The new UltraStudio 4K Mini offers to connect Thunderbolt 3 equipment to any audiovisual device

Blackmagic Design's new solution is a perfect I/O solution for systems like DaVinci Resolve 16.

Blackmagic Design has just launched the new UltraStudio 4K Mini, a capture and playback device for computer equipment with technology Thunderbolt 3 which includes 12G SDI, HDMI and analog connections and allows you to create solutions for editing, grading, overlaying live graphics, digitizing footage and streaming over the Internet.

Now it is possible connect computer equipment to all types of audiovisual devices para crear sistemas de edición de gran rendimiento, digitalizar contenidos, superponer gráficos y transmitir en directo por Internet. Basta con emplear el puerto Thunderbolt 3 de la unidad a fin de acceder a una amplia variedad de conexiones para señales en SD, HD, UHD y DCI 4K a una frecuencia máxima de 60 f/s. Además, todos los modelos UltraStudio son compatibles con los programas de edición más utilizados en Mac, Windows y Linux, tales como DaVinci Resolve, Media Composer, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro y muchos otros.

Incluye conexiones SDI 12G, HDMI 2.0 y analógicas, and facilitates the digitization of 8- and 10-bit high dynamic range images in any format, with a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 (DCI 4K) at 60p or 30p for 12-bit content. Its compact design allows it to be installed in a rack or placed on a desk. The front panel has various controls and an LCD screen to configure the device and monitor signals, as well as an XLR input for microphones and a 0.25-inch input for headphones. In turn, this model has a USB port to connect a mouse or keyboard and offers the possibility of charging the computer equipment slowly and safely using the Thunderbolt 3 connection. In addition, it has an SD card reader that provides direct access to the material recorded on them.

Both on set and in post-production, these devices offer the ability to record and play back cinema-quality content, ideal for all types of workflows, from editing, color grading and visual effects creation to live capture and image monitoring. The models with 12G SDI technology support formats high dynamic range and provide professional colorists with everything they need to monitor content using different types of screens, HDR televisions or digital cinema projectors. You can even use them to send RGB graphics directly from a computer to a mixer for incredible overlays when streaming live.

Full compatibility

Thanks to their connectivity, the different UltraStudio models are compatible with practically any audiovisual equipment. All versions include SDI inputs and outputs, an HDMI output for monitoring images through projectors or televisions, and analog inputs for balanced audio and YUV, NTSC or PAL signals that allow you to digitize content stored on videotapes. For their part, the UltraStudio 4K Mini and Extreme models also have an HDMI input and an output for balanced analog signals that provide the possibility of connecting equipment used in audio monitoring.

The Thunderbolt 3 technology of this range of products allows you to connect them to any computer equipment using a single cable, thus achieving the necessary bandwidth to process higher resolution formats with ease. This port guarantees a Low latency and extremely precise timing, in order to capture and play content with exceptional quality. Additionally, all 4K versions include an AC connection which is ideal when working in studios. Even the new UltraStudio 4K Mini model offers 45W of power through the Thunderbolt 3 port, allowing you to charge your computer while connected.

By using uncompressed formats, the captured images are a perfect copy of the original, pixel by pixel, without any loss of detail, allowing for the best possible quality. In this way, extraordinary superimpositions can be made on green backgrounds, sharper compositions and better chromatic adjustments, among many other advantages. For its part, UHD definition provides unmatched image quality, with a resolution four times higher than that of the HD1080 format.

Thanks to their 12G SDI technology, the UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3 and Mini models are the most advanced solutions for capturing and playing back content. The exceptional speed of its connections allows processing UHD and 4K 60p images via a single BNC cable. In addition, they support different transmission speeds, so that it is possible to connect all types of equipment. This technology alone provides compatibility with a wide variety of SD and HD devices, at a maximum resolution of 2160p60. In addition, the two links of the 12G SDI outputs facilitate the processing of stereoscopic signals or the main image and background simultaneously, at a resolution of 2160p30.

UltraStudio 4K models feature a sleek front panel with various controls and a color LCD screen, while the rear features conventional BNC and HDMI connectors. UltraStudio Mini versions have been designed for greater portability and can be placed on a desk or rack-mounted alongside other equipment. On the other hand, the UltraStudio HD Mini model is even more compact and takes up only 1/3 the width of a rack. Therefore, it is possible to install three units side by side, and its visual impact is very low when placed on a desk.

This solution is the ideal complement to DaVinci Resolve when performing post-production on Mac, Windows or Linux computers. Whether in feature films, television series, music videos, advertisements or YouTube videos, this program offers a high-end work dynamic that allows you to unleash your creativity.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, comments that "this model is ideal to replace the original UltraStudio version, as it is smaller and not only offers 12G SDI technology, but also Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Therefore, it is a good option for broadcasters that need to overlay graphics on the broadcast signal or monitor the images, or for anyone who wants to carry out live productions in UHD quality. It is an innovative device for a new generation of workflows."

Main features

• Thunderbolt 3 interface to capture and play content at 40 Gb/s.
• Three models available in portable or rack versions.
• Ideal for monitoring the quality of edited material, overlaying live graphics, digitizing content and streaming over the Internet.
• 12G SDI, HDMI 2.0 and connections for YUV/NTSC/PAL signals and balanced audio.
• 45 W of power to charge connected computing equipment.
• Compatible with all SD formats, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2160p and DCI 4K.
• Front panel with LCD screen, microphone and headphone input and SD card reader.
• Compatible with DaVinci Resolve for editing, grading, visual effects, and audio mixing.
• Compatible with Final Cut Pro, Avid and other programs.
• Compatible con Mac, Windows y Linux.