Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 17, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Blackmagic’s Multibridge Eclipse generally corresponds to the old Multibridge, but offers some technical innovations. In addition to the existing (HD-)SDI inputs and outputs, there are twelve inputs and twelve outputs for AES/EBU audio on the rear of the device. On the image side, the manufacturer added one HDMI input and output each.
The actual highlight, however, is hidden to the right of the PCI Express connector. Here are 4 BNC connectors labeled “SD/HD/3GHD-SDI”: two inputs and two outputs. 3GHD-SDI is a new method developed by Blackmagic. It allows users to transmit a 2K signal (2,048 x 1,556) with a color depth of up to 12 bits at 24 full frames per second over a single BNC cable. Because this video standard has not yet been officially standardized, Blackmagic has applied to SMPTE for certification of the technology.
On the front is a kind of VU meter made of white, yellow and red LEDs, which does look very pretty but is hardly usable as a VU meter. Multibridge Eclipse is available now and costs 3,495 US dollars.
To display the signal on a monitor again, the likewise new HDLink Pro is needed. This converter converts the 3GHD-SDI signal to DVI. For the first time, this makes it possible to display a full-size 2K signal at 24 frames per second on a monitor over an SDI cable. Up to six audio tracks are embedded in the 3GHD-SDI signal, which the HDLink Pro brings out as six RCA connectors. Like its predecessor, HDLink Pro is also equipped with a processor that makes it possible to store 3D lookup tables (the predecessor handled only 1D LUTs) in the device and thus have them available in real time. The new converter is available now and costs 795 US dollars.
Blackmagic’s third NAB innovation is called Intensity Pro. The manufacturer expanded the Pro version with an analog output and input. While the HDMI interfaces work with resolutions of up to 1,920 x 1,080, the analog signals can be input and output only in SD. The card is also available now; its price is 349 US dollars.
Further links:
- Blackmagic
