Blackmagic Decklink Duo (Connecting two HD-SDI cameras)

[Trixster]

so, a hardware question for the upcomming Vidblaster rigg I´m designing.

Since I´ll be using HD-SDI output from my cameras, I´ll need HD-SDI capture cards.

the options are either the Decklink SDI, Decklink Studio or Decklink Duo.
Decklink Duo seem to have 2 independent HD-SDI inputs, so the question is really, does anyone here have any experience with this card and if so, can you use both inputs in vidblaster (i.e. connect two cameras to the same card)?

[Johan Lundberg]

Since this card is completely new I have no hands-on experience of it yet. According to Black Magic this card should behave as two totally separate cards (which works fine in Vidblaster), and therefor should show up as two separate inputs (or outputs!) in Vidblaster.

I think this card will be a really good solution if using SDI/HD-SDI and I will probably be getting one of these cards for our own use but it's not on top of the list right now.


Regards,
Johan

[Mike]

I'm interested in buying it too (PCI slots are scarce), but need to buy a camera with it. Still looking for something affordable (as it is for testing SDI only).

[Johan Lundberg]

Mike,

If you already have a camera that outputs HDMI you could always just buy a HDMI -> HD-SDI converter ($495) for testing. I got one of those and it works good as long as you keep in mind that it's not a scaler. This means that you resolution and frame rate must be correct from the camera. Of course you can also use this to convert HDMI output from your laptop to HD-SDI, which I've used several times.

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/miniconverters/

[Mike]

Thanks, that would be a solution if I weren't already looking for new cameras anyway. I need to match more what my high end clients have, without spending the same amount of money (as I hardly use them). I already had 720p on my wish list and now added SDI. If you know one that does both and not break the bank, do tell. If not, I will have to find one that e.g. has a broken recorder part.

[Trixster]

Sounds good Johan.
I´ll continue looking at this card then :)

And as Mike says, pci express slots are scarce! so this Duo card would make it simple to add twice as many cameras, when you need them.

About the camera Mike, have you looked at the JVC GY-HD201E?
It´s the ones I´m going to use.
http://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A02QI7/JVC-GY-HD201E-HD-Camcorder-PAL/

[Mike]

Thanks, interesting. Bit pricey still, especially if you add the import duties when you buy from them. I'll check what they cost locally.

[Mike]

Found the Sony HXR-NX5E which has SDI out, does 720p and 1080i. And it's "cheaper".

[Mike]

If you are not following my tweets: I ordered this camera and a DeckLink Duo so should be able to know more in a week. I think I'm also going to install (quad) SDI in Katja's PC, the coax cables seem the best option for live productions. Either that or wireless.

[Trixster]

Nice mike.

Coax cables are the way to go I think, or fiber... But that is another pricerange...
The wireless Solutions is in my opinion not yet good enough. We used one afew weeks ago, or well, we tried to use one... But had to revert back to sdi/coax. The 5ghz band is just to cluttered with other equipment that it makes the signal from the cameras to unstable to use during live events. And for the price of wireless Solutions, i'd rather save a fortune and use a cable.

I'll be holding my breath for the decklink duo test :)

[PeterHazenberg]

Hi Mike,

The most affordable camera's with HD SDI out I found at IBC where:
- Panasonic AG-HPX170 P2HD Solid-State ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/brochures/AG-HPX170_specsheet.pdf
- Canon XF-105 http://www.canon.nl/About_Us/Press_Centre/Press_Releases/Consumer_News/Camcorders/XF105_XF100_Press_Release.aspx

Both in the 3000 Euro range...

Cheers,
Peter

[Mike]

Thanks Peter, I'll have a look at those when I need another SDI camera. I'm now the proud owner of the Sony.

[PeterHazenberg]

Thanks Peter, I'm now the proud owner of the Sony. What can I say :)

Maybe one thing... (not to be the p.i.t.a.) Your Sony records in a compressed format while the Panasonic does MPEG2 (IMX30 en IMX50) Both last once are the native standards at "het Mediapark" So could be interesting for Katja...

But never the less... the Sony is a beautiful cam!

[BrandonJones]

Mike,

Have you gotten a chance to use the nx5u with the decklink duo? If so, what's been the result. We actually have the same combination. Just curious how they are working for you.

I'm particularly interested in the smoothness of the video when the vidblaster global frame rate is set to 60 fps. I currently only have access to pro so can only go to 30 fps while my camera is sending out 60 fps. This frame rate mismatch is creating some video choppiness (at least I think that's the culprit based on the video chain discussions on here in the past).

Brandon

[Mike]

It's gathering dust unfortunately, have not had time to hook it up.