VILTROX DC-550 Pro 5.5-inch LCD Monitor User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the VILTROX DC-550 Pro 5.5-inch LCD Monitor. This professional director monitor is designed for photography, studio, video, and TV production, offering high brightness, full HD resolution, and advanced monitoring features. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device.

The VILTROX DC-550 Pro monitor, shown with its detachable sunshade, mounted on a camera rig. The screen displays a clear image, demonstrating its high brightness and wide viewing angle.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Key Features

• High Brightness Display: 1200 Nits high-brightness 5.5-inch screen for clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Full HD Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels, 1200:1 contrast ratio, ensuring detailed and accurate image reproduction.
• Wide Viewing Angle: 178° ultra-wide angle design for consistent image quality from different perspectives.
• Professional Monitoring Software: Includes features like Parade waveform, vector graph, brightness histogram, auxiliary focus, audio column, image flip, false color, and more.
• Custom 3D LUTs: Supports importing 3D LUTs via SD card for creative post-production styles and camera Log mode monitoring.
• Image Zoom Function: Touch screen mode allows double-finger drag for detailed viewing; button mode controls image size.
• REC.709 Color Calibration: Built-in 3D LUT for precise color reproduction, adhering to international color standards.
• HDMI Input/Output: HDMI 1.4 signal input and output, supporting up to 4K30HZ (3840x2160) and 4K24HZ (4096x2160).

2.2 Package Contents

Ensure all items are present upon unboxing:

• 1 x VILTROX DC-550 Pro Monitor
• Other accessories (e.g., sunshade, mounting bracket) may be included depending on the specific package.

3. Setup

3.1 Powering the Monitor

The DC-550 Pro monitor can be powered by two methods:

1. Battery Power: Insert a compatible NP-F series battery (NP-F550/F570/F750/F770/F960/F970) into the battery slot on the rear of the monitor. Ensure the battery is securely latched.
2. External Power: Connect a DC 12V-18V / 2A power adapter to the DC power interface, or use a Type-C interface with ≥5V / 3A power supply.

3.2 Connecting to a Camera

Use an HDMI cable to connect your camera or video source to the HDMI 1.4 input port on the monitor. If you need to loop out the signal to another display, connect an HDMI cable from the monitor's HDMI 1.4 output port to the secondary display.

This image demonstrates the monitor's 4K HDMI input and loop-out capabilities. The monitor displays a high-definition image from a camera, and the same signal is shown on a larger external display, highlighting its use in professional video workflows.

3.3 Mounting the Monitor

Attach the monitor to your camera rig or stand using the provided mounting bracket. Ensure the monitor is securely fastened to prevent accidental drops.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Power On/Off

Press and hold the power button (usually located on the side or top) for a few seconds to turn the monitor on or off.

4.2 Menu Navigation

The DC-550 Pro features both touch screen and physical button controls for menu navigation:

• Touch Screen: Tap on screen elements to select options, swipe to navigate menus, and use pinch-to-zoom gestures for image magnification.
• Buttons/Knobs: Use the physical buttons and rotary knob (typically on the side) to navigate through menu options, confirm selections, and adjust parameters.

This visual comparison highlights the operational differences between the DC-550 and DC-550 Pro models. The DC-550 uses physical buttons and knobs for settings, while the DC-550 Pro features a full touch screen interface for intuitive control and detailed viewing.

4.3 Language Settings

If the monitor's menu is not in your preferred language, navigate to the system settings menu (often represented by a gear icon). Locate the 'Language' option and select 'English' or your desired language.

4.4 Professional Monitoring Functions

The DC-550 Pro offers a suite of professional tools accessible through the menu:

• 3D LUT: Import custom 3D LUTs via SD card to apply specific color looks or convert Log footage to Rec.709 for accurate monitoring.
• Parade Waveform: Displays the luminance and chrominance levels of your video signal, aiding in exposure and color balance.
• Vector Graph: Visualizes the color saturation and hue of your video signal.
• Brightness Histogram: Shows the distribution of brightness levels in your image, helping to avoid clipping highlights or crushing shadows.
• Auxiliary Focus (Focus Peaking): Highlights in-focus areas with a colored overlay to assist with critical focusing.
• Audio Column: Displays audio levels to monitor sound input.
• Image Flip: Flips the image horizontally or vertically, useful for various mounting orientations.
• False Color: Uses a spectrum of colors to represent different exposure levels, aiding in precise exposure setting.
• Zoom Function: Magnify parts of the image for critical focus and detail inspection. On the Pro model, use a double-finger touch gesture.

An SD card is being inserted into the monitor, indicating its use for firmware upgrades or importing 3D LUTs. Surrounding the monitor are icons representing its advanced monitoring features, including 3D LUT, audio column, safe area, mark ratio, image flip, full waveform, zoom, gridlines, color temperature, false color, focus peaking, exposure, histogram, vectorscope, and pixel to pixel.

The top part of the image showcases the monitor's sunshade hood, which also protects the screen when folded, and a large control knob for easy adjustments. The bottom part demonstrates the touch screen functionality, allowing for quick zoom in/out and function switching.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Monitor

To clean the screen, use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for electronics. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with a screen cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

5.2 Storage

When not in use, store the monitor in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the sunshade or a protective case to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.

5.3 Firmware Updates

Periodically check the VILTROX official website for firmware updates. Updates can be installed via an SD card, improving performance and adding new features. Follow the instructions provided with the firmware update carefully.

6. Troubleshooting

• Monitor does not power on:
  • Ensure the battery is fully charged and correctly inserted, or the external power adapter is properly connected and supplying adequate power.
  • Check the power button for any damage.
• No signal displayed:
  • Verify that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the camera/source and the monitor.
  • Confirm that the camera/source is outputting a signal and is set to the correct resolution/frame rate compatible with the monitor.
  • Try a different HDMI cable.
• Image is distorted or incorrect colors:
  • Check the monitor's color settings and ensure they are calibrated correctly (e.g., Rec.709).
  • If using 3D LUTs, ensure the correct LUT is applied and is compatible with your footage.
  • Verify the HDMI cable is not damaged.
• Touch screen is unresponsive:
  • Restart the monitor.
  • Ensure the screen is clean and free of debris or moisture.
  • If the issue persists, use the physical buttons for navigation and consider a firmware update.

7. Specifications

The monitor is shown in use, mounted on a camera, displaying a video feed. Below the monitor, a diagram illustrates the Rec.709 color space, emphasizing the monitor's color accuracy and adherence to industry standards.

Two individuals are shown in a studio setting, using the VILTROX monitor as part of their video production setup. The image emphasizes the monitor's professional color adjustment and true color rendering, adhering to the REC.709 international color standard, as further explained by the accompanying color gamut diagram.

8. Warranty and Support

VILTROX products typically come with a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official VILTROX website for detailed warranty terms and conditions. For technical support, service, or inquiries, please contact VILTROX customer service through their official channels.