Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K PCIe Capture Card

Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K PCIe Capture Card

The Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K is a low-profile PCI Express capture card that brings professional video sources into a computer over 6G-SDI and HDMI 2.0a connections. It records SD, HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p30, automatically detecting and switching between formats as the incoming signal changes. That makes it a practical ingest point for broadcast trucks, studio capture stations, live streaming workstations and custom recording systems built with the Blackmagic Desktop Video SDK.

Because the card sits on the PCIe bus rather than depending on a USB link, it suits long, unattended capture sessions where dropped frames are not acceptable. Embedded audio travels with the video on both inputs, and the card supports high dynamic range recording and metadata over HDMI, so HDR sources can be captured with their signalling intact for compatible post-production workflows.

Key features

• 6G-SDI and HDMI 2.0a inputs on a single low-profile card
• Captures formats up to 2160p30, including SD and HD
• Automatic detection and switching between video formats
• PCI Express x4 Generation 2 interface, compatible with x4, x8 and x16 slots
• 10-bit video with 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 sampling support
• Embedded audio: up to 16 channels over SDI, 8 channels over HDMI
• HDR recording and metadata support over HDMI
• Full-height and low-profile PCIe shields included
• Works with macOS, Windows and Linux via Desktop Video software

Two professional inputs, one slot

The 6G-SDI input connects the card to broadcast cameras, switchers, routers and decks using standard BNC cabling that can run over long distances. The HDMI 2.0a input covers cameras, computers, game consoles and AV sources that only offer HDMI output. Having both on one card means a single workstation can ingest from a studio SDI chain one day and from an HDMI source the next, without swapping hardware. Both inputs carry embedded audio, keeping picture and sound in sync inside the captured file.

Format handling and image quality

The Mini Recorder 4K switches automatically between SD, HD and Ultra HD formats, so operators do not need to reconfigure the card when a source changes resolution. Capture is 10-bit, preserving the gradation needed for colour correction and keying, and hardware-based real-time colour space conversion is available in the DeckLink workflow. High-quality software down conversion is included for capture and playback paths in supported software, which helps when a 4K source needs to feed an HD recording or stream.

Software and workflow fit

The card is supported by Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers and works with a wide range of professional applications, including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer and streaming tools that accept DeckLink devices. Developers can also build custom capture solutions using the Desktop Video SDK on macOS, Windows and Linux. Included software such as Media Express provides a straightforward record and playback utility for testing and simple ingest jobs.

Installation notes

The card fits a PCI Express x4 Generation 2 slot and also works in x8 and x16 slots. Two PCIe shields are supplied, for full-height and low-profile chassis, which makes the card suitable for compact rackmount and small-form-factor capture machines as well as standard towers. This is a capture-only card: it has no video outputs, so monitoring must be handled by the computer or additional hardware.

For studios and streamers who need dependable SDI and HDMI ingest up to 2160p30 inside a desktop workstation, the DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K delivers broadcast-grade capture in a single low-profile slot.