We recently took delivery of a JVC DT-X71F portable picture monitor for use around the facility. Its designed for field production use but we got it to use for engineering. The JVC DT-X71 line includes other version but this one has the most functions. The main reason I choose this one is due to it’s range of features, like; three different types of inputs, 2 HD-SDI ( with loop-thru), Analog Video, and HDMI. The HDMI is converted to SDI and provided on a separate output.
It has an on screen waveform monitor, vector scope and audio meter. It runs off batteries, which is useful if I have to go up the tower with this thing. It has several other features useful for production, like false color, flipping the picture upside down, and focus, which I don’t see us using.
Inputs
It has a 16:9 format screen with 1024 x 600 resolution, and to help with outdoor use it comes with it’s own hood. The audio meter works off embedded audio only on this model from SDI or HDMI. It can handle 16 channels but display only two at a time. The audio bar turns yellow at -20dB and red at -10dB. It can also display embedded TimeCode from SDI.
Front panel controls
The monitor has three function keys that you can program. There are dedicated buttons for Waveform monitor and Vector scope. The Waveform monitor has several different options for what is displayed and it only works on SDI and HDMI inputs so your out of luck with analog monitoring.
It took a while to find the audio meter on this monitor, it’s buried in the function keys menu, thats the only way to turn it on, you have to program it as one of the function keys. So I set the keys as F1- Histogram (Waveform is not available on F keys), F2-Vector scope and F3 – Audio Meter.
Audio Bar Meter
You have to purchase a battery and charger separately but it does come with a 4 pin XLR power supply, a mounting gimbal to adjust it’s position and the afore mentioned sun hood.
The RJ-45 on the back for the three colored tallies, front and rear.
To hear the audio you need a set of headphones as there are no speakers.
It looks like a fine little monitor which will be useful in troubleshooting around the plant.
Parts for the JVC DT-X71Fplant.
We got the monitor for about $1500 from Markertek.
I plan to get a portable SDI test generator (battery operated, if you know of one let me know) and put it along with this monitor in a tote bag to carry around in.
On Screen Displays
The Harris/Videotek HD Star is a versatile HD/SD video generator if you need one. It also works as a waveform/picture monitor, and does embedded audio. It is a very compact size for field use.