SmallHD 4K Reference HDR Monitors Released – Small4K Vision and Cine Series

by Bato ProsicSeptember 26^th, 2019

SmallHD just updated their line of professional grade reference monitors with two new lines, called the “Cine Series” and the “Vision Series”, all of which in 4K resolution.. Both lines feature three monitors each at 13″, 17″ and 24″ and features like 100% DCI P3 Coloraturas, HDR, and daylight view ability. Let’s have a closer look.

The new “Small4K” monitors. Image Credit: SmallHD

SmallHD’s two new lines share the same sizes, chassis and resolution: all are available in the three sizes mentioned above, with some controls on the lower left side of the front panel, all of them have 4k resolution and 4 independent 12G SDI inputs and SmallHD’s full suite of exposure tools. As probably a marketing gag, they are calling them “Small4K” monitors, but the company name remains SmallHD (and they’re owned by the Vitec Group).

Small4k Vision Series. Image Credit: SmallHD

SmallHD Vision Series – Video Village & Post Production

The Vision Series seems more geared towards video village and the post production studios. With ‘TrueHDR’ and a contrast ratio of 1000000:1 as well as 114% DCI P3 coverage these monitors are well suited for the higher end of grading and any reference usage. In addition to the wide color space covered here, the Vision Series features SmallHD’s proprietary zone dimming technology, with over 2000 zones for local dimming.

Here’s an overview of the key specs:

• TrueHDR with 1000000:1 contrast
• 2000+ local dimming zones
• 114% DCI P3 coverage
• 4x 12G-SDI inputs
• Sizes of 13, 17 and 24 inches

small4k Cine Series. Image Credit: SmallHD

SmallHD Cine Series – Production Use, High Brightness

As mentioned above, the Cine Series features the same sizes, chassis, exposure tools and the four 12G SDI inputs. But unlike the Vision Series, the Cine Series sports daylight viewable brightness of 1000-2500 nits. This works to the slight detriment of the color space, which in turn features “only” 100% DCI P3 coverage. Again here are the key specs:

• 1000-2500 nit displays
• 100% DCI P3 coverage
• 4x 12G-SDI inputs
• Sizes of 13, 17 and 24 inches

Going forward these new lines of monitors are sure to deepen SmallHD’s hold on the monitoring space with a more pro-oriented profile. We’ll keep you posted once we have have additional information on these new lines. There is no definite pricing or availability yet.

What do you think? Do you use monitors like this in your production and would the ‘TrueHDR’ features of the Vision Series suit you? Let us know in the comments!