AtomX CAST Update – Compatible with Ninja V+, PiP, Dip Transitions, and More

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanNovember 23^rd, 2021

AtomX CAST receives a new free firmware update that adds new features such as compatibility with the Ninja V+, picture overlays, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) recording, and a dip to black/white transition. The update can be downloaded from the Atomos website.

Today, Atomos releases the new AtomOS 10.71 firmware update for its Ninja V and Ninja V+ monitor recorders which includes ProRes RAW format recording options for the legacy Sony FS series, Canon EOS R5, and Panasonic LUMIX BS1H. To know more about that, please check our separate article on the topic. The AtomOS update also includes new features for the AtomX CAST and compatibility with the NINJA V+, which we will take a closer look at in this article.

AtomX CAST Update

Announced already back in June 2021, the AtomX CAST expansion module adds an advanced four-HDMI switcher functionality to the Ninja V and Ninja V+. As we published in September 2021, however, the early AtomX CAST units did not work yet due to firmware, which Atomos quickly rectified by giving free accessories to those early buyers.

With the newly released update, the AtomX CAST has some new features such as compatibility with the Ninja V+, picture overlays, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) recording, and a dip to black/white transition. The ability to record both the clean program feed or record with TX graphics, PiP and transitions directly to SSD makes the AtomX CAST a suitable device for fast turnaround live productions. Other updates include support for interlaced inputs and an option for the audio delay.

The full list of new features of the AtomX CAST in combination with Ninja V or V+ includes the following features:

• Introduction of “Dip to”-transitions, available in black & white. These can be automatically applied on each switch from one input to another.
• Addition of updated program recording options. Choose “Clean” to record a clean feed of the currently switched to input or use the new “CAST Program” mode. In CAST Program mode, graphical overlays and the picture in picture (PiP) get recorded onto the SSD/HDD inserted in the Ninja V. The recording contains the new “Dip to”-transitions as well as the Fade In/Fade Out buttons used to fade in or fade out of your program during recording.
• Interlaced signals are now supported. An automatic pulldown conversion gets applied to them, which then gets conformed to the Project Rate. Audio delay options are now available, which apply frame delays to all audio inputs including analog and embedded audio (calibrate feature not supported).
• General bug fixes.

AtomX CAST – known limitations

Atomos also published a list of known limitations regarding the usage of the AtomX CAST:

• Graphics and PIP overlays can’t be displayed on the Ninja V+ screen or graphical interface.
• Graphic overlays, PIP, Program/Preview, and audio channel status do not appear on the Ninja V+ display interface or the Multiview output from the Ninja V+ HDMI out.
• Streaming via USB is limited to 1920×1080 up to p30.
• For projects where the frame rate is greater > than p30, USB is not available as an output.
• For projects where the frame rate is greater > than p30, the Frame Rate conversion option (FPS Conversion) in the output menu can convert the output. p50 will be output at p25, and p60 will be output as p30.
• Audio inputs are limited to a single stereo pair, this can be either the selected HDMI embedded audio input or the Mic/Line input.
• Only PNG graphics are supported, up to a resolution of 1920×1080. File size limit: 1MB per file.
• If a connected input has a change in resolution or frame rate, the input may display as black and require the HDMI to be unplugged and re-plugged to resync the input to the project rate.
• With the project rate set to 1920×1080 in p59.94, the CAST HDMI output may present some audio artifacts.
• When switching between SOURCE modes, the graphical interface of the previous mode may momentarily appear.
• If the project rate is set to HDp50 and FPS conversion is enabled, some TVs may flag the p25 signal as incompatible.
• The headphone output of the Ninja V+ is only available for program audio monitoring.

Price and Availability

The update for the Ninja V and V+ is available free of charge and it can be downloaded now from the Atomos website. The AtomX CAST itself currently sells for $399 (around €393 plus VAT in Europe). Please consider purchasing from the links below at our partners B&H and CVP – this adds no extra cost to you, but helps us to continue running CineD for free.

What do you think about the new update for the AtomX CAST? Are you thinking of including the device in your live production workflow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.