame Rate, will be the frame rate
in recorded files.
This allows the Playback Frame Rate (the
Project Frame Rate) to be different from the
Video Input / Recorded Frame Rate
23.98
Marks files for 23.98p playback
With this enabled it marks the files for selected
playback rate regardless of incoming format,
creating a crank effect. IE 60p input and 24p
Project Rate is 2.5x slower playback.
Can be faster or slower.
24.00
Marks files for 24p playback
25.00
Marks files for 25p playback
29.97
Marks files for 29.97p playback
30.00
Marks files for 30p playback

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RECORD
Dropdown
Sub-Item
Sub-Menu
3
Option
Description
Additional Information
TRIGGER
Rec Button
→
→
Recording is started by touching the record
button on the Gemini screen.
Camera
→
→
The record trigger is provided by the camera.
ARRI NOTE: MEDIA MUST BE PRESENT (v5.0).
ALEXA firmware v6.0 and newer, SYS can be
disabled.
Compatible cameras include Canon C300,
XF305, Sony F3, ARRI ALEXA (via SDI Remote
camera setting).
Timecode
Remote
CLIP
DPX
(Clip Name)(Clip #)
(AAAAAAAA)(000)
→
→
Allows the user to set the name of the recorded
files.
The last three digits will auto-increment from
one recording to the next. If you are using more
than one Gemini unit, it is recommended that at
least the first two characters of this name be set
different from one Gemini unit to the next.
ARRIRAW REC BUTTON
TRIGGER
(Clip Name)(Clip #)
(AAAAAAAA)(000)
The file name is set on the Gemini.
ARRIRAW /
Canon Raw
CAMERA TRIGGER
(Clip Name)(Clip #)
(AAAAAAAA)(000)
The file name is provided by the camera.
It is best to simultaneous record in camera.
Information is received via SDI from the camera.
Note: if the Next Reel is not available from the
ARRI, the Gemini Recorder will create the Next
Reel.
SPECIAL
T-Lapse
Set
On
This option available only in DPX Mode.
Off
Sec
If Time-Lapse is enabled, this setting determines
how often to record a single video frame during
a record session, is seconds.
EXTCLIP
Canon Raw Only
On
When pulling clip-naming from the camera use
long clip name (base name + date & serial
number)
Note: C500 does not provide clip-name when in
slow/fast.
Off
INPUTS
Sub-Menu 1
Sub-Menu 2
Sub-Menu 3
Option
Description
Additional Information
TIMECODE
Source
→
SDI
Timecode is extracted from the SDI signal
coming from your camera.
For non-zero timecode, set your camera’s
timecode output (if it has one).
LTC
LTC to 6 pin via remote port and adaptor cable.
ARRI: Not supported in ARRIRAW
AUDIO
Channels
→
2
Embedded Audio ( SDI)
2 Channels Supported.
ARRI: No audio provided at p48/50/59.94/60.

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OUTPUT
Sub-Menu
Sub-Menu 2
Sub-Menu 3
Option
Description
Additional Information
REC TALLY
On
→
→
When the Gemini is recording, the SDI and HDMI
output will display a red bar on the bottom of the
screen to indicate an active record. When ready
to record, a green bar will appear.
This red bar is not recorded in the Gemini. If you
are using a separate recorder to record the
output of the Gemini, turn this setting off.
Off
→
→
Nothing will be overlaid on the SDI or HDMI
output of the Gemini.
MODE
4:2:2
→
→
SDI output as 4:2:2; works in both Rec and Play
Mode.
This setting only affects the output video. 4:2:2
Input will always be converted to 4:4:4 for
recording.
4:4:4
→
→
Incoming video will be output as 4:4:4.
Use this setting if you want to output 4:4:4 RGB,
usually Dual Link HD-SDI. (Not valid with 4:2:2
input)
Legalized
On
→
→
ARRI ONLY
LCD/Output display has legalized values.
Off
→
→
ARRI ONLY
Full range values for LCD/outputs
LCD/A 3D
→
→
OFF
SXS
Side by Side
LXL
Line by Line
ANAGL
Anaglyph
50/50
50% + 50%
L-R
Left –Right Luma
R-L
Left –Right Luma
OUT/B 3D
→
→
OFF
SXS
Side by Side
LXL
Line by Line
ANAGL
Anaglyph
50/50
50% + 50%
L-R
Left –Right Luma
R-L
Right –Left Luma

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Vari-Frame Support
Gemini 4:4:4 auto-detects Vari-Frame mode from the ARRI ALEXA, and records only the Vari-Frame
video frames. A “Vari-Frame” tag will be displayed on the LCD during Live Preview.
(**Note: When using Vari-Frame, if the ALEXA's Sensor rate is ever changed, cycle all video inputs
to the Gemini before proceeding. )
(**Note that the Live Preview on the Gemini of Vari-Frame data will not look as expected. The
Gemini plays the last 1 second of captured Vari-Frame frames, so that the video and timecode will
appear to repeat over a 1-second interval. )See Release Notes at end of this document for more
details.
If “Sensor Rate” on the ALEXA = 30 or less, “Rec Out” must = 30 or less.
DO NOT set “Sensor Rate” to less than 1.
DO NOT set “Sensor Rate” to 23.98 and “Rec Out” to 24.
DO NOT set “Sensor Rate to 29.97 and “Rec Out” to 30.
“Sensor Rate” must be less than, or equal to, “Rec Out.”
Enable/Disable Options
Enable ARRIRAW / 3D / Canon 4K Cinema Raw
In order to enable the ARRIRAW feature (not in Demo Mode), you must purchase the ARRIRAW
Upgrade to the Gemini 4:4:4 unit. The purchase is facilitated through your local dealer. Convergent
Design will provide you a unique key to activate your unit. For more details about Upgrade
Procedure, see page 44.
Disable ARRIRAW / 3D / Canon 4K Cinema Raw
Activated ARRIRAW feature can be disabled / enabled. To disable ARRIRAW (back in Demo Mode):
1. On the Gemini, go to Gemini > Keys > Raw
2. Tap the Key’s field “OK”, the text will change to “SET DEMO”, tap again, text will change to
“0000DEMO.” Enter 4 digit Demo password (available upon request from Convergent Design).
ARRIRAW/3D feature is now in Demo mode.
3. To re-enable ARRIRAW, simply go to the Raw Keys field in the Menu, and enter the correct
Activation Key (provided upon purchase of the ARRIRAW feature).
Canon C500 Slow/Fast Support (where 2 recorders are required)
Only the maximum slow/fast rate is supported. (Frame Record/Interval Record: not supported)

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MENU QUICK KEYS
Menu
Click to reveal main menu structure. Click << to collapse.
Hide
Click to remove all content/buttons from the screen. Tap the monitor anywhere to reveal
SSD Safe Eject
Updates the file system and exposes recorded clips. Recommended: record all clips before safely ejecting
SSD’s for offloading data. READ MORE, PAGE 18.
Metadata (Rec Mode) / Playlist (Play Mode)
See Preparations: Setting Metadata page 18 for more information on Metatdata.
See Playback page 24 for more information on Playlist.
Set metadata prior to record.
ARRI (Rec Mode, Replaces Metadata Key)
ONLY IN RAW MODE: Click to reveal metadata (sent from camera; not editable data).
Next Take
Click to reveal Clip, Scene and Take info. Click << to collapse.
Demo
Displayed when in Demo Mode (recorded video is watermarked).
MODE
Corresponds to setting from Setup > Mode (ie DPX, 3D, .ARI, .RMF)
Tags
Corresponds to special modes (ie Timelapse, Slow & Fast, Variframe)
SSD INFO
Graphically display the space used / space remaining on each of the SSD's. Tap the graphical display to
bring up a Status Box with more specific information about each SSD.

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MODE TOGGLE & STATUS
Across the bottom of your Gemini monitor you will find the Control Bar, including Mode Functions
and related Indicators and Buttons.
Description
Status Line
The status line will indicate when you have successfully
changed or applied a setting.
Record / Play / Stop Button
Click to initiate the appropriate action.
Record
Stop
Play
Pause
Scene & Take
Scene name set in Metadata; Take auto-increments from one
record to the next.
Timecode
Mode Switch
Tapping will move the arrow (“>”) to toggle between Rec and
Play Mode.
Remaining Record Time
Remaining record time per card, shown as SSD1 / SSD2.
Quick Key
Click the caret to display options, then click to apply.
Apply LUT
Viewing LUTs are not applied to
recorded material for incoming LOG
data (4:4:4 input only).
1:1 Pixel
For critical focus.
IN RAW MODE: ‘Apply LUT’ is a Rec709 Generic LUT.
Without a LUT applied video is in Log-C format.
Desqueeze
ARRIRAW 4:3 only; displays
the video in a 2.66:1 aspect
ratio, which approximates
the 2.39:1 aspect ratio from
an anamorphic lens on the
camera. For Live
Preview/Play viewing only-
DOES NOT EFFECT
RECORDED VIDEO. Note:
Desqueeze is always turned
off during recording.
Status Line
Voltage / Internal
Temp
Video Input Format
Record / Play / Stop Button
Timecode
Mode Switch
Video Output Format
Remaining
Record Time
Caret
Scene & Take

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PREPARATIONS
TIPS, TECHNIQUES & RECOMMENDATIONS
The Gemini 4:4:4 is a sophisticated, technologically advanced device. A few simple tips, techniques
and recommendations can help ensure a successful shoot.
1. Register your unit now, as you need access to the Internet to do so.
It must be registered. Otherwise the unit is disabled.
2. Obtain the Gemini 4:4:4 and all the necessary batteries, chargers well in advance of your shoot.
Please be certain to plug the power cable into the power input, which is on the left side, the
remote control connector is on the right side. Forcing the power connector into the remote
control connector will damage the Gemini 4:4:4.
3. Obtain genuine Convergent Design SSD’s. No other SSD’s will work in the Gemini 4:4:4.
This is to ensure that the SSD’s are fast enough and have been fully tested prior to your shoot.
4. Extra, high quality HD-SDI cables are very desirable and should be available on every shoot.
These must be good quality 75 Ohm cables with true 75 Ohm connectors. SDI cables rated for
3G SMPTE 424M are always preferred.
5. Please read the manual, you will gain a lot of practical knowledge.
The latest version is on our website:
http://convergent-design.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=CdmSeL04O18%3d&tabid=139
6. We generally recommend that you use the latest firmware.
http://convergent-design.com/FirmwareUpdates/Gemini444.aspx
7. Test the unit and the SSD’s, with your camera, in advance of the shoot.
Setup your camera, exactly as you will for the shoot, setup the Gemini 4:4:4,
create some test footage, and run this test footage through your Post workflow.
Ensure that your Post department can handle the full uncompressed workflow.
Full uncompressed video is great, it is just different. Many systems support DPX and ARRIRAW,
but not all. Please see the Workflow page on our website.
8. For editing DPX Files using Final Cut Pro, please obtain GlueTools.
http://gluetools.com/products.html Select “Cineon/DPX Pro for Final Cut Studio”.
9. Obtain a way to back up your data in the field. A good backup procedure is to have two
backups, stored on separate devices, and have all of your footage checked visually, prior to
reformatting and reusing the SSD’s.
10. Purchase enough SSD’s, plus some extras. Be certain that you have enough so that you can
shoot while the backups are being made and the footage is being checked.
11. While shooting, during breaks, playback you footage, from within the Gemini 4:4:4 to check that
everything is working fine. But, more importantly, transfer you footage to a backup, then play
the footage from the backup to ensure that all is good!
12. Feel free to call, Skype or email Support 24/7. We strive to provide world class support. If you
don’t reach us at one number, try another.
Support Contact Info: See Page 40.
13. Ensure that camera viewfinder data is not being sent to the Gemini 4:4:4.
Record a test, and then play it back. If you see viewfinder data while you are recording, or on
playback, please turn off OSD (On Screen Display), otherwise this will be recorded in your files.
14. Do not use Beta firmware for production work!

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15. Do not over-tighten the ¼” x 20 or 3/8” x 16 screws. You can damage the case.
16. Please do not open the Gemini 4:4:4 case, as this voids the warranty.
17. Here is a tip to help your shoot be a success:
The most successful teams plan ahead, and check out all of their gear in advance.
18. Never format an SSD unless you are certain that the footage has been transferred, and checked.
To be safe, wait until you have the footage in two places.
19. Never attempt to write files to the SSD, nor delete files off the SSD and then reuse the SSD in
the Gemini 4:4:4.
20. It is acceptable to upload files from an SSD, using our Transfer Station, then reinsert the same
SSD into the Gemini 4:4:4 so that you can continue shooting. But, as noted above, do not delete
files off the SSD, then attempt to shoot more.
21. Always format the SSD’s, in the Gemini 4:4:4.
Formatting an SSD in another device is not acceptable.
22. Never put the Gemini 4:4:4 in a confined enclosure, it needs access to fresh air for cooling.
23. Never leave the Gemini 4:4:4 in hot sun without protection for an extended period of time. If it
has been in a hot car, please allow time for it to cool.
24. Protect it from rain, splashes and other inclement weather.
25. Do not leave the Gemini 4:4:4 flat on a table with the power on.
A vertical position is best as it allows air to flow naturally over the cooling fins.
26. Do not feed the Gemini 4:4:4 reverse-voltage DC, or voltages over 19 Volts.
Do not plug in the Anton Bauer D-Tap or P-Tap connectors in backwards.
Caution: Some non-Anton Bauer P-Tap power outlets allow the P-Tap or
D-Tap connector to be plugged in backwards.
If you do, then the Gemini 4:4:4 will stop working and it will have to be repaired.
27. Respect the Touch Sensitive LCD. Do not use hard objects to operate the touch screen.
A ball point or other pen should not be used. Use our provided stylus or something similar.
Caution: The Touch Screen and LCD are expensive to replace.
28. For ARRI recordings using Camera Trigger, recorded .ari files base name will match ARRI ALEXA
internal recording clip name, provided that the ALEXA and the Gemini are set to the same date.
29. If set for ‘Camera Trigger’, make sure camera is not already recording (DPX or ARRIRAW).