The COMPACT dit station

MK V Pre-ORDERS NOW CLOSED

Supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macbook Pro laptops

Upgrade Innovations and Chromatic Pictures are excited to bring you the DIT BOX MkIV the latest HD mobile live grading station in a small form factor. We worked hard to bring you a box that holds all the essential components that DIT’s require for live grading and monitoring Feature, Episodic and commercial productions.

Our MkIII+IV DIT boxes have been used all over the world on a great range of productions from “Here”, The Last of Us, Peace Maker, Aquaman 2, Furiosa, and many more.

 

What is DIT BOX?

The primary goal of DIT BOX is to fit all the essential live grading tools for up to 4 cameras all in a case that can easily be packed into remote locations. The DIT BOX utilizes the light weight Pelican Air 1535 case. The case is modified on the backside to accommodate Neutrik D-Series connectors and a 120mm fan. The DIT BOX has a pull out machined aluminum frame that helps keep mounted electronics cooler and allows for easy access when service is needed.

The secondary goal of DIT BOX is to have the freedom of powering the box off either AC or DC for maximum freedom! When using the CalDigit TS4+ or TS3+ and a 5x Ethernet Switch this allows for control of all internal devices via the Macbook Pro’s single Thunderbolt 3 port. The TS4+ also allows for up to 98 Watts of on-board charging for M1/M2 Apple laptops.


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DIT BOX MKIV OPERATION AND INSTALL GUIDES

DIT BOX MKIV OPERATION MANUAL(Update May.2.23): Please read the operation manual for how to install your components and cable bundles. The manual also included screws sizes, operational information, dimensions and shipping weight. Also for our users that purchased the BNC bundle a handy guide on how to install the BNC cables and setups for the KUMO 3232, Live Grade Studio and Stream Deck XL controls.

IMPORTANT: ALL USERS OF DIT BOX MUST READ THE “DIT BOX READ ME BEFORE OPERATING! PDF”.

If you purchased the BNC cable option with DIT BOX please refer to this install guide along with the Operation Manual for cable installation. *Note that the Live Grade Studio and Stream deck steps will be uploaded by February 10th 2023 along with the setup files. Sorry for the delay on this.

If your using a Capture card other then the Black Magic Deck Link Duo 2 or Quad 2 please refer to the SE-1 compatibility guide.

Download the Live Grade Studio setup profile to automatically setup BOX IO LUT boxes in LUT slots and to add KUMO video routing.

Download the Stream deck setup profile that gains access to routing, macro and Live Grade shortcuts.


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Whats New with DIT BOX MkV

BIT BOX INTERGRATION

We added the option to power and plug your ethernet right into Bit Box to get direct camera control into your DIT BOX!

Cal Digit TS-4 Quick Release

Now you can more easily check cables, or plug a new device in without pulling your DIT BOX apart. (Does NOT work with the TS-3)

2 Pin Lemo panel mount add on

If you want to add some 2 pin Lemo out’s to the back of your box in place of some BNC connectors this is now a option! Also suitable for anyone using the Neutrik D-series panels in your own cart.

 

STEP 1: Review the Pre order PDF

DIT BOX MKV 2024 PRICES

OPTION 1 DIT BOX MKV (With video cables):

$8,640.00 USD / $11,520.00 CAD

This includes all the bnc cables, power cables for your DIT BOX build minus the optional capture card cables and add on BOX IO.

*See PRE ORDER PDF for details.

OPTION 2 DIT BOX LIMITED (without BNC CABLE):

$6,945.00 USD / $9,260.00 CAD

This version includes power but does NOT include BNC cables and is intended for those that want to do a custom video layout.

*See PRE ORDER PDF for details.

NEW! OPTION 3 DIT BOX BASE (BUILD YOUR OWN setup):

$2,670.00 USD / $3,560.00 CAD

This is for those that want to DIY or use the basic DIT BOX frame for other uses like VTR, Data, lighting control and so on. We also offer a number of add on’s to complete your DIY build.

*See PRE ORDER PDF for details.

DIT BOX BASE

For all those DIY users that wither want to build it the way you want it or for users that don’t want to build it for DIT uses we now have a option from you. And you can still pick and choose what extra add on’s you want to get to build out your build!

CURRENT DIT BOX USERS upgrade options:

We are also offering some upgrade paths for those with earlier version of the DIT BOX. Please contact us for more information.

*Go directly to the Pre-order forum.

 

STEP 2: Fill out Pre-Order forum


Mk V PRE ORDER WINDOW:

PRE-ORDERS BEGINE November 5th 2024 @ 10AM PST:

-During this time please fill out the pre-order forum and we will get in touch with you to take your deposit.

-Once we reach our minimum unit pre-order quantity we will start taking non refundable deposit based on what you would like to order. Deposits are included in the pre order PDF.

PRE ORDERS CLOSED November 20th 2024 @ 6PM PST:

-The non-refundable deposits are due at this time to confirm your DIT BOX Mk V order.

Production Schedule:

>November 25th - December 6th 2024

-Order all components needed for DIT BOX from our manufacturing partners.

>December 9th 2024 - March 7th 2025

-Manufacturing time frame

>December 21st 2024 - January 5th 2025

-Christmas and New Years Hiatus

>March 10th 2025 - March 14th 2025

-Components start arriving at upgrade innovations and assembly and testing begin.

>March 17th 2025 - March 28th 2025

-Final assembly and packaging of DIT BOX units for shipping.

>April 1 2025 - April 18th 2025

DIT BOX MkV units shipping

optional ADD ONS

Be sure to read all the extra add on option’s in the Pre-ORDER PDF:

-We have a fair number of optional add on’s especially for the new Base DIY model of DIT BOX Mk V.

*See PRE ORDER PDF above for details.

For more items to accessorize your DIT box visit the link below.


proudly Made in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada!

It’s true we design and fabricate all the custom parts here in British Columbia!

DIT BOX IS DESIGNED TO HOLD

  • KUMO 3232 or 1616

  • Decimator DMON-QUAD

  • 2 x Flanders Scientific BOX IO*

  • New Integrated Sonnett Echo Express SE I PCIe enclosure to hold a capture card of your choice+

  • Caldigit TS3+ or TS4+ (Now with easier to remove release plate)

  • Apple Macbook Pro with at least 1 open Thunderbolt 3/4 port.

  • New external Bit Box mount and power option!

*Optional 3rd BOX IO may be added.

SITE DISCLAIMER: See supported card types below. **Also note all photos are of the Mk IV prototype. Some parts will be slightly different then photographed. Some images indicate the old voltage range. Some prototype parts are shown un anodized. Also shown with the CalDigitTS3+ installed.

The same I/O as most DIT carts in a small case

-DIT BOX comes with 21 rear HD-SDI Neutrik D-Mount connectors for easy access.

-4 tail BNC cable for feeding a external recording monitor.

-1 tail BNC cable for external recording monitor return

-1 tail BNC for external waveform

-1 tail BNC for a device of your choice

-1 RJ45 Ethernet jack for external network interface

-1 Primary 24volt power input with a fail over 2nd connector

 

6 total mounting points (1 more then the Ml IV)

  • 2 located around the laptop mounting tray

  • 1 on the right side of the pelican case

  • 1 on the left side of the pelican case

  • 2 on the front left and right corners of the pelican case

Make use of Arri 3/8-16 and SmallHD 1/4-20 Pin-Loc mounting patterns on the side and front cheese-plates, as well as the Laptop tray for attaching Upgrade Innovations Rudy Arms, and/or the Wedgie 2 for quick release solutions.

 

UPDATED 24 VOLT DC power system with increased power

-Dual 24volt input’s for seamless power swapping. Accepts voltages from 21-34volts. This supports the new Arri B-Mount batteries and Core Helix batteries.

-Regulated 20volt side powers either the CalDigit TS4+ or TS3+ to power your Macbook Pro laptop and to interface with the components via USB and the RJ45 network connector.

-Regulated 12volt power distribution system powers up to 10 devices via 2pin Lemo 0B ports. Total shared load is 12 Amps (144Wats).

UPDATED power fail over

When using the power supply

For most users using the included 350watt power supply will allow you to run your DIT BOX for most uses. Plugging this into the Primary red input allows for the 2nd secondary port to be used as a fail over when a battery is plugged into this port.

When using batteries* (21-34volts)

Once two batteries are plugged into the DIT BOX the primary power plug will drain then swap to the secondary input. When a fresh battery is plugged into the primary input, power will then continue to use the primary input. Voltage will switch at about 21 volts. *If your using onboard batteries, please be sure to use batteries that can support a minimum of 200 watts for average use. It is recommended to gang two 150watt hour onboard batteries together to allow for decent run time. Block batteries with a watt output of 300watts or more are recommended.

New updated power supply and new mounting bracket

(INCLUDED)

With the new 350Watt power supply we are now providing a mounting bracket to keep your power supply off the ground. This makes DIT box even easier to move to your next location.

New updated Fan controller

(INCLUDED)

Now controls both rear 120mmm fan and DC distribution box fan with finer control from 20% to 100%. This control is also combined with the DIT box power controls. Additionally the Sonnet enclosures fan has been re-positioned to help with airflow. This update will help keep the internals of the DIT box cooler in hotter conditions.

New Custom Sonnett Express SE I installed

(INCLUDED)

Now you can add most single lane capture cards to the DIT BOX including the popular Black Magic DeckLink Quad 2 for 8 channels of HD video I/O or a DeckLink Duo 2 card for 4 channels of HD video I/O.

Please refer to the Sonnett compatibility PDF linked below. Please also note that the daughter board has been removed so ONLY single slot capture cards are supported. Also note that we have tested the Black Magic Deck Link Duo and Duo 2 cards in the enclosure and they work as expected with up to 24/25fps 1080P video for up to 4 inputs and 4 outputs at the same time.

Now supports the CalDigit TS4+

(NOT INCLUDED)

-Adds Thunderbolt 4 support

-Additional I/O

-Additional charging power for Apple silicon laptops

-CalDigit TS3+ is still supported.

add 2 BOX IO’s or a 3rd with a optional add on

(NOT INCLUDED)

Live grade up to 4 cameras with 2 BOX IO boxes from Flanders Scientific. Add 2 more camera feeds with a optional 3rd BOX IO. For HD HDR workflows run with 2 box IO’s for full 3 cube Tetrahedral colour.

 

supportS AJA KUMO 3232 or KUMO 1616

(NOT INCLUDED)

The KUMO is a perfect fit for the DIT BOX and allows for up to 32 in and 32 out HD signals. Use the built in WEB GUI for signal control, or live grade studios built in software controls or add on a Stream deck for physical assignable buttons.

Add a Decimator DMON-QUAD for SDI multi view

(NOT INCLUDED)

Allow for multi view on your chart or client monitors

New DIT BOX tangent ripple accessory

(optional add on)

For those that like to use colour wheels, even on the road, we now offer a slip on Tangent Ripple mounting surface. No tools needed and installs in seconds. Also a useful spot for your script sides.

 

specifications

-Runs on 24volt DC power (Operation range 21-34volts)

-20Volt Regulated output Charges MacBook Pro up to 86 watts via TS3+ and 98 watts via TS4+

-12volt Regulated outputs support up to 3amps (12amps combined power on all 12volt ports)

-Customized Sonnet Express SE I PCIe enclosure intended for a wide range of capture cards. See supported cards PDF linked above.

-Power distribution box now includes an enhanced fan controller for more air flow.

-21 rear BNC connectors

-2 24volt inputs

-1 rear RJ45 ethernet jack

-Supports 4 camera live grading (6 with optional extra BOX IO)

-2 front mounting plates for accessories like iris control mounts or an alternate point for mounting monitors

-1 right side mounting plate for small external monitors

-2 top laptop mounting tray arri 3/8-16 mounting mounts for small external monitors or waveforms.

More questions? give us a email

FAQ

DIT BOX Pre Order Information:

The DIT BOX system is available ONLY via preorder during designated ordering windows.

The estimated build time for the DIT BOX system is about 16 weeks from the closing date of pre orders. The extra lead time is due to materials delays with our manufacturing partners.

How Do I Pre Order?
Fill out the form via the link above or email ditbox@upgradeinnovations.com designating which DIT BOX option you are interested in. We require a minimum order number to turn on the machines to make DIT BOX MkV. Upon confirmation, Upgrade Innovations will contact you to provide a invoice link for the listed non-refundable deposit to confirm your order.

Shipping?

The DIT BOX will ship via DHL to the USA and other international countries. Within Canada, the DIT BOX will ship via FedEx. Shipping charges will be applied to the final invoice. Orders shipped outside of Canada are subject to import duties, taxes, and customs processing fees.

General Technical Support:

Chris Bolton – Electrical Technical Support

Darrel Voser: Mechanical Component Support

Please email: ditbox@upgradeinnovations.com

DIT BOX Accessories:

If you’re looking to purchase additional accessories, check out the DIT BOX Product Category page.

Electrical and Video Accessories:

If you’re looking to purchase a stand alone power supply please contact upgrade innovations for further information.

 

Check out some proto type photos below!

Follow us on Instagram @dit_box