Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3 Thunderbolt 3 & PCIe Capture and Playback

Advanced 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 and PCIe solution with 12G SDI, HDMI 2.0, Analog, 4:4:4, Ultra HD and 4K up to 2160p60 and hardware encoder for H.265

UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3 is the world’s most advanced capture and playback solution for PCIe and Thunderbolt computers! It features incredibly fast 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3, advanced 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections for working at up to 60 frames per second with deep color, 12-bit RGB, support for HDR workflows via HDMI 2.0a and extremely large 4K frame sizes, even in 3D! Featuring the widest range of analog and digital connections, UltraStudio 4K Extreme is compatible with virtually any camera, deck, router or display. There’s even an extremely powerful hardware encoder built-in that supports realtime H.265 encoding.

Part No:
BMD-BDLKULSR4KEXTR/3
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£2,809.00 £2,340.83
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Built with blazingly fast Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 technology, UltraStudio lets you work with the highest quality video resolutions all the way up to Ultra HD 4K! Choose from a range of rack mount and portable UltraStudio for Thunderbolt models featuring SDI, HDMI and analog video connections. UltraStudio works with all your favorite video software such as DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and Adobe Creative Suite. UltraStudio are QuickTime and WDM based and work with any Mac OS X and Windows video software!

Advanced Workflow

UltraStudio for Thunderbolt models are perfect for high performance work that demands the highest quality. Using a single Thunderbolt cable, you can easily connect any Thunderbolt computer or laptop for amazing on set color correction, editing, visual effects and video streaming. UltraStudio 4K and UltraStudio 4K Extreme are high performance 'break out box' style capture and playback devices for highest quality Ultra HD 60p editing as well as DCI 4K resolutions.

Choose the model that's perfect for your needs

UltraStudio 4K and UltraStudio 4K Extreme have a rack based ‘breakout box‘ design with the latest high performance 6G and 12G-SDI video technology, and is perfect for equipment racks, post production suites or flyaway kits. UltraStudio Express has built in SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, plus 2 breakout cables for connecting to professional and consumer analog equipment. UltraStudio Mini Recorder and UltraStudio Mini Monitor include SDI and HDMI connections and are great when you require either capture or playback in SD or HD. UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models are Thunderbolt powered so you just plug in and go.

UltraStudio 4K Extreme

When you need the ultimate capture and playback solution then UltraStudio 4K Extreme is the perfect choice as its most powerful video capture and playback product available. It features the latest, most advanced 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections for working with high frame rate 60 frame per second, deep 12-bit color images at massive 4K resolutions, even in stereoscopic. It also includes a wider range of analog and digital connections than any other UltraStudio model so it can be used with virtually any camera, deck, router or display. For even higher performance, you can connect UltraStudio 4K Extreme to your computer using the PCIe connection so you can work with super high resolution, deep 12-bit RGB and 4K stereoscopic 3D files. Or use the built in ProRes hardware encoder when running on Mac OS X to reduce data rates so you can edit large 4K files even on laptops.

Built In Hardware Video Encoding

The UltraStudio 4K Extreme model features a built in multi format hardware encoder that lets you capture to H.265 and ProRes files. H.265 is quickly becoming the compression standard for distributing Ultra HD content online, and ProRes is the world’s most popular post production format. When selected for ProRes on Mac OS X, the built in hardware encoder encodes the video in real time allowing you to go beyond the speed of Thunderbolt because high resolution and high frame rate video can be compressed internally and then only the lower data rate ProRes data is transferred over the Thunderbolt connection. Realtime ProRes encoding also means you can capture higher resolution formats on slower computers, like laptops, that normally wouldn’t be able to handle them, dramatically lowering the cost and speed requirements of your workstations.

World's Highest Quality Connections

With UltraStudio you can connect to virtually any video device, including cameras, monitors and broadcast decks for frame accurate editing and recording.

UltraStudio 4K Extreme features Quad Link 12G-SDI working with 2160p60 over a single cable, or even Dual Link or Quad Link SDI. Also includes HDMI 2.0, analog component, 4 channel XLR analog and 2 channels AES/EBU digital audio, timecode, reference and serial deck control. Connects via Thunderbolt or with an optional PCIe adapter for higher frame rates and 4K RGB workflows.

The Power of Thunderbolt

Built on revolutionary Thunderbolt technology, UltraStudio uses a blazingly fast single cable connection to your computer that has the bandwidth to handle the highest resolution video formats easily! Thunderbolt ensures low latency and highly accurate time synchronization for the highest quality capture and playback. UltraStudio Express and UltraStudio Mini models are powered via the Thunderbolt connection so they are extremely portable. The high performance UltraStudio 4K model is the world's first Thunderbolt 2 solution! Featuring double speed Thunderbolt 2 with loop thru and dual link 6G-SDI, it is ideal for demanding 3D stereoscopic workflows, Ultra HD and DCI 4K.

Unmatched Quality

Amazing 4K resolutions in compressed or uncompressed

UltraStudio 4K supports popular compressed video formats such as ProRes and DNxHD as well as 10-bit uncompressed video, so you’re not locked into a single file format. When working with uncompressed video all captured images are a perfect pixel-for-pixel clone of the source without any quality loss, so you have the confidence you’re working at the absolute highest quality possible. Get the sharpest keying with green screens, cleanest compositions, superior color correction and more! Ultra HD 4K has 4 times the resolution of 1080HD for amazing looking images!

Advanced Video Technology

Work in 10 bit 4:4:4 for results that are simply beautiful.

UltraStudio 4K includes some of the most advanced video technologies available! The built in 6G-SDI operates at 4 times the speed of a regular HD-SDI connection, which means you get Ultra HD and 4K with only 1 BNC cable instead of the 4 BNC cables required in the past! This high bandwidth connection is perfect for full color resolution 4:4:4 video that's great for video effects and high frame rate video up to 1080p60. UltraStudio 4K also supports dual stream 3D with capture and playback of 2 independent channels.

Attractive Design

Elegant styling and exceptional durability

UltraStudio 4K’s elegant front panel has an integrated color LCD and fast to use video and audio input buttons, all with built in video and audio connections using standard BNC, HDMI and XLR connectors. UltraStudio Express is machined from a solid block of aluminum to provide fantastic strength and portability. For flexibility the design includes breakout cables with professional BNC and XLR connections or consumer RCA connections. UltraStudio Mini models fit into the palm of your hand and feature SDI and HDMI connections at one end and a Thunderbolt connection at the other!

Mac OS X

Use your Favorite Software

UltraStudio is supported by a huge range of software applications for Mac OS X. Get drivers that work with fantastic editing software such as Final Cut Pro X, Premiere Pro CC, Avid Media Composer, Avid Symphony and Avid News Cutter. For visual effects get full compatibility with Fusion, After Effects CC and Photoshop CC. For audio get compatibility with ProTools, Steinberg Nuendo and Cubase. For streaming use Flash Media Encoder, Wirecast, Livestream Procaster.

Windows

Unrivalled compatibility

For Windows you get access to a massive range of software because UltraStudio supports WDM, DirectShow and QuickTime! For editing you can use Avid Media Composer, Avid News Cutter, Premiere Pro CC, Sony Vegas Pro, Corel VideoStudio, CyberLink Power Director and MAGIX Video Pro. For visual effects use Fusion, After Effects CC and Photoshop CC. Audio software supported includes Steinberg Nuendo and Cubase. When streaming you get compatibility with Flash Media Encoder, Xsplit Broadcaster, Wirecast and Livestream Procaster.

  • Advanced 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 and PCIe solution with 12G SDI, HDMI 2.0, Analog, 4:4:4, Ultra HD and 4K up to 2160p60 and hardware encoder for H.265

Encoding

  • Hardware based real time h.265 encoder

Colorspace Conversion

  • Hardware based real time

3D Processing

  • Dual stream and frame packed capture & playback

Ultra HD Down Conversion

  • Built in, high quality hardware down converter outputs Ultra HD to HD with down-converted signal on SDI outputs C & D

HD to SD Down Conversion

  • Built in, high quality hardware down converter outputs HD to SD with down-converted signal on SDI output B, Component and Composite NTSC/PAL. SD output selectable between letterbox, anamorphic 16:9 and center cut 4:3

HD Up Conversion

  • Built-in, high quality hardware up conversion from SD to 720HD or 1080HD on playback. Selectable between 4:3 pillarbox, 14:9 zoom and 16:9 zoom

HD Cross Conversion

  • Built in, high quality hardware cross conversion from 720p to 1080i and 1080i to 720p on playback

Real Time Effects

  • DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X internal effects. Premiere Pro CC Mercury Playback Engine effects. Avid Media Composer internal effects

Physical Installation

  • Requires computer with either a Thunderbolt port or available PCIe slot. PCIe cable and interface card available separately. Please check support pages to see the full system requirement
More Information
Specification

Connections

  • SDI Video Input: 2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
  • SDI Video Loop: 4 x reclocked SD/HD/2K/4K linked to corresponding inputs.
  • SDI Video Output: 2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
  • SDI Video Repeated Output: 2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
  • Optical Fiber Input/Output: 2 x 12Gb/s Optical Fiber (Optional).
  • HDMI Video Input: HDMI 2.0 type A connector with support for 2160p60
  • HDMI Video Output: HDMI 2.0 type A connector with support for 2160p60
  • Analog Video Input: 1 x Component YUV on 3 BNCs, 1 x composite NTSC/PAL on 1 BNC
  • Analog Video Output: 1 x Component YUV on 3 BNCs, 1 x composite NTSC/PAL on 1 BNC
  • SDI Audio Input: 16 Channels embedded in SD/HD/2K/4K.
  • SDI Audio Output: 16 Channels embedded in SD/HD/2K/4K.
  • HDMI Audio Input: 8 Channels embedded in SD/HD/4K.
  • HDMI Audio Output: 8 Channels embedded in SD/HD/4K.
  • Analog Audio Input: 4 Channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors and 2 channels of consumer unbalanced via RCA connectors.
  • Analog Audio Output: 4 Channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors.
  • AES/EBU Audio Input: 2 Channels unbalanced with sample rate converter on BNC connector.
  • AES/EBU Audio Output: 2 Channels unbalanced on BNC connector.
  • Mic Input: 1 x 48V microphone input via XLR connector. Phantom Power switchable via software control.
  • Timecode Input: 1 x XLR Input.
  • Timecode Output: 1 x XLR Output.
  • Sync Input: 1 x Reference input. Blackburst in SD or Tri-Sync in HD.
  • Sync Output: 1 x Reference Loop Output. Blackburst in SD or Tri-Sync in HD.
  • Device Control: 2 x Sony™ compatible RS-422 deck control ports. Serial ports TxRx direction reversible under software control.
  • Computer Interface: Thunderbolt™ 3, PCI Express
  • Power: 2 x built-in international AC power supply with IEC C14 inlet. 120-240V, 50-60Hz.

 

Codecs

  • Supports: AVC-Intra, AVCHD, Canon XF MPEG2, Digital SLR, DV-NTSC, DV-PAL, DVCPRO50, DVCPROHD, DPX, HDV, HEVC, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422, Apple ProRes 4444, Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes LT, Apple ProRes 422 Proxy, Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2, Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2, Uncompressed 10-bit 4:4:4.

 

Software

  • Software Included: DaVinci Resolve, Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and Blackmagic driver on Mac OS X. DaVinci Resolve, Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and Blackmagic driver on Windows 7, 8 and 10. Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility and Blackmagic driver on Linux.
  • Internal Software Upgrade: Firmware built into software driver. Software driver loads upgrades at system start or via updater software.

 

Software Applications

  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Fusion 8
  • Final Cut Pro X
  • Premiere Pro CC
  • Avid Media Composer
  • After Effects CC
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Steinberg Cubase
  • Steinberg Nuendo
  • Photoshop CC
  • Other supported applications include: Nuke, Steinberg Nuendo, Avid Symphony, Avid News Cutter, Tools On Air just:in & live:cut & just:play & just:live, Softron OnTheAir, MovieRecorder and OnTheAir CG, Flash Media Live Encoder, Flash Media Encoder, Wirecast, Livestream Procaster, Resolume Avenue 4, Sony Vegas Pro, Corel VideoStudio Pro X4, CyberLink Power Director, MAGIX Video Pro X4, Vidblaster Pro & Studio & Broadcast, Uniplay, Playbox AirBox, CasparCG, Magicsoft CG, Xsplit Broadcaster, Imagine Communications Velocity & InfoCaster.

 

SDI Video Standards

  • SD Format Support: 525/29.97 NTSC, 625/25 PAL.
  • HD Format Support: 1280 x 720p50, 1280 x 720p59.94, 1280 x 720p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94, 1920 x 1080i60, 1920 x 1080PsF23.98, 1920 x 1080PsF24, 1920 x 1080PsF25, 1920 x 1080PsF29.97, 1920 x 1080PsF30, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60.
  • 2K Format Support: 2048 x 1080PsF23.98, 2048 x 1080PsF24, 2048 x 1080PsF25, 2048 x 1080p23.98, 2048 x 1080p24, 2048 x 1080p25.
  • Ultra HD Format Support: 3840 x 2160p23.98, 3840 x 2160p24, 3840 x 2160p25, 3840 x 2160p29.97, 3840 x 2160p30, 3840 x 2160p50, 3840 x 2160p59.94, 3840 x 2160p60.
  • 4K Format Support: 4096 x 2160p23.98, 4096 x 2160p24, 4096 x 2160p25.
  • SDI Compliance: SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 372M, SMPTE 425M level A, SMPTE 425M level B, ITU-R BT.656 and ITU-R BT.601.
  • SDI Audio Sampling: Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24-bit.
  • SDI Video Sampling: 4:2:2, 4:4:4 and 4:4:4:4.
  • SDI Color Precision: 8, 10-bit YUV 4:2:2 and 8, 10, 12-bit RGB 4:4:4.
  • SDI Color Space: REC 601, REC 709.
  • SDI Configuration: SDI output is configurable for Quad Link 3Gb/s via Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility. When using single link 12Gb/s on SDI A or dual link 6Gb/s on SDI A and B, SDI C and D will output downconverted HD.
  • SDI Metadata Support: HD RP188. Closed captioning.

 

HDMI Video Standards

  • SD Format Support: 525/29.97 NTSC, 625/25 PAL.
  • HD Format Support: 1280 x 720p50, 1280 x 720p59.94, 1280 x 720p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94, 1920 x 1080i60, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60.
  • Ultra HD Format Support: 3840 x 2160p23.98, 3840 x 2160p24, 3840 x 2160p25, 3840 x 2160p29.97, 3840 x 2160p30, 3840 x 2160p50, 3840 x 2160p59.94, 3840 x 2160p60.
  • 4K Format Support: 4096 x 2160p23.98, 4096 x 2160p24.
  • Audio Sampling: Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24-bit.
  • HDMI Video Sampling: 4:2:2 and 4:4:4.
  • HDMI Color Precision: 10-bit RGB in HD, 10-bit YUV in 4K.
  • HDMI Configuration: HDMI 2.0 supports Deep Color and automatically configures to connected display.
  • Multiple Rate Support: HDMI and SDI video connections are switchable between SD/HD/2K and 4K. Component analog video connections are switchable between SD and HD.
  • Copy Protection: HDMI input is unable to capture from copy protected HDMI sources. Always confirm copyright ownership before capture or distribution of content.

 

Processing

  • Encoding: Hardware based real time h.265 encoder.
  • Colorspace Conversion: Hardware based real time.
  • 3D Processing: Dual stream and frame packed capture & playback.
  • Ultra HD Down Conversion: Built in, high quality hardware down converter outputs Ultra HD to HD with down-converted signal on SDI outputs C & D.
  • HD to SD Down Conversion: Built in, high quality hardware down converter outputs HD to SD with down-converted signal on SDI output B, Component and Composite NTSC/PAL. SD output selectable between letterbox, anamorphic 16:9 and center cut 4:3.
  • HD Up Conversion: Built-in, high quality hardware up conversion from SD to 720HD or 1080HD on playback. Selectable between 4:3 pillarbox, 14:9 zoom and 16:9 zoom.
  • HD Cross Conversion: Built in, high quality hardware cross conversion from 720p to 1080i and 1080i to 720p on playback.
  • Real Time Effects: DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X internal effects. Premiere Pro CC Mercury Playback Engine effects. Avid Media Composer internal effects.
  • Physical Installation: Requires computer with either a Thunderbolt port or available PCIe slot. PCIe cable and interface card available separately. 

 

Operating Systems

  • Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks,
  • Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite,
  • Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan or later.
  • Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.

 

Power Requirements

  • 2 x built-in international AC power supply with IEC C14 inlet. 120-240V, 50-60Hz.

 

Environmental Specifications

  • Operating Temperature: 5° to 40° C (41° to 104° F)
  • Storage Temperature: -20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F)
  • Relative Humidity: 0% to 90% non-condensing

 

Warranty

  • 3 Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty.
  • UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3
  • SD card with software and manual
  • DaVinci Resolve SD card