Blackmagic Video Assist - Firmware Update Adds LUT Support

Firmware 2.3 for Video Assist

The Blackmagic Design Video Assist line of monitors / recorders certainly aren’t the most expensive, and neither are they considered the best ones out there. But we live in modern times, and since these recorders are essentially computers with a screen, firmware updates are here to help. Firmware Version 2.3 adds a ton of new features to the Video Assists out there, including LUT support, more codecs and more visual aids for the original 5″ Video Assist.

First up, LUTs. Now, this is a huge improvement! I was actually considering buying the 4K model, but the lack of this single feature had kept me from actually pulling the trigger. For most of my work, I acquire footage in some flavour of a LOG profile, and judging a shot by looking at such a flat image can be quite dull. That’s why I think LUT support is essential for any external monitor, recorder or combination of the two.

You can add up to six custom LUTs to each unit, and can load them in as needed. So you are able to get, for example, both a technical Rec.709 LUT for your LOG curve of choice as well as a stylistic LUT which will be your final look.

Perhaps as a result of the Blackmagic Design Video Assist not being the most expensive piece of tech out there, some users have complained about a slight greenish tint in the image. Although the best solution would be some kind of tint slider within the software, another possible solution could be a custom LUT designed to address this issue in particular. Hook up the Video Assist to DaVinci Resolve, tweak an existing LUT slightly towards magenta and you’re all set.

Codecs, Wrappers and Visual Aids

Blackmagic Design has now added various codecs and wrappers (previously available for the 4k version only) to the original 5″ Video Assist, too. There are now different bitrates available for the DNxHD codec: 220, 145 and 45. Also, the MXF wrapper is now available for those DNxHD codecs, making it easier for AVID users to get the footage into their system.

codec options available for the Video Assist

For both versions, an improved focus assist tool has been implemented, giving you a choice between different focus-in-color modes as well as peaking.

Gimbal users out there will recognise the need for a manual setting for the the orientation of the screen, a feature that has been added to this firmware update as well.

False color is now available for the original 5″ Video Assist, too. I think they should have added this feature as soon as it became available for the 4K model, but it’s here now and that is certainly a good thing.

false color scale

There is an updated manual for the Video Assist available here.

Full Rundown of Improvements

To summarise, here is the full list of changes and improvements:

Add LUT monitoring

Add MXF wrapper to DNxHD for the Blackmagic Video Assist

Add different DNx bit-rates – DNxHD 220,145 and 45 for the Blackmagic Video Assist

Add False Color monitoring to the Blackmagic Video Assist

Add expanded options for Focus Assist to include Red, Green, Blue and White as well as Peaking

Add manual control for screen orientation

Add extended HDMI luminance range

Improves screen colorimetry

Improves fan audible noise

What do you think about this firmware update? Is this worth a closer look, or would you stick with higher end monitors / recorders such as the Atomos Shogun, the Odyssey 7Q+ or the Video Devices PIX E-7?