Spark Production Update — We're Still Here, Still Shipping

Spark Series
1

Hey Pixboomers,

Time for another update — keeping the same rhythm as before, no fluff, just the real stuff.

Spark is currently in production. Things are moving, and here’s what you can expect:

  • Confirmation emails will start going out in about two weeks — so keep an eye on your inbox.

  • Shipments via DHL air freight are planned to go out around end of August, reaching backers up through approximately #340.

  • All remaining backers and pre-order customers — you’re not forgotten. We’re planning to fulfill every single order through October.

We know waiting is hard, and we appreciate your patience more than we can say. The team is heads-down making sure each unit going out meets the bar we’ve set for ourselves.

On the software side — we’ve been busy.

We’ve also been pushing firmware forward in parallel. This update is built directly on feedback from Pixboomers who’ve been using, testing, and pushing Spark in real workflows. You can grab the latest here:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: https://www.pixboom.com/Downloads/#pixboom-firmware/universal

Here’s what’s in this release:

  • Expanded SDI Output Frame Rate Support
    We’ve added support for more integer output frame rates: 24, 25, 48, and 50 fps. Fractional frame rates are on the roadmap and will be added in a future release.

  • New File Naming System
    One of the most requested updates from Pixboomers. The new system supports custom camera index and reel number, with filenames that increment automatically. No more fighting the naming system when organizing your footage.

  • New Buffer Recording Mode
    In addition to normal continuous recording and pre-recording, we’ve added Buffer Mode. Spark continuously records into memory in a loop — when you stop recording, the buffered footage can be saved directly to the SSD. Less unnecessary storage use, and you’ll never miss the moment that matters.

  • Playback Page Enhancements
    Playback has been a key focus. You can now use the control wheel to fast-forward or rewind, or step frame by frame while paused. We’ve also added more detailed clip information on the playback page. We’ve seen all the feedback and suggestions in the software pinned post — keep them coming, we’ll keep improving.

  • Improved Page Navigation
    The three physical side buttons now provide smoother navigation between pages. Small change, better flow — exactly the kind of thing that makes Spark feel better in daily use.

  • New UART Control Commands
    New UART control commands have been added. Detailed documentation will be available soon in the Downloads section.

  • Other Known Issues Fixed
    This includes several smaller bug fixes, as well as a fix for the subtle horizontal edge stripes that a small number of Pixboomers reported in the previous SDI firmware under certain resolution and ISO combinations.

What’s next on the firmware side? Remote control features. More on that soon.

We know waiting is hard, and we appreciate your patience more than we can say. The team is heads-down making sure every unit going out meets the bar we’ve set for ourselves.

More updates to come as we get closer. As always — we’re here, we’re talking to you directly, and we’re not going anywhere.

— Jing & the Pixboom Team :orange_heart:

1 Like
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I was honestly waiting to receive an email about the address confirmation today, because that’s what you promised me. I’m a supporter of 252 and despite the promise, another promise in two weeks. Another disappointment in a row.

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Hey, you’re right — we missed that, and I’m sorry. No excuses.

As Backer 252, confirmation emails are going out in two weeks, with DHL shipments following around end of August. You’re in the next wave.

The latest firmware is also the most stable yet — your Spark will be in a good place when it arrives. Thank you for still being here.

5

Can you be honest with what’s going on ?

On the 27th of July you text me “However, based on the latest production schedule, the next batch is expected to be completed around August 7th” We are the 10th now and you are adding 2 weeks delay. 

You raised over 3 millions dollars through the kickstarter 10 months ago, first camera were shipped mid may we are now mid august you didn’t even completed the 300. 

What’s happening, what is not working in the process, just be transparent 

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6

I’m backer #359, so happy to hear on the last update that 120 are planned for the next delivery, meaning will cover until backer #360 … and now will be only until backer #340 in 2 weeks … patience is turning into disappointment …

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8

Can you share with us the reason why the goal for the last update didn’t happen as far as cameras that were supposed to be shipped. Feels like a very few if not none were shipped and now the next shipment is scheduled for the end of the month.

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Hi There,

That’s a fair question.After the last batch went out, we got feedback from users about some issues. So this time, we tightened up our production and QC process to make sure things are right before they leave our hands — that took longer than expected.

We know the wait hasn’t been easy, and we really appreciate your patience. Next shipment is on track for end of the month.

10

Hi There,

After the last batch went out, we got feedback from users about some issues. So this time, we tightened up our production and QC process to make sure things are right before they leave our hands — that took longer than expected.

We know the wait hasn’t been easy, and we really appreciate your patience. Next shipment is on track for end of the month.

11

Nice to hear any quality issues are taken seriously and hopefully corrected for the remaining units. I’d rather wait some more weeks, than running into problems with any issues.

Though it´s obviously hard to wait after nearly a year and see many units arriving at rentals and operators. My clients are already asking about the Spark - thankfully I still have my Ember and can do most jobs, but I hope to switch to the Spark soon. Are there any estimates about when the next batch after #340 will be shipped? I´m #393 - so I´m hoping for a September timeframe - not October…