Blackmagic Design Videohub 12G Video Routers Released

Fewer cables to reduce cable mess

These routers from Blackmagic Design aim to reduce the cable mess that can result from connecting many devices at once. You can input all types of SDI equipment into the router and then make the connections electronically. It enables you to connect any video input to any type of video output—or a single input to multiple outputs. This way monitors can view any source in the studio. Multiple HyperDeck recorders can be combined to enable redundant mastering.

The 40×40 top model of the new family of Videohub 12G routers. Source: Blackmagic Design

Front panel and ergonomics

The front panel features:

Shortcut buttons for direct entry of sources and destinations

Numeric Keypad which allows multiple labels

In-, Out-, Clear-, and Take- Buttons for quick switching

LCD Screen for labels and video

Spin knob for scrolling labels

The 20×20 Videohub 12G model. Source: Blackmagic Design

Connections

All models feature advanced 12G-SDI connections able to support any SD, HD and Ultra HD video format up to 2160p60, and can connect to any SD, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI equipment. They support routing any video standard on the same router at the same time. The 40×40 model could, for example, route up to 40 different video standards at once. Every 12G-SDI input has built in SDI re-clocking, which regenerates the video signal for maximum quality. This is important because longer cables can degrade the signal.

Remote control and software

All the routers can be controlled remotely, e.g. by the Videohub Master Control Pro or the Videohub Smart Control Pro panels, which are sold separately. The router control software is available for free for Mac, Windows, and iPad. It includes the Videohub setup utility and a free software development kit, enabling developers and system integrators to easily add protocol support for integration into broadcast automation systems. The text-based protocol makes it easy to create custom control solutions from all platforms or even embedded hardware such as a Raspberry Pi or Arduino.

The 10×10 Videohub 12G model. Source: Blackmagic Design

Pricing and availability

The Blackmagic Design Videohub 12G is available in 3 versions:

10×10 which is launched at $1,395 / €1,418.

20×20 which is priced at $2,395 / €2,402.

40×40 which starts at $3,995 / €4,004.

Are you trying to get rid of the cable mess in your studio? Do these new routers sound interesting and might they help you to do that? Let us know in the comments!