Blackmagic brings UHD to streaming with Web Presenter 4K

Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K, a professional device that allows live UHD broadcasts to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other similar platforms over an Ethernet network, is the latest offering from Design Blackmagic.

Web Presenter 4K, a UHD upgrade of Blackmagic’s popular model, works in a similar way to a modern TV transmitter and includes USB ports that allow it to be detected as if it were a webcam, giving the possibility to connect it to a computer and broadcast using programs or even applications such as Skype or Zoom.

Blackmagic Web Presenter is compatible with the most popular streaming platforms and has been designed to broadcast live in “professional quality” without skipping frames. To do this, Blackmagic stresses that “you simply connect it to the Internet”. Setup is simple, as the utility program allows you to select the platform and update the streaming key.

Web Presenter 4K Workflow

O Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K device is a standalone solution that includes a powerful encoder, software that supports a variety of streaming platforms, and connections for different types of networks. Simply connect an SDI source to the unit, such as a switcher or camera, and then access the Internet via the integrated Ethernet port. Alternatively, it is also possible to use smartphones for this purpose. When the smartphone is connected, the unit will automatically detect it and use it to access the Internet. It is also possible to choose which of the connections takes priority.

The two USB ports on the Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K allow it to be detected as a webcam by broadcast software, making it possible to stream high quality HD (1080) or UHD (2160p) sources. All Web Presenter models are compatible with programs such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Open Broadcaster and XSplit Broadcaster, among others.

Blackmagic Web Presenters also include an output that provides the ability to view images, volume indicators with accurate ballistics and graphs showing bitrate and cache usage, as well as a summary of settings and technical information related to the SDI signal. In addition, this output supports SDI and HDMI monitors with HD 1080 resolution, providing the opportunity to use SDI matrices to monitor multiple units or connect HDMI TVs.

Complementary software and connections

The device’s software allows you to manage multiple units, update them and modify their configuration. Simply connect a computer to the front USB port or use an Ethernet network to change settings remotely, which is essential when equipment is located far away. The familiar menus and controls make it easy to set up the device during live events and start broadcasting immediately. The on-panel display also provides access to various settings. The utility program is included free of charge and is compatible with Mac and Windows systems.

In terms of connections, the Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K includes a 12G SDI input that supports all types of signals with a maximum resolution of 2160p60. At the same time, the derived output allows multiple units to be connected in series for the purpose of transmitting across multiple platforms. Moreover, thanks to Teranex technology, images retain “amazing sharpness”. The HD or UHD source is automatically converted to produce a high-quality HD 1080p or UHD 2160p60 signal.

While the device supports a wide variety of broadcast services, it can also be used to link studios via a private SDI link. In that sense, the ATEM Streaming Bridge converter can receive images in H.264 format from ATEM Mini Pro mixers and get SDI or HDMI signals to transmit them to different points via an Ethernet network or anywhere in the world via the Internet.

The design of the Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K is similar to the Teranex Mini line of converters, so it can be placed on both desktops and racks. With a width of only 14 centimeters, it is possible to install three units side-by-side in a rack, which suits situations where it is necessary to transmit across multiple platforms simultaneously. This also allows the device to be combined with different products, such as Estúdio de Televisão ATEM HD mixers, for an all-in-one solution.