New Marshall 5.6″ monitor
The above video details the Marshall V-LCD56MD 5.6 inch monitor, which we recently took out with us on a shoot. I have been waiting for this monitor for a long time.. The form factor is perfect for an on board monitor, but it includes a lot of the features that before now were typically only found on larger monitors.
The monitor is set up to receive an HDMI in, and can also loop the signal, but also includes a modular input/output. The compatible modules include an HDMI-SDI transcoder, and a 3G-SDI loop through. The monitor which we used on our shoot had the 3G-SDI loop through module – which I prefer when I am shooting with the EPIC, so I can loop out the signal via SDI. However, the inclusion of the HDMI input is also helpful, as we were also able to configure this monitor so that it was received an HDMI input from the EPIC, while the SDI was supplying a feed to the EVF. This worked well for allowing me to operate via the EVF while an AC pulled focus via the onboard monitor.
Of course, the 1280×800 LCD monitor also works well for single-user operating. It supports 720p resolution, which is a nice resolution to operate and pull focus with. However, it also supports the reception of a 1080p signal through both its HDMI and modular 3G-SDI inputs, so there is the inclusion of an improved pixel-to-pixel feature which blows the image up to show its native resolution. To show Full HD it will punch into the image, and smaller resolution it will center them in the middle of the screen. The default view scales everything down to 720p. However, there are also other scaling options that allow you to further adjust the image. An Input crop setting allows you to crop in to any portion of the image based on a customizable crop area that is user adjusted with the knobs no the front of the monitor. There are also aspect ratio crops for 4:30, 16:9, and full screen, as well as a custom aspect ratio crop that you can adjust using the knobs and is graphically represented by a scale.
An expanded marker function allows the user to set markers at the following aspect ratios (4:3, 13:9, 14:9, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1, 2.39:1), as well as show from 80% to 95% broadcast safe areas. Again, there is a customizable marker that can be user defined using the knob on the front of the monitor. Additionally the user can set line width, color, and transparency.
There are also multiple features to assist you on obtaining a well-exposed/sharp images. For exposure – there is the False color feature, which we have seen on prior models of Marshall monitors. It displays IRE based on a gradient scale of colors, from fuchsia (<0 IRE) to red (>101 IRE). This is great for seeing where you’re blacks and whites are clipping and there is a loss of information. Also to assist with exposure, there is a Clip function that displays over/under exposed areas with a Zebra filter. The user can definite the upper and lower ranges of this Threshold. An inverted setting, will flip it so that what is exposed between the lower and upper threshold shows a Zebra pattern. The coolest inclusion for exposure assist though is the inlayed waveform monitor. To assist with focus there is the inclusion of a peaking filter that reacts to defined edges of color through R-G-B-W adjustable lines and variable thickness feature.
The battery module on the back can be customized with a variety of different modules to accept different battery types. However, as you will see in the video above, I prefer to power the monitor off the same battery as I power my camera using a D-tap from the Anton Bauer mount to a DC input on the monitor. This keeps the monitor light, and the weight of the battery centered with the mass of your camera, rather than with the monitor – throwing your rig off balance. Additional features for this monitor include two-channel audio metering, and a headphone output.
On the whole, I have to say that I am also extremely impressed by the menus on this monitor. They are sharp, well-laid out, and incredibly easy to navigate. Furthermore the customizability of each feature set really lets you set up this monitor specific to the needs of your project and/or operating style – which is exactly what you want out of an onboard monitor. You can check this monitor out at NAB, along with a number of other monitors that Marshall has recently released (and that can also be found on the Gear Page).
> There are also aspect ratio crops for 4:30
I guess that is a new, very interesting format, quite narrow and VERY tall? ๐
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Prototypes…always fun!
1. I remember the blog post you did about a yr ago on this and 2 other Marshalls. Is this monitor finally being released?
2. Has Marshall given a price point for the V-LCD56MD?
Thanks for the info!
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
No on both ๐ Sorry…
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Actually the new Marshall will be in the $600-$800 range depending on configuration (if you have the HDSDI module it will be at the higher price.)
Vincent: have you tried the DP6?
http://www.smallhd.com/Products/DP6_hardware.html
I bookmarked it a few months back because that’s the only small field monitor that could do full 720p w/ focus peaking, etc. back then. Any idea what this new Marshall costs? Planning on buying one of them later this year. The Marshall looks like it should be on my short list if the cost is reasonable ๐
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
See answer in this thread ($600-$800)
Will this take the SDI from the Epic, the progressive signal, or will it only do PsF?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
It should – but I only tested out the HDMI so before I stake my reputation on it – let me give it a try…
Wow…$600 isn’t bad at all. I expected a name brand Marshall to be over $1K for all those features ๐
Is there a planned date for this monitor in 2012?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
April 27th, 2012 at 6:39 am
Maybe Mashall can jump in …
Marshall just updated their web site with the pricing information, a bit higher than the $600-$800 Vincent mentioned.
It’s listed for $999.
http://www.marshallmonitors.com/products/monitors/V-LCD56MD/index.html
What is the color reference strip on the left side of the monitor used for?
No need to reply to or post my comment from yesterday on what the color strip is for, I read a manual for another monitor and found out.
June 22nd, 2012 at 4:01 am | Reply ยป
#77460
Hi,
I saw on the marshall website that the 56MD have not the same sreen technology that the others in the line (70md and 90md), the contrast and brightness are really smaller (500:1 vs 1000:1). Have you compare them ? is the 56md is great or is it no so good ?
Thanks
I just bought this monitor and so far really like it a lot.
Question: what mounting arm are you using in the above video to mount the monitor? I like the way the mount stays put when you adjust it.
Thanks!
Vincent Laforet Reply:
August 6th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
We were using the RED Arm
I just bought the V-5.6″ monitor 1 month ago and have been getting familiar with it. The only thing I can’t figure out is that with the Waveform + Audio. I cannot get the audio meter to work. I see the Audio levels bars moving only on playback but not when I engage in Live view or during record.
Anyone know?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 10:35 pm
What camera? This suggests your camera isn’t outputting during record…
Hi Vincent,
I’m using the Marshall V-56 with 5D mark III using HDMI cable. The Marshall audio input is set to 1&2 (I have tried other settings up to 7&8). I thought that I may need to do a separate audio jack but there is no Audio In on the marshall, only Headphones out. Secondly, the fact that I see the audio meter working on playback (with the same HDMI cable only) has me baffled.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Getting Marshall jump in on this…
Cedric Reply:
January 13th, 2013 at 2:43 pm
Hi Tae,
This has to do with the 5Dm3, not the monitor. I had the same thing with my zacuto evf, no working audio meters with the 5D, only on playback. I know… not cool
๐
I’m using Canon 5D mark III. HDMI to HDMI. The strange thing is that on Live View and during recording, Marshall doesn’t show the audio meter but on PLAYBACK it shows the audio meter.
If the camera isn’t outputting the audio, I’d expect the that there will be no audio in playback as well but that’s not the case.
Hi Vincent,
Just trying to work out the ‘crop’ wording, does the fact you can manually change the crop mean you can use anamorphic lenses and desqueeze them on the monitor?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 7:03 am
Yes – that’s aspect ration though. But no function for anamorphic that I’m aware of on Marshalls.
Please, sorry I get a bit confused about anamorphic lens support toby answer. Can the monitor de-squeeze anamorphic images or not?