Blackmagic Design Announces DeckLink Studio

Blackmagic Design has announced the launch of DeckLink Studio, a new model capture card, specifically designed as a replacement for standard definition cards, but with increased analog connectivity for wide compatibility with older analog equipment as well as SD and HD-SDI for the latest digital equipment.
DeckLink Studio replaces the entire Blackmagic Design standard definition product line whilst also adding HD support, at much lower cost.
DeckLink Studio features independent connections for SDI, analog component, S-Video and composite video, so all types of external video equipment can remain connected without re-cabling.
DeckLink Studio also includes SDI connections that switch between SD and HD, as well as an SD only output that always outputs via a built-in hardware down converter even when running in HD. The SD down converted output is great when you need to monitor your work in both SD and HD at the same time. No product on the market today has a built in high quality hardware down converter at this low price point.
The built in 10 bit hardware down converter is selectable between letterbox, anamorphic 16:9 and center cut 4:3 modes, and operates when running in all HD video formats, as well as in capture and playback modes. Embedded SDI audio is supported via the hardware down converter and output on the SDI output. When running HD video formats, both S-Video and composite video are output from the down converter so video is always present, independent of what video standard is used.
Because DeckLink Studio was designed as a replacement for Blackmagic Design's standard definition product range, it includes greater audio connectivity for when customers need to use older broadcast decks such as Betacam SP.
DeckLink Studio includes 4 channels of balanced analog audio, as well as 2 channels of AES/EBU digital audio. For extra digital audio, the channel 3 and 4 analog audio outputs can be switched to AES/EBU for channel 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 output. That provides 6 channels of digital audio output in total and is perfect for 5.1 surround sound monitoring or multi language work.
DeckLink Studio features a 1 lane PCI Express connection that works in lower cost computers, while still retaining incredibly high data speeds to the computer, so it's perfect for HD video and real time effects.
While DeckLink Studio has powerful HD features, it's designed to be a perfect choice for customers who only need SD support. Its low cost and compatibility with affordable entry level computers makes it a perfect choice for SD, and if HD is required at any time, DeckLink Studio will instantly switch to HD video.
This means DeckLink Studio is the perfect solution for post production and broadcast users even with the tightest budgets. No other product provides as much power for the price as DeckLink Studio.
When doing broadcast work, DeckLink Studio has a built in SD keyer, that allows RGBA graphics to be keyed over the SDI input in standard definition. If external keying is required, DeckLink Studio can also output key on the SD-SDI output and fill video on the main HD/SD-SDI output.
DeckLink Studio also features black burst and tri-sync input and a RS-422 deck control connection for broadcast decks.
DeckLink Studio is available now and in stock for only US$695 or €545 from all Blackmagic Design authorised resellers worldwide.
(KMcA/BMcC)