Blackmagic’s new UltraStudio Mini 12G portable Thunderbolt 4 capture and playback devices support diverse live recording, replay and monitoring workflows for broadcasters.
Blackmagic Design’s new UltraStudio Mini 12G family of Thunderbolt capture and playback devices support a range of recording, replay and monitoring workflows for broadcasters. It comprises three models. The UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G model plays back to 12G-SDI and HDMI, and the UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G model captures from 12G-SDI and HDMI.
The UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G model supports both 12G-SDI capture and playback, as well as a dedicated 12G-SDI monitoring output. This model supports the live action replay features in DaVinci Resolve 20. All models are compatible with SD, HD and Ultra HD video standards up to 2160p60. For working with 3G-SDI sources, users can switch between level A and level B.
Three Models – Record, Monitor, Replay
UltraStudio Mini Recorder 12G is an input-only model which captures from 12G-SDI and HDMI sources in SD, HD and Ultra HD. It is intended for live streaming using software such as Open Broadcaster, but various options exist as well, such as taking archival material from old broadcast decks into edit software or using the Media Express software that is included free when purchasing the device. Recording from game consoles is also possible.
Note that the Monitor and Replay models include independent 12G-SDI fill and key outputs.
In contrast to the Recorder model, UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G is an output-only model that plays back to 12G-SDI and HDMI in SD, HD and Ultra HD, and serves as monitoring playback hardware to use with regular edit software. Both of the 12G-SDI outputs support fill and key for broadcast graphics, automatically converting the alpha channel in graphics to a key output.
UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G is a12G-SDI only model that can capture and play back at the same time, making it useful as a way to use computers as real time AI processors or for live action replay with DaVinci Resolve. For example, the user can connect the input to a switcher multi-view and then replay with auto stingers using the fill and key outputs.
Thunderbolt 4 Speed for Extra Bandwidth
All UltraStudio Mini models include Thunderbolt 4, carrying video capture and playback plus power over a single Thunderbolt cable. Handling massive data speeds, Thunderbolt 4 gives enough bandwidth to accommodate high resolutions, deeper bit depths and frame buffer formats such as 4:2:2:4 and 4:4:4:4.
Workflows can include real time conversion of alpha channels up to 10-bit 12G-SDI fill and key outputs. UltraStudio Mini uses the DeckLink API for compatibility with almost all video software. Because the Thunderbolt link is bidirectional, the UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G model is able to capture, process and output video in real time.
Graphics
Via the dual 12G-SDI video outputs, UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G and Mini Monitor 12G can connect into live production switchers, which makes UltraStudio Mini 12G a good choice for broadcast graphics and stingers. Graphics can be overlaid with transparency, and internal hardware support is included for both RGBA and YUVA frame buffers.
With RGBA graphics, video frames will automatically transcode the RGB pixels to YUV 4:2:2:4 video on both fill and key outputs in full 10-bit precision. The two SDI outputs are then connected to a live production switcher where they can be keyed over video. The key output results in smooth blending of the transparent elements in the images.
Post Production
UltraStudio Mini is designed to handle very high specification video material. While most software supports capture and playback to video formats such as Apple ProRes, DNxHD or 10-bit uncompressed, users are not confined to a single file format. 10-bit is the most commonly used television standard as colours can be represented with 4 times the precision of 8-bit video with advantages such as sharp green screen keying, invisible VFX compositing and precise colour correction.
The series’ support for common video software is a convenience for users who work regularly with a particular software, for example, live streaming with Open Broadcaster. DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Media Composer or Premiere Pro can be used for broadcast editing and colour correction work with UltraStudio Mini Monitor 12G. Because UltraStudio Mini Replay 12G can capture and playback at the same time, an operator can use live grading features in those applications to capture video, apply colour correction and then deliver the output live and in real time.
Visual Effects
UltraStudio Mini works with Fusion – the node-based compositing and VFX integrated into DaVinci Resolve – as well as Adobe After Effects and Photoshop. The free Media Express software also captures and plays back video into files that can be loaded into Fusion, After Effects or Photoshop.
For developers intending to build custom solutions for UltraStudio Mini to use in-house or sell to other broadcasters, a free SDK for Mac, Windows and Linux is available free of charge for download. The Desktop Video SDK also delivers low or high level control interfaces for performing common tasks. Manufacturers interested in using UltraStudio Minis should contact the Blackmagic OEM team for suggestions and help with code; bulk purchase discounts are available.
UltraStudio Mini 12G is available immediately from Blackmagic Design resellers. www.blackmagicdesign.com
