Blackmagic reveals budget HD DeckLink monitor and recorder

Image courtesy: Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design has announced new 3G-SDI and HDMI capture and playback cards. The DeckLink Mini Monitor HD and the DeckLink Mini Recorder HD are updated models of the popular DeckLink Mini cards at a lower price. So, are they the right cards for you?

Let’s talk about design

DeckLink Mini Recorder HD and DeckLink Mini Monitor HD are low-profile one-lane Gen 2 PCI Express cards. You can fit them into either desktop or rack mount server-style computers using the included full height and low profile PCIe shields. The new cards allow you to capture or playback broadcast-quality video from 3G‑SDI and HDMI sources with any PCIe computer. They also support DaVinci Resolve and all other video software.

DeckLink Mini Recorder HD

With the DeckLink Mini Recorder HD card, you can capture from virtually any SD or HD source. This includes HDCAM, D5, SDCAM and Digital Betacam captured from decks, cameras and live video sources. The Mini Recorder HD also works with video streaming software like OBS. This means you can capture from cameras or live productions switchers and integrate the video directly into live broadcasts.

DeckLink Mini Monitor HD

With the DeckLink Mini Recorder HD card, you can play back directly to TVs, video projectors and live production switchers up to 1080p60. The Mini Monitor HD also supports the latest HDR formats, so it’s ideal for professional and affordable color-accurate monitoring.

Video formats

DeckLink Mini Recorder HD and Mini Monitor HD support uncompressed and compressed capture and playback, respectively, at the highest 10‑bit SD and HD quality. Both models also support broadcast quality 10‑bit YUV and 12‑bit RGB 4:4:4 in video formats up to 1080p60 and 2Kp60 DCI. They also work with wider color spaces such as Rec. 2020 and support RGB video formats.

Verdict

Blackmagic Design has been making high-quality, low-cost video cards for years. The new Mini Recorder HD and DeckLink Mini Monitor HD look like more great additions to that lineup. There are still a lot of video makers who don’t need the extra expense of a UHD or 4K workflow for whom the new cards would be ideal. By releasing a separate Recorder and Monitor card, Blackmagic Design has also created an affordable way to upgrade your system. If you want to be able to run an external monitor with your video editing software, then you just need Mini Monitor HD card. If you are only looking for video capture, then you just need the Mini Recorder HD.