Video Transports
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI graphics output
Put VRA graphics into your SDI production with Blackmagic DeckLink or UltraStudio. The Render Engine sends the picture through your hardware, with separate fill and key on compatible devices.
How Blackmagic DeckLink (SDI) and VRA work together.
SDI output is mapped per player
Each VRA output selects a Blackmagic device and channel. Multiple outputs can be assigned when the installed hardware and computer have enough output channels.
Match your studio video format
Choose from the supported SD, HD and UHD timing modes through 2160p60. The setting should match the switcher or router receiving the signal.
Overlay graphics with fill and key
External keying uses a BGRA render and a compatible pair of Blackmagic outputs. The receiving switcher combines the fill and key signals.
VRA still controls the content
Visual Designer and Playout decide what the Output Player renders. DeckLink carries those pixels into the existing SDI workflow.
How to set it up.
Requirements
- VRA Output Player installed on a computer with the Blackmagic hardware attached.
- A supported DeckLink or UltraStudio device and the current Blackmagic Desktop Video driver.
- An output format that matches the downstream equipment.
- Two suitable hardware outputs and BGRA rendering when external fill and key are required.
Install the DeckLink card or connect the UltraStudio device to the Output Player machine.
Install Blackmagic Desktop Video and confirm the device and connector settings in Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup.
Start VRA Output Player. In the output settings, choose Blackmagic and select the device, channel and video format used by the studio.
For fill and key, choose a BGRA output format and enable external keying on hardware that supports paired key output.
Send a VRA test composition, verify frame rate and resolution at the destination, then check key polarity and timing when key is enabled.
Blackmagic DeckLink (SDI) questions
Does VRA support UltraStudio as well as DeckLink? +
Yes. Output Player uses Blackmagic Desktop Video, so supported DeckLink PCIe cards and UltraStudio devices appear through the same output selection.
How do I get a transparent graphic into a switcher? +
Use a compatible device with paired outputs, select a BGRA format and enable external keying. Connect the fill and key signals to matching inputs on the switcher.
Which video format should I select? +
Select the same resolution, frame rate and scanning mode used by the receiving switcher or router. A format mismatch can result in no picture or an unstable input.
Does the number of VRA outputs equal the number of connectors? +
Not automatically. The available channels depend on the Blackmagic model, its connector mode and the capacity of the Output Player computer.
Blackmagic Design
About Blackmagic DeckLink (SDI).
Blackmagic DeckLink and UltraStudio devices provide professional video input and output over SDI and HDMI. The VRA Render Engine, installed as Output Player, uses Blackmagic Desktop Video to send its rendered programme to a hardware output.
The player renders graphics, video and compositions. DeckLink or UltraStudio converts that output into the signal connected to the rest of the broadcast chain.
What you can do with this connection
Automated live graphics for radio
Update song titles, presenter names and show details from your automation and schedule.
More infoThe products behind it.
More integrations.
Blackmagic ATEM
Automate Blackmagic ATEM camera switching with VRA. Use microphone triggers, control programme and preview, and run keys and stored ATEM macros.
Blackmagic Videohub
Control Blackmagic Videohub SDI routes from VRA. Select inputs and outputs through studio buttons, macros and automation over the local network.
Check your studio setup with us.
Tell us your camera models, video switcher and radio automation. We will check the connections and show you the workflow that fits your station.