Blackmagic Design releases DeckLink HD Extreme 3D+

IBC 2010, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Blackmagic Design today announced a new model of DeckLink HD Extreme 3D that now includes upgraded HDMI 1.4 for full resolution 3D capture and playback as well as input re-clocking for capture from poor quality SDI sources.

DeckLink HD Extreme 3D will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design IBC 2010 booth #7.B25

This new model of DeckLink HD Extreme 3D with HDMI 1.4 technology extends the 3D features of the previous model it replaces, because the latest HDMI 1.4 technology now allows full resolution 3D using the frame packing method, to produce stunning 3D images on compatible HDMI 1.4 displays.

DeckLink HD Extreme 3D’s latest generation HDMI 1.4 frame packing 3D, allows full resolution frames for the left and right eyes down the single HDMI connection, so each eye gets a full resolution image. Previous generation HDMI 1.3 can be used for 3D video, however it’s limited to side by side, line by line and top and bottom method for transferring 3D video which are half resolution 3D modes.

DeckLink HD Extreme 3D retains these modes for compatibility with older HDMI 1.3 displays, however when plugged into a HDMI 1.4 display, can switch over to stunning full resolution 3D quality. DeckLink HD Extreme 3D can also capture from HDMI 1.4 deceives such as gaming consoles and cameras into 2 separate full resolution media files for each eye. This is the highest quality 3D possible!

The new DeckLink HD Extreme 3D model retains all SDI 3D capture and playback modes for the widest compatibility with all 3D workflows. Dual steam 3D allows customers to use the DeckLink HD Extreme 3D dual SDI connections to capture and playback two streams, one for the left eye, and one for the right eye. The two streams are recorded into two separate media files. Dual stream 3D is higher quality because each eye is full resolution video, but dual stream is less compatible with current editing software. To solve this problem, Blackmagic Design’s Media Express has been upgraded to handle both interleaved and dual stream 3D for capture and playback of 3D media for a complete 3D solution.

This new model of DeckLink HD Extreme 3D also includes powerful features such as hardware up, down and cross conversion, 12 bit hardware architecture, 3 Gb/s SDI, support for up to 1080p60 in SDI, component analog and HDMI connections, as well as full SD, HD and 2K support for only US$995.

With SDI, HDMI and analog video capture and playback, combined with balanced analog and AES/EBU digital audio, DeckLink HD Extreme 3D lets customers connect to all decks, cameras and monitors! DeckLink HD Extreme instantly switches between SD, HD and 2K, so it’s the ideal solution for all post production and broadcast users when working on design, editing, paint and effects tasks.

The new model of DeckLink HD Extreme 3D now includes the same SDI re-clocking technology normally found on professional routers to allow capture from extremely poor quality SDI sources. This helps in live situations where poor quality SDI sources need to be captured. DeckLink HD Extreme 3D also includes a new high quality up, down and cross converter so customers can edit in SD and play out HD, or edit in HD and play out SD. The cross converter lets customers edit in 720p and output in 1080i, or edit in 1080i and play back in 720p. The new up, down and cross converter uses the highest quality 10 bit processing and filtering.

DeckLink HD Extreme 3D is based on a new internal hardware design with support for 12 bit SDI video and full support for video rates up to 1080p60 via SDI, HDMI and analog component. For developers, two DeckLink HD Extreme 3D cards can be sync’ed together with a cable for dual card operation.

“We are so excited by the new 3D workflows and now with DeckLink HD Extreme 3D, there is an all in one solution to allow everyone to have access to the highest quality 3D workflows. I cannot believe how many advanced industry leading features are packed into this single product!”, said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “DeckLink HD Extreme 3D is the only way to get 3D, 4:4:4 and 2K capture and playback, combined with conventional SD and HD at a price everyone can afford!”


DeckLink HD Extreme 3D Key Features

* 3G SDI (3 Gb/s SDI) in and out, supports SD, HD up to 1080p60 and 2K.

* SDI inputs include full SDI re-clocking for capture from poor quality SDI sources.

* HDMI 1.4 in and out, supports SD and HD formats up to 1080p60 and frame packing 3D.

* Component analog in and out, supports SD and HD formats up to 1080p60.

* Component analog switches to s-video and composite.

* S-video and composite always down-converted when operating in HD video formats.

* 2 channel balanced analog audio in and out.

* 2 channel AES/EBU unbalanced audio in and out.

* Genlock/tri-sync input.

* Sony™ compatible RS-422 deck control.

* Supports uncompressed 8, 10 and 12 bit and compressed video capture and playback.

* Capture/playback of side by side, line by line, top and bottom and frame packing 3D via HDMI.

* Capture/playback of side by side, line by line, top and bottom and dual stream 3D via SDI.

* Includes high quality hardware up, down and cross conversion.

* Includes hardware SD and HD keying.

* Plugs into Mac, Windows and Linux computers.

* Supports Final Cut Studio, Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects, Fusion and more.

* Includes free developer SDK for Windows, Mac and Linux.

* Includes free Media Express capture and playback software for Mac, Windows and Linux.


Availability and Price

DeckLink HD Extreme 3D+ with HDMI 1.4 is available now for US$995 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide. A software update adding new 3D features is available for download now, and at no charge for the previous model of DeckLink HD Extreme 3D, adding side by side, line by line and top and bottom 3D modes.


Press Photography

Product photos of the DeckLink HD Extreme 3D, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagic-design.com/press/resources/images.


About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, color correctors, video converters, routers, waveform monitors and film restoration software for the feature film, post-production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in the television industry, while the company’s DaVinci Emmy™ award winning color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984 and continue ground breaking innovations including stereoscopic 3D and 4K workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. For more information, please check www.blackmagic-design.com.