The BirdDog Core 5 and Core 7 Monitor/Encoder/Decoders were first shown at NAB 2022. In a nutshell, Core 5 and Core 7 are multi-purpose tools for cameras and they can be used as a video monitor, a cross converter, a video analysis tool, an NDI encoder, or an encoder for streaming formats like H.264 or HEVC.
The Core 5 and Core 7 can convert any SDI or HDMI signal live into your choice of NDI, NDI|HX2, NDI|HX3, SRT, H.264, HEVC/H.265, RTMP, or RTSP in up to 4Kp60. You can record files by attaching an external drive to the USB-C port. This video output over the USB-C encodes material into H.264 or HEVC/H.265 video formats
If you add a Cloud Connect license you can use a Core 5 or Core 7 to livestream from a connected camera with super low latency. By adding a BirdDog Cloud subscription, you can access Core and the incoming video feeds from anywhere in the world to view the camera feed without the need for a computer.
The High Bright screens (5.5″ on the Core 5 and 7″ on the Core 7) are viewable in direct sunlight and the video analysis tools include vector scopes, waveform, RGB parade, and more.
The Core 5 has two 12G-SDI inputs, an HDMI input, an HDMI loop output, and an RJ45 Ethernet port as well as an SFP+ port to extend your transmission via an optional 1Gb or 10Gb SFP fiber module. The Core 7 has all of the same inputs and outputs with the added benefit of an additional 12G-SDI Female (Loop Output).
The chassis of the Core 5 and Core 7 are made out of aluminum and both devices use physical buttons instead of a touchscreen.
Other features include an integrated tally light, and it can be mounted using the 1/4″-20 threads on the top and bottom.
There is a heads-up display where system statistics including the number of active connections, current bandwidth usage, and network traffic are presented to monitor the device and network without having to login.
Reliable User Datagram Protocol (RUDP) reduces overall network load as not every packet needs to be acknowledged by every receiver. RUDP has error correction built in for smoothness and maximum reliability, so you can be confident your packets are getting to where they need to go.
With NDI Genlock you can select any NDI source to be the timing master for your fleet of P110 or P120 cameras, allowing them all to operate off the same time-base, providing more predictable timing in multi-camera environments.
All Core can generate scopes to send out as NDI, NDI Proxy, or both. This allows for monitoring scopes on the NDI Proxy while sending a clean main NDI feed simultaneously. Choose from histogram, waveform, vectorscope, or RGB Parade, and the position on the NDI stream.
The BirdDog Core 5 retails for $1,295 USD and the Core 7 is $1,4965 USD. Both the Core 5 and Core 7 won’t be shipping till December.
Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with 30 years' experience working in more than 50 countries around the world. He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010. Matthew has won 43 ACS Awards, including four prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards. Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.
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