With an ultracompact size, the Videohub Mini 8×4 12G Router from Blackmagic Design is the ultimate device for live production flexibility. The mini router features six 12G-SDI inputs, six 12G-SDI loop outputs, and two 12G-SDI outputs on its back panel in a size that is only half a rack width. Control over the I/O ports can be achieved using the front push buttons, knob, or via Ethernet connection to automate functions. The front panel of the router also features a 12G-SDI input, a 12G-SDI output, and a USB-C output that overrides the functions of the back panel ports for when you need to route new sources on the fly. The USB-C output registers on your device as a webcam and lets you live stream directly from your computer. Dedicated reference I/O ports allow the clean switch function to lock to a Blackburst or Tri-sync signal.
Streamlines Cable Connections
The Videohub Mini router is designed to add extra inputs to SDI broadcast equipment without taking up significant rack space. You can add extra inputs to ATEM switchers or add input selection to streaming encoders and HyperDeck recorders. You can also use it to add extra inputs to video monitors! Routers are fantastic because you can make changes to connections without frantically patching cables in the middle of a job. If you have an urgent customer need or emergency, you can connect gear to the SDI connections on the front panel. That means you can handle the unexpected without rewiring your rack.
Front Panel Router Control & Video Patching
The front panel design of the Blackmagic Videohub Mini has been designed for fast cut-bus-style switching with dedicated buttons for outputs and inputs. To route a video connection, simply select the destination button and then press the source button! That provides all the routing control you need, even though the routers are designed to fit into small, portable racks. The front panel also has 12G-SDI video connections for patching in external gear, and the front panel input connection will override the highest rear input connection when video is connected. The front panel also has a USB webcam output, so you can connect a computer for recording, video scopes, or streaming software.
Advanced 12G-SDI Connections
All models of Blackmagic Videohub Mini feature advanced 12G-SDI connections, which are multirate and support any SD, HD, and UHD video format up to 2160p60. That means you can connect any SD, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, and 12G-SDI equipment. Plus, the Videohub Mini also supports routing any video standard on the same router at the same time. The 12G-SDI gives you high frame rate UHD via a single BNC connection that also works with all your regular HD equipment, so you can seamlessly switch different video inputs, and the SDI output standard will change automatically.
Clean Switch on Each Video Output
All models of the Blackmagic Videohub Mini feature a “clean switch” function that ensures stable video transitions when switching between sources. However, the clean switch feature is unique because it’s set on each output, not on the inputs. This is important because the re-sync processors needed for a clean switch can add or remove video frames from the video. So this means you could set a HyperDeck recorder to a non-clean switch direct feed because you don’t want extra frames inserted, while a monitor or streaming encoder router output could use the clean switch, ensuring seamless source changes. The clean switch will lock sources to the reference input.
Full SDI Re-Clocking
All models of Blackmagic Videohub Mini feature built-in SDI re‑clocking on every 12G-SDI input. SDI re-clocking regenerates the video signal to ensure optimal video quality and prevent SDI data errors. This is extremely important because longer video cables degrade the signal. Expensive premium “digital” cables can provide some assistance, but they are still unable to completely eliminate signal integrity loss caused by the increasing length of cables. By re-clocking all the SDI devices in your studio, all your equipment will receive a regenerated signal with enhanced jitter performance. That means you get longer cable lengths and the absence of video dropouts.
Front Panel Emergency Patch Connections
Blackmagic Videohub Mini features incredibly useful 12G-SDI patch connectors on the front panel for direct video access. This means you don’t have to fumble around in the back of a rack with cables, so you won’t accidentally unplug something crucial. That’s great when you need to add external extra gear in an emergency. All models have a front panel 12G-SDI input that overrides the highest rear video input when connected. The 6×2 and 8×4 models also feature a front panel 12G-SDI output that’s the same video as the highest output number.
USB Webcam Output
You can live stream directly from the router’s front panel because the front USB-C connection functions as an HD webcam video source. The software is tricked into thinking the router is a common webcam, but it’s really an SDI video source. You get full compatibility with any video software in full resolution 1080 HD quality. If your video source is UHD, then it will be down-converted to HD for the webcam output. You can route live SDI video into common video software like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype for broadcast-quality presentations or use streaming software such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, and more.
Remote or Hardware Control
Connect the router to a compatible Master Control Pro panel or the Videohub Software for hardware or remote control, depending on the needs of your production. Assign different functions to buttons or software settings. A free software development kit is included with the router for developers and integrators to add protocol support and automation from their preexisting workflow.
Redundant Power Supply
Power can be supplied to the router using the built-in AC power supply or 12 VDC power connection. This allows you to use a standard wall outlet and IEC cable or DC power source.
