REEDSBURG, WI, NOVEMBER 29, 2011 — Sound Devices, experts in portable audio and video products for field production, has released an update for its new line of portable production video recorders—PIX 220 and PIX 240. Firmware version 1.03 offers PIX 240 users record stop/start flag support for all major camera manufacturers, plus time code support over HDMI for Sony FS 100 and other Sony NEX cameras. Additionally, Setup Menu customization and numerous other upgrades have been introduced. These new features are available as a no-charge firmware update to all PIX 220 and PIX 240 users.
“This software update for the PIX 220 and PIX 240 demonstrates our awareness and responsiveness of our video customers’ needs. This is the same way we continue to develop firmware updates for our audio recorders and mixers,” says Paul Isaacs, technical development manager for Sound Devices. “These updates are taken directly from the requirements of our customers. We constantly investigate new ways to add features and value for our users.”
PIX 220 and PIX 240 connect to cameras with HDMI (plus SDI on the PIX 240) and record directly to QuickTime using Apple’s ProRes or Avid’s DNxHD codec. Since PIX recorders use ProRes and DNxHD, files recorded in the field can be used directly in post production, making the workflow simple and fast. The PIX 240 adds even more flexibility, with its time code and sync generator, and simultaneous SDI and HDMI outputs. Both the PIX 220 and PIX 240 bring the company’s award-winning audio expertise and performance to their video products.
Firmware revision 1.03 adds support for SDI record stop/start flags for Canon, Sony and ARRI cameras. This is in addition to the PIX 240’s existing support for RED and Panasonic cameras. SDI flag support allows users to control the PIX 240 directly from the camera without the need for time code adjustments. What’s more, PIX 240 now supports time code over HDMI for Sony FS100 and other Sony NEX cameras.
With the update to revision 1.03, PIX 220 and PIX 240 offer customizable Setup Menu selections. Users can create default settings and simplify the Setup Menu to help further reduce setup time.
These features, in addition to numerous other user-inspired updates, can be downloaded at no cost by visiting http://www.sounddevices.com/download/pix-firmware.htm.
Sound Devices, LLC designs and manufactures portable audio mixers, digital recorders and related audio equipment for feature film, episodic television, documentary, news-gathering, and acoustical test and measurement applications. The twelve-year old company designs and manufactures from their Reedsburg, Wisconsin headquarters with additional offices in Madison, WI and Highland Park, IL. For more information, visit the Sound Devices website, www.sounddevices.com.