Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Media Player, a new capture and playback solution for Thunderbolt computers with dual 12G-SDI outputs for fill and key playback, 12G-SDI capture and 10G Ethernet that lets customers use DaVinci Resolve 19 as a media player and replay solution for the live production and broadcast markets. Blackmagic Media Player will be available in July from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for $995.
Blackmagic Media Player will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2024 booth #SL5005.
Blackmagic Media Player is a capture and playback solution for Thunderbolt computers that’s specifically designed for playout to live production switchers or large broadcast systems. However it does much more than just video in and out because customers also get 10G Ethernet and power to their computer. Customers get dual 12G-SDI outputs for fill and key playback, 12G-SDI capture, and 10G Ethernet for accessing network storage and laptop power over a single Thunderbolt connection. There is also an independent Thunderbolt connection on the front so customers can simply walk up and plug in their laptop. It also supports full DeckLink API features so most video software will just work.
The DaVinci Resolve 19 cut page has exciting new media player, editing and replay features. DaVinci Resolve handles common video file formats, so customers can play any files their client gives customers. For broadcast graphics, DaVinci Resolve 19 can play video files that have an alpha channel, and they will be output as a 10-bit SDI fill and key.
Blackmagic Media Player includes everything customers need for broadcast playback. Place it on the desktop or it can be rack mounted using a Blackmagic Universal Rack Shelf. The front panel has an LCD with video, audio meter status information that includes input, video standard and the depth of the record/playback frame buffer. The audio meter can also be changed between VU and PPM. There’s also a headphone socket, speaker and a speaker enable button.
Blackmagic Media Player includes fast Thunderbolt with video capture and playback, as well as 10G Ethernet and laptop power all over a single cable. There are Thunderbolt connections on both the front and rear panels, so customers can connect either rack mount or laptop computers. Blackmagic Media Player uses the DeckLink API, so almost all video software works. Plus the Thunderbolt link is bidirectional, so customers can capture, process and output video in real time.
The Blackmagic Media Player has lots of connections for monitoring, extended desktop and fast networking. All with a single Thunderbolt connection. The program fill and key outputs can be muted so video won’t key on a switcher until the replay has started. Then the dedicated 12G-SDI and HDMI monitoring outputs are always active so customers can setup the next replay. There’s even an extended desktop for the DaVinci UI. Plus a USB expansion for a keyboard and mouse.
With dual 12G-SDI video outputs, Blackmagic Media Player can connect into live production switchers so broadcast graphics can be overlaid with transparency. Internally, there’s hardware support for both RGBA and YUVA frame buffers. This means that Blackmagic Media Player is ideal for broadcast graphics and stingers.
The high speed 10G Ethernet port means that the Blackmagic Media Player gives customers access to network storage when their computer is connected to the Thunderbolt port. This means customers don’t need extra Ethernet adapters as customers get video and network with a single cable. Plus Blackmagic Cloud Stores have 10G Ethernet, which means customers get the speed to access shared media and ISO recordings so customers can have multiple editors all working together in DaVinci Resolve.
Blackmagic Media Player is designed to support the highest quality video. Customers get support for capture and playback to popular video formats such as Apple ProRes, DNxHD or even 10-bit uncompressed, so users are never locked into a single file format.
With support for all popular video software, the Blackmagic Media Player gives customers the freedom to work with the tools customers already know and like. Blackmagic Media Player is perfect for using DaVinci Resolve for broadcast editing and color correction work.
Blackmagic Media Player supports the latest Ultra HD video standards on it’s 12G-SDI video connections. Ultra HD video standards include 2160p23.98, 2160p24, 2160p25, 2160p29.97, 2160p30, 2160p47.95, 2160p48, 2160p50, 2160p59.94 and 2160p60. This means Blackmagic Media Player is the ideal solution for broadcasters, because it allows customers to migrate to Ultra HD and 4K work now.
“We are excited to introduce this new capture and playback solution designed for our customers in live production and broadcast,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “Blackmagic Media Player works perfectly with DaVinci Resolve 19, as it can play video files with an alpha channel. We can’t wait to see how our customers use this new replay solution in their live production and broadcast work!”
Blackmagic Media Player Features
- Capture and playback solution for Thunderbolt computers.
- Front panel with LCD, mic input and headphone socket.
- Dual 12G-SDI outputs for fill and key.
- Includes fast 10G Ethernet and 1G Ethernet ports.
- Works with DaVinci Resolve 19.
- Media player and replay solution for live production and broadcast.
- Supports all video standards in NTSC, PAL, 720 HD, 1080 HD and 2160 Ultra HD.
Availability and Price
Blackmagic Media Player will be available in July for US$995, excluding duties, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.
