Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D
- Price: $945.25
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
A Thunderbolt cable is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase a Thunderbolt Cable.
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D is a Mac-compatible 3G/HD-SDI capture & playback device that connects to your computer via Thunderbolt and supports two streams of 1080p HD video for stereoscopic 3D workflows. The compact, handsome, machined-aluminum device includes all necessary capture/playback software and drivers, so setup is a breeze.
The device captures uncompressed 10-bit 4:4:4 RGB and 4:2:2 YUV video from any deck, broadcast router, or video camera with SDI output, and plays it back to broadcast-quality SDI monitors. With both dual- and single-link 3G-SDI supported, resolutions up to 2K are supported, for feature film work. The Thunderbolt connection supports data rates up to a blazing 10 Gb/s, which is plenty fast to effect a direct high-speed connection to your video editing software's real-time effects processing, even for dual-stream stereoscopic productions.
UltraStudio 3D also features an HDMI 1.4a input for capture and an HDMI 1.4a output for monitoring via an HDMI-enabled television, computer monitor, or projector. RS-422 deck control is included for controlling HDCAM SR, Digital Betacam, HDCAM, D5, DVCPRO HD, and other VTRs. For genlock, the device accepts a blackburst or tri-sync reference signal.
All UltraStudio 3D files are open standard DPX and QuickTime format, so you can edit with just about any software, including Apple Final Cut Pro, The Foundry's Nuke, eyeon Fusion, Digidesign Pro Tools, and Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and After Effects. UltraStudio 3D is qualified by Apple for Final Cut Pro compatibility, so you can batch capture from decks and play back FCP timelines with RT Extreme real-time effects. Other supported Final Cut Pro features include 10-bit rendering, 16-channel audio, deck control, and support for ProRes, JPEG, DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO HD, and 8- & 10-bit uncompressed video.
Note! Requires a Mac computer with a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt cable sold separately.
- Work in 3D
- UltraStudio 3D includes high quality HDMI 1.4a and dual HD-SDI connections for full-resolution frame-packed 3D capture and playback. Work in side-by-side, line-by-line, and top & bottom formats, even with previous-generation 3D devices. Blackmagic Design's included Media Express software allows advanced dual-stream 3D workflows by capturing left and right eye to separate QuickTime or DPX files for a complete 3D solution
- High-Quality Connections
- UltraStudio 3D includes the highest-quality low-jitter SDI connections that instantly switch between all SD, HD, and 2K video formats. Connect all your I/O devices with single- and dual-link 3 Gb/s HD-SDI, HDMI 1.4a, and analog video in and out, as well as 16 channel SDI audio I/O, genlock for bi- and tri-level sync, and serial deck control. Connect to decks such as Digital Betacam, HDCAM, HDCAM-SR, Panasonic D5, DVCPRO HD, Sony PMW-F3, and more. UltraStudio 3D includes HDMI 1.4a out, so you can use any television as a broadcast monitor, dramatically lowering the overall cost of editing systems. HDMI out even lets you connect to video projectors for a theater-style screening room environment. UltraStudio 3D includes a breakout cable that supplies connections for analog component/S-Video and composite, analog audio, genlock, AES/EBU audio, and RS-422 deck control
- Supreme Video Quality
- UltraStudio 3D supports uncompressed YUV 4:2:2 and RGB 4:4:4 workflows up to full resolution 2K, so you can handle any job that comes through your door. Since all captured images are a pixel-for-pixel clone of the source, without any generational loss or damaging compression, you're working at the highest quality possible. Get the sharpest green screens, cleanest compositions, and superior color correction. With mature drivers, the included award-winning Media Express software, plus a sophisticated SDK, UltraStudio 3D is an unparalleled solution
- Thunderbolt Power
- Built on Thunderbolt technology, UltraStudio 3D has a blazingly fast 10 Gb/s connection that's up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0. That's enough bandwidth for 2K RGB capture and playback. Thunderbolt also brings low latency and highly accurate time synchronization, so UltraStudio 3D is perfect for demanding stereoscopic 3D workflows. Thunderbolt's daisy-chaining capability enables you to connect the device to high-performance storage that is in turn connected to your workstation or notebook. Now you can get all the workstation-class performance you love, even conveniently on your MacBook Pro
- Broad Compatibility
- With UltraStudio 3D's third-party software compatibility, you can seamlessly edit on your favorite NLE software such as Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. For compositing and broadcast design, UltraStudio 3D works with After Effects, Nuke, and Photoshop. Imagine color grading live on set with UltraStudio 3D and DaVinci Resolve on your MacBook Pro – and seeing a real-time preview live on a big-screen TV or projector. All UltraStudio 3D files are open standard DPX and QuickTime format, so they are compatible with all software. UltraStudio 3D even includes a developer SDK and QuickTime API so you can develop your own custom solutions
- International Power Supply
- UltraStudio 3D includes a universal power supply complete with a cable tie-down point and a set of international socket adapters for all countries. Take your editing suite with you anywhere without the need to purchase third-party adapters
- Included Software, Drivers & Plug-Ins
- UltraStudio 3D includes everything you need for editing, paint, or broadcast design. There's a full set of drivers for capture and playback with real-time effects in Premiere Pro. There's also a set of included Blackmagic Utilities: Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, and the Blackmagic software codec. Also included is Media Express software for batch capture and output to tape with frame-accurate deck control using AVI, QuickTime and DPX files. Media Express lets you use virtually any software for video work. Adobe Photoshop is the world standard for paint and image design, and UltraStudio 3D includes Photoshop plug-ins that let you grab frames from the video input or send frames to the video output – directly from within Photoshop itself. UltraStudio 3D also supports real-time RAM preview in Adobe After Effects
- Blackmagic Media Express
- Media Express lets you batch capture and play back 2D and dual-stream stereoscopic 3D in DPX, ProRes, uncompressed YUV and RGB, DVCPRO HD, and MJPEG files. You can even create your own playlist. Media Express also supports CMX EDL import and export, frame-accurate deck control via RS-422, and will even insert and assemble to tape. Media Express is fast, accurate, and easy to use and works on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. Audio metering, real-time preview of clips, and dynamic playlist search are just some of its features. You can even grab still frames directly from your deck and save them as perfect digital-quality still images
- Blackmagic Utilities
- LiveKey lets you insert logos and other graphics in real time using SDI outputs by switching UltraStudio 3D into a standard-def or high-def keyer card. Disk Speed Test checks your disk array and gives you an easy-to-understand speed test with the results in video frames per second. The world famous Blackmagic Codec allows highest rendering quality on Intensity and unlike other products, only the Blackmagic Codec features correct anti-aliasing 4:2:2 color filtering, so RGB graphics convert to correct 4:2:2 YUV video space without aliasing problems
| Connectivity | |
|---|---|
| SDI Input | 2x 10-bit SD/HD switchable |
| SDI Output | 2x 10-bit SD/HD switchable |
| Analog Video Inputs | 1x component YUV on 3 BNCs switchable to S-Video or composite. Component supports HD and SD |
| Analog Video Outputs | 1x component YUV on 3 BNCs switchable to S-Video or composite. Component supports HD and SD |
| HDMI Input Connectors | 1x HDMI 1.4a type A |
| HDMI Output Connector | 1x HDMI 1.4a type A |
| Analog Audio Output | 2 channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors |
| Analog Audio Inputs | 2 channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors |
| AES/EBU Audio Input | 2 channels unbalanced with sample rate converter |
| AES/EBU Audio Output | 2 channels unbalanced with sample rate converter |
| SDI Audio Input | 16 channels embedded in SD and HD |
| SDI Audio Output | 16 channels embedded in SD and HD |
| HDMI Audio Input | 8 channels embedded in SD and HD |
| HDMI Audio Output | 8 channels embedded in SD and HD |
| Computer Interface | Thunderbolt |
| Sync Input | Blackburst in SD, 720p50, 720p59.94, 1080i50 and 1080i59.94 formats or Tri-Sync in any HD format |
| Device Control | Sony-compatible RS-422 deck control port. Serial ports TxRx direction reversible under software control |
| Standards | |
|---|---|
| SD Format Support | 625/25 PAL, 525/29.97 NTSC, 525/23.98 NTSC, and 480p |
| HD Format Support | 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60, 1080PsF23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25, 1080PsF29.97, 1080PsF30, 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60 |
| 2K Format Support | 2048 x 1556PsF24 and 2048 x 1556PsF25; 2048 x 1556p23.98, 2048 x 1556p24, and 2048 x 1556p25 |
| SDI Compliance | SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 372M, and SMPTE 425M |
| 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 |
| Video Sampling | 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 |
| Audio Sampling | Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz at 24-bit |
| Color Precision | 10-bit |
| Color Space | REC 601, REC 709 |
| HDMI Color Precision | 10-bit |
| HDMI Resolution | Pixel-for-pixel HD resolution input to connected device |
| HDMI Configuration | HDMI automatically configures to connected display |
| Multiple Rate Support | SDI, HDMI, and component analog video connections are switchable between standard definition and high definition. SDI switches between 270 Mb/s standard definition SDI, 1.5 Gb/s HD-SDI, and 3 Gb/s HD and 2K SDI |
| Copy Protection | For legal reasons HDMI input is unable to capture from copy protected HDMI sources. Always confirm copyright ownership before capture or distribution of content |
| Processing | |
|---|---|
| Colorspace Conversion | Hardware-based real time |
| 3D Processing | Dual-stream and frame-packed capture & playback |
| HD Down Conversion | Software-based down conversion during video playback |
| HD Up Conversion | Real-time standard definition to 1080HD and 720HD during video capture |
| HD Cross Conversion | Real time 720 HD to 1080 HD during video capture |
| Real-Time Effects | Apple Final Cut Pro internal effects in DV, DVCPRO HD, ProRes, and uncompressed on Intel Mac OS X. Adobe Premiere Pro Mercury Playback Engine effects in DV, MJPEG, DVCPRO HD, DSLR, AVCHD, XDCAM, XDCAM HD, and uncompressed. |
| Extras | |
|---|---|
| Software | Media Express, Disk Speed Test, Blackmagic System Preferences, and Blackmagic driver on Mac OS X |
| Firmware Upgrade | Firmware built into software driver. Loaded at system start or via updater software |
| Minimum System Requirements | Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Requires Macintosh computer with Thunderbolt |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Highly compatible (8)
- Easy to install (7)
- Fast (5)
- Reliable (4)
- Quiet (3)
Cons
- Runs hot (6)
Best Uses
- High-end multimedia (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Heavy duty user (5), Frequent user (4)
- Primary use:
- Business (9)
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
- Reliable
- versatile
Cons
- Runs Hot
- Single Thunderbolt Port
Best Uses
- High-End Multimedia
- Monitoring
- Real-time Video Recording
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
I bought this in a rush to complete a job under a tight deadline. It was simple to use, easy to understand and very capable. The amount of connections on the break-out cables are immense. I was even able to connect my older cameras via composite connections (the Canon XL-2 conveniently has a BNC connection for the composite signal). Keep in mind, this is aimed at the professional, so ALL connections on the break-out cable, save for the XLR audio connections, are BNC. If you need to connect Component, S-Video or composite signals in or out of this box, you will need BNC cables or converters to hook it up.
The software is simple and straight-forward. For recordings on the fly, Media Express is a light-weight program to get things recorded onto the hard drive.
Cons:
The device gets quite hot. Not so hot I couldn't leave my hand on it, but hot enough for my hand to be uncomfortable.
Media Express (which gets updated with new features often) does not currently support audio inputs from other sources. I have requested this feature. I could use other programs to record when this feature is needed.
One Thunderbolt port (upside down?). Put it at the end of your Thunderbolt chain. Hopefully your TB harddrive has more than one port.
Fans can make a bit of noise. Don't place it right next to a microphone, and you should be okay.
Despite what you may have read (I had), this does not currently allow for multiple camera inputs outside of a 3D pair So you cannot use this as a switcher. They have an impressive series of ATEM switchers for that purpose.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Recommended:
- Apple Thunderbolt Cable, BNC to BNC SDI Cable - 25 ft - Canare
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
- Reliable
Cons
- Runs Hot
Best Uses
- High-End Multimedia
- Post-production
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
Love the Ultrastudio 3D. Went back and forth for awhile on whether to invest or wait to see what other big brands did in terms of Thunderbolt capture/monitoring.
Could not be happier I went with Blackmagic, I'm a professional editor and the ability to output to HDMI and dual link HDSDI from my Macbook Pro is hard to wrap my mind around. It lends even more professional resource to those of us without instant access to pricey post-production houses.
Sleek design, quiet fan, but it does get warm during operation---not unreasonably so. ZERO sync problems when monitoring out of HDMI, which I've seen on top of the line AJA PCI cards.
Fantastic purchase, could not recommend it more. Opens up lots of possibilities. If your on the fence, seek one out and see it in action---it's incredible.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Highly Compatible
- Quiet
- Reliable
Cons
- Runs Hot
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
We needed a portable solution for events like Commencement outdoors on our quad. This allows us to connect either a single camera via component or the SDI output of our Panasonic AW-RS50 switcher, plus pro audio to a MacBook Pro using Firewire. We've been testing it for weeks and it works flawlessly.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Highly Compatible
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
Wowed by this box so far. I have 2 different BlackMagic cards in my MacPros. This gives me all the same functionality, but with my laptop (and MacMini). I love it so much I bought 2. :) Big win for me and a ton of flexibility with up/down/cross conversion since all the outputs are live all the time. Rock solid to this point.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
- Runs Hot
Best Uses
- Color Correction
- Livestreaming
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
I bought this for use in a mobile Davinci resolve kit and the unit just works the way you would expect. It's basically the same as the Decklink 3D except external. On that note, the unit does get pretty hot so make sure it has some room around it. The only other problem is that it is a Thunderbolt end piece, meaning you cannot daisy chain through it, as it only has one Thunderbolt port.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
Our new system is an iMac and the UltraStudio 3D. (Among other things)
The UltraStudio 3D not only works as advertised, but has a standard break-out cable for connections as well as an available unit that has more, connections.
Tech support from Blackmagic was very helpful too. We had an original issue with getting video to play smoothly on the NTSC monitor, but tech support explained that my problem was related to Final Cut Pro X not being able to support an external monitor. Going to FCP 7 did indeed fix the issue.
Back to the UltraStudio 3D. Price was more than competitive and it had more connections that other units I researched..I'd recommend it highly to anyone that's going to an iMac for video...the Thunderbolt connection works very well.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
- Quiet
- Reliable
Cons
- Runs Hot
Best Uses
- High-End Multimedia
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
It is exciting to use this IO box with Premiere Pro 5.5 and Davinci Resolve for color correction. It is so much better to use the Panasonic (BT-LH 1700W) broadcast monitor in real time with my MacBook Pro instead of the computer screen. No hassle. Setup the software, plug in the Thunderbolt connection and that's it! It works! Love it.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
- Low latency
- Portable
Cons
- 32 bit only
- Few status LEDs
- No onoff switch
- Runs Hot
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Video conference
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
My first unit was overheating and shut off after about 15 mins. Blackmagic didn't seem very knowledgeable about the product. From what I could tell, latency was very low, and lots of audio / video options. We're using to capture HDMI and component video for live video conferences.
The downside is that you have to match up the exact camera input, so tricky if you want to switch between multiple camera inputs. As I understand this device uses legacy QT 32-bit driver, so will cause problems as apps are moving to 64-bit. Someone more knowledgeable could say if the firmware or driver can be updated.
Breakout cable seems a brittle for those connecting and disconnecting. HDMI connector is upside down. Would be nice to have more status LEDs to see what's going on, and an on/off switch.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Fast
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 3D:
The only thing to complain is the fan. It's louder than my iMac. Ok, the iMac is sooo quiet :-)
I would buy this product again.
- Primary use:
- Business
Displaying reviews 1-9
Thunderbolt Cable
Required item:
- Price: $47.25
Cables & Cable Management
- Price: $21.99
Power Accessories
- Price: $83.95
What's in the Box
- Breakout Cable
- International 12V Power Supply
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
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