SmallHD PageOS 5 Now Out of Beta – Available as a Free Download

Monitoring News

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 6^th, 2022

SmallHD has finally rolled out the official version of PageOS 5. It brings a new EL Zone exposure tool as well as tetrahedral LUT interpolation to all compatible monitors while adding tailor-made features for Cine, OLED 4K, and Smart 7 series models. The update is now available as a free download.

Back at NAB 2022, we took some time to learn more about SmallHD’s latest operating system for their on-camera and production monitors, called PageOS 5 (video here). This firmware update brings new interesting functionalities, UI enhancements, and a few bug fixes.

The new OS is compatible with all SmallHD monitors already running PageOS (full compatibility list here), with the exception of the DSMC3 RED Touch display, the recently-released Action 5 (review here), and DP-series legacy monitors (DP1, DP6, DP4, AC7, and DP7-PRO). So let’s do a quick recap of some of the key features!

SmallHD PageOS 5: common features for all devices

One of the most interesting additions in PageOS 5 is the new EL Zone exposure tool, which was developed jointly with cinematographer Ed Lachman, ASC. Unlike traditional false color tools that rely on IRE values, the new EL Zone function takes sensor data as a reference point to display each stop above and below 18% gray via a colored overlay. However, the firmware release notes state that this function only works with Log signals. Moreover, it cannot be captured using the Image Capture function.

Another feature that is now supported on all PageOS 5-compatible devices is tetrahedral LUT interpolation, which replaces the old tri-linear system. This should provide better accuracy when using LUTs for HDR monitoring. Lastly, all screens can now display a digital level to check your camera’s horizon.

For Cine and OLED 4K models

While some of the new functions in PageOS 5 are unified across all compatible SmallHD monitors, others were designed specifically for SmallHD Cine and OLED 4K Production Monitors, starting from an advanced multi-view tool. This allows users to simultaneously monitor 4 different signals while keeping granular, customizable control of scopes and tools.

Also, since sound is just as important as picture, the audio features of these two monitor series are now fully-enabled. This means that sound can be monitored using either the built-in speakers or the dedicated 3.5mm headphone output.

Moreover, PageOS 5 adds Calman calibration for 4K Production Monitors. Auto calibration can be performed via an Ethernet connection to a computer with a calibration probe running Portrait Displays. A calibration LUT can then be uploaded into the monitor.

Finally, upscaling of 1080p signals to match 4K panels has been optimized and should now produce sharper results, thus facilitating focus pullers in their work.

For Smart 7 series

Another set of features has been built around the SmallHD Smart 7 series, which now gets up to six on-screen assignable Touch Function buttons as well as a Look-Around Camera Control function. The latter allows users with a camera-control-enabled monitor to display and adjust camera controls without losing access to other PageOS 5 tools.

Price and availability

The latest SmallHD PageOS 5 firmware update is now available free of charge. It can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website here.

Before proceeding with the update, SmallHD recommends backing up your profile and taking notes of the firmware version you’re upgrading from. Also, make sure to power your monitor via AC power or use a fully charged battery when performing the update.

For the full release notes, please visit SmallHD’s website here.

What do you think of the new SmallHD PageOS 5 firmware update? What function is more useful to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!