This article explains when to use the Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G, its requirements and limitations, and how to configure it correctly with Dartfish. 



What is the UltraStudio Recorder 3G? 

The Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G is a compact, professional capture device that allows you to ingest HDMI or SDI video into Dartfish using a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connection.


It delivers:

  • Uncompressed 10-bit video

  • Up to 1080p at 60 FPS

  • Low latency, suitable for live capture and tagging


Unlike the AJA U-TAP, this device includes both HDMI and SDI inputs in a single unit, making it more flexible at a lower cost.


Key characteristics

FeatureDetails
InputsHDMI and SDI
Max resolution1080p
Max frame rate60 FPS
Video outputUncompressed
Connection to PCThunderbolt
Power supplyThunderbolt-powered


Important
USB-C ports alone are not sufficient.
A true Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port is mandatory.


Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • HDMI and SDI inputs on the same device

  • Low latency, suitable for live tagging

  • No external power supply

  • High video quality (uncompressed)

  • Very competitive price for professional capture


Limitations

  • Requires a native Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port

  • Limited stream configuration options

  • Uncompressed video requires:

    • High-performance CPU

    • SSD storage

    • Sufficient RAM

  • Requires up-to-date Blackmagic drivers


The Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G relies on your PC performance.
Make sure your system meets the Dartfish system requirements.


Setting up the UltraStudio Recorder 3G for use with Dartfish

Step 1 - Install the drivers

Download and install Blackmagic Desktop Video (required to switch between HDMI and SDI inputs):


Step 2 - Device set up

  1. Connect your camera to the UltraStudio Recorder 3G using:

    • HDMI cable or

    • SDI cable

  2. Connect the UltraStudio Recorder 3G to your PC using a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable

  3. Confirm that the white LED is ON




If the LED is off, the device is not powered or not connected via Thunderbolt.


Step 3 – Configure input in Blackmagic Desktop Video

  1. Open Blackmagic Desktop Video

  2. Select the UltraStudio Recorder 3G

  3. Choose the correct input:

    • HDMI or

    • SDI (selected by default)

  4. Confirm that a valid video signal is detected


Step 4 – Select the device in Dartfish

  1. Go to the Live workspace
  2. Click on Source.
  3. Select Blackmagic WDM Capture 
  4. Click on Apply in the device name window




You are now ready to record, tag, and analyze.


Record a video playing on a PC

This scenario is particularly useful when you want to record a video that is streamed on the internet (i.e., one you can watch in a web browser). It allows you to record and tag games or live events without needing to be on-site. This setup works with the Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G, provided your computer has a Thunderbolt 3 port and you connect it using an HDMI cable from your computer’s display output.


Overview

The Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G is used as a virtual second display.


Set up

  1. Connect the computer’s HDMI output to the UltraStudio Recorder 3G

  2. Press Windows+P

  3. Set display mode to Extend

  4. Launch Dartfish and select Blackmagic WDM Capture

  5. Move the browser or video player to the extended display

  6. Set the video to full screen

  7. Set audio output to UltraStudio Recorder 3G (otherwise no audio will be recorded)


Common issues and troubleshooting

IssueSolution
Device not detected

Confirm your PC has a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port. 


USB-C ≠ Thunderbolt.


Check that you have the LED light on (white) on the BlackMagic Ultrastudio 3G
Video input not visible

Ensure your camera is sending a supported format (e.g., 1080p60). Use the correct cable (HDMI/SDI).


Unplug and replug the HDMI/SDI cable, several times if needed.
Dartfish doesn’t list device
Ensure you are using a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable.
Audio not captured
Make sure the audio is embedded in the HDMI or SDI feed, and that the camera’s output includes audio
Stream is not deinterlaced
In Setup → Video Format, manually set the stream to Interlaced – Top First or Bottom First, depending on the source.

Ensure the PC uses an Intel CPU: deinterlacing is not supported on AMD and NVIDIA GPUs at this time.