Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card
The Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card is a professional broadcast capture card designed for high-quality SDI-only video capture and playback. Ideal for television broadcasters, post-production studios, live streaming professionals, color grading suites, and AV integrators, it delivers exceptional performance with support for SD, HD, 2K, Ultra HD, and DCI 4K workflows through a single 6G-SDI connection.
Featuring 6G-SDI input and output, PCI Express connectivity, RS-422 deck control, internal keying, reference input, hardware up, down, and cross conversion, and 16-channel embedded SDI audio, the DeckLink SDI 4K integrates seamlessly with professional editing, streaming, and broadcast software on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Price
Product
Price
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card
KSh 51,200
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Features
Single-channel 6G-SDI capture and playback
Supports SD, HD, 2K, Ultra HD, and DCI 4K video formats
Maximum resolution up to 4096 × 2160 at 25 fps
PCI Express Gen2 x4 interface
10-bit video processing
16-channel embedded SDI audio
RS-422 deck control
Internal keying support
Reference input for Tri-Level Sync and Black Burst
Hardware up conversion, down conversion, and cross conversion
Supports SDI metadata and closed captioning
Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
Works with major professional editing and streaming applications
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Specifications
Specification
Details
Brand
Blackmagic Design
Model
DeckLink SDI 4K
Product Type
PCIe Capture and Playback Card
Computer Interface
PCI Express Gen2 x4
SDI Video Input
1 × 6G-SDI
SDI Video Output
1 × 6G-SDI
Embedded Audio
16 Channels in HD/2K/4K, 8 Channels in SD
Reference Input
Tri-Level Sync / Black Burst
Device Control
RS-422 Deck Control
Maximum UHD Resolution
3840 × 2160 at 30 fps
Maximum DCI Resolution
4096 × 2160 at 25 fps
Supported Formats
SD, HD, 2K, Ultra HD, DCI 4K
Video Processing
10-bit
Color Space
REC 601, REC 709
Operating Systems
Windows, macOS, Linux
Power Consumption
Approx. 8 W
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Performance and Usage Overview
The Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K delivers professional-grade SDI capture and playback with support for broadcast-quality video formats from standard definition through DCI 4K. Its dedicated 6G-SDI interface ensures reliable signal transmission for demanding production environments while maintaining low latency.
Integrated hardware up conversion, down conversion, and cross conversion reduce CPU workload and simplify mixed-format workflows. With embedded multi-channel SDI audio, reference synchronization, and RS-422 deck control, it is well suited for editing, broadcast automation, live streaming, color grading, and archival workflows.
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Connectivity
1 × 6G-SDI input
1 × 6G-SDI output
PCI Express Gen2 x4 interface
Reference input
RS-422 deck control port
Embedded SDI audio support
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Compatibility
DaVinci Resolve
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
Final Cut Pro
Avid Media Composer
OBS Studio
vMix
Wirecast
Windows
macOS
Linux
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Build Quality and Design
Professional PCIe expansion card
Compact low-profile design
Broadcast-grade components
High-quality BNC connectors
Reliable continuous-duty operation
Efficient low-power design
Designed for professional studio installations
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Ideal Applications and Use Cases
Television broadcasting
Live streaming
Live event production
Professional video editing
Color grading
Studio production
Broadcast automation
Video servers
Digital media archiving
Professional AV installations
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Professional 6G-SDI capture and playback
No HDMI connectivity
Supports Ultra HD and DCI 4K workflows
Single SDI input and output
Hardware up, down, and cross conversion
Requires a desktop computer with a PCIe slot
RS-422 deck control and reference input
Not suitable for laptop users
Broad compatibility with professional software
Maximum UHD frame rate limited to 30 fps
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card FAQs
1. What is the Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K used for?
It is a professional PCIe capture and playback card used for SDI-based video capture, playback, live streaming, broadcast production, editing, and color grading.
2. What is the maximum supported resolution?
It supports Ultra HD 3840 × 2160 at 30 fps and DCI 4K 4096 × 2160 at 25 fps over 6G-SDI.
3. Does it support embedded SDI audio?
Yes. It supports 16-channel embedded SDI audio for HD, 2K, and 4K video, and 8-channel audio for SD formats.
4. Which operating systems are supported?
The DeckLink SDI 4K is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
5. Does it support RS-422 deck control?
Yes. It includes Sony-compatible RS-422 deck control, making it suitable for professional tape and broadcast workflows.
6. Which software applications are compatible?
It works with DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, OBS Studio, vMix, Wirecast, and many other professional video applications.
7. Is it suitable for professional broadcasting?
Yes. Its 6G-SDI connectivity, 10-bit processing, hardware video conversion, reference synchronization, and professional software support make it ideal for broadcast, post-production, and live production environments.
Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card Conclusion
The Blackmagic DeckLink SDI 4K PCIe Capture and Playback Card is a reliable and cost-effective solution for professionals who require high-quality SDI capture and playback with support for Ultra HD workflows. Featuring 6G-SDI connectivity, hardware video conversion, embedded multi-channel audio, RS-422 deck control, and broad software compatibility, it provides excellent performance for broadcast, editing, live streaming, and post-production.
Priced at KSh 51,200, it is an excellent choice for broadcasters, production studios, video editors, livestreaming professionals, and AV integrators seeking dependable SDI-based video capture and playback.