Setting up Blackmagic video I/O devices

Reeltime supports the following video I/O devices by Blackmagic for capturing and playback of SDI signals:

  • Blackmagic UltraStudio family (e.g., UltraStudio 4K Mini):
    • up to 2 input/output ports
    • 1.5G, 3G, and depending on model 6G and 12G SDI signals
  • Blackmagic DeckLink family (e.g., DeckLing 8K Pro)
    • up to 4 bi-directional input/output ports
    • 1.5G, 3G, and depending on model 6G and 12G SDI signals

Auto-record support by device type#

The DeckLink 8K Pro supports auto-record triggering for ARRI, RED, and Sony cameras via the record flag embedded in HANC metadata in HD-SDI signals.

Other Blackmagic capture devices#

All other supported Blackmagic capture devices, such as the UltraStudio Recorder 3G, support auto-record for RED cameras via timecode-based triggering (RecRun timecode detection).

Sony clip name auto-record trigger#

Reeltime also supports auto-record triggering for Sony cameras via Sony clip name detection. This works on all supported capture devices that receive the Sony clip name over SDI, including devices such as the UltraStudio Recorder 3G.

Associate device ports with input and output slots#

Within the slot manager, you can associate your Blackmagic device’s SDI input ports with an input slot and, in the same way, SDI output ports with output slots:

  • In existing slots, you can choose from all currently available ports in the “Device” drop-down menu.
  • If you want to add a new slot, you can press the “+” button that lets you associate a device port with your new slot directly.

You can configure your device’s bi-directional SDI ports by assigning them as an input port or as an output port within the slot manager’s input or output tab. If you configured a bi-directional port as input, it will no longer show up in the drop-down list of available output ports (and vice-versa).

When configuring an input port, there are the following options:

  • Format: The video format of the incoming video signal sets the video format of your device automatically.
  • Camera Type: Ensure that the appropriate camera type is set to receive the camera’s ANC metadata correctly and trigger recording based on the record flag embedded in the SDI signal.
  • Record Trigger: You can choose which detection method should be used to trigger the recording automatically. Note that the appropriate method depends on your setup and camera:
    • Record Flag (HANC)
      Supported on DeckLink 8K Pro for ARRI, RED and Sony cameras in HD signals. On all other supported Blackmagic video I/O devices, Record Flag (HANC) is supported for RED cameras only.
    • RecRun Timecode
      Available on all supported Blackmagic devices. Recommended if your camera uses RecRun timecode and you want recording to start and stop based on running or stopped timecode.
    • Sony Clip Name
      Available on supported devices that receive Sony clip name metadata. Enables auto-record for Sony cameras based on clip name changes.
    • None
      Disables the auto-record function for this camera.
  • Decoding Levels: In rare cases, you can change the decoding levels from legal to full, for example, if you receive an ungraded signal from a Sony camera that outputs an SDI signal in extended range.

Slot manager with SDI device configuration for an input slot

When configuring an output port, you can set an output video format manually. You can flexibly choose to use the same video format as on the input or the video format that makes most sense for the target monitoring device.

Tip: Using a higher output frame rate can also reduce latency, as frames are transmitted more frequently. Note that your wireless systems and monitors must support the required SDI bandwidth (3G for HD, 12G for UHD/4K). Read the blog article Latency on film sets: How to achieve the fastest possible live feeds with Reeltime to learn more.
Note: When you switch a Blackmagic output port to a higher frame rate that requires a 3G-SDI format (for example, 1080p59.94), set the 3G-SDI formats option for the associated port to SMPTE Level A in the Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup app. If it is left on SMPTE Level B (Normal), the signal is output in a segmented (PsF) format instead, which can cause undesired effects with high-motion content.
Note: If you experience issues with re-connecting Blackmagic video I/O devices, please refer to the article Troubleshoot re-connecting of Blackmagic video I/O devices.

Last updated: June 21, 2024