Blackmagic Design DeckLink IP 100G

Blackmagic Design DeckLink IP 100G

The Blackmagic Design DeckLink IP 100G is a professional PCIe Generation 4 capture and playback card engineered for high-bandwidth SMPTE 2110 IP broadcast environments. This card serves as a high-density bridge between powerful computer workstations and 100G IP networks, allowing for the simultaneous handling of multiple Ultra HD video channels over a single network infrastructure.

High-Density IP Connectivity

The DeckLink IP 100G is designed for massive data throughput in modern broadcast facilities:

• Dual 100G QSFP28 Ports: Features two 100Gb/s Ethernet ports that support SMPTE 2022-7 seamless protection switching. This allows for full redundancy by connecting to two separate network switches, ensuring the broadcast stays on-air even if one network path fails.

• Up to 8 Channels of Ultra HD: Capable of capturing and playing back up to 8 independent channels of Ultra HD video simultaneously (on Windows and Linux; currently 4 channels on macOS).

• Multi-Rate Support: Automatically switches between SD, HD, 2K, Ultra HD, and 4K DCI standards, supporting frame rates up to 2160p120.

Low-Latency Performance

• GPU Direct RDMA: Supports direct memory access between the DeckLink card and the system's GPU. This bypasses the CPU for video transfers, drastically reducing latency—a critical requirement for real-time AI image processing, virtual sets, and live graphics.

• Hardware Video Firewall: The card acts as a secure buffer between the network and the host computer. By isolating video transfers to dedicated frame buffers, it protects the broadcast network from unauthorized software or security vulnerabilities on the host machine.

Industry Standard Compliance

The card conforms to the full suite of SMPTE 2110 standards for managed IP networks:

• SMPTE 2110-20/21/30/40: Handles uncompressed video, traffic shaping, PCM audio (Level C), and ancillary data independently.

• PTP Synchronization: Uses IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP v2) for precision time protocol synchronization, ensuring all devices on the IP network remain perfectly frame-accurate.

• NMOS Support: Fully compliant with IS-04 (discovery) and IS-05 (connection management), allowing the card to be controlled like a virtual router within an NMOS-based ecosystem.

Professional Codec and Software Support

• Uncompressed & IP10 Codec: While it supports 10-bit uncompressed video, it also utilizes the open-standard Blackmagic IP10 codec. This lowers the data rate for high-frame-rate 4K (like 2160p60) to fit within bandwidth limits with only 8 samples of latency.

• Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. It is also compatible with streaming software like OBS, vMix, and Telestream Wirecast.

Hardware Specifications

• Interface: PCI Express 8-lane Generation 4 (compatible with 8 and 16 lane slots).

• Power: Requires a 6-pin auxiliary power connector from the computer's PSU to handle the 50W power draw.

• Cooling: Features an active internal cooling fan to maintain thermal stability during high-density 8-channel operations.

Operational Benefit

The DeckLink IP 100G is the ultimate solution for building high-end broadcast servers and "virtual" patch bays. By moving from traditional SDI cables to 100G IP, facilities can route dozens of 4K feeds through a single fiber optic cable, greatly reducing cabling complexity while increasing the flexibility of the entire production house.

Technical Tip

When installing the DeckLink IP 100G, ensure your motherboard supports PCIe Gen 4 on the specific slot you are using. While it is backwards compatible with Gen 3 slots, the reduced bandwidth of older PCIe versions may limit the number of simultaneous 4K channels you can capture or play back without dropping frames.