Which HyperDeck Studio is right for you?
Blackmagic Design have recently announced four new HyperDeck Studio Hard Disk Recording devices; HyperDeck Studio HD Mini, HyperDeck Studio HD Plus, HyperDeck Studio HD Pro, HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro, all of which supersede any previous models.
Sleek and modern in design these units have undergone a complete hardware redesign bringing them in line with the rest of the Blackmagic product range. Key features from the previous models such as; full colour LCDs; which now supports both light and dark mode, full record playback status, dual media slots, and the comprehensive range of inputs & outputs have been retained, however a number of upgrades can been seen in these newer models.
Upgraded Codec Support means every HyperDeck Studio now includes support for ProRes, DNx and H.264 formats (HypderDeck Studio 4K Pro has support for H.265). H.264 & H.265 offer excellent recording capabilities; you’ll have the ability to record up to 157 hours per terabyte in H.264 and 1080 HD, and up to 58 hours in Ultra HD in H.265.
As well as the media slots on the front of the units, each device now features an external USB-C port on the rear of the unit so you can now connect external USB-C drives allowing you to connect to an SSD drive or even other Blackmagic storage devices such as the MultiDock 10G which gives advanced storage capacities when using external USB-C storage. This USB-C output can also be used as a webcam to connect to a computer meaning if you wanted to pre-record content or have high quality edited content this can play out from any of the HyperDeck Studio models via USB-C into any software that supports webcams.
All HyperDeck Studio models now feature FTP over Ethernet support creating incredibly fast network file transfers. You’ll have the ability to pull files off the drive or upload remotely to any HyperDeck Studio. With 10G Ethernet built into the HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro model, file transfers are so fast, they are faster than the SD card or SSD media disks. Simply log into the HyperDeck and then type “play” or “record” and it will execute the command. It’s that simple. If you combine the control protocol and file transfers with a HyperDeck connected to a large USB-C disk array, you get a fantastic broadcast server for ingest, media management and play out.
With advanced HDR support you’ll be ready for the latest feature film workflows. All HDR status information is embedded into the SDI connections so downstream equipment can detect when HDR files are played. The HyperDecks both recognise and playout HDR with the appropriate flags so when its playing out the receiving monitor will automatically pick up and recognise the HDR video standards that’s being output and then tag the files with the correct HDR information.
With the exception of the HD Mini all other units feature a dedicated SDI monitoring output giving you status information including; video format, time code, source device, what the device is and record status. The Pro and Plus models include two SDI outputs so you can play ProRes 4444 files, allowing simultaneous fill and key output for keying in live production switchers. Synchronise recordings and playback with the timecode and sync generator now built into all models; stack multiple units for digital signage or multi channel recording meaning you can loop from HyperDeck to HyperDeck to create perfectly timed array or recorders.
HyperDeck Studio HD Mini
The most compact model of HyperDeck Studio, this entry level unit is based on the Teranex Mini form factor. This modular design makes it ideal for building into portable production units meaning you can use a Teranex Mini Rack Shelf to rack mount 3 HyperDeck Studio HD Minis in a single rack unit, or you can combine them with other products such as switchers, converters or streaming processors.
Although its the same 1/3 width design as the previous model, its not a like for like swap out from its predecessor. This HD only device can only accept 3G-SDI unlike its predecessor which could accept 6G-SDI. The dual SDI output has been replaced with a single SDI Input and single SDI Output.
The powerful 12V DC power supply offers dual power inputs of AC and a locking DC power connection, so you can use the DC connection with an external battery pack for redundant power.
The new USB-C port gives the ability to connect an external USB disc for capture and also the USB port can be used for webcam. The HD Mini has no HDMI input so its ideal for play out of content or as an SDI based ISO recorder.
HyperDeck Studio HD Plus
Given a brand new design this half width unit now has more space for extra controls and connections. High quality transport controls previously seen on the HyperDeck 8K model now feature on the HD Plus. You’ll also notice the addition of the 1/4” headphone jack plus built in speaker; enabling you to check you’re picking up the correct audio on each individual unit when you have a number of channels in use at one time.
HyperDeck Studio HD Plus includes the same connections as the HyperDeck Studio HD Mini, however the extra room does allow for more features making this the all round solid performer in terms of HD applications or even lower frame rate Ultra HD 30fps as it does have 6G- SDI. Additional features include; HDMI input for capture, remote in and out allowing for ganging multiple units, an SDI loop output and HDR support.
It’s the first model within the range that has the SDI A & B outputs so it’s the base model to go for should you need key and fill workflow allowing playback up to 1080p60 and want to use the HyperDeck as a graphics playout system for your applications.
You’ll notice a comprehensive range of I/O, plus a range of Codecs in ProRes, DNx and H264 meaning its ideal for content playout, ISO recording of both HDMI and SDI sources for either mainstream broadcast or YouTube uploads alike.
HyperDeck Studio HD Pro
The HyperDeck Studio HD Pro includes all the features of the Plus model but at a full rack width size, gives you space for more features. Very similar to the previous model, but now adds both SD & SSD Media slots. Building on the features of the HD Plus, this unit offers additional media support with the SSD Drives giving you 4 media slots for non stop recording plus the external USB-C port means its even better suited for those long form productions & long form recordings.
The HD Pro and 4K Pro models have identical front and rear panels. Front panel features include; headphone jack, built in speaker, media drives, high quality transport controls, LCD menu and a brand new machined metal search dial with electronic clutch for limiting rotation when in shuttle mode – easily and precisely jog, shuttle & scroll through clips. The rear panel has extra space so the timecode connections have been upgraded to XLR connectors.
HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro
Best in the range, the 4K Pro has all the features of HD models, combined with incredible processing for working in Ultra HD. Identical on the outside to the HD Pro but with unrivalled power inside. Its the only unit to offer 4K resolution; this model’s SDI has been upgraded to full 12G-SDI with a 12G-SDI loop output. The two SDI outputs are both 12G-SDI so you can play ProRes 4444 files for true Ultra HD fill and key out.
Like the other models, H.264 is included for SD and HD, but then switches to H.265 when recording in Ultra HD. The networking has been upgraded to 10G Ethernet giving you super fast file transfers, exceeding the speeds of SD cards and SSD Media.
For a small step up in price from the HD Pro you’ll have the video format and frame rate support you need, allowing video formats up to 2160p60; ideal for transferring content to and from devices.
So that’s our breakdown of each unit for you; as you can see each device builds on the features and specs as you go through the range offering dozens of new features on the previous models.
Check out our full Blackmagic Design here.
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