Question having multiple DeckLink Mini Recorder installed.

Hi, we are looking to build a capture system with multiple Decklink Mini recorder cards installed.

We want to be able to capture multiple camera at the same time and save to hard disk the individual files.

Looking at vMix software to do the capture.

Would like to know if anyone knows or has tried having up to 4 x Mini recorder cards in the same windows system and use all of them at the same time to capture video?

If anyone has any information it would be really appreciated.

Thanks you!

[Tony Rivera]

If you're trying to capture 4 sources with one computer, you may want to look at the DeckLink Quad as a purchase option.

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/product ... s/W-DLK-02

Thanks for the reply.

We have looked at the Decklink Quad option, but we would like to build a test system using 3 Decklink Mini recorder cards since it has the option of both SDI and HDMI.

Would like to know if all three cards could be installed in the same system and used to capture all 3 at the same time (by maybe using multiple media express, or the new Direct Take)?

Thank you!

[Tony Rivera]

That would be dependent on your system and if it meets the specs listed for the cards.

Thanks again for the reply.

I've looked at the recommended motherboards and one last quick question :

Are there any Z97 motherboards that you have tested?

I can get the Z87 motherboards that are on the list, but would like to get the latest chipsets motherboard if I can as long as they are compatible with the Decklink Mini's.

Thanks again!

[Tony Rivera]

Other than what's on the approved list at the moment, I'm not aware of any other MoBo's that have been tested and not made it onto the site.

Well Z97 boards are compatible with the Mini Recorder, but I doubt anyone has tested them with 3 on the same system

Performed many test and here are the strange results. I have for available pci slots, 3 mini recorders, 3 JVC professional cameras, a Dell desktop PC and the Ustream program. Problem: Mini recorders not working all at once (Sometimes). mini recorders not working one at a time (Sometimes). Problem Discovery: All 3 work, but can be inconsistent. Test Ran: Tested all 3 by themselves in different slots. They all worked in different slots, but not every time. Solutions to Problems: 1. Connect your camera(s) to computer/Decklinks. Turn on Camera(s) first then turn on computer. Let fully boot up then open up your program. 2. If this doesn't work, repeat step one.

Additional Problems Discovered: Not all HDMI cables work with Decklink to camera connection. Try moving HDMI cable connected to Decklink and you may see an intermittent connection. (Use duct tape to secure your HDMI cables in place to prevent movement whether on computer or camera) Not all HDMI cables fit correctly or firmly in Decklink or other HDMI components. Best connections has been SDI. Preferably best to use SDI if using cables (from my experience). HDMI wireless works fine and cheaper than SDI wireless products for now.

Don't forget to go to control panel, Blackmagic Design Control Panel for settings of your Decklinks whether is to switch from SDI or HDMI. After changing from HDMI to SDI or visa versa, in most cases, I had to restart my computer in order to get the Decklink to work. Again, have your camera(s) already on.

I work with the BM Studio Switcher and my productions work fine. I have 3 Decklinks, but now only using 1 connected to the switcher. If only BM had a graphics program for the BM Studio Switcher, that would be great.