The 18.4" Sony PVM-X1800 4K HDR Trimaster High-Grade Picture Monitor is an addition to Sony's Grade 2 monitor hierarchy, and it is also designed to replicate the color space of Grade 1 BVM-series monitors, including the popular Trimaster BVM-HX310 color grading master monitor.

The PVM-X1800 features a UHD 4K display resolution and supports 4K and HD signals via four SDI inputs and an HDMI input. It also allows you to create a quad-view of four HD signals for comparison and other purposes. Each signal can have a different EOTF and different LUT applied. An HDR workflow is supported by a 1000 cd/m² brightness and wide color gamut. A wide range of supported HDR EOTFs include 2.4 (HDR), ITU-R BT.2100 (HLG), SMPTE ST2084, S-Log3, and S-Log3 (Live HDR). Other features include built-in scopes, zoom mode, VPID support, and more.

Positioning in Sony Monitor Lineup

The PVM-X1800 monitor falls into Sony's Grade 2 monitor hierarchy, suitable for viewing applications such as on set (DIT cart, video village), on location (in the field or in mobile trucks), and in editing suites or broadcast studios (playback, audio mixing, monitor wall, or machine room).

Color Matching with BVM-Series Monitors

The PVM-X1800 supports a wide color gamut. By design, it replicates the same color space as that of the Grade 1, BVM-series monitors, including the Trimaster BVM-HX310 color grading master monitor. With accurate color reproduction between the two types, content creators can be confident that content viewed on set will be reproduced in the color grading suite. The PVM-X1800 supports both UHD 4K and HD formats, as well as a wide range of HDR EOTFs including 2.4 (HDR), ITU-R BT.2100 (HLG), SMPTE ST2084, S-Log3, and S-Log3 (Live HDR).

Inputs and Outputs

The monitor provides two 12G/6G-SDI and two 3G-SDI inputs in addition to an HDMI input. This enables support for a 4K signal using a single cable. The inputs also support four 3G quad-link inputs for 4K, four independent HD inputs, or four HD signals fed to quad-view display.

Quad-View Display

The PVM-X1800 can be used to display a single UHD 4K or HD picture or can be put into quad-split view mode, enabling the simultaneous display of four independent HD signals. Each signal can have a different EOTF and different LUT applied. The quad-view mode is ideal for comparing different "looks", verifying exposure between cameras, or to monitor four different signals for space-saving convenience.

3D LUT Support

The monitor supports 3D user LUTs in .cube 33x33x33 and 17x17x17 formats. LUT files can be loaded via the USB port located at the front of the monitor. Up to 30 files can be stored. A user LUT can also be applied to signals connected over HDMI.

VPID Support

Video Payload Identifier (VPID) is ancillary data that can be set in the SDI input signal to assist a device to quickly decode the incoming video format. It is part of the SMPTE ST352 standard and is used to identify video format, color encoding, colorimetry, aspect ratio, and other factors. If a signal contains VPID data and the VPID feature is switched on, the PVM-X1800 monitor will automatically detect the flag and set monitor settings such as EOTF, RGB range, color space, and matrix to display the content correctly.

Internal Scopes

The PVM-X1800 provides internal scopes that can be used to measure and verify incoming signals. These include waveform (Luma (Y), RGB parade, YCbCr parade, and RGB overlay), SDR/HDR scales, vectorscope, and audio level meters, and all can be displayed simultaneously. Scope position is also selectable.

New Shallow Menu Structure

The user interface of the monitor has been improved to simplify day-to-day operations. The menu structure is shallower, and the status page now allows changes to be made to settings directly without the need to search within the menu for specific parameters. In addition, user presets can now be named to make identification clearer. For Example, "User 1 Preset" can be assigned an actual name to give it context for easy identification.

Portable and Rack or VESA Mountable

The PVM-X1800 comes standard with a handle and is VESA mount compatible. It also supports the PVMK-RX18 rack mount and PVMK-PX18 protection panel, sold separately. While a power supply is included, the monitor can also be powered via an optional 28V battery connected via a 3-pin interface on the rear.