MINI TESTS
HOLLYLAND MARS M1 ENHANCED £499/$499 hollyland-tech.com
SPECIFICATIONS Display: 14cm/5.5in touchscreen 1920x1080, 16:9 Brightness: 1000 nits Range: 137.2m/450ft with line of sight Wireless video compression: Compressed Timecode: Yes Connections: HDMI in/out, 3G-SDI BNC input, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone Embedded audio: HDMI/SDI Video formats: HDMI 4K/DCI 4K 23.98-30fps, 1080p 23.98- 60fps, 720p 50-60fps. SDI 1080p 23.98-60fps, 1080i and 720p 50-60fps Power: 16v DC or 1x Sony NP-F fit battery Dimensions (wxhxd):
Hollyland’s Mars M1 Enhanced 5.5- inch monitor is the latest addition to its impressive and affordable wireless video system. Serving as a versatile camera-top monitor, it offers essential tools for critical camera viewing through HDMI or SDI connections. Beyond its conventional use, the monitor broadcasts signals, enabling remote viewing on-set – a valuable feature for picky clients or directors monitoring the shoot. Of course, you’ll need some extra kit to receive and view the signal. The most basic is a smartphone, loaded with the latest free Hollyview app on iOS or Android. The Mars M1 Enhanced creates a Wi-Fi network to join, then key in the serial number of the Mars unit and you are good to go. The set-up is quick and effective, with a clear and low-latency mirror image. Another option is to buy a second Mars M1 Enhanced, as they function as both transmitters and receivers. Alternatively, consider pairing it with the existing Mars series like the 400S. The 400S kit includes a compact receiver unit that connects via HDMI or SDI to a monitor, streaming device or TV to allow real-time monitoring. You can use up to three additional
READY FOR HOLLYWOOD All the tools you need are here, plus wireless streaming and power options
152x96x40mm/6x3.8x1.6in Weight without antennae: 400g/0.88lb
receivers to stream to more devices. This makes the Mars M1 Enhanced a great add-on for anyone already using the Mars wireless system. The Mars M1 Enhanced can simultaneously transmit to one receiver and two apps – or a total of four apps without the receiver. While the transmitter’s output signal is 1080/60p, it’s not intended as the primary feed for high-quality post-production recording. However, streaming. You can stream directly from a receiver via a computer using a USB Type C lead. When used as a pair of units, the delay is small but close to real time, making it less than perfect for remote focus pullers. The app has several on-screen it’s adequate for high-quality monitoring, live HD TV or web tools like waveforms, histograms, focus peaking, zebras, false colour and 3D LUTs. It also enables firmware updates for enhanced functionality. With a maximum transmission distance of 137.2m/450ft with a clear line of sight between units, the Mars M1 Enhanced meets the needs of most users, performing admirably even in our built-up test area. A new feature is an instant record/ playback function where the monitor records up to two minutes of video and audio for instant review on-set. Once the monitor is switched off, this video is lost. It’s purely meant to be used for on-set viewing.
“The M1 Enhanced unit offers great value for money” The Mars M1 Enhanced unit is well made and very easy to use, offering a simple but effective menu system. It supports up to DCI 4K/30p video input via HDMI and features an HDMI loop output, in addition to an SDI input that supports multiple broadcast drop-frame frame rates. Power comes from its built-in L-series battery plate or the DC input. It also features a DC power output to power your camera or other gear. The monitor comes with a locking cable to connect to a D-Tap battery. There is an adjustable cooling fan to make it quieter than standard for recording audio, or it can be turned off. Either way, it’s not too loud. Just like the rest of the Mars range, the M1 Enhanced unit offers great value for money, enables easy live streaming and allows clients to watch footage as it’s being recorded. Or it can be used for remote monitoring if your camera is on a gimbal or jib. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 It’s easy to set up and use, and has a bright screen Pros: Affordable and versatile Cons: Doesn’t come with a case
OUT OF THIS WORLD The Mars M1 Enhanced is more than just a monitor
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