Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K Extreme Blazingly fast Thunderbolt 2 technology

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    UltraStudio 4K Extreme
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Blackmagic Design Announces Desktop Video 10.6.4 Update with HDR
New software update adds HDR support to UltraStudio 4K Extreme and DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G!
Blackmagic Design today announced Desktop Video 10.6.4 Update which adds support for HDR playback over HDMI to UltraStudio 4K Extreme and DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G. Desktop Video 10.6.4 is available as a free download from the Blackmagic Design website.

Desktop Video 10.6.4 Update adds playback support for HDR content over HDMI to UltraStudio 4K Extreme and DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G. The new HDR features include HDR metadata transport and support for the Rec. 2020 color space over HDMI. This means that customers now get full support for monitoring on HDR capable displays using a single HDMI cable, making it ideal for editors and colorists working on HDR projects with DaVinci Resolve 12.5.

HDR, which stands for high dynamic range, is part of the new Ultra HD Premium standard so customers can now get big screen, low cost consumer televisions that support a massive range of color, peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits, which is 10 times brighter than most HDTVs, and incredible contrast ratio. This means that colorists and editors working in DaVinci Resolve 12.5 with UltraStudio 4K Extreme or DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G will now be able to monitor images that are more true to life and more closely resemble the color and dynamic range of the latest digital cinema technology.

"This is the most exciting time in the history of broadcast because Ultra HD is about more than just resolution, it's also about deeper colors, higher brightness, plus better contrast and textures than ever before!" said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. "From the start of production with our URSA Mini 4.6K with 15 stops of wide dynamic range, to the end of digital post production with DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G, UltraStudio 4K Extreme, and DaVinci Resolve 12.5, Blackmagic Design is the only company that offers a true end-to-end workflow for creating the next generation of incredible HDR content!"

Desktop Video 10.6.4 Update Features
- Adds support for Rec. 2020 color space output over HDMI.
- Adds support HDR metadata transport over HDMI.

Availability and Price
Desktop Video 10.6.4 Update is now available for free download from the Blackmagic Design website.
 

UltraStudio for Thunderbolt™
The highest quality capture and playback solutions for your Thunderbolt™ computer!

UltraStudio 4K Extreme Built with blazingly fast Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 technology, UltraStudio lets you work with the highest quality video resolutions all the way up to Ultra HD 4K! Choose from a range of rack mount and portable UltraStudio for Thunderbolt models featuring SDI, HDMI and analog video connections. UltraStudio works with all your favorite video software such as DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and Adobe Creative Suite. UltraStudio are QuickTime and WDM based and work with any Mac OS X and Windows video software!

 

 Advanced Workflow
UltraStudio 4K Extreme for Thunderbolt models are perfect for high performance work that demands the highest quality. Using a single Thunderbolt cable, you can easily connect any Thunderbolt computer or laptop for amazing on set color correction, editing, visual effects and video streaming. Lightweight and compact, UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models are extremely portable, easily moving from one computer to another. UltraStudio 4K Extreme is a high performance 'break out box' style capture and playback device for highest quality Ultra HD 60p editing as well as DCI 4K resolutions.

Choose the model that's perfect for your needs!

UltraStudio 4K and UltraStudio 4K Extreme have a rack based 'breakout box' design with the latest high performance 6G and 12G-SDI video technology, and is perfect for equipment racks, post production suites or flyaway kits! UltraStudio Express has built in SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, plus 2 breakout cables for connecting to professional and consumer analog equipment. UltraStudio Mini Recorder and UltraStudio Mini Monitor include SDI and HDMI connections and are great when you require either capture or playback in SD or HD. UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models are Thunderbolt powered so you just plug in and go!
 

 UltraStudio 4K Extreme
When you need the ultimate capture and playback solution then UltraStudio 4K Extreme is the perfect choice as its most powerful video capture and playback product available. It features the latest, most advanced 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections for working with high frame rate 60 frame per second, deep 12-bit color images at massive 4K resolutions, even in stereoscopic! It also includes a wider range of analog and digital connections than any other UltraStudio model so it can be used with virtually any camera, deck, router or display. For even higher performance, you can connect UltraStudio 4K Extreme to your computer using the PCIe connection so you can work with super high resolution, deep 12-bit RGB and 4K stereoscopic 3D files. Or use the built in ProRes hardware encoder when running on Mac OS X to reduce data rates so you can edit large 4K files even on laptops!
 

Built In Hardware Video Encoding
The UltraStudio 4K Extreme model features a built in multi format hardware encoder that lets you capture to H.265 and ProRes files. H.265 is quickly becoming the compression standard for distributing Ultra HD content online, and ProRes is the world's most popular post production format. When selected for ProRes on Mac OS X, the built in hardware encoder encodes the video in real time allowing you to go beyond the speed of Thunderbolt because high resolution and high frame rate video can be compressed internally and then only the lower data rate ProRes data is transferred over the Thunderbolt connection. Realtime ProRes encoding also means you can capture higher resolution formats on slower computers, like laptops, that normally wouldn't be able to handle them, dramatically lowering the cost and speed requirements of your workstations.

World's Highest Quality Connections

With UltraStudio 4K Extreme you can connect to virtually any video device, including cameras, monitors and broadcast decks for frame accurate editing and recording!

UltraStudio

Mini models are ideal when space is tight and you require only capture or playback. UltraStudio Mini Recorder features 3G-SDI and HDMI input and UltraStudio Mini Monitor features 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs.

UltraStudio Express
has built in 3G-SDI and HDMI connections and includes consumer RCA and professional BNC/XLR breakout cables for analog component/S-Video and composite, analog audio, genlock, AES/EBU audio, RS-422 deck control and more.

UltraStudio 4K
has 6G-SDI, HDMI 4K, analog component video, 16 channels of SDI audio, 2 channels of balanced analog, 2 channels of unbalanced AES/EBU audio, timecode, up/down/cross conversion, reference and serial deck control.

UltraStudio 4K Extreme

features Quad Link 12G-SDI working with 2160p60 over a single cable, or even Dual Link or Quad Link SDI. Also includes HDMI 2.0, analog component, 4 channel XLR analog and 2 channels AES/EBU digital audio, timecode, reference and serial deck control. Connects via Thunderbolt or with an optional PCIe adapter for higher frame rates and 4K RGB workflows.

Unmatched Quality
Amazing 4K resolutions in compressed or uncompressed

UltraStudio 4K Extreme supports popular compressed video formats such as ProRes and DNxHD as well as 10-bit uncompressed video, so you're not locked into a single file format. When working with uncompressed video all captured images are a perfect pixel-for-pixel clone of the source without any quality loss, so you have the confidence you're working at the absolute highest quality possible. Get the sharpest keying with green screens, cleanest compositions, superior color correction and more! Ultra HD 4K has 4 times the resolution of 1080HD for amazing looking images!

6G SDI
Compatible with SD, HD and Ultra HD formats

UltraStudio 4K Extreme features 6G-SDI so you get full compatibly with all your SD, 720p and 1080HD equipment up to 60 fps, plus you can instantly switch to Ultra HD up to 30 fps! Thats an incredible range of video formats with a single regular BNC SDI connection! Because the 6G-SDI connections are multi rate, they can switch between 270 Mb/s, 1.5 Gb/s, 3 Gb/s and 6 Gb/s data rates for compatibility with your existing SD, HD or Ultra HD equipment.

12G SDI
Incredible speed for high frame rate Ultra HD

UltraStudio 4K Extreme features the latest 12G-SDI technology, making it the world's most powerful video capture and playback solution! The incredible speed of 12G-SDI means UltraStudio 4K Extreme can support both capture and playback of Ultra HD and 4K 60p over a single BNC cable! Because the 12G-SDI connections are multi rate, you can still connect to all your existing equipment. Only 12G-SDI gives you the compatibility to connect to all your existing SD and HD equipment but also supports the future with all Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60. UltraStudio 4K Extreme even supports dual link 12G-SDI so you can do stereoscopic and simultaneous fill and key all in real time! 

Innovative Portable Design

UltraStudio 4K Extreme is a sleek, innovative ultra portable design with a solid machined metal chassis that sits neatly on your desktop to keep your workspace clutter free. You can swap breakout cables depending on if you need professional or consumer audio and video connections. This means you only need to take the cable you need on location if you need analog connections, and if you don't then you can simply leave the cable behind. When you don't have any space then the UltraStudio Mini models are perfect as they are incredibly tiny. Because UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models power from the Thunderbolt connection they don't need power connections and are powered by your laptop battery. That's perfect for portable use and it saves space!

Broadcast Quality Connections

UltraStudio 4K Extreme is the perfect capture and playback solution featuring the latest and most advanced video technologies available. UltraStudio 4K Extreme features blazing fast 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0, along with analog XLR and digital AES/EBU audio, reference, timecode, RS-422 serial deck control and more. You also get 2 optical fiber cages and a PCIe connection for expansion! The 12G-SDI lets you work with the latest high frame rate Ultra HD and 4K formats at up to 60 frames per second! With UltraStudio 4K you get 6G-SDI, HDMI 4K and analog video in and out, as well as 16 channel SDI audio, blackburst/tri-level sync, timecode and serial deck control. The 6G-SDI connection lets you capture and playback in stunning Ultra HD 4K, handle 4:4:4 video and 1080p60 frame rates. The dual link 3G-SDI connection gives you dual stream 3D stereoscopic capture and playback when done via two independent channels. A Hi-Fi RCA analog audio input is included for easy capture from consumer devices, plus XLR connections for timecode. UltraStudio Express has built in 3G-SDI and HDMI connections which means that you capture and playback in amazing quality 10-bit video in SD or HD. HDMI connections let you capture directly from cameras and use low cost HDTVs for monitoring. UltraStudio Express comes with two break out cables, depending if you need professional or consumer analog video and audio connections. The break out cable includes analog component, S-Video and composite video, balanced analog audio, genlock, AES/EBU audio, RS-422 deck control and more! The consumer break out cable includes component video and unbalanced audio. UltraStudio Mini Recorder and Mini Monitor include a single HDMI and SDI connection making it the tiniest solution for capture or playback of video in amazing quality 10-bit video in SD and HD. 

Elegant Machined Aluminum
Aluminum. Strong, light and unbelievably cool.

UltraStudio 4K and UltraStudio Express feature an attractive machined metal chassis that enhances the look of your studio! UltraStudio 4K features a rack mount break out box design that includes input selection buttons and a built in LCD screen on the front panel. All connections are located on the back panel and include almost every type of video and audio connection available! The machined metal provides a robust design while having the strength to handle tough environments. The UltraStudio Express model is wholly machined from a solid block of aluminum so it's attractive, lightweight and portable. Include it with your travel equipment and keep the ability to capture and playback all types of video and audio with you at all times! Push Button Control
When you're working fast you need to change settings fast. UltraStudio 4K Extreme includes input selection buttons on the front panel and there is input buttons for audio inputs as well as video inputs. This means you can select SDI audio with SDI embedded audio, or you can set inputs to different audio and video inputs such as SDI video input with analog audio inputs. The choice is yours and you don't need to go into the software settings when you need to change inputs as you can simply push the front panel button. The built in LCD lets you see what input is selected and when playing back video you can see the video output. This is vital in broadcast environments where you need to be able to confirm video playback quickly.

Thunderbolt Powered!

UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models are powered from your computers Thunderbolt connection. That means when you need portability, your video capture and playback can be powered by your Thunderbolt laptop and you can work with the highest quality video virtually anywhere. UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models are perfect for portable onset editing and live color correction with Davinci Resolve 12!

Built-in Power Supply!

The advanced UltraStudio 4K Extreme features a built in power supply so you can connect using a standard mains lead without a bulky external power brick. This saves space and because the power supply fully supports multiple international voltages automatically, you can use it anywhere in the world. With a built in power supply, UltraStudio 4K Extreme is perfect for use with the very long Thunderbolt cables that reach up to 30 meters away from the computer. These very long Thunderbolt cables use optical fiber internally so don't include power connections, so UltraStudio 4K Extreme is the perfect choice when long cables are used.

 

Specifications
Connections
SDI Video Input 2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
SDI Video Loop 4 x reclocked SD/HD/2K/4K linked to corresponding inputs.
SDI Video Output 2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
SDI Video Repeated Output 2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
Optical Fiber Input/Output 2 x 12Gb/s Optical Fiber (Optional).
HDMI Video Input HDMI 2.0 type A connector with support for 2160p60
HDMI Video Output HDMI 2.0 type A connector with support for 2160p60
Analog Video Input 1 x Component YUV on 3 BNCs, 1 x composite NTSC/PAL on 1 BNC
Analog Video Output 1 x Component YUV on 3 BNCs, 1 x composite NTSC/PAL on 1 BNC
SDI Audio Input 16 Channels embedded in SD/HD/2K/4K.
SDI Audio Output 16 Channels embedded in SD/HD/2K/4K.
HDMI Audio Input 8 Channels embedded in SD/HD/4K.
HDMI Audio Output 8 Channels embedded in SD/HD/4K.
Analog Audio Input 4 Channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors and 2 channels of consumer unbalanced via RCA connectors.
Analog Audio Output 4 Channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors.
AES/EBU Audio Input 2 Channels unbalanced with sample rate converter on BNC connector.
AES/EBU Audio Output 2 Channels unbalanced on BNC connector.
Mic Input 1 x 48V microphone input via XLR connector. Phantom Power switchable via software control.
Timecode Input 1 x XLR Input.
Timecode Output 1 x XLR Output.
Sync Input 1 x Reference input. Blackburst in SD or Tri-Sync in HD.
Sync Output 1 x Reference Loop Output. Blackburst in SD or Tri-Sync in HD.
Device Control 2 x Sony™ compatible RS-422 deck control ports. Serial ports TxRx direction reversible under software control.
Computer Interface Thunderbolt™ 2, PCI Express, USB.
Power 2 x built-in international AC power supply with IEC C14 inlet. 120-240V, 50-60Hz.
Codecs
Supports  AVC-Intra, AVCHD, Canon XF MPEG2, Digital SLR, DV-NTSC, DV-PAL, DVCPRO50, DVCPROHD, DPX, HDV, HEVC, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422, Apple ProRes 4444, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes (LT), Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy), Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2, Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2, Uncompressed 10-bit 4:4:4.
Software
Software Included Resolve Lite, Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and Blackmagic driver on Mac OS X. Resolve Lite, Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and Blackmagic driver on Windows 7 and Windows 8. Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and Blackmagic driver on Linux.
Internal Software Upgrade Firmware built into software driver. Software driver loads upgrades at system start or via updater software.
SDI Video Standards
SD Format Support 525/29.97 NTSC, 625/25 PAL.
HD Format Support 1280 x 720p50, 1280 x 720p59.94, 1280 x 720p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94, 1920 x 1080i60, 1920 x 1080PsF23.98, 1920 x 1080PsF24, 1920 x 1080PsF25, 1920 x 1080PsF29.97, 1920 x 1080PsF30, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60.
2K Format Support 2048 x 1080PsF23.98, 2048 x 1080PsF24, 2048 x 1080PsF25, 2048 x 1080p23.98, 2048 x 1080p24, 2048 x 1080p25.
4K Format Support 3840 x 2160p23.98, 3840 x 2160p24, 3840 x 2160p25, 3840 x 2160p29.97, 3840 x 2160p30, 3840 x 2160p50, 3840 x 2160p59.94, 3840 x 2160p60, 4096 x 2160p23.98, 4096 x 2160p24, 4096 x 2160p25.
SDI Compliance SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 372M, SMPTE 425M level A, SMPTE 425M level B, ITU-R BT.656 and ITU-R BT.601.
SDI Audio Sampling Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24-bit.
SDI Video Sampling 4:2:2, 4:4:4 and 4:4:4:4.
SDI Color Precision 8, 10-bit YUV 4:2:2 and 8, 10, 12-bit RGB 4:4:4.
SDI Color Space REC 601, REC 709.
SDI Configuration SDI output is configurable for Quad Link 3Gb/s via Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility. When using single link 12Gb/s on SDI A or dual link 6Gb/s on SDI A and B, SDI C and D will output downconverted HD.
SDI Metadata Support VITC read for 3:2 pulldown removal. VANC capture and playback using up to 3 lines of video in file. HD RP188. Closed captioning.
HDMI Video Standards
SD Format Support  525/29.97 NTSC, 625/25 PAL.
HD Format Support 1280 x 720p50, 1280 x 720p59.94, 1280 x 720p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94, 1920 x 1080i60, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60.
4K Format Support 3840 x 2160p23.98, 3840 x 2160p24, 3840 x 2160p25, 3840 x 2160p29.97, 3840 x 2160p30, 3840 x 2160p50, 3840 x 2160p59.94, 3840 x 2160p60, 4096 x 2160p23.98, 4096 x 2160p24.
Audio Sampling Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24-bit.
HDMI Video Sampling 4:2:2 and 4:4:4.
HDMI Color Precision 10-bit RGB in HD, 10-bit YUV in 4K.
HDMI Configuration HDMI 2.0 supports Deep Color and automatically configures to connected display.
Multiple Rate Support HDMI and SDI video connections are switchable between SD/HD/2K and 4K. Component analog video connections are switchable between SD and HD.
Copy Protection HDMI input is unable to capture from copy protected HDMI sources. Always confirm copyright ownership before capture or distribution of content.
Processing
Encoding Hardware based real time h.265 encoder.
Colorspace Conversion Hardware based real time.
3D Processing Dual stream and frame packed capture & playback.
Ultra HD Down Conversion Built in, high quality hardware down converter outputs Ultra HD to HD or HD to SD downconverted signal on SDI B and SD on Component and NTSC/PAL. Switch analog video to Component and choose HD or SD output. Selectable between letterbox, anamorphic 16:9 and center cut 4:3.
HD Up Conversion Built-in, high quality hardware up conversion from SD to 720HD or 1080HD on playback. Selectable between 4:3 pillarbox, 14:9 zoom and 16:9 zoom.
HD Cross Conversion Built in, high quality hardware cross conversion from 720p to 1080i and 1080i to 720p on playback.
Real Time Effects DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X internal effects. Premiere Pro CC Mercury Playback Engine effects. Avid Media Composer internal effects.
Physical Installation Requires computer with either a Thunderbolt port or available PCIe slot. PCIe cable and interface card available separately. Please check support pages to see the full system requirement.
Power Requirements 2 x built-in international AC power supply with IEC C14 inlet. 120-240V, 50-60Hz.
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature 5° to 40° C (41° to 104° F)
Storage Temperature -20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F)
Relative Humidity 0% to 90% non-condensing
What's Included UltraStudio 4K Extreme
Software SD card
Resolve Lite SD card
Warranty 3 Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty.
mf-07/05/2015