Kickstarting the Desktop Video connection

We've had issues getting Desktop Video Setup to connect to UltraStudio devices via Thunderbolt, when using M1 / M2 Macs running macOS Ventura and Sonoma (Intel-based Macs work fine)

There are many tutorials in this forum, and in other places, but none of them worked for us.

Happily, Desktop Video Setup comes with a terminal script that "kickstarts" the connection between the app and our UltraStudio devices.

Context

- You are using an M1 / M2 Mac with macOS Ventura or Sonoma

- UltraStudio devices are properly connected via a working Thunderbolt 3 cable or higher

- Desktop Video Setup 12.7 is installed, and properly authorised in macOS's "Privacy & Security" settings pane

- No devices are shown as connected when the Desktop Video Setup app is opened

How to solve

1. Connect the UltraStudio devices to your Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 cable or higher

2. Open Desktop Video Setup

3. Navigate to this location in the Finder: Macintosh HD (or the name of your hard drive) → Library → Application Support → Blackmagic Design → Blackmagic DeckLink

4. In the list, locate the Terminal script called DesktopVideoHelper and double-click it.

The script takes under a second to run. Once it is complete, the connected UltraStudio devices are shown in Desktop Video Setup.

5. Close the Terminal window (it's OK to terminate the processes that are running)

Here's a video showing the process in practice
https://capture.dropbox.com/ueOC7l6si8Ynhg07

Note
Please note that this is not a permanent, one-time fix. If your M1 / M2 Mac doesn't find your connected UltraStudio devices on its own when you open the Desktop Video Setup app, you will need to run the script every time you use this app.

I do not know why things are this way, and I am not able to debug other setups. Hopefully, future versions of Desktop Video Setup will be able to detect connected UltraStudio devices without "kickstarting" the connection with the included Terminal script.

I hope this works as well for you as it did for us!

Bravo! Not sure how I didn't find this tip for two days of searching. It would have saved me much aggravation, but works perfectly (so far).

Thank you so much.

M1 Mac Mini, Sonoma, Ultrastudio Monitor (and Recorder) 3G

I seem to be missing the Deck Link folder in my Application Support -> Blackmagic Design folder, and therefore don't have access to this Terminal script file. I do have the current Desktop Video Setup installed as well as the current Resolve Studio. Am I missing something?

Thanks!

@wade: The script is in this folder:

Macintosh HD (or the name of your hard drive) → Library → Application Support → Blackmagic Design → Blackmagic DeckLink


Based on your screenshot, you are viewing this folder:

Macintosh HD (or the name of your hard drive) → Users → Your user account → Library → Application Support → Blackmagic Design

Thank you so much for the reply! Yes you're correct, I was in the wrong folder.

In case this helps anyone else, I also noticed that I had to update my UltraStudio Monitor 3g itself. (I sort of stumbled on this solution after running the DesktopVideoHelper executable didn't change anything) Right next to the DesktopVideoHelper file should be the Desktop Video Updater, which prompted me to update my UltraStudio. After that was done, I ran the DesktopVideoHelper executable again, and PRESTO! It finally showed up in Desktop Video Setup, and my Resolve color grading monitor was up and running.

Feels great to finally have this problem fixed. It's annoying that contacting Blackmagic support directly didn't yield any results, but I'm so thankful for this forum!

@wade: The script is in this folder:

Macintosh HD (or the name of your hard drive) → Library → Application Support → Blackmagic Design → Blackmagic DeckLink


Based on your screenshot, you are viewing this folder:

Macintosh HD (or the name of your hard drive) → Users → Your user account → Library → Application Support → Blackmagic Design

So glad to hear that this was useful, @wade!

Here's hoping BMD fixes this issue soon, so their devices "just show up" when we plug them into our computers.

I can confirm that this is also a problem with my intel MacBook pro running Sonoma 14.1.2 (23B92), running the script works as a workaround.

Thx a lot for this!!!

Same problem for me with latest Sonoma and 2019 Intel Mac Pro

BM, please fix it!

Jerry

didn't work for me... the device shows in system information, I run DesktopVideoHelper, no luck
on Sonoma 14.2.1, Macbook pro

Hello,

I have same issue, I'm have Mac Studio m2, Os 14.2.1, I try to connect my Ultrastudio 4k but d'ont work, the Mac detected the hardware but software desktop video no detect ... I already try to run the DesktopVideoHelper but don't work ...

But it's work perfectly to my MacBook Pro with same os ...

Any idea ?

Same happening on my M3 MacBookPro. Was fine on my Intel with Sonoma a week ago.

Any other suggestions? When I ran the updater after the helper nothing opened

My gut feeling is that this is a Securities & Permissions problem with Sonoma (and not the first that's been reported). I think this is one of those things that Apple has to fix -- it's not a Blackmagic problem per se.

Thanks so much Fredrik! I found this after a few days of back and forth with both Blackmagic Design and Sonnet. I've added the DesktopVideoHelper script to my login items, so that it runs automatically upon boot up.

I Believe Marc Is right about it being a Mac issue. Apparently Mac blocks a black magic extension automatically & it is causing all kinds of problems.

I was able to get my deckling to finally recognize after I went into my system preferences/security & Privacy window. Scroll down to where you see "Some system software requires your attention before it can be used" and click on "details" button. That will open a dialog box and you can toggle on the "Black Magic Design" box. that will prompt for a restart. after I restarted my computer, I opened desktop studio and my deckling mini monitor card appeared right away.

This solved my problem where I had a deckling mini monitor that could not be detected in black magic desktop video!!

I made an interesting observation with my 'sandboxed' system:
When I finally decided to update our main systems to Ventura, I went to Sonoma with the sandbox. The I/O device that was functional before the update was still fine afterwards. Seems the necessary permissions stick.

Anyone find a new fix for this ?
I just got my new m2 Mac Studio ultra - everything works great even the stupid codex software.

Mac sees ultrastudio mini monitor in system report on Mac Studio- but desktop video doesn’t
And unit works fine on my mbp running big sur (that was also a huge pain to get working)

I migrated my mbp to the Mac Studio and thought it would all be fine but ughhhh
Sonoma!

Tried the deklink terminal helper file - nope
Tried the the terminal commands to allow legacy plugins- nope
Tried the big sure fix that deletes kext files - nope


What am I missing?
ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS WELCOME

I also have this problem after the Sonoma update. Previously everything worked fine but now Desktop Video can't find the hardware, even though the MacOS system report clearly shows it as recognised.

Have you followed Apples recommendations regarding legacy devices?
Give it a try.

https://support.apple.com/en-jo/108387

Yes it tried the allow legacy plugins fix
No luck

There seems to be no solution for this problem. BMD and Apple both blame each other. There is no fix that I know of and the "kickstart" method prevents FCPX from loading it's default project library, which makes FCPX hang on launch. Also the "kickstart" method means the hardware settings must be set on every bootup. After years of it all working correctly, I now have a serious problem which is embarrassing in front of clients as I need to edit in FCPX and grade and finish in Resolve. I need to reboot dozens of times each session and it is really unacceptable in 2024 that this can't be fixed. This issue is directly affecting my business & I'm losing customers.

I found a solution.

I removed all BMD software (Resolve, Fusion and other BMD apps) and removed all traces of system files & preferences and rebooted.

Installed Desktop Video 12.8.1 and rebooted.

Now it's working in Sonoma 14.5

The only remaining issue is to sort out why FCPX hangs on launch.

I am trying the same process today.


Which version of resolve did you install after you got DTV to recognize the hardware ?
Hoping this brand new ultra studio monitor 3g will be found.

my MBP on and dtv 12.4.2 on BIG SUR SEES it!


just noticed theres an update for DTV released today....i am skeptical about trying it first.
notes do not say anything about being a fix for this.

ironic

The Resolve version seems to be unimportant as it's only a DTV issue. I installed R19b4 for all tests. I did try going back to R18.6 for testing but nothing changed.

I finally got it to work.
i previously allowed legacy devices terminal command

backed up resolve database
uninstalled ALL BMD software EVERYTHING

unlupged mini monitor 3g
Installed new release of DTV released yesterday. july 22
shut down
plugged mini monitor in
reboot

at login a notification to upgrade the software for the device (firmware i think)
watched progress (murky here....it may have told me to unplug device then plug back in after)
once done it said success
i then rebooted
and it then showed up in DTV

then installed 18.6.6 Resolve

Solid so far even after shut down and reboot in resolve.

hope this helps someone else.

Thank you for this. This has resolved my issue after many attempts at Safety boots and fixing scripts and installing & uninstalling the various versions of the desktop video setup.

Does anyone know if a permanent fix has been found for this?
I've now got the script running auto on startup but I'd love to see a proper fix for it.

FYI: My UltraStudio Monitor 3G is running fine here with DTV 12.4.1 without any bootup hacks.

Thank you for this. This has resolved my issue after many attempts at Safety boots and fixing scripts and installing & uninstalling the various versions of the desktop video setup.

Does anyone know if a permanent fix has been found for this?
I've now got the script running auto on startup but I'd love to see a proper fix for it.

Yeah it’s fixed as I posted previously. You need to remove all BMD software and system files and do a clean reinstall of everything. Also reset all Apple security settings to the default.

Yeah it’s fixed as I posted previously. You need to remove all BMD software and system files and do a clean reinstall of everything. Also reset all Apple security settings to the default.

Thanks for the help.
That didn't work for me and I ended up having to do a fresh install of macOS. It may have been that I was not able to remove all system files related to BMD as I am very new to the mac world.

I installed Desktop video first and gave it permission. It now works perfectly.
No other security settings etc were required.

I'm on macOS Sequoia 15.0.1.

This is fantastic, running an Apple environment we always run into security issues so looks like we will have to wait for Apple (not likely) to come to the party. Thanks again!

Yeah it’s fixed as I posted previously. You need to remove all BMD software and system files and do a clean reinstall of everything. Also reset all Apple security settings to the default.

Thanks for the help.
That didn't work for me and I ended up having to do a fresh install of macOS. It may have been that I was not able to remove all system files related to BMD as I am very new to the mac world.

I installed Desktop video first and gave it permission. It now works perfectly.
No other security settings etc were required.

I'm on macOS Sequoia 15.0.1.

Which version of Desktop Video? Are you on Intel or M-series MacBook?

We're having such a tough time getting our 4K Mini to show up in Desktop Video again. Worked fine in Monterey and Ventura, hasn't worked since Sonoma released.

I too am having the same problem. Desktop video does not detect the ultra studio 4K mini. I have Mac studio 2 running Sonoma and use Resovle 18.6. I have installed the latest Desktop video upgrades. Desktop video worked OK for many months and then not. After many back and forths with Tech people the only way to get it to detect is to go to HD/library/application support/Blackmagic design/blackmagic decklink/Desktopvideohelper. Click on the helper and then you can cancel it after a second or two. This is the only partial fix that works. It is a PITA. Every time using Resolve I have go through this procedure.

I too am having the same problem. Desktop video does not detect the ultra studio 4K mini. I have Mac studio 2 running Sonoma and use Resovle 18.6. I have installed the latest Desktop video upgrades. Desktop video worked OK for many months and then not. After many back and forths with Tech people the only way to get it to detect is to go to HD/library/application support/Blackmagic design/blackmagic decklink/Desktopvideohelper. Click on the helper and then you can cancel it after a second or two. This is the only partial fix that works. It is a PITA. Every time using Resolve I have go through this procedure.

We're having the same issue with our Mac Studio. Opened a ticket with BM and they basically told me it's Apple's fault and wait for them to fix it .

There are other posts about devices not being recognised and there are some good solutions. I had this issue and posted my experiences in a Monitor 3G post. Basically you need to remove all BMD software and preferences etc and make sure the MacOS security is in its default state. Also use the latest Desktop Video installer.

There are other posts about devices not being recognised and there are some good solutions. I had this issue and posted my experiences in a Monitor 3G post. Basically you need to remove all BMD software and preferences etc and make sure the MacOS security is in its default state. Also use the latest Desktop Video installer.

We figured out the issue on our end by allowing System and Kernel Extensions from Blackmagic in our MDM. We now have no issues connecting our 4K Mini to Desktop Video on the latest software and macOS.

Obviously not applicable to those not using a managed device but for people who are and are having this issue this should be the solution.