Blackmagic Design updates Video Assist to be recognized as a webcam

Provides support for webcasting platforms or the ability to stream live video to clients via Skype and Zoom.

Blackmagic Design has updated his monitor/recorder/viewer Video Assist 3.3 which now allows the models Video Assist 3G y Video Assist 12G HDR sean recognized as webcams via the USB-C port.

Now, users can connect the devices to computers and stream live over the Internet using any of the most popular platforms in 1080p HD quality. Programs such as Open Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Zoom and Twitch, among others, will recognize the unit as a webcam. Likewise, the update provides the possibility of selecting the audio channel that you want to monitor on the Blackmagic Video Assist 3G units, and of assigning the audio in the 7-inch version.

The Blackmagic Video Assist model is a portable monitor, professional recorder and viewfinder for all types of SDI or HDMI cameras, includes a larger screen with various indicators and offers better quality recording codecs. Its new design provides various innovations, such as an optimized focus indicator, pilot light and integrated three-dimensional conversion tables.

3G models support a maximum resolution of 1080p60, or 2160p60 in the case of 12G HDR versions. The latter have a larger screen that allows you to shoot with great dynamic range in broad daylight and provide compatibility with the Blackmagic RAW format. The devices in the Blackmagic Video Assist line are like four products in one.

Blackmagic Video Assist models are so versatile that they can perform hundreds of tasks. When used with a camera, they provide a large viewfinder with modern recording codecs, focusing tools and built-in conversion tables. Likewise, thanks to their various indicators, they provide the possibility of testing various equipment used during live broadcasts to ensure its correct operation. Additionally, like HyperDeck units, they can be used to master or play clips, for the purpose of adding advertisements or promotions to the images broadcast. They even allow the signals coming from each camera to be recorded in isolation.

All Video Assist models have a touch screen that allows you to record and play clips, view graphical representations, and adjust focus functions. The 7-inch versions include analog audio inputs and two SD card slots for seamless recording. Likewise, all versions have a pilot light on the back, a speaker on the front panel and a headphone jack. Video Assist devices have two compartments for L-series (Sony) batteries, so batteries can be changed without stopping recording.

Video Assist models feature bright 5- and 7-inch touchscreens that make it easy to frame shots and enable precise focusing. These display important information during shooting, such as time code, playback controls, VU meters, and a histogram for evaluating exposure. You can even customize the screen by adding or removing different options, such as the name of the open file, the focus indicator, the zebra and false color function, framing guides or conversion tables. These tables allow you to monitor shots with the desired appearance and color, and can also be integrated into the file if necessary.

Video Assist line products use common SD cards, simplifying storage on easy-to-purchase media. Additionally, the files generated are small, so longer recording times are possible on such drives or UHS-II versions. On the other hand, the 7-inch models have two slots that make it easy to replace the cards, even during recording, in order to avoid interruptions. These storage media offer great speed at an affordable price.

Camera Plugin

Blackmagic Video Assist models They are ideal as a complement to any common camera, since they offer a large bright 2500 nits screen and professional features that make it easier to focus, as well as better quality formats. Additionally, they are a great solution for older professional cameras, as they allow burn in modern file formats, such as ProRes and DNx, in order to use them with the most innovative editing programs, thus facilitating recording in ProRes and DNx. On the other hand, the HDMI and 12G SDI inputs of these devices offer the possibility of connecting them to all types of cameras, whether common, professional or even DSLR.

In addition, they generate open format files, which avoids carrying out the transcoding process. In addition, they can be used in all post-production programs available on the market, so you can work with your favorite software, for example, DaVinci Resolve Studio. On the other hand, these devices allow you to record in 10-bit ProRes or DNx format or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW (SDI 12G HDR models) on compatible cameras. Blackmagic RAW is the fastest growing codec in the audiovisual industry, and it is also possible to download and use free development tools to provide compatibility with this format in different applications. It should be noted that the files are compatible with all operating systems.

He USB-C port on Video Assist 12G models allows you to connect external drives large capacity that do not have space limitations. Plus, you can use the same unit for recording and editing, so you don't have to waste time copying files before starting post-production. Because these storage media are extremely fast, they provide support for formats that require high data transfer speeds. In this sense, the Blackmagic MultiDock 10G device offers the flexibility of using multiple external drives during recording, while on-screen menus make it easy to manage these drives.

Now it is possible broadcast live on the Internet with the Blackmagic Video Assist 3G and 12G HDR models, since the USB port allows them to be recognized as a webcam when connected to a computer, which provides the possibility of broadcasting live through any program intended for this purpose. In addition, these devices offer high definition images with 1080p quality. Users can choose any application, for example, Open Broadcaster, or make a video call via Skype and stream footage from the shoot live. The Video Assist line products support the use of major programs and platforms, such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Zoom, Twitch TV, Periscope, Livestream and Wirecast, among others.

These devices include graphical representations of the signal to achieve a precise exposure level in the cameras and also ensure compliance with broadcast standards. In this sense, they function as a portable waveform monitor that provides the ability to view the luminance level of the source or reproduced signal. On the other hand, the vectorscopio displays color intensity at a 100% SDI reference level. In turn, the RGB graph is ideal for establishing appropriate chromatic levels, while the histogram provides information about the loss of details or the distribution of lights and shadows in the image. It should be noted that these indicators can be superimposed on the image, and in turn it can be displayed in a small window in the upper right part of each of them.

When recording, digital film cameras use a logarithmic color space to preserve dynamic range, which is ideal for the post-production process. However, when these images are viewed on a monitor, they can appear dull, without much contrast. In this sense, three-dimensional conversion tables are the ideal solution, since they allow you to attribute a certain appearance during filming to have a better idea of ​​how the material will look when edited. These can be applied temporarily when monitoring image quality or integrated into Blackmagic RAW files for use when editing. The different Video Assist models are compatible with 17 and 33 point three-dimensional conversion tables (.cube). Likewise, it is possible to use those integrated into the devices, for example, Extended Video o Film to Video.

Video Assist devices They record sound with much higher quality to that of most cameras, so there is no need to carry additional audio equipment. In SDI formats, it is possible to record 2, 4, 8 or 16 channels of audio. For its part, in order to connect microphones, the 7-inch versions have two XLR inputs with phantom power that support a sampling rate of 192 kHz in 16 and 24 bits per sample. In turn, it is possible to change the ballistics of the audio meters (VU or PPM).

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, highlights that "this update is excellent, as it provides the possibility for Video Assist devices to be recognized as webcams, so users will be able to broadcast live over the Internet to their clients using platforms such as Skype or Zoom from anywhere in the world. In addition, Blackmagic Video Assist models now offer an Internet streaming interface when connected to computers via the SDI and HDMI ports, as well as integrated monitoring options in the images and waveform. It is an exceptional free update."

Main features

• Support for live productions, digital signage and archival material.
• Modern design with quick-to-use touch controls.
• Customization of on-screen options.
• Support for common SD/USH-II cards.
• Optimized monitoring and better recording codecs on different types of cameras.
• Open formats compatible with the most popular editing programs.
• USB port that allows the device to be recognized as a webcam, thus providing compatibility with different video platforms.
• Integrated indicators display waveform, vectorscope, RGB graph or histogram of the signal.
• Three-dimensional LUTs that can be applied when recording and monitoring images.
• Multiple channels for digital and analog audio.
• Professional multi channel digital and analog audio.