Blackmagic UltraStudio Express HD: specs and price

Blackmagic's UltraStudio Express HD is a USB4 capture and playback box with 3G-SDI, HDMI, and analog connections. It is available now from US$565.

Blackmagic Design has announced the UltraStudio Express HD, a capture and playback device for Mac, Windows, and Linux computers with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connections. It captures and plays back to 3G-SDI in all SD and HD video standards up to 1080p60 (525i59.94 and 625i50 in SD; 720p, 1080i, and 1080p in HD), with switching between level A and level B for 3G-SDI sources.

It also has analog YUV/NTSC/PAL video and balanced analog inputs, HDMI output for monitoring, dual SDI outputs that can switch to fill and key, a video reference input, and RS-422 remote.

“We know how important the previous UltraStudio HD Mini model has been for our customers, so we’re excited we’ve been able to rebuild it around USB4 with every broadcast connection customers need,” says Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “That means they can keep working with the decks, switchers and monitors they’ve always had, while plugging into the computers they’re buying today or in the future. Plus, it all runs from a laptop battery, so customers can work anywhere!”

It’s competitively priced and aimed at a fairly wide range of uses. It can be used for live streaming with software such as Open Broadcaster, or to archive from old broadcast decks into standard NLE software (or the free included Media Express software). Playback via 3G-SDI works with DaVinci Resolve for broadcast editing and color correction work, or with other editing software including Final Cut Pro, Media Composer, and Premiere Pro.

Usefully for those working out in the field, video capture, playback, and power run over a single USB cable, so the unit can operate from a laptop battery. Most capture software can record to formats such as Apple ProRes, DNxHD, and 10-bit uncompressed. The unit supports uncompressed and compressed 10-bit 4:2:2 YUV or RGB.

An optional Teranex Mini Smart Panel adds front panel controls and an LCD for video preview, meters, timecode, and format information.

UltraStudio Express HD measures 140 x 170 x 44.5 mm (5.51 x 6.69 x 1.75 in) and weighs 0.61 kg (1.34 lb).

Pricing and availability

UltraStudio Express HD is available now from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide from $565, excluding local duties and taxes.