Highly Configurable System Runs Windows, Using Blackmagic Hardware for Video Capture over HDMI, SDI

Cinemartin (Barcelona, Spain) announced Next, a customizable all-in-one portable computer with a high-brightness monitor and 4K 60p compressed and uncompressed video recording capabilities. The only requirement is a camera that provides a clean signal over HDMI or SDI.

Running a full 64-bit Windows OS and relying on Blackmagic hardware for IO, the Next will be made available in five different preconfigured versions with Intel CPUs and a 6.7-inch HD IPS display. On the low end, the €1865 ($2026) HDMI E model runs on an Intel Celeron processor with 8 GB of RAM, a 120 GB SSD, and a Blackmagic Intensity Pro 4K for recording 10-bit 4:2:2 4K video at up to 30p. Models scale up from there to a high-end system using the Blackmagic Decklink 4K Extreme to enable 10-bit 4:4:4 4K recording at 60p via dual-SDI input. Systems supporting dual SDI also offer stereo 3D image recording in side-by-side or frame-packing formats.

User-customized systems are also available, including optional support for installing Mac OS X on systems running Core i7 fourth and fifth generation and Core i5 fifth generation CPUs. (Cinemartin suggests Linux can be installed, as well, at the customer's risk.) Additionally, a bare-bones €995 ($1080) "OEM" model includes the chassis with a Celeron processor, 6,7-inch HD display, and not much else—you bring your own memory, storage, and capture card. For a complete list of available specs, see Cinemartin's preorder page.

Cinemartin said the Next can record uncompressed 8-bit or 10-bit Motion-JPEG or DPX files. Software included with the system supports automatic transcode to Apple ProRes formats (up to 4444), H.264 and H.265. With a keyboard and mouse connected, Cinemartin said, the Next can be used to run standard PC software such as Adobe Creative Cloud applications and Avid Media Composer. When networked, the device can also be used as a streaming server allowing users connecting over the Internet to preview videos stored in the system.

The Next can be powered via AC/DC or using a battery. A 120W/hr battery is good for about four hours of usage, the company said, while a 90W battery will keep it going for about three hours.

Assuming the software works as advertised and the system is stable, the Cinemartin Next looks like an intriguing and flexible option for capable computer types who are comfortable using a miniature PC running off-the-shelf Windows software to record video on set.

Cinemartin is currently taking preorders, with shipments expected to start in May.