Blackmagic Design has announced UltraStudio Express HD, a capture and playback solution for Mac, Windows and Linux computer systems with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports. The new device features analogue and digital connections to enable users to process archive footage from legacy recorders for editing in DaVinci Resolve, according to the company.

UltraStudio Express HD is designed to capture and play back content via 3G-SDI signals in all SD and HD formats up to 1080p60. It features analogue video and audio inputs, an HDMI output for monitoring, and two SDI outputs for fill and key signals.

The new UltraStudio Express HD is now available from $565 through all Blackmagic Design resellers.

UltraStudio Express HD

The model features a USB4 interface that allows users to capture and play back content, while also powering the device through a single USB cable. It is compatible with both USB4 and Thunderbolt connections, making it possible to connect it to compatible Mac, Windows and Linux computers.

The USB4 standard also provides high data transfer speeds and sufficient bandwidth to process content at high resolutions, with greater bit depths and advanced buffer formats such as 4:2:2 and 4:4:4.

The solution uses the same API (Application Programming Interface) as DeckLink cards, providing compatibility with almost all video editing software. In addition, its USB-powered operation makes it suitable for use on location, drawing power from a laptop battery.

The device has been designed to support higher-quality images, allowing users to capture and play back signals in formats such as ProRes, DNxHD or even uncompressed 10-bit video. The latter is widely used in television, as it provides four times more accurate colour representation than 8-bit signals.

UltraStudio Express HD is compatible with a range of video editing applications. It can be used with streaming software such as Open Broadcaster, as well as to digitise archive footage captured using legacy recorders and edit it with popular editing applications or the included free Media Express software.

Its ability to play back content via 3G-SDI signals also makes it suitable for use with DaVinci Resolve to edit and colour grade television broadcasts. It is also compatible with other applications, including Final Cut Pro, Media Composer and Premiere Pro. In addition, users can create visual effects with Fusion, After Effects and Photoshop.

The device is compatible with Fusion, the DaVinci Resolve module dedicated to visual effects creation, as well as After Effects and Photoshop. Fusion Studio is also a node-based VFX application that allows users to create 2D and 3D compositions and apply a wide range of effects, among other functions. The Fusion module is available free of charge as part of DaVinci Resolve.

The solution also includes Blackmagic Media Express software, designed to facilitate the capture and playback of audiovisual content in files compatible with Fusion, After Effects or Photoshop.

UltraStudio Express HD includes 3G-SDI inputs and outputs, an HDMI output for monitoring images on televisions and projectors, and analogue inputs for balanced audio and YUV, NTSC or PAL signals, enabling users to digitise content stored on videotapes. In addition, the two SDI outputs can also be used for fill and key signals, and support 525i59.94 and 625i50 formats.

When working in HD, the device supports 720p, 1080i and 1080p signals at frame rates of up to 60 fps. When using 3G-SDI sources, users can switch between Level A and Level B signals. The model also features a reference input to synchronise playback with television systems, as well as an RS-422 port for remote control.

It can also be combined with a Teranex Mini Smart Panel device to add controls and an LCD monitoring screen to the front panel. This unit is easy to install and features buttons and a bright colour display showing previews, meters, timecode and format information. It is designed for use on location or on set when an external monitor is not available. Multiple units can also be mounted in a rack, allowing images to be viewed on each screen.

For those looking to design a customised solution for UltraStudio Express, advanced software development kits (SDKs) are available to download free of charge for Mac OS, Windows and Linux. These tools facilitate the development of customised solutions for internal use or for sale to other broadcasters. They also provide low-level hardware control when greater flexibility is required, as well as high-level interfaces that make common tasks easier to perform.

Manufacturers interested in UltraStudio Express models can contact the company’s original equipment manufacturing team. Developer support engineers can provide advice or assistance with coding. Once they have verified that their solution works, manufacturers can contact the company to enquire about volume purchasing options and discounts. Those requiring only a small number of UltraStudio Express devices can purchase them directly through Blackmagic Design’s worldwide reseller network.

“We know how important the previous UltraStudio HD Mini model has been to our customers, so we are excited to have been able to redesign it around the USB4 standard and include all the connections broadcasters need”, explains Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design.

“This means users can continue using their existing legacy recorders, switchers and monitors and connect them to the modern computer systems they buy now or in the future. Plus, it works entirely from a laptop’s battery, so users can work from anywhere”.

Key features

• 10-bit professional television-quality video capture and playback.
• Compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux computers featuring high-speed USB4 connections.
• 3G-SDI, component and composite analogue video, and analogue audio inputs.
• Supports all SD and HD formats up to 1080p60.
• 10-bit RGB or YUV 4:2:2 quality, with or without compression.
• HDMI output for monitoring on televisions and projectors.
• Dual-link 3G-SDI outputs with simultaneous fill and key signals.
• RS-422 control port and reference input for digitising footage captured with legacy recorders.
• Optional Teranex Mini Smart Panel device featuring an LCD screen for viewing previews, audio meters and timecode.
• Compatible with popular editing applications, including DaVinci Resolve.
• Includes free software development kits (SDKs) for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Availability and pricing

UltraStudio Express HD is now available from $565 (excluding local taxes and duties) through all Blackmagic Design resellers.