Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3: The Ultimate 4K Capture and Playback Solution

Elevate your post-production and broadcast workflow with the Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3, the world's most advanced capture and playback solution for professional video. Engineered for high-end digital film, editing, and color grading, this powerhouse device provides the performance and connectivity demanded by today’s most intensive 4K and HDR projects. With its incredibly fast 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 interface, you get a single-cable connection to your Mac or Windows computer with enough bandwidth to handle massive 4K frame sizes at up to 60 frames per second with deep, 12-bit RGB color.

The UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3 is a master of connectivity, designed to integrate seamlessly into any studio environment. It features the latest 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections, supporting the full spectrum of video standards from SD to 4K DCI. This versatility means you can connect to virtually any camera, deck, router, or display, both legacy and modern. Work with confidence on HDR content thanks to full support via HDMI 2.0a, ensuring your final product has the stunning contrast and vibrant color that audiences expect. For maximum efficiency, a powerful hardware H.265 encoder is built directly into the unit, allowing for real-time encoding of Ultra HD footage for distribution—a game-changer for fast-turnaround projects.

Beyond its core video capabilities, the UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3 is packed with professional features, including hardware-based color space conversion, up/down/cross conversion, and 3D stereoscopic support. It’s compatible with all your favorite software, including DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X, and Adobe Premiere Pro, and comes bundled with a suite of Blackmagic Desktop Video software to get you up and running instantly. From its robust build to its comprehensive feature set, the UltraStudio 4K Extreme 3 is the definitive I/O solution for creative professionals who refuse to compromise on quality or speed.

Key Features

Blazing-Fast Connectivity: Dual 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 ports and PCI Express for maximum bandwidth and compatibility with Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.
Next-Generation Video I/O: Advanced Quad Link 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections for working with SD, HD, Ultra HD, and 4K DCI at up to 60 fps.
Built-in Hardware H.265 Encoder: Encode in real-time to the next-generation H.265 codec, perfect for streaming and distributing Ultra HD content.
Stunning HDR Support: Delivers incredible High Dynamic Range content with deep 12-bit color via HDMI 2.0a and 12G-SDI.
Comprehensive Connections: The widest range of analog and digital I/O, including component, composite, 4 channels of XLR audio, and AES/EBU audio.
Advanced Processing: Features high-quality hardware up, down, and cross conversion, plus hardware colorspace conversion and 3D stereoscopic support.
Professional Software Included: Comes with DaVinci Resolve, Media Express, Disk Speed Test, and Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility.

Technical Specifications

Connections
SDI Video Inputs	2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
SDI Video Outputs	2 x 12Gb/s and 2 x 6Gb/s SD/HD/2K/4K. Supports single/dual/quad link 4:2:2/4:4:4. 2D/3D switchable.
SDI Rates	270Mb, 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G.
HDMI Video Inputs	1 x HDMI 2.0 Type A connector with support for 2160p60.
HDMI Video Outputs	1 x HDMI 2.0 Type A connector with support for 2160p60.
Analog Video Inputs	1 x Component YUV on 3 BNCs, 1 x composite NTSC/PAL on 1 BNC.
Analog Video Outputs	1 x Component YUV on 3 BNCs, 1 x composite NTSC/PAL on 1 BNC.
Analog Audio Inputs	4 Channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors and 2 channels of unbalanced via RCA connectors.
Analog Audio Outputs	4 Channels of professional balanced analog audio via XLR connectors.
AES/EBU Audio Inputs	2 Channels unbalanced with sample rate converter on BNC connector.
AES/EBU Audio Outputs	2 Channels unbalanced on BNC connector.
Mic Input	1 x 48V microphone input via XLR connector (Phantom Power switchable via software).
Timecode I/O	1 x XLR Input, 1 x XLR Output.
Sync I/O	1 x Reference Input (Tri-Sync or Black Burst), 1 x Reference Loop Output.
Computer Interface	Thunderbolt™ 3 (Mac OS and Windows), PCI Express 4 lane generation 2.
Supported Video Standards
SD Standards	525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL
HD Standards	720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60 1080PsF23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25, 1080PsF29.97, 1080PsF30 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60
2K Standards	2K DCI 23.98p, 2K DCI 24p, 2K DCI 25p 2K DCI 23.98PsF, 2K DCI 24PsF, 2K DCI 25PsF
Ultra HD Standards	2160p23.98, 2160p24, 2160p25, 2160p29.97, 2160p30, 2160p50, 2160p59.94, 2160p60
4K DCI Standards	4K DCI 23.98p, 4K DCI 24p, 4K DCI 25p
SDI Compliance	SMPTE 259M, 292M, 296M, 372M, 425M, 435, 2081, 2082, ITU-R BT.656, ITU-R BT.601.
Processing
Encoding	Hardware-based real-time H.265 encoder.
Colorspace Conversion	Hardware-based real-time.
HD to SD Down Conversion	Built-in hardware down converter for SD output on SDI B, Component, and Composite.
HD Up Conversion	Built-in hardware up conversion from SD to 720HD or 1080HD on playback.
Cross Conversion	Built-in hardware cross conversion from 720p to 1080HD and vice-versa on playback.
Real Time Effects	Supports DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, and Avid Media Composer internal effects.
Software & Power
Software Included	DaVinci Resolve, Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility.
Power Supply	2 x built-in international AC power supply with IEC C14 inlet. 120-240V, 50-60Hz.
Copy Protection	HDMI input is unable to capture from copy protected HDMI sources.

Thunderbolt Video Interface Cards