Nebtek's new 5.6" DLSR savior

Nebtek has been specializing in tools that make AC's and camera operator's jobs easier.  So their new 5.6" monitor is a hero for one specific reason: a built-in HDMI to SDI crossconverter.  Anyone who has dealt with long cable runs or multiple monitoring with DSLR's know the pain of having to split and amplify HDMI.  Doing the same with an HD-SDI is significantly simpler in that regard.  It's also built like a tank, with a metal housing and 1/4"-20 on all sides.  It is still well in prototyping so forgive the hand-written stickers.

In the back, connections include HD-SDI in/out, component (the RCA connectors) and composite in/out.  Power options also have interchangable battery plates for all the popular DV-type options.  They are discussing an option to use Canon's DSLR E6 batteries, but it'll have to use two simultaneously.  On the right, there's also options for a 2.5 AC plug, or a 2-pin LEMO (or Fisher, I can't remember).  Price points will be somewhere in the $1500-2000 range, right where a professional monitor with a built-in crossconverter should be.

HDMI - HDSDI crossconverter

Not pictured is a separate HDMI to SDI crossconverter.  Essentially it's a rehoused Blackmagic mini converter, with a permanently attached Nebtek DV battery plate and hotshoe.  The advantage is the unit is more compact and solidly built, and the battery plate's wire is now internal.  The AC connector is still on the box for a wall option.  Nebtek is offering a rehousing if you already own the converter.

Director's Monitor

Lastly is their director's monitor, based off of oldschool UHF wireless video systems.  The handle bracket is unique, and the monitor pictured is powered off of DV batteries in the back.  Runtime on a full Sony L battery is somewhere between 2.5 to 4 hours.  It isn't as cheap as a consumer monitor off the street, but they are becoming extremely rare following the FCC shutdown of analog TV broadcasts.  The signal on the monitor is being broadcasted by a very small transmitter at Nebtek, but is not available for sale, only rent.  If your signal broadcaster dies, it might just be time to go HD.