Blackmagic today announced new software updates, a couple of new products, and a few new corporate acquisitions.
Video Assist 2.2 Update
Video Assist 2.2 is a major new update which adds new features to the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K model. These new features make it easier for users to adjust exposure and check focus, because it adds new false color monitoring exposure tools and expanded focus assist options. Avid systems users running on Windows now have the ability to save DNxHD 220, 145 and 45, along with DNxHR HQ, SQ and LB files as MXF instead of .mov which improves compatibility and performance. It also adds the ability to manually control the screen orientation and turn off the auto rotate feature, which, according to Blackmagic, makes it easier for customers to use Video Assist 4K with handheld gimbals and other equipment designed to move the camera and rig simultaneously.
Video Assist 2.2 Update will be available next week as a free update from the Blackmagic Design support web site. Blackmagic Video Assist 4K is available now for US $895.
DaVinci Resolve 12.5.2
Blackmagic also released DaVinci Resolve 12.5.2, a new update that adds support for additional metadata embedded into the RAW files from Blackmagic URSA Mini cameras running the new operating software, new color space tag support when exporting QuickTime, Fusion Connect for Linux, additional smart bin options, and new color page timeline filtering.
New Products
Teranex AV
Blackmagic announced Teranex AV, a new broadcast-quality standards converter specifically designed for AV professionals. This model is similar to the Teranex Express, but it adds specific features for live production—low latency, a live freeze frame, and internal still store for adding logos and graphics, plus the 1,089 conversions for any format to any other formats up to 2160p60. The very low latency lets you convert video and output it to a projector in sync with the live presenter which is very important for live production.
Teranex AV also features both 12G-SDI outputs and simultaneous Quad SDI output connections so you can use it for video walls. Another important feature is HDMI 2.0a input with both a loop HDMI output before the processing and a separate HDMI output after the processing. You also get balanced XLR professional audio inputs and consumer HiFi connections so you can plug in laptop computer audio, lapel mics, and iPods. The Teranex AV will be available in September for $1,695.
DeckLink Mini 4K Models
Blackmagic also announced upgrades to its popular DeckLink Mini Monitor and Mini Recorder products. These new models include all of the same features of the HD models, but add Ultra HD and HDR support. The DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K and DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K are both available now for US$195 each.
Lower HyperDeck Studio Price Reduction
Blackmagic announced a $1,000 price reduction for HyperDeck Studio 12G, to $1,495! Increased customer demand has meant streamlined manufacturing process, resulting in the lower price. This will really help boost 12G-SDI workflows and because 12G-SDI is compatible with all existing equipment it will work with all SD, HD, and of course Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60 over a single cable.
Black magic products are available at Adorama.
Acquisitions!
Blackmagic Design Acquires Ultimatte: Almost every newscaster and weather reporter stands in front of a green or blue screen while delivering the news and weather. For the past 40 years, Ultimatte has been the industry standard hardware and software used to place these reporters in front of weather maps, stock charts, and other info graphics. More recently, Ultimatte’s technology has been used to place entire news teams, sports commentators and talk show hosts into completely virtual sets.
Blackmagic Design Acquires Fairlight: Fairlight creates some of the world’s most powerful digital audio software and hardware for film and television production, as well as consoles for very demanding on-air live productions with full redundancy for mission critical work. For post production, Fairlight makes a very wide range of products including compact desktop audio post consoles as well as large format mixers with dedicated controls and audio engines that can deliver up to 1000 tracks of audio with 64 channels of monitoring! Fairlight’s also has some very exciting IP including immersive 3D audio workstations let you deliver 3D sound in formats such as 5.1, DTS, Dolby and more.
