Blackmagic Design announces DeckLink Extreme, reduces pricing on other DeckLink uncompressed video capture cards

DeckLink Extreme combines uncompressed 10-bit SDI, Component, & Composite NTSC/PAL editing with realtime effects in Final Cut Pro & Adobe Premiere Pro for only $895

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (March 19, 2004) — Today Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd. announced the immediate availability of DeckLink Extreme, their latest uncompressed PCI video capture card for Mac OSX and Windows XP systems.

Combining both 10-bit SDI and component video connections, DeckLink Extreme connects to virtually all broadcast video tape recorders. Audio input is provided via SDI-embedded or analog balanced XLR through 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion. Audio output is accomplished using the same analog balanced XLR format or in digital form using the SPDIF coax connector.

Blackmagic Design also bundles their Deck Control application with all DeckLink cards, providing a free solution for simple video capture and export with RS-422 controlled videotape recorders. DeckLink Extreme also includes LiveKey, a Blackmagic Design application capable of keying RGB graphics over live video input out the SDI and component video outputs.

Industry Leading Compatibility

All standard definition DeckLink PCI cards include drivers supporting QuickTime on Mac OS X and Windows, as well as DirectShow on Windows. Final Cut Pro users can take advantage of realtime editing using optimizations for RT Extreme technology, while DirectShow drivers provide support for Adobe Premiere Pro on Windows systems. Other QuickTime and DirectShow applications such as Discreet Combustion and Adobe After Effects can also make use of Deck Link cards with realtime video preview output to a broadcast monitor. Both platforms use the same cross-platform and freely available Blackmagic Design QuickTime codec, negating the need for file conversions when working on both Windows and Macintosh computers.

Advanced Technology

DeckLink Extreme uses 66-MHz PCI architecture, taking advantage of the increased bandwith offered by the latest Macintosh and Windows computers.

Cabling a complex post studio can add hundreds of dollars to system cost. DeckLink Extreme is the only card on the market that includes a long 2 meter or 7 foot long break out cable that connects direct to your broadcast deck. This saves hundreds of dollars on high quality cabling required for SDI video, pro audio, and accurate deck control.

DeckLink Extreme Features

• Fully digital SMPTE-259M 10 bit SDI video input/output
• Component/composite video and balanced XLR audio analog input/output
• SPDIF digital audio monitor output
• Uncompressed true 10-bit and 8-bit capture/playback
• Compressed full-resolution high-quality JPEG video capture/playback
• Sony-compatible RS-422 serial deck control port including Premiere Pro plug-in
• Genlock input
• Video Desktop - realtime output for Adobe Photoshop and other application to SDI video
• Multi-standard video support - instantly switch between NTSC and PAL
• Super high-quality 64-Bit RGB codec rendering with trillions of colors
• Adobe After Effects RGB output to video for previewing compositions and renders
• Fully compatible with Microsoft Windows XP - Universal free software codec for Mac OS X, Mac OS 9, and Windows

Pricing and Availability

DeckLink Extreme is available today for both Windows XP and Mac OSX from Audio Intervisual Design, your full-line Blackmagic Design authorized reseller, at a suggested price of $895.

DeckLink for Windows v4.2 software for standard definiton products is available immediately from the Blackmagic web site support page to all registered customers at no cost. DeckLink standard definition products range from $695 to $995, with DeckLink HD available for $1995.

Reduced Pricing on DeckLink Standard Definition Products

To make room for the new DeckLink Extreme, Blackmagic Design has also announced immediate price reductions on standard definition DeckLink products. The new pricing for all announced DeckLink products is:

• DeckLink - $295
• DeckLink Pro - $595
• DeckLink SP - $595
• DeckLink Extreme - $895
• DeckLink HD - $1,995

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design manufacturers video interface cards for the Post-Production and Television Broadcast industries featuring high-quality codecs and broad compatibility. Their accomplishments include developing the first uncompressed 10-bit QuickTime drivers and codec for Mac OS X. Blackmagic Design's headquarters, manufacturing, nd development facility is located in the post production district of South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

About Audio Intervisual Design

Audio Intervisual Design sells and supports the complete line Blackmagic Design professional video products. For over 20 years, Audio Intervisual Design has been a reseller, integrator, and consultant to Production and Post-Production professionals in the Television, Motion-Picture, and Recording industies. Email us today or call (323) 845-1155 so we can discuss your questions and specific needs, arrange a demonstration, and customize a system for you.