Pressing Play On Multiple HyperDecks At The Same Time

Hey All,
Please excuse me if this has already been answered somewhere else, but I can't seem to find an answer for it after searching the forums for a while.

My company set up multiple HyperDeck 4K Pro for a client in their new live television production studio. They're looking to something pretty specific (something along the lines of displaying video to a large video wall). I was thinking about loading their media directly into the HyperDecks (there's 4 of them), but where I'm a little lost is not just about getting them synced up, but making them play at the same time. Is there an automated way to do this? or is it something as rudimentary as pressing the play button on all of them at the same time.

TL;DR: how do I get media from multiple Hyperdeck 4k pros to play at the exact same time?

Thanks

If you have an ATEM, I'm pretty sure that you can use the ATEM Software Control to start all of them at the same time.
Otherwise, I've used Bitfocus Companion to do it before, it was pretty easy to set up. Even though it is made for a Stream Deck, you can emulate one in the software if you do not own one.

Hope it helps!

You can see 9-pin connector that said Remote in and Remote out behind the unit.

Those port can link your units to record/play at the same time.

You can see how to do it in the manual.
https://documents.blackmagicdesign.com/ ... 1286010000

at the topic RS-422 Control. (page58)

Hi Kevin


Check it out, 2 valid options Andreas and Roman

You could use Companion for a test.

It's free ans "simple", you just need to connect the 4 Hyperdecks and a computer to run Companion to the network (you don't need a StreamDeck to test, like Andreas said).

I would recommend for the test, create/export 4 clips (one for each HyperDeck) that have the same duration, same codec, same timecode), an idea, stamp the time code visible for each clip, just to check the frame sync easily.

I hope this helps

For the option mentioned by Kriron,
you may need an Controller RS-422 like this one: (I have never used it).

VTC1
Video Transport Controller

https://www.jlcooper.com/_php/product.php?prod=vtc1

and maybe, also this GangWay 4 unit, a loop In and Out between the RS-422 ports could be works

https://www.jlcooper.com/_php/product.php?prod=gangway4

Reply to Nelson Villamil.
Yes , If you use HyperDeck HD mini model.
because they have no Remote out port

But If you use HyperDeck Extreme , PRO , HD Plus. They have Remote in and Remote Out Port.

Step 1. Thread one of your unit as a master . (may be first unit)
Step 2. Connect 9-pin cable from Remote out port of master (first) unit to Remote in port of second unit.
Step 3. another 9-pin cable from second unit from Remote out port to thrid unit Remote in port.
So on and on.

Hope this help.

For the option mentioned by Kriron,
you may need an Controller RS-422 like this one: (I have never used it).

I've used 422 in the past and was skeptical of serial as an actual solution in 2025 because of the hardware requirements. Ethernet is way cheaper and easier to integrate. A gang box or proper controller that can address 4 decks simultaneously and independently is expensive. However, I did a little research before posting and it looks like all one would need is 3 DB9 cables.

Good Luck

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Hey Howard

This is really important information. Thank you very much.

If I understood correctly, in fact, you would not need any RS-422 controller, only one HyperDeck acts as MASTER, the 3 cables RS-422 to make the chain to the other 3 units (in this case), so that they follow the same instruction, (PLAY, STOP, RECORD...).

As soon as I can, I will try to do the test, I just need to check the Hyperdeck RS-422 connector PIN OUT .

Thanks Howard.

As soon as I can, I will try to do the test, I just need to check the Hyperdeck RS-422 connector PIN OUT .

The DB9 cable needs to be 1:1, not a null or crossover or any other serial weirdness. I don't remember if that bit is from the manual or maybe a Gary post.

Good Luck