Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo
The Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo is a video-editing capture card consisting of 2 independent SDI inputs and outputs, both supporting SD and HD video formats that can be inter-switched; each SDI input or output could be a different video standard as well as a different content stream.
The DeckLink Duo can capture and playback at the same time making it perfect for developers who need 2 completely independent capture and playback streams in and out of a computer. It includes a common tri-sync / black burst reference, and appears as 2 independent SDI cards to the computer, but only uses a single PCI Express slot. It supports Mac, Windows, and Linux OS.
- 2 independent SDI inputs & outputs, supports both SD/HD formats
- 2 SDI inputs and outputs can be switched between SD/HD video formats
- Each SDI input or output could be a different video standard as well as a different content stream
- Simultaneous capture and playback
- Perfect for developers who require 2 completely independent capture and playback streams in and out of a computer
- Includes a common tri-sync/black burst reference
- Appears as 2 independent SDI cards to the computer but uses only a single PCI Express slot
- Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux OS
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Professional quality (5)
- Easy to use (4)
- Highly compatible (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- In the studio (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Business owner (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (5)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 8 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
- Does not crash computer
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to use
- Great picture quality
Cons
- Buy more parts
- No analog input
Best Uses
- Multimedia
- Webcasting
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
Though it claims to take an SD format, if your camera has an SD output but is still using an analog signal, it won't work unless you also get an analog to SDI convertor. Call support to make sure your camera is compatible.
That being said, we were using Dazzles to webcast before, and now we're using this. The Dazzles gave mediocre picture and made our computer blue screen ALL THE TIME. After installing this, the computer has not blue screened and the picture is SO MUCH BETTER! Also Wirecast read the card right after installation, which was really nice :)
Overall, I'm VERY happy, just sad I have to buy a convertor box and rewire some things, but it's gonna be so worth it to have a broadcast that looks like this. Thanks Decklink!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
I'm using this to capture two SDI inputs simultaneously. So far it works here. I'll be putting it through heavy testing in the field in a couple days. The product does what it says. At this price point, it is a no-brainer. I'm still trying to figure out how it can benefit me on capture (as hardware) apart from being a simple input/output. From what i have gleened, it is a very elegant input/output but not a hard-core hardware processing unit (still relies on the host box and OS/software to do the heavy lifting). As a simple, elegant input/output this product shines.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
if you need a simple dual sdi solution with very little latency... i recommend this product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Highly Compatible
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
I used 2 DeckLink Duos with Wirecast for broadcasting a live show to the internet.
Popped the cards in and install the blackmagic software. After a restart Wirecast recognized each input. The card works better with Wirecast than theHDMI intensity pro.
The only down side might be that the computer can not use the SDI out as a display or program out. They are pass thrus of the signal in.
Blackmagic keeps it inexpensive which is Awesome!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Lacks Functionality
- Limited Compatibility
Best Uses
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
I really like the Decklink Duo. Importing from 2 HD SDI sources is great. Currently I am using this with Wirecast in a MacPro to live webcasts. Just pop it in, install the software and you're good to go. It auto-detects SDI input resolution and framerate.
However, the Duo has a few major drawbacks. First, Final Cut Pro 7 can access only one Decklink device. You have no control over which device it identifies, and it may change between reboots. This is really annoying because you may want to hook up a monitor to playback video and find that it does not even work because your device is not detected.
I contacted Blackmagic Design and the terse responses I received were not helpful. Essentially, they said that this is a known issue with Apple ProApps and that I need to contact Apple. Blackmagic was unable to provide any type of workarounds or suggestions on how to make multiple Decklink devices work with FCP.
I was extremely disappointed with Blackmagic's support. After buying a $500 capture card, it would be nice to use with FCP reliably, but this is not the case.
Also, Blackmagic's Media Express (video capture) software suffers from the same problems as FCP! It can only access one Decklink device and you have no control over which one it uses! Come on, Blackmagic...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
I use this in my Mac Pro to connect two Sony EX-3's when doing a live stream with Wirecast Studio. It works excellent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Lacks Functionality
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
I love having a dual headed card. This allows me more room to expand my computer in other ways. Downside=encoding to DVCPRO HD or ProRes done by processor - not card.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo:
Paired with Sony EVI-HD1 using Wirecast for web streaming. Would like to see connector labels on the BNC plugs.
Displaying reviews 1-8
- User Manual (PDF 9.1mb)
- Connection Diagrams (PDF 1.3mb)
Cables & Cable Management
-
- Original: $17.95
- Save: $1.79
- Price: $16.16
Editing Software
- Price: $964.95
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
