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Blackmagic Design DeckLink Quad 2 - Black

Blackmagic Design DeckLink Quad 2 - Black

The Blackmagic Design DeckLink Quad 2 Card features eight independent SDI capture and playback cha...

Best current price£899.00from Wex Photo Video

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Wex Photo VideoBlackmagic DeckLink Quad 2 Capture Card
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£899.00
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Product Information

Full details

The Blackmagic Design DeckLink Quad 2 is a high-performance capture and playback card designed for video professionals needing flexible I/O configurations. Its key benefit is the ability to independently configure up to eight 3G-SDI ports for either capture or playback in SD and HD, offering exceptional versatility for broadcast, post-production, and live event workflows. A potential caveat is its reliance on robust system hardware and compatible software to fully leverage its capabilities.

All features

ColourBlack
Model Part NumberDeckLink Quad 2
BrandBlackmagic Design

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Can all eight SDI ports be used for capture simultaneously?

Yes, the DeckLink Quad 2 allows for any combination of capture and playback. You can configure all eight ports for capture if your system has the processing power to handle it.

What is the maximum video format supported?

The card supports SD and HD video formats up to 1080p60.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing channel configurations?

While some changes can be applied on-the-fly, it is often recommended to restart your editing or playback software. Significant changes or driver updates might necessitate a system restart.

Is this card compatible with Thunderbolt?

No, the DeckLink Quad 2 is a PCIe card and requires a direct PCIe slot on your computer's motherboard. It is not a Thunderbolt device.

What is the purpose of the reference input?

The reference input (Black Burst or Tri-Sync) is used to synchronize the card's output signals with other equipment in a professional video facility, ensuring all devices operate on the same timing reference to prevent glitches and maintain broadcast quality.

Can I use this card for streaming?

Yes, many streaming applications that support DeckLink cards can utilize the capture channels of the DeckLink Quad 2 for high-quality, multi-source streaming.

What kind of PCIe slot does it require?

It requires a PCIe slot. For optimal performance, especially when using multiple channels at high resolutions, a PCIe 4.0 x8 or higher slot is recommended.

Troubleshooting

Card not recognized by the system

Ensure the card is securely seated in the PCIe slot. Verify the latest Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers are installed. Check the motherboard BIOS for PCIe slot recognition.

No video signal on SDI output

Confirm the output channel is configured for playback in the Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility. Check SDI cable connections at both ends. Ensure the source application is sending a valid video signal.

Dropped frames or stuttering playback/capture

Verify the host system meets the recommended specifications for your video format and channel count. Close unnecessary background applications. Ensure storage drives have sufficient write/read speeds. Check system CPU and GPU load.

Incorrect video format or color space

Double-check the configured format (SD/HD, frame rate, resolution) in the Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility matches your source and destination devices. Ensure proper color space settings are applied in your editing or playback software.

Reference sync issues

Confirm the reference input cable is securely connected and the reference signal is stable. Verify the correct reference standard (Black Burst/Tri-Sync) is selected in the Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional I/O flexibility with 8 independent, configurable SDI channels.
  • Supports a wide range of SD and HD formats up to 1080p60.
  • Single-card solution reduces system complexity and space requirements.
  • Bidirectional ports offer dynamic reconfigurability for different tasks.
  • Essential for multi-channel ingest or playback workflows.

Cons

  • Requires a powerful host system to handle multiple simultaneous I/O streams.
  • SDI cabling can become extensive with all eight ports in use.
  • Configuration might require a learning curve for users new to advanced I/O management.
  • Power consumption can be significant under heavy load.
  • Relies on specific software drivers and integrations for full functionality.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup:

  1. Install the DeckLink Quad 2 card into an available PCIe slot on your computer.
  2. Connect your SDI sources (cameras, decks) to the appropriate input BNC connectors and your monitoring or output devices to the output BNC connectors.
  3. Ensure you have the latest Blackmagic Desktop Video software installed from the Blackmagic Design website.
  4. Configure the direction (capture or playback) and format for each SDI channel within the Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility or compatible third-party software.
  5. Connect a reference source (Black Burst or Tri-Sync) to the dedicated reference input if synchronization is critical.

Compatibility:

  • Operating Systems: Typically compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Refer to the Blackmagic Design website for specific version compatibility.
  • Software: Works with a wide range of professional video editing, color grading, and streaming applications that support DeckLink cards, such as DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, vMix, and OBS Studio.
  • Hardware: Requires a computer with a suitable PCIe slot (e.g., PCIe 4.0 x8 or higher recommended for optimal performance) and sufficient processing power, RAM, and graphics capabilities.

Care:

  • Keep the card and computer's internal components clean and free from dust, especially the PCIe slot and card connectors.
  • Ensure adequate airflow within the computer to prevent overheating, as the card can generate heat during intensive use.
  • Avoid physically stressing the SDI connectors. Use quality cables and avoid frequent, forceful connections and disconnections.
  • Regularly update the Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with new software versions.

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