Bold shift to vertical is changing how on-set monitoring works—and AJA ROI-SDI is a practical game-changer for social-first campaigns.
As vertical video dominates social platforms, production teams are upgrading workflows to monitor and record both horizontal and vertical formats in real time on set. Freelance cinematographer and camera assistant Nick Eagleston exemplifies this transition, adapting his workflow to keep pace with the move toward vertical content.
To future-proof shoots that demand both formats, Eagleston integrated an AJA ROI-SDI Scan Converter into his kit. This device rotates, crops, and scales a live 16:9 feed into a dedicated 9:16 vertical output, enabling precise on-set preview and capture without guesswork.
The recent sunscreen spray ad campaign featuring makeup influencer Patrick Starrr, directed by Andy Vallentine and shot by cinematographer Nick Ramsey, underscored the ROI-SDI’s value. The project required simultaneous horizontal and vertical captures across a large crew, with frequent content generation for social channels.
Region of Interest and real-time monitoring
ROI-SDI stands for Region of Interest, highlighting its core capability: extract and convert a defined portion of a 3G-SDI input to mirrored 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs. It delivers image scaling, aspect ratio conversion, and audio routing in a compact, portable form factor ideal for busy sets. With 3G-SDI loop-through, reference input, and flexible audio routing via AJA Mini-Config software, it slides into almost any production environment.
“Managing visuals for both formats was one of the toughest parts of the project, but ROI-SDI simplified it,” Eagleston says. “It helped the commercial look right while giving the director, producer, and client confidence in the vertical shots for social distribution.”
Framing for the new normal
The shoot’s first segment focused on a polished, beach-themed sequence for a traditional ad that would also live on social platforms. Influencers created on-set content, with more than 100 participants contributing extensive social-ready footage alongside the main commercial.
Instead of stacking frame lines on a horizontal monitor to gauge social-ready framing, the team used a dedicated 24-inch HD display to deliver a real-time vertical signal. Stakeholders could monitor composition exactly as the final vertical deliverables would look, and a copy could be saved for social use.
“The ROI-SDI was a lifesaver,” notes Eagleston. “It provided a precise vertical feed without guesswork. Frame lines can be distracting, but a full vertical monitor makes the final look clear to everyone.”
Content vertical is king
The workflow was simple and effective: wireless camera output fed a monitor, then SDI into the ROI-SDI. A laptop set exact crop dimensions, after which the laptop was disconnected and the converter mounted behind the vertical monitor. Run on AC power, the system performed reliably throughout the day.
“Vertical is king right now,” Eagleston adds. “On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, framing determines success. ROI-SDI lets us show clients exactly how the final vertical product will appear on set.”
Pricing and availability
The AJA ROI-SDI Scan Converter is priced at $1,295 and available through AJA’s global reseller network.
If you’re coordinating social-first campaigns or want to future-proof your on-set monitoring, ROI-SDI offers a tangible, real-time solution to perfect vertical framing without sacrificing horizontal workflows. Would you consider adopting on-set vertical monitoring in your next shoot, or do you prefer optimizing after the fact in post? Share your thoughts in the comments.
