In 2019, SmallHD introduced its Vision and Cine series of production monitors. Both lineups initially offered three sizes: 13″, 17″, and 24″.
The monitors boasted impressive features, including four 12G-SDI inputs, a 10-bit panel covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, over 2000 local dimming zones, and HDR capabilities with TrueHDR technology achieving a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
Specifications of the SmallHD Vision 17
The SmallHD Vision 17 monitor includes:
- Weight: 12.9 lbs / 5.8 kg
- Color Coverage: 98.8% DCI-P3
- Panel Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Color Bit Depth: 10-bit
- Backlight Type: Full-Array Local Dimming
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
- Video I/O: 4x 12G/6G/3G/HD-SDI/HDMI 2.0
- Max Brightness: 1000 nits
- Power Input: 14.4V 6.2A DC
- Pixel Density: 254 ppi
- Bottom Cheese Stick: Included
- Mounting Options: 1x 110mm VESA-compatible rear mount, 26x 1/4”-20 mounting points, 4x 3/8”-16 mounting points
All monitors run on the SmallHD PageOS, which includes features like Color Pipe, Multiview, and Video Engineering Tools.
HDR Workflow for Netflix’s Griselda
Netflix’s series “Griselda,” starring Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco, required a unique 70s Polaroid-inspired color palette and an HDR workflow from production through post-production. The series, directed by Andrés Baiz and shot by cinematographer Armando Salas, ASC, leveraged HDR to enhance the visual dynamic range.
Netflix has been exploring HDR possibilities since 2016. For “Griselda,” the filmmakers sought an effective on-set solution for HDR monitoring. Netflix arranged a “monitor shootout,” resulting in the selection of SmallHD Vision 17 monitors.
Implementation and Benefits
The HDR workflow was documented in “Griselda: An HDR Workflow Case Study.” Cinematographer Armando Salas and Light Iron Principal DI Colorist Ian Vertovec collaborated to maintain visual consistency across screens using customized LUTs. The team emphasized the importance of consistent image monitoring throughout production, leading to the choice of SmallHD Vision 17 monitors.
Salas highlighted that the best way to ensure accurate display from the director to the end user was through a color-managed workflow with on-set HDR monitoring. This maintained the P3/PQ color space, while other monitors on set remained in 709/SDR. The workflow ensured that the creative intent was visible on SDR displays, which carried over to SDR dailies.
Price and Availability
The SmallHD Vision 17 monitor is available for $9,999. The larger 24-inch Vision 24 monitor retails for $14,999.
About SmallHD
SmallHD, founded in 2009 and based in Cary, North Carolina, is a leading innovator in high-definition on-camera monitoring solutions. The company designs, builds, and retails a variety of high-end monitors for professional cinematographers, videographers, and photographers worldwide. Known for creating the world’s first high-definition on-camera monitor, SmallHD has established a reputation for pushing the envelope in monitor technology.
About “Griselda”
“Griselda” is a Netflix limited series that premiered on January 25, 2024. It is a biographical crime drama directed by Andrés Baiz and produced by Eric Newman and Sofía Vergara, who also stars as Griselda Blanco. The series chronicles the life of Blanco, a notorious Colombian drug trafficker, known as the “Godmother,” who built a powerful drug cartel in Miami during the 1970s and 80s. The series consists of six episodes and has received generally positive reviews, particularly for Vergara’s performance.
News source: SmallHD
