Big doings going on this year at IBC as Blackmagic Design dropped a bunch of new products and updates (much as they used to in the old days at NAB). From new hardware including a brighter 12G Video Assist field monitor to expended support for Blackmagic RAW and the URSA Broadcast Mini. The disrupted Aussies are at it again.

Hardware

ATEM Mini

First off, Blackmagic announced five new products, including the ATEM Mini switcher, Video Assist 12Gs, Videohub Smart Control Pro and Videohub Master Pro router. First out of the gate is the ATEM Mini. A miniaturized production switcher for live streaming to YouTube, Twitch, and even for business presentations over Skype. The ATEM Mini offers support for connecting up to four cameras or computers, which can then stream live to all media platforms. The ATEM Mini also offers a variety of video transitions and picture in picture effects, stereo recording, advanced chroma key, and direct recording of the live stream. It retails for $295. Not a bad price for a YouTuber who's looking to get into the live streaming game and look good doing it.

Video Assist 12G

Second is the next generation Blackmagic Video Assist 12G, which moves into 12G-SDI support and offers a brighter 2500 nit HDR screen and comes in two models, a 5" and 7" variant. The super-bright display will definitely benefit seeing details in bright, ambient light, while also taking full advantage of tools including focus assist, scopes, and better HDR codecs. The 12G Video Assist supports recording to any 12G supported camera but also supports HDMI features.

Also included are a built-in tally indicator, enhanced focus assist, 3D LUTs and native recording to Blackmagic RAW, which seems to be Blackmagic Design's default setting now on all its cameras and recording features. Users can record in all formats up to 2160p at 60 frames per second but it also supports 4K DCI at up to 25p. There's also support for up to 16 channels of audio, and the VA12G also has dual XLR audio inputs. 

What's interesting though, is that Blackmagic is sticking with the tried and true SD card format, rather than giving users a higher speed option like CFExpress or CFast. That's sure to keep the footprint light and the price low.

Tech Specs: Video Assist 12G

• Supports live production, digital signage, and archive use.
• Modern design with fast to use touch screen controls.
• Upgrades cameras to better monitoring and better record codecs.
• Large LCD screen for digital film style focus-assist tools.
• SD/USH-II card support for commonly available media.
• Records direct to external USB-C media disks.
• 12G-SDI and HDMI for recording in SD, HD, and Ultra HD.
• Advanced HDR support with bright 2500nits wide gamut LCD.
• Built-in scopes include waveform, vector, parade, and histogram.
• Latest Multi-Rate 12G-SDI technology for SD, HD, and Ultra HD.
• 3D LUTs can be applied for both monitoring and recording.
• Standard open file formats compatible with popular software.
• Records Blackmagic RAW from supported third-party cameras.
• Professional multi channel digital and analog audio.
• Localized for 11 popular international languages.
• Powered by dual Sony L-series batteries or 12v AC.

Price for the Video Assist 12G 5" will be $795 and the 7" will be $995 it'll ship later this month. 

Videohub Master Control

Blackmagic also announced the next generation Videohub Master Control hubs, which are designed to offer router control to all studio devices, and manage your incoming and outgoing signals more effectively. It comes with a spin knob for scrolling across all sources quickly, along with a built-in LCD screen. The Smart Control Pro VideoHub offers up to 40 RGB illuminated buttons that can be customized for any output and can be installed into a deck rack. Both devices are $695 and will ship in November.

Software

Blackmagic RAW 1.5

On the software side, Blackmagic has updated Blackmagic RAW 1.5 to add support for Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer with a set of free plugins. Now there's no wasted time transcoding files or using proxies for editing. Metadata can also be transferred over to DaVinci Resolve, making it a lot easier to color grade. Blackmagic RAW can also support the Panasonic EVA1 and Canon C300 Mark II.

Along with the Raw codec update, Blackmagic has also included a copy of the Blackmagic RAW Speed Test, an app to establish benchmarks on how well your specific Mac, PC, or Linux edit rig will perform natively using with the RAW codec. Blackmagic RAW 1.5 is available now for download from the Blackmagic Design website.

Credit: Blackmagic Design

URSA Broadcast Camera Update

Meanwhile, on the firmware side, the URSA Broadcast camera gets a software update that supports Blackmagic RAW, as well as better image processing, lens control, and some refinements in the on-screen user controls. That firmware update will ship in November.