Prep and Communication: A Discussion with DP’s and Producers | February 10

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An Onset tablet laying on a desk and crew working in the background
Resources
Technical Data
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Channel Modes

Live Feed (up to 4 cameras)

Recording (up to 4 cameras)

Playback (up to 4 cameras)

Onset Tablets

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro (10.1”)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 (10.5")

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 (9.7")

Onset Pro TS Tablet (24")

Onset Pro TS Tablet (17") (coming soon)

Latency

300ms (on-set)

Data Import/Export

USB flash drive or HDD/SSD

Format: NTFS, ExFAT, FAT32 or EXT4

Video Input

HD-SDI (up to 4 cameras) or

HDMI (up to 4 cameras)

Auto configure based on input signal

Video Output

Wireless (to Onset tablets)

HDMI (from tablet to monitor)

Recording File Format

H.264, MP4 container

Recording Media

Internal SSD

Recording Capacity

280 camera-hours (larger upon request)

Recording Frame Rates

23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60 @ 720p

23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, and 30 @ 1080p

Audio Input

External XLR mono (line level -10dBV)

Embedded audio (HDMI or HD-SDI)

Audio Output

Tablet 3.5mm headphone jack

Tablet built-in speakers

HDMI embedded with video feed

Sound Level Input

Line level -10dBV

Audio Recording

AAC in MP4 container

Wireless Signal

802.11ac, 5GHz band

Power Input

110-240 VAC

Power Consumption

<60W

Operating Temperature

-10°C to 36°C

Weight/Size

Mk. II*: 21lbs (LxWxH): 22.0" x 14.0" x 9.0"

Mk. III**: 17lbs (LxWxH): 14.9″ x 9.8" x 8.6″

Mk. IV**: 15lbs (LxWxH): 16.7” × 13.4” × 6.8”

*Overhead bin airline approved

**Under-seat airline approved

System Checklists
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Pre-production Checklist:
  • Sterilize server, cases, tablets, batteries, and accessories if they have been used within 72 hours of deployment
  • Server has been wiped of content (or upload previous job to server)
  • Batteries fully charged (2x batteries per tablet)
  • Tablets fully charged (avoid letting them get below 15%)
  • Test HDMI and SDI inputs are working properly by plugging in a camera (for SDI and/or HDMI) or laptop (HDMI)
  • Tablets have been provisioned to the server (via USB port). Tablet provisioning information is available on the About page of the app.
  • Sufficient Ethernet cable footage for the situation for mounting access points. Note: Multiple access points are required to provide signal around concrete or metal walls.
  • Create users from crew list on call sheet if available
  • Indicate to the crew that they are responsible for bringing their own headphones (mini jack or Bluetooth)
    • Post-production checklist:
  • Export production data if required
  • Wipe production data
  • Sterilize kit contents
    • On-location checklist:
  • Secure stable source of AC power (110v, 130w draw)
  • Position the server where the cables from the cameras and the sound cart can reach or the wireless feeds will be strong
  • Ensure that the video source(s) are from the end of the video feed chain (e.g., if a monitor is in the video chain, loop out of the monitor and then into the server)
  • The access point(s) provide coverage to the desired areas:
  • Test by walking around the areas and checking for drops (camera feed NOT required)
  • If the area has crowded WiFi with lots of other wireless devices, turn the system on last

    • Offset Access (server WAN connection):

  • A stable internet connection is required
  • Direct hardwired access to the modem is strongly recommended. Contact us for remote access options
  • The system requires DHCP and outgoing TCP and UDP traffic
  • Captive portals, firewalls, and VPNs can require additional configuration and/or coordination with site IT services
    • Startup Checklist:
  • Turn on the red power button and then blue server button. Reverse order to shutdown.
  • Plug the access point ethernet cable into the patchbay and make sure it has fully powered on (indicated by a solid blue light on the access point) before handing out tablets
  • Power on the tablets and launch the Onset Assistant app
  • Turn the tablet's audio down to avoid audio feedback
  • Insert charged batteries into tablets. Tablets may not charge from batteries if tablet power level drops below 15%

    • Audio:

    If you are unsure about audio source default to XLR audio source.

  • Embedded: If the audio source is embedded in the video signal, go to the Maintenance page, and toggle the A/V Setting to Embedded
    WARNING: If the A/V setting is set to Embedded and no audio is embedded in the video no video signal will be displayed. If this occurs switch the A/V setting to XLR
  • XLR: Plug in a mono audio signal from the sound cart. Go to the Maintenance page, and toggle the A/V Setting to Analog. Line level audio input only

    • Video:

  • Plug in video source into HDMI or SDI per camera feed (A, B, etc)
  • Ensure video feed is HD 1080p signal
  • Ensure the video feed has a LUT applied to normalize the image before reaching the system (if applicable)

    • Internet (offset access only):

  • Plug in an ethernet cable to an open modem jack from the WAN port on the patchbay
    • Training Manual
    Download
    Offset Tablet Guide
    Download
    Quick Start Guide
    Download
    Onset Product Sheet
    Download
    Videos
    Onset Streaming Setup (third-party)

    Set up third-party streaming through Youtube, Google Meets, Zoom, etc.

    Chalkboard Drawing Feature

    Work out your plan during shooting or on prep day so everyone can be on the same page.

    Continuity Feature

    Pull up photos for reference instantly and correct the issue before it becomes a problem.

    Discreet Communication

    Point out issues to your crew in separate channels and turn 10 minute discussion into 10 second decisions.

    Drawing Overlay Feature

    Draw directly over streaming and recorded video to express yourself on critical decisions.

    Metadata Feature

    Make visual notes on recorded clips for future reference.

    Photo Library Feature

    Review Continuity photos that meet your job's needs by accessing the shared repository of images and videos.

    Photo and Drawn Reference

    Plan the shot and save it for all key crew to reference and update in real time.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    What is The Onset Assistant™
    It is a complete technology solution of hardware and software that includes a portable base station server, with custom tablets and access points.
    Does it take long to setup?
    It’s plug and play. Can be set up and running in minutes with minimal training.
    Is training required to use the software?
    The Onset Assistant easy to use and quick to learn. If you are familiar with Android or iOS you'll go from novice to expert in no time.
    What is the wireless range of each access point?
    Each access point has a maximum range of 300ft. They can be daisy chained to extend the range.
    What more can the Onset Assistant™ do?
    • You can draw over an image, live or playback video, or a blank chalkboard space and share with any other user in real time saving the marked-up images for reference.
    • Grab still frames from the camera feeds or from the tablet camera
    • Export still frames, marked-up images, recordings and a matching .csv file of notes.
    • Watermark security on all tablets.
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