%$#&! Blackmagic?
by Eric Hammond
on
Oct 10, 2009 at 9:01:03 pm
I'm currently using a Blackmagic multi-bridge. Is this the best thing out there for FCP? It seems like I have issues on a daily basis and it's driving me crazy. What suggestions does anyone have for a different bridge or hardware. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Re: %$#&! Blackmagic? by Shane Ross on Oct 10, 2009 at 9:21:45 pm
[Eric Hammond]". Is this the best thing out there for FCP?"
No...AJA is the best thing. And in my experience Matrox is the second best thing, then Decklink. But that is MY experience, and MY opinion. Although AJA being the best is the opinion of a lot of people. The easy interface helps that a lot...as it does Matrox too.
Re: %$#&! Blackmagic? by Michael Gissing on Oct 10, 2009 at 10:01:12 pm
It might help if you told us what the daily issues are. I have used my Decklink HD Pro happily for the past five years. That said, I am tossing up with a switch to Kona3 as a replacement in my new mac pro which is being shipped as we speak.
I have no complaint about the Decklink but the up/ cross/ down conversion in the Kona is the selling point for me plus the often touted tech support. However, I intend to run the Decklink in the new machine for till the end of the year.
Re: %$#&! Blackmagic? by Neil Sadwelkar on Oct 11, 2009 at 11:05:40 am
We've used Blackmagic cards in a production environment since 2004. Its not that there haven't been problems, but none as severe as what you're facing. And its not as if Aja cards don't have the occasional issue. We use both makes.
You should describe your system and the problems you are seeing and there is bound to be a solution. You should preferably post at the Blackmagic forum here at the Cow. Kristian and others from Blackmagic do address BM card queries there.
You could also get in touch with BM support in your region. I've found them to be most helpful. In fact, where I'm from, I've found their support better than that from Aja.
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Neil Sadwelkar
neilsadwelkar.blogspot.com
twitter: fcpguru
FCP Editor, Edit systems consultant
Mumbai India
Re: %$#&! Blackmagic? by Baz Leffler on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:48:58 pm
Well just to be different, I run all Blackmagic Multibridge Extreme's here (3) and I can honestly say there are more problems with FCP than what there are with BMD but then FCP has a lot more in its software than BMD. But in all honesty its the best interface I have ever had.
Re: %$#&! Blackmagic? by Eric Hammond on Oct 12, 2009 at 3:26:01 pm
Thanks for all your input. I have looked at the BM posts. Their solutions work at times but then the problems seem to comeback. I really wanted to get opinions from editors and what you use. Thanks again for all your help.
Re: %$#&! Blackmagic? by Steve Oakley on Oct 13, 2009 at 5:14:01 am
sorry guys but I've found that the MXO2 is more reliable, and certainly way more flexible then the AJA stuff. its got more audio ins and outs, and its just plain newer hardware. the drivers are also rock solid, and they have been updating them pretty constantly the last few months adding new features along the way.... like snow leopard support a few days ago.
Steve Oakley
DP • Editor • VFX Artist
www.practicali.com