No desktop video device detected blackmagic windows

Learn how to ensure Blackmagic Capture Card devices are functioning properly, especially when getting connected to Production Truck. Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder is the focus, but some of these tips can be used on other Blackmagic capture card devices.

For further assistance with Blackmagic devices visit their Support Center here.

The Blackmagic Drivers must be at least version 11.7 to be utilized with the latest version of Production Truck.

Table of Contents:

• Downloading Drivers
• Verifying Blackmagic Driver Version
• Verifying Input within Production Truck
• Powering the Capture Card
• Verifying Device and Input Detection
• Testing Video Input
• Specific Inputs not Appearing
• Verifying the Computer Sees the Device

1. Blackmagic devices require drivers to be downloaded from Blackmagic. Production Truck often cannot read a camera feed from the capture card without these drivers downloaded. Drivers for Blackmagic devices can be downloaded directly from within Production Truck.

2. Go to Help in the toolbar, navigate to Download Links>Blackmagic driver. This will open a standard software install process and the computer will likely need to be restarted.

   

3. Once the drivers are downloaded, with a restart of Production Truck, the camera views will show up. The cameras may need to be toggled on/off.

4. Additionally, under your Mac System Preferences, then Security & Privacy, you may need to allow the Desktop Video Setup in order for the installation/changes to take effect.

   

1. Keep Blackmagic Drivers up to date. Older versions of the software may be incompatible with the latest Production Truck updates.

2. To see the Blackmagic Driver version, select the Desktop Video Setup application. With that open, navigate to the top navigation bar and select About Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup

   

3. A new window will appear that indicates which version of the Desktop Video Setup software you have installed.

   

4. Verify, via the Blackmagic Support website, that this is a fairly recent version of the software.

   

1. Verify that Production Truck is detecting the correct settings. When attempting to connect a camera source, verify three key options: Source, Line In, and Format.

   • Source should be «UltraStudio Mini Recorder» or the name of the recording device.
   • Line In should indicate the cabling type you are utilizing, HDMI or SDI.
   • Format should be the format that the camera is set to output at. Auto Format will be checked by default and will be set to the format that the camera is currently set to output at. Change the output settings of the camera itself in order to get to the correct format.

   

   It is not recommended to record in 1080i. Instead opt for 1080p, as 1080i can cause issues particular regarding filming sports. That particular format causes interlacing issues which can cause video to look grainy and blurry.

   Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorders are not capable of recording at 1080p at 60 fps.

1. Blackmagic devices are not internally powered and require external power from the computer. In the case of the Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder, some MacBooks cannot power more than one without being externally powered itself via the Macbook’s charging cable.

2. To ensure that your Blackmagic device is being powered, there is a small indicator light located on Blackmagic devices.

   

   Some Mac devices cannot power more than two UltraStudio Mini Recorders at once, regardless of power.

   If the Mac computer is having trouble powering certain Blackmagic devices, the computer will likely prompt you with an error.

1. Production Truck grabs camera feeds via the Blackmagic driver software. If the software itself is not detecting the physical camera card, Production Truck will not either. Open up the Blackmagic drivers by finding the Desktop Video Setup application on your computer.

2. A screen that displays the capture card you have connected as well as display the resolution it is receiving from the camera will show.

   

   If the input settings are either the wrong format or the wrong resolution, click on the small file icon above the input to change these settings.

3. Verify that the Input Connection within the software matches with the type of output cable you are utilizing.

   

4. If a screen that indicates No Desktop Video Device Detected shows, then the Blackmagic drivers are not seeing the capture card device. This may be caused by bad cabling, the capture card not receiving power, or an issue with the capture card itself. Attempt to utilize a different USB port, switch out the connecting cables, or test on a different computer.

   

5. Ensure that within the MacOS System Preferences, under Security and Privacy, the Blackmagic Software is not being blocked from having proper access.

   

1. Another Blackmagic program downloaded along with the drivers allows you to test to see if it is properly bringing in the video feed from the camera.

2. Open up Blackmagic Media Express from applications and choose the Log and Capture option. The camera appears in the box above. If not, the camera is not outputting in a format that the Blackmagic software, and therefore Production Truck cannot read properly.

   

   Having Blackmagic Media Express and Production Truck attempting to utilize the same camera source may cause issues. It is recommended to close Production Truck completely when attempting to test via this method.

1. If specific inputs are not seen appearing as an option with a Decklink Duo, Decklin Quad, or similar multi-input Blackmagic device, the Blackmagic software may be looking for the incorrect video format.

2. Navigate to the Blackmagic Desktop Video software and find. the device actively using appear. Select the small file icon below the name and image of the device.

   

3. Select the Connectors tab from the options at the top.

   

4. Change the Connector Mapping to the proper video format (SDI or HDMI).

   

5. Depending on the exact Blackmagic device being used, there may be additional options. It is recommended to choose the options for only a single input and output

   

6. Once changes have been made, restart Production Truck.

1. Verify that your computer is seeing the Blackmagic device and ensure there is no issue with your actual port.

2. Navigate to About This Mac, by selecting the Apple icon in the upper right-hand corner.

   

3. Select System Report…

   

4. Under the Hardware area on the right select Thunderbolt, or the appropriate port you are attempting to bring in your capture card. On the right-hand side, the current Blackmagic device you are attempting to use will appear.

   

   If you do not see it, this means it may be an issue with the device itself, or the port. Utilize another port.