Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1585
February 2009 7 Blackmagic Opens Doors with Low-Cost DeckLink Studio PRODUCT: VIDEO CARDS Blackmagic Design unveiled a new capture card model, Deck- Link Studio, which replaces the entire Blackmagic standard- defi nition product line while adding HD support at a lower cost. The card also offers increased analog connectivity, making it compatible with older analog equipment, as well as SD and HD-SDI for the latest digital equipment. DeckLink Studio features independent connections for SDI, analog component, S-Video, and composite video, so all types of external video equipment can remain connected without re- cabling. DeckLink Studio also includes SDI connections that switch between SD and HD, as well as an SD-only output via a built-in hardware down converter, even when running in HD. The SD down-converted output is useful when monitoring work in both SD and HD simultaneously. The built-in 10-bit hardware down converter is selectable between letterbox, anamorphic 16:9, and center-cut 4:3 modes, and operates when running in all HD video formats as well as in capture and playback modes. Embedded SDI audio is support- ed via the hardware down converter and output on the SDI. When running HD video formats, both S-Video and composite video are output from the down converter, so video is always present, independent of the video standard being used. While the card boasts HD features, its $695 price and the fact that it works in lower-cost computers (via a one-lane PCI Express connection) make it attractive to those who need only SD support but who may need to move to HD. Also, Blackmagic rolled out DeckLink SDI, a new model of capture card that combines high-quality 10-bit SD/HD-SDI capture and playback with a cost of $395. DeckLink SDI is designed for high-end broadcast and post- production customers working in large SDI-based facilities and needing numerous creative workstation seats. The card, which can instantly switch between SD-SDI and HD-SDI formats, replaces the company's original SD-only DeckLink model. CGW_Half_HOR:CGW_Half_HOR 9/15/08 10:17 AM Page 1