ThunderFace 4K Duo USER GUIDE

Introduction

QTAKE is the most advanced software application designed and developed for video assist professionals. It is used to log, capture, playback, edit, and process video output of Digital Cinema Cameras as well as traditional film cameras with a video tap.

ThunderFace 4K Duo, the successor of QOD+, is the ultimate hardware device developed by IN2CORE to provide a superior solution for GPU-driven low-latency video output from QTAKE.

HOW IT WORKS

ThunderFace 4K Duo converts DisplayPort output from graphics card to professional video standard SDI signal. Sophisticated multiplexing provides up to eight 2K/HD or two 4K/UHD channels using a single cable connection to a host computer.

  • SDI connectors 1-8 support HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M), 3G-SDI (SMPTE 424M) formats, 6G-SDI (SMPTE ST 2081) and 12G-SDI (SMPTE ST 2082) formats

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The following are minimum hardware and software system requirements:

  • Mac computer with Apple silicon with USB-C output running OS X 12.3 or later
  • QTAKE Pro version 2.3 or later


QTAKE GUI DESCRIPTION IN THIS USER GUIDE DOES NOT APPLY TO OLDER VERSIONS OF QTAKE!

Hardware

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Video Input:
    • DisplayPort with embedded audio
  • Input formats:
    • UHD - 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/47.952/48/50/59.94/60 fps
    • 2x UHD - 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/47.952/48/50/59.94/60 fps
    • 4K - 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/47.952/48/50/59.94/60 fps
    • 2x 4K - 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/47.952/48/50/59.94/60 fps
  • Video Output:
    • 8x BNC (75 Ohm impedance) with the following configurations:
      • 2x 12G-SDI - SDI 1 & SDI 5
      • 1x 12G-SDI + 4x 3G-SDI - SDI 1 & SDI 5-8
      • 8x 3G-SDI - SDI 1-8
      • 1x 12G-SDI - SDI 1
      • 4x 3G-SDI - SDI 1-4
  • Reference Input:
    • Genlock Input via Mini BNC connector
  • Audio Input/Output:
    • DisplayPort embedded audio, up to 8 channels
    • 3.5mm audio jack (TRRRS) with the following configurations:
      • 2x balanced output
      • 2x balanced input
      • 1x balanced output + 1x balanced input
  • Control
    • Fully integrated with QTAKE Pro Video Assist software
  • Data Ports
    • DisplayPort (USB-C type) for connecting to a host computer
    • USB-C for connecting external USB devices
  • Dimensions:
    • 172mm x 143mm x 40mm (6.77” x 5.63” x 1.57”)
    • Weight: 1.5kg (3.31lb)
    • 2x M4 mounting hole (bottom side)
    • multi-color Status LED
  • Power:
    • USB-C connector with PD support
    • 100W USB-C PD power supply included (100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz)

The approved power supply is supplied with the product.
In case of damage or other power-related issues contact IN2CORE support.

FEATURES

  • Single cable connection to Mac
  • Zero-latency processing 1
  • DisplayPort input with embedded audio
  • Reference input for genlocked output
  • Balanced analog audio input
  • Two 4K/UHD or eight 2K/HD SDI output
  • Interlaced, progressive, or PsF output
  • Up to 60fps in all formats
  • SDI embedded audio
  • SDI embedded timecode
  • HDR and Dolby Vision metadata support
  • USB control directly from QTAKE software
  • Future-proof design upgradable by firmware
  • Ultra-quiet, user-replaceable fan
1. Since the processing capabilities of today's monitors have their limits, to achieve zero latency, the GUI display's frequency is set to match or to be a multiple of ThunderFace fps when its resolution is set. If this automatic operation fails, you will get a pop-up message. Make sure to set ThunderFace fps to match the video input signal.

Let's assume your input video signal is 1080p25fps. Set ThunderFace's required resolution to 25fps and your GUI display will be set to 50Hz automatically.

ThunderFace HDR OUTPUT

ThunderFace supports High Dynamic Range output. SDI Monitors with HDR payload detection will correctly set the colorspace and other HDR metadata when connected to ThunderFace.

BOX CONTENTS

ThunderFace package includes:

  • ThunderFace 4K Duo
  • Power adapter
  • USB-C to USB-C power cable
  • USB-C to USB-C data cable

ThunderFace 4K Duo vs. QOD+ Comparison

 
ThunderFace 4K Duo
QOD+
Single cable connection to Mac Yes -
Charges host computer Yes -
SDI outputs 8 4
Independent formats - 1 Yes
Processing latency Zero 1 frame 2
DisplayPort input with embedded audio Yes Yes
Reference input for genlocked output Mini BNC BNC
Analog audio input Balanced 2-channel analog audio input Unbalanced 2-channel analog audio input
Outputs Two 4K/UHD or eight 2K/HD SDI Four HD SDI
Interlaced, progressive, or PsF output Yes Yes
Up to 60fps in all formats Yes Yes
SDI embedded audio Yes Yes
SDI embedded timecode Yes Yes
HDR and Dolby Vision® metadata support Yes -
USB control directly from QTAKE software Yes Yes
Future-proof design upgradable by firmware Yes Yes
Fan Ultra-quiet, user-replaceable fan -
DIP switch control for standalone operation - Yes
Dimensions 172 x 143 x 40mm (6,77 x 5,63 x 1,57") 117 x 168 x 43mm (4.6 x 6.6 x 1.7")
Weight 1500g (3.31lb) 780g (1.72lb)
Power supply 100W USB-C PD 24W barrel

1. Will be available with future firmware update.
2. Output latency is 2 frames when using pulldown removal.

ThunderFace Installation

General Installation

ThunderFace installation requires a few simple steps:

  1. Connect the Data cable to the Computer icon USB-C port on the ThunderFace and connect the other end to a USB-C port on your Mac
  2. Connect the Power cable to the port labeled POWER on the ThunderFace and the other end to the power adapter and power socket
  3. ThunderFace LED will turn green when the proper resolution is locked.
  4. Start QTAKE Pro

Data and Power cables are not interchangeable. Both cables are marked on each end, make sure to use the appropriate cables in order per the instructions above.

ThunderFace Status

The RGB LED light indicates the ThunderFace operational state:

  • Amber - steady - device is powered up, waiting for input signal
  • Green - steady - device is locked to input signal
  • White - steady - device is overheated and needs to be cooled down and power-cycled
  • Purple - flashing - low power, power adapter is damaged, or unsupported power adapter is used

Operation

GENERAL OPERATION

When ThunderFace is plugged into the USB-C port of your Mac, macOS will detect it as an external monitor. You can verify that macOS has detected your ThunderFace in System Preferences -> Displays.

WARNING
When handling ThunderFace 4K Duo, ensure the device is powered off by disconnecting the power cord first. This step prevents internal shortages when connecting or disconnecting USB-C input and SDI output cables.

QTAKE USB CONTROL

QTAKE controls the ThunderFace operation via the Data cable connection. You can change ThunderFace settings in the TF & QOD toolbar of the FILE room.
The TF & QOD toolbar displays the following information:

Device Selector

When using two ThunderFaces or ThunderFace in combination with QOD+, the DEVICE Selector lets you choose the unit the TF & QOD toolbar controls. If only one unit is connected to a Mac, the selector is grayed out. If multiple units are detected, the selector is enabled.

TF RESOLUTION

ThunderFace current input resolution.

Since today’s monitors’ processing capabilities are limited, to achieve zero latency, the GUI display’s frequency is set to match or be a multiple of ThunderFace fps when its resolution is set. If this automatic operation fails, you will get a pop-up message. Make sure to set ThunderFace fps to match the video input signal.

Let’s assume your input video signal is 1080p25fps. Set ThunderFace’s required resolution to 25fps and your GUI display will be set to 50Hz automatically.

Since macOS Night Shift and True Tone features affect GPU output, these are automatically disabled on QTAKE startup if ThunderFace or QOD are connected to prevent color differences.

To change the resolution, click the TF RESOLUTION area. In the pop-up window, choose between 4 CHANNELS or 8 CHANNELS operations.

In 4 CHANNELS operation, only OUTPUTS 1 - 4 are available, while 5 - 8 are blacked out. Use the GPU OUT toolbar to switch between the following SDI outputs:
  • 1x 4K (UHD)
  • 4x 2K (HD)
 In 8 CHANNELS operation, all eight OUTPUTs are available. Use the GPU OUT toolbar to switch between the following SDI outputs:
  • 2x 4K (UHD)
  • Combination of 4K + 4x 2K (UHD + 4x HD)
  • 8x 2K (8x HD)

The FORMAT selector switches between UHD and 4K DCI formats.

Choose FPS to finish the resolution setting.

If you change the current resolution and confirm it by clicking the OK button, the TF RESOLUTION label changes to Setting… until the operation is successfully completed. During this time, the Resolution selector is disabled.

TF AUDIO

This button controls the audio input and embedded audio output. Your options are:

  • DP - All SDI outputs utilize all eight available audio channels from the DisplayPort input.
  • Audio In - Embedded analog line audio input in all SDI outputs.

MUTE

Mutes the audio output if DisplayPort audio is selected. Otherwise, the button is disabled.

AUDIO LEVEL

Adjusts the audio level output if DisplayPort audio is selected. Otherwise, the input field is disabled.

TEMPERATURE

ThunderFace internal temperature. ThunderFace will shut down FPGA if the internal temperature reaches 85 Celsius to prevent internal component damage. The LED will change light to steady white to indicate overheating. The device needs to cool down and be power-cycled.

FAN SPEED

The following fan speed options are available:

  • Auto - Automatically sets the Silent fan speed while recording and hardware-based automatic fan speed while not recording.
  • Silent
  • Low
  • Medium
  • Fast

SERIAL NUMBER

ThunderFace serial number.

TEST PATTERN

This feature overrides the GPU OUT output with Test pattern color bars. You can find this feature useful before shooting, when preparing the setup, to test the ThunderFace operation. Depending on the TF RESOLUTION, the color bars will be output to all GPU OUTs.
There are two options:

  • 75% Bars
  • 100% Bars

UPDATE FIRMWARE

ThunderFace contains a programmable chip that you can upgrade to apply bug fixes or additional functionality. It is bundled with the latest firmware binary. Do not attempt to downgrade the ThunderFace by updating the firmware from an older version of QTAKE.

The update process is simple:
While ThunderFace is connected
* Navigate to the TF & QOD toolbar and click UPDATE FIRMWARE button.
* After successful completion of the process, quit QTAKE.
* Power-cycle ThunderFace.
* Launch QTAKE.

RESET

This button performs a soft reset.

GPU OUT SETTINGS

The GPU OUT window controls all output channels.

You can set each GPU OUT to a different LAYOUT MODE.

  • AUTO Output layout follows the operator screen
  • SINGLE Outputs the selected View in fullscreen
  • DUAL Outputs two Views on a single output
  • TRIPLE Outputs three Views
  • QUAD Outputs four Views
  • 3D Outputs stereoscopic output
  • OCTA Outputs eight Views
  • 3x3 Outputs 3x3 Views grid

When you set the layout mode to output multiple Views (DUAL, TRIPLE, …) you can set the content of each section independently. The BORDER value determines how much space is added between the Views. In the TRIPLE or QUAD View, you have the option of setting the ASYMMETRIC layout mode. One View occupies the majority of the screen space, allowing you to focus on a single View while still displaying the other Views.

When GPU OUT is set to the 3D layout, you can also set the 3D OUTPUT MODE to match the 3D input format that your monitor expects. SINGLE EYE OUTPUT enables viewing of a single eye on a 3D monitor.

3D Stereoscopic video output
3D Output can be used with 3D monitors that support side-by-side, line-by-line or DLP mesh input. QTAKE will ensure both video channels (left and right eye) are in sync in LIVE, RECORD, or PLAYBACK mode. Use RECORD SYNC for recording and PLAY SYNC for playback. Enable CLIP SYNC for synchronized browsing of left and right eye clips.

If you need to render out combined a 3D frame, you need to use STEREO toolbar in the COMPOSITE Room instead of the 3D video output.

ORIENTATION
Allows you to maximize the screen space available to display video by rotating the sections 90 degrees clockwise, counterclockwise, or 180 degrees. This requires you to also mount the output monitor accordingly. In case orientation is set, the GPU OUT toolbar will have the letter “R” next to the respective output number.

SDI OUTPUT MODE

ThunderFace device has eight 12G-SDI connectors. Depending on the ThunderFace resolution, it can be configured as follows:

  • ThunderFace resolution: 2x 4K/UHD
    • 2x 4K/UHD output via SDI connectors 1 and 5 (connectors 2 - 4 mirror output connector 1, and connectors 6 - 8 mirror output connector 5)
    • 1x 4K/UHD output via SDI connector 1 and 4x 2K/HD via SDI connectors 5 - 8 (connectors 2 - 4 mirror output connector 1)
    • 8x 2K/HD via SDI connectors 1 - 8
  • ThunderFace resolution: 1x 4K/UHD
    • 1x 4K/UHD output via SDI connectors 1 (connectors 2 - 4 mirror output connector 1, and connectors 5 - 8 no output)
    • 4x 2K/HD via SDI connectors 1 - 4 (connectors 5 - 8 no output)

FULL AREA MODE

FULL AREA selector determines the layout distribution of the Views. By default, the selector is set to NO distributing the Views from the center of the screen. If you set it to YES, Views will be distributed to cover the whole screen, which may create gaps between the Views. The effects of this selector are most apparent when changing orientation to 90 degrees or using the ANAMORPHIC option.

HDR MODE

To read more about QTAKE SDI HDR output, refer to this section of the QTAKE Pro User guide.

  • HDR10 - The default HDR mode.
  • Dolby Vision® Meta - Adds Dolby Vision metadata with SDI signal that can be read by compatible devices (e.g. eCMU, another QTAKE system).
  • Dolby Vision® iCMU - Applies iCMU for SDI output. This mode does not require an HDR monitor.

SAVE BUTTON

The button allows you to save the current GPU OUT configuration as the default setting. Once saved, this configuration becomes the preset for all new projects, eliminating the need to manually configure GPU OUT settings each time.

This function streamlines your workflow by automatically loading your preferred GPU OUT configuration whenever you initiate a new project, ensuring efficiency and consistency.

ThunderFace PREFERENCES

These QTAKE preferences are relevant to the operation of ThunderFace 4K Duo. Use the PREFERENCES button in the INFO menu to open the window with preferences and set the required options.

Alternatively, you can use the Text Edit application to edit the content of the preference file. QTAKE preferences file resides in the [System volume]/Users/[User name]/Library/Application Support/com.in2core.QtakePro/Prefs folder. If you delete this file, QTAKE will recreate one with the default settings. Changes will take effect next time QTAKE starts.

GPU group

Enable GPU Output
Set to =1 to enable QTAKE graphics card output. Essential for QOD+ operation.

Full Range Video
Set this to =1 to enable full range video processing. Default value (=0) uses SMPTE levels (legal range).

Legal Range GPU Output
Set to =1 to enable legal range GPU output.

QOD GPU Vendor
Sets the manufacturer of the host GPU to ensure QOD+ compatibility. =0 equals automatic detection (recommended), =1 AMD, =2 NVIDIA, =3 Intel.

GUI group

GPU Out 1 Label=GPU-OUT 1
GPU Out 2 Label=GPU-OUT 2
GPU Out 3 Label=GPU-OUT 3
GPU Out 4 Label=GPU-OUT 4
Use this setting to edit the GPU-OUT label in the VIEW toolbar (i.e. DIRECTOR, CLIENT).

TROUBLESHOOTING

If macOS or QTAKE does not detect the ThunderFace 4K Duo, use the following steps to reset it:

  1. Quit QTAKE
  2. Power off ThunderFace 4K Duo
  3. Power on ThunderFace 4K Duo
  4. Start QTAKE

SUPPORT

Need help? For technical inquiries and support, please contact our support.

Important Safety Instructions

  • Carefully read and follow all instructions and keep them for future reference.
  • Do not use this device with water.
  • Clean only with a dry cloth.
  • Do not use this device with any heat sources or near fire.
  • Protect all cables.
  • Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. * Servicing is required when the device has been damaged in any way, either by physical or electrical means.
  • This product uses semiconductors that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). When handling, care must be taken so that the device is not damaged. Damage due to inappropriate handling is not covered by the warranty.

Disposal Information

ThunderFace 4K Duo shall be disposed of separately from household waste. When it reaches its end of life, take it to a collection point designated by local authorities. Separate collection and recycling at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that ThunderFace 4K Duo is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about electronic and electrical waste equipment that will ensure the safety of human health and environment disposal, recovery, and collection points, please contact your local city center, household waste disposal service, reseller, or manufacturer of the equipment.

COMPLIANCE

If for import of ThunderFace to or its operation within any country other than Slovakia, it is required to fulfill additional legal requirements than those provided by the manufacturer herein, you agree to obtain all permissions and for legal compliance.

ThunderFace 4K Duo is a trademark of IN2CORE s.r.o.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.