Setting Up Decklink Mini Monitor For Propresenter: A Guide

how do i setup decklink mini monitor for propresenter

Setting up a Decklink Mini Monitor for ProPresenter can be a tricky process, and there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to ensure that your ProPresenter software is compatible with the Decklink Mini Monitor. While most devices will work with the next feature down the list, some older devices may no longer work due to outdated Desktop Video drivers or computer operating systems. Additionally, the type of computer you are using may impact the setup process, as there are different requirements for Mac and Windows platforms. Furthermore, it's crucial to have the correct drivers installed and ensure that the computer and relevant software can recognize the Decklink Mini Monitor. This includes checking the output format and enabling the device in ProPresenter. It's also worth noting that the M1 chips in Apple Silicon processors only support two graphics outputs, which may impact your setup. To overcome this limitation, you may need to invest in additional hardware or consider alternative solutions such as using NDI or the ProPresenter Stage App.

Characteristics Values
DeckLink Mini Monitor Setup Requires a Decklink Duo 2 or UltraStudio Mini HD
Needs to be connected using Thunderbolt 2 or 3
Requires SDI to HDMI converters for HDMI-only display devices
May not work with M1 Mac computers

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The Sonnet Echo Express SE IIIe is a Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis for PCIe cards. It is a useful tool for expanding the connectivity of systems like the MacBook Pro, which lack the PCIe slots needed for professionals working in creative fields. The Echo Express SE IIIe connects to Thunderbolt 3 hosts to leverage connectivity via PCIe expansion slots that are outside of the computer. This chassis has two PCIe 3.0 x8/x8 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x8/x4 slot, which can support three half-length+, full-height PCIe x8 cards for video capture, audio DSP, and more.

The Blackmagic DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K is a PCIe capture card that features both HDMI and SDI input. Blackmagic's Media Express software allows users to capture footage directly to ProRes for editing in Final Cut Pro X.

To set up the DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K with ProPresenter, you will need to ensure that your system is compatible with both the PCIe card and the software. For example, the DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K is compatible with the Sonnet Echo Express SEIIIe, which is compatible with Mac systems with Thunderbolt 3 ports and macOS 10.12.6 or later.

Once you have confirmed compatibility, you can physically install the DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K PCIe card into the Sonnet Echo Express SEIIIe chassis by removing the four screws on the underside of the chassis and separating the outer and inner portions of the chassis. You will then need to install the PCIe card into one of the available PCIe slots, ensuring that it is securely connected.

After installing the PCIe card, you can connect your camera to the DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K via HDMI or SDI. Ensure that your camera is configured to output the desired resolution and frame rate, such as UHD 4K at 30fps.

Finally, you can configure the ProPresenter software to enable the DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K as the input device. Set the mode to match your camera's output resolution and frame rate, such as 1080p30.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully set up the DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K PCIe card with the Sonnet Echo Express SEIIIe chassis for use with ProPresenter.

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Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder

The Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder is a video editing card and hardware encoder that can handle any job, from TVC to feature films. It operates with both compressed and uncompressed video, so you're not locked into a single codec quality. It is also fully compatible with your favourite software, as all UltraStudio files are open-standard DPX and QuickTime format.

The UltraStudio Mini Recorder has a Thunderbolt 3 output and supports resolutions up to 1080p60, as well as YUV and RGB video. It is compatible with Windows and Linux and you will need a Thunderbolt 3 port, an adequate processor and memory for video capture and processing, and sufficient storage for captured video files.

The UltraStudio Mini Recorder has been tested and is known to work with ProPresenter. To set up the device with ProPresenter, you will need to ensure that the output resolution of your camera matches the resolution and frame rate of the UltraStudio Mini Recorder. You will also need to ensure that Blackmagic is allowed to operate in your privacy and security settings.

In terms of build quality, the UltraStudio Mini Recorder is reliable and has a solid metal housing. It is also a good value option for high-quality live video shoots. However, some users have reported issues with the device's functionality and video quality, as well as overheating.

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The DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G is a versatile digital cinema capture card that supports a wide range of video formats and connections. It features dual-link multi-rate 12G-SDI connections, allowing you to work with SD, HD, Ultra HD, and full-frame DCI 4K resolutions at up to 4096 x 2160 resolution and 25p. The card is compatible with both compressed and uncompressed video formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and 12-bit RGB.

The DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G offers flexible I/O options with two 12G-SDI inputs and outputs, as well as a mezzanine card design that includes 4K HDMI input and output connectors. It also supports AES/EBU audio, up/down/cross-conversions, and 3D stereoscopic output at full bandwidth 4:4:4:4 RGB. Additionally, it has connections for adding two optional optical fiber modules for Dual Link optical fiber SDI input and output, providing long cable runs at high speeds.

The DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux-based workstations and servers, making it a versatile option for professionals. It includes a breakout cable for analog and RS-422 control, as well as an external power cable. The card is also backed by a 3-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

In terms of technical specifications, the DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G has two 12Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K connections that support single/dual-link 4:2:2/4:4:4 and are 2D/3D switchable. It provides 16 channels of embedded audio in SD/HD/2K/4K and supports common video standards such as 525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL, and various HD and 4K formats. The card is compatible with a wide range of software applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Adobe After Effects CC, and DaVinci Resolve, among others.

The DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G is a powerful and flexible solution for professionals working with SD, HD, Ultra HD, and DCI 4K video formats. With its broad software compatibility and extensive I/O options, it is well-suited for a variety of video production and post-production workflows.

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Blackmagic Desktop Video

To set up Blackmagic Desktop Video, you need to download the latest version of Desktop Video from the Blackmagic website. You can also download the Desktop Video and converter drivers from the Blackmagic support page.

If you are using Livestream Producer or Livestream Studio software, you need to install the Blackmagic Design Desktop Video driver for the software to recognize video inputs from a Blackmagic Design capture device. If you are having issues seeing your camera source, you may need to update your drivers. In this case, uninstall your current version and install the recommended Desktop Video version.

For Windows 10 Pro version 1709, it is recommended to download Desktop Video 10.9.5. Go to the Blackmagic website and select 'Capture and Playback' under 'Select a Product Family'. Find the desired version of Desktop Video and select your operating system. You will be prompted to register, but you can skip this step by clicking 'Download Only' in the bottom left corner. Once the download is complete, open the .zip folder and run the installer. Follow the on-screen steps, then restart your computer to complete the installation.

The following Blackmagic devices have been tested and work with ProPresenter: UltraStudio 4K Extreme, DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G, DeckLink Extreme 3D (Pro5 only), UltraStudio 3D Thunderbolt (Pro5 only), UltraStudio Monitor 3G, UltraStudio Mini Monitor (Thunderbolt 2 edition), UltraStudio Recorder 3G, UltraStudio Mini Recorder (Thunderbolt 2 edition), and Decklink Mini Recorder 4K.

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Blackmagic Media Express

Media Express includes loads of smart features and supports standard file formats, making it easy to work with compressed and uncompressed video in virtually any application. It supports the highest quality, professional video formats, which is especially important if you’re going to do any effects, like compositing or green screen work. It lets you capture fully uncompressed 8 or 10-bit video in every format from SD NTSC/PAL, to 720HD and 1080HD, all the way up to Ultra HD and 4K DCI.

Media Express can also capture video using the latest compressed formats so you get great-looking video in smaller files that the computer can process faster. If you’re working on a Mac, Media Express supports ProRes which is compatible with software like Final Cut Pro X, Motion, and more. You can also playback DVCPRO, MJPEG, DNxHD and DNxHR on both Mac and Windows.

Media Express lets you create as many bins as you need for organising and managing your media. You can separate clips by day, location, take, age and more. Once your clips are organised, you can choose the best clips and mark them as favourites, then apply a filter to view only those clips. Media Express can display clips as icons or in a list view. The list view includes columns for metadata like video format, audio channels, duration, logging information and more.

Media Express is also perfect for mastering projects to decks that use tapes or disks. You can use Assemble or Insert edit modes and set VTR pre-roll offsets all from within the application. You get full RS422 VTR control as well as up to 16 channels of professional audio meters so you can master projects to tape with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

To set up a DeckLink Mini Monitor for ProPresenter on an M1 Mac Mini, you will need to install the correct drivers and configure the screens in ProPresenter. Make sure that the drivers are installed correctly and that your computer, BMD desktop video, and media express can all recognise the cards. You may also need to use an external PCIe enclosure to connect the Mini Monitor to your Mac Mini.

There could be a few reasons why your DeckLink Mini Monitor is not showing up in ProPresenter. First, check that your camera is outputting video through its SDI or HDMI output. Then, make sure that the output resolution and frame rate of your camera match the settings in ProPresenter. If you are using an M1 Mac Mini, keep in mind that it only supports two graphics outputs, so you may need to use a Blackmagic UltraStudio 3G Monitor or a Blackmagic Decklink Duo 2 with an external enclosure to add more screens.

While it is possible to use multiple DeckLink Mini Monitor cards with ProPresenter, some users have reported issues with this setup. In some cases, only one card shows up in the software, even though both cards are recognised by the computer and BMD desktop video. This may be due to hardware or software limitations, and you may need to use a multi-output SDI card instead.

The DeckLink Mini Monitor is a cost-effective solution for adding video outputs to your ProPresenter setup. It is also plug-and-play with Macs and does not require additional drivers to be installed. Additionally, it can be used with either HDMI or SDI connections, providing flexibility in your video setup.

Yes, there are several alternatives to the DeckLink Mini Monitor for ProPresenter. If you need to add more screens, you can use the Blackmagic UltraStudio 3G Monitor or the Blackmagic Decklink Duo 2 with an external enclosure. You can also use NDI (Network Device Interface) to send video and audio over the network to additional displays, or use the ProPresenter Stage App on a mobile device to create additional stage screens.

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