Fremont, CA—Blackmagic Design introduced three Blackmagic Videohub 12G zero-latency video routers. The devices let users connect and route any combination of SD, HD and Ultra HD video on the same router at the same time.
The Blackmagic Videohub 12G models feature a front panel with shortcut buttons; an LCD that displays labels or live video; as well as a machined metal spin knob for browsing video sources.
“It really was time to update our all-in-one compact router family with new models that have much better design and better technology. We are extremely excited to release the new Blackmagic Videohub models,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design’s CEO.
Blackmagic Videohub 12G Features
The routers eliminate a cable mess because users can plug all their SDI equipment into them and do connections electronically. Further, they don’t need complex system diagrams, because they can connect any video input to any video output, or even a single video input to multiple video outputs.
As a result, monitors can view any source in the studio. This allows the use of multiple HyperDeck recorders for redundant mastering. Or users can route video to multiple streaming processors for all their broadcast platforms. The Blackmagic Videohub 12G is also a solution for adding extra inputs to an ATEM switcher.
What’s more, the built-in front control panel lets users route video for live production racks that don’t have the space for extra hardware panels. The front panel features a spin knob for browsing, direct entry buttons for speed and an LCD for displaying labels.
However, because the panel is built into the router, users can also see live video on the LCD. Plus, the LCD has menus that enable users to change router settings.
Built-in LCD
In addition, a built-in LCD permits users to see all router inputs as live video before changing a route. There are also labels displayed below the live video to make it easier to identify the input users are viewing. Users can scroll up and down the router sources in alphabetical order and see each input as live video. Plus, in portable equipment racks where space is limited, the visual routing means users don’t need an external SDI monitor.
Available in 10×10, 20×20 and 40×40 models, the routers have advanced 12G-SDI connections that are multi rate. That means they support any SD, HD and Ultra HD video format up to 2160p60. They will also connect to any SD, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI equipment.
In addition, the Blackmagic Videohub 12G supports routing any video standard on the same router at the same time. For example, on the 40×40 model, users could route up to 40 different video standards at the same time.
Furthermore, 12G-SDI provides high frame rate Ultra HD via a single BNC connection that plugs into all a user’s regular HD equipment. With 12G-SDI, users get a future proof technology that connects to the equipment they have now and in the future.
Additional Features
The devices also include integrated SDI re-clocking on every 12G-SDI input. SDI re-clocking regenerates the video signal for maximum video quality. This is important because longer video cables can degrade the signal. With SDI re-clocking, all of the SDI devices receive a regenerated signal with improved jitter performance.
Users can also remotely control all Blackmagic Videohub routers. There are two types of hardware panels available. The Videohub Master Control Pro is like the front panel and has a spin knob, LCD and shortcut buttons. The Videohub Smart Control Pro model features all buttons and is generally programmed so the panel controls a single router output with each button programmed to a router input. Users can cut along the panel buttons to change the router output instantly.
Furthermore, Videohub Software Control is a more affordable external router control. It’s a free download available for both Mac and Windows. The software has large buttons that are easy to press. Each button is customizable to a router input or a router output. An assigned icon helps users identify it visually.
The Blackmagic Videohub 12G video routers are available now starting from $1,395.
