Blackmagic Design SmartView Duo

Blackmagic Design‘s SmartView Duo comprises a pair of side-by-side 8″ LCD monitors – both with an auto-selecting 3G/HD/SD-SDI input – that are housed in a 3 RU-high, rackmountable form factor. Ideal for live broadcast and mobile video production, the slim SmartView Duo features integrated tally (input via a standard 9-pin D connector) that clearly shows video status by displaying a red, green, or blue ring that borders the screen in question.

The 800 x 480-resolution displays’ auto-switching SDI inputs accept an extremely wide range of digital signals, from standard-def 525i and 625i to full progressive high-definition 1080p60 and several flavors of 2K-resolution video. There’s a loop-out BNC for both inputs, with re-clocking of the signal. For screen configuration and settings, plus firmware updates, the SmartView Duo has both USB 2.0 and Ethernet inputs.

For the SmartView Duo, a sleek design pays practical dividends. The thinness of the dual-display panel (less than 1″) means it’s easier to install, transport, and ship. The lack of mechanical controls on the panel itself takes inadvertent adjustments out of the equation. The auto-image-flip feature means that the displays can be rotated upside down so you can achieve the best viewing angle.