Blackmagic Design Cable DeckLink Micro Recorder HDMI

Blackmagic Design Cable DeckLink Micro Recorder HDMI

The Blackmagic Design Cable DeckLink Micro Recorder HDMI is a specialized miniature adapter cable designed exclusively for the DeckLink Micro Recorder. This cable is required because the DeckLink Micro Recorder is a miniature M.2 (Mini PCIe) card designed for OEM and embedded systems, where space is too limited for a full-sized HDMI port.

Technical Purpose

The cable acts as a bridge between the high-density micro-connector on the DeckLink Micro M.2 card and a standard HDMI source. It is essential for developers and engineers building custom ingest servers, compact streaming boxes, or drone-based capture systems.

• Molex-to-HDMI Transition: The cable features a specialized miniature Molex-style connector on one end that snaps securely into the DeckLink Micro card, and a standard Full-Size HDMI (Type A) female port on the other.

• Low-Latency Capture: Designed to maintain the high-speed signal integrity required for the card’s low-latency performance, ensuring that HDMI video data is transferred to the host computer without added lag.

Key Features and Specifications

• Resolution Support: Supports capture of SD and HD video formats up to 1080p30.

• Embedded Audio: Passes up to 8 channels of embedded HDMI audio directly to the capture card.

• Compact Build: The cable is approximately 6 inches (15cm) long, providing just enough flexibility for internal cable routing within a computer chassis or custom enclosure without creating excessive "cable clutter."

• OEM Design: Unlike consumer DeckLink cards, this cable is typically sold as an OEM spare or included in the developer kit, as it is intended for integration into permanent hardware builds.

Compatibility

• DeckLink Micro Recorder: This is the only card compatible with this specific HDMI cable assembly.

• Note: It is not compatible with the DeckLink Mini Recorder (PCIe), which has the HDMI port built directly onto the metal bracket.

Operational Insight

The DeckLink Micro Recorder is unique because it allows for high-quality broadcast capture in devices that are physically too small for a standard PCIe slot. For engineers, this cable is the "last mile" of the hardware integration. Because the connection on the M.2 card side is quite delicate, it is highly recommended to secure the HDMI female end of the cable to the exterior of your custom chassis to prevent the weight of external HDMI cables from pulling on the internal miniature connector.

Quick Tip: If you are building a multi-camera capture system using several DeckLink Micro cards, labeling these cables is helpful, as they look identical to the DeckLink Micro SDI version of the cable (which uses a Hirose connector instead of the Molex one used for HDMI).