Blackmagic Design has announced a new family of HyperDeck Studio models that feature an improved design, upgraded codecs and support for more media types. All models now support record and playback to H.264, ProRes and DNx files, as well as PCM or AAC audio, and support SD cards and UHS-II cards. The Pro models add extra SSD support.

There are four models of HyperDeck Studio recorders. The 3G-SDI based HD Mini model records and plays H.264, ProRes or DNxHD files onto SD cards, UHS-II cards or external USB disks in SD and HD formats up to 1080p60. The larger HD Plus model adds better transport controls, front panel headphone and speaker, 6G-SDI with fill and key out, SDI monitoring and records H.264 up to 1080p60 or ProRes and DNxHD up to 2160p30.

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All models now support record and playback to H.264, ProRes and DNx files, as well as PCM or AAC audio

The full rack HD Pro model is the same as the HD Plus model but adds two SSD slots and a machined metal search dial with clutch. The 4K Pro model records H.264, H.265, ProRes or DNx in SD, HD and Ultra HD in standards up to 2160p60.

HyperDeck Studio features traditional deck-style transport controls, including a search dial for jog, shuttle and scroll. The LCD includes monitoring for video, plus audio level meters, selectable between technically accurate VU or PPM ballistics. They also feature dual media slots for non-stop recording.

HyperDeck supports the most popular codecs in use today. All models include DNx and ProRes file formats. However all models also include H.264 in quality levels up to full 10-bit 4:2:2 when recording in NTSC, PAL, 720p, 1080p and true 1080i interlaced formats. While the 4K model adds H.265 when recording in Ultra HD.

Depending on the model, HyperDeck Studio features a wide range of video and audio connections such as 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI or 12G-SDI. All models include HDMI for connecting to televisions and projectors. There’s even a dedicated SDI monitoring output on the Pro and Plus models with on screen status. The Pro and Plus models include two SDI outputs so customers can play ProRes 4444 files, allowing simultaneous fill and key output for keying in live production switchers. The 4K model has 10G Ethernet for fast network file copying.

For compatibility with a wide range of computer software, HyperDeck Studio features webcam support using the USB connection. Its USB webcam feature works with any video software including Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype, or get live streaming with Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and more.

“We think the new HyperDeck Studio models will offer customers a much better user experience, along with a more consistent feature set between models,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “Even the lowest cost model is extremely powerful, as HyperDeck Studio HD Mini still has reference and timecode generators, H.264, ProRes and DNx recording, dual media slots, recording to USB disks and more. It’s very exciting.”