Capture Hardware Recommendations
To use a camera with Production Truck, you will need a capture device, you cannot plug a camera directly into a computer through an HDMI connection.
Capture Devices
Mac | Single Feed Capture Solution
-
Single camera capture card with HDMI or SDI to Thunderbolt 3 connection only.
Inputs: HDMI/SDI
Outputs: Thunderbolt 3Cables and equipment needed:
- Thunderbolt 3
- HDMI or SDI cable
You must download the Blackmagic drivers before using with Production Truck.
-
Additional Options
Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- HDMI single-input capture card
Magewell USB Capture SDI Gen 2
- SDI single-input capture card
- HDMI single-input capture card
The above options all require USB input on a Mac.
Mac | Multi Feed Capture Solution
-
Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo 2
4-Camera SDI Capture Card for Mac
Inputs: SD/HD/3G-SDI via BNC connectors
Output: Thunderbolt, via separate enclosure box
Cables and equipment needed:- Sonnet Echo Express SE I Thunderbolt 3 to Full-Height/Half-Length PCIe Card Expansion System
- Thunderbolt 3 cable
- SDI Cables (as many cables as cameras being used)
-
Blackmagic Design DeckLink Quad HDMI Recorder Capture Card
4-Camera HDMI Capture Card for Mac
Inputs: SD/HD/3G-SDI via HDMI connectors
Output: Thunderbolt, via separate enclosure box
Cables and equipment needed:- Sonnet Echo Express SE I Thunderbolt 3 to Full-Height/Half-Length PCIe Card Expansion System
- Thunderbolt 3 cable
- HDMI Cables (as many cables as cameras being used)
-
Additional Options
Magewell Pro Capture Quad HDMI Card (4 Channel)
- Equivalent to Blackmagic Design DeckLink Quad HDMI Recorder Capture Card
- Requires Sonnet Echo Express SE I Thunderbolt 3 to Full-Height/Half-Length PCIe Card Expansion System
Magewell Pro Capture Quad SDI Card (4-Channel)
- Equivalent to Blackmagic Design DeckLink Duo 2
- Requires Sonnet Echo Express SE I Thunderbolt 3 to Full-Height/Half-Length PCIe Card Expansion System
Windows | Single Feed Capture Solutions
-
Magewell USB Capture SDI Gen 2
Single camera capture card with SDI to USB.
Inputs: SDI
Outputs: USBCables and equipment needed:
- SDI cable
-
Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
Single camera capture card with HDMI to USB.
Inputs: HDMI
Outputs: USBCables and equipment needed:
- HDMI cable
-
Additional Options
- HDMI single-input capture card
Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus
- HDMI single-input capture card
INOGENI 4K HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture Card
- HDMI single-input capture card
FAQs
I have a capture device that is not on this list, will it work with Production Truck?
We cannot guarantee that all capture devices will work with Production Truck, the above capture devices are those that we officially support. We would recommend testing your capture device with Production Truck. Additionally, ensure your capture device is from a reputable manufacturer.
Do you recommend SDI or HDMI inputs and cabling?
We recommend SDI over HDMI cabling, if possible. SDI cabling is capable of going further, typically around 300 ft, over HDMI which can usually travel only 50 ft, please note these measures can fluctuate depending on manufacturer quality. SDI cabling is also typically more robust.
Why are there no multi-input capture card recommendations for Windows?
The Sonnet Echo Express SE I Thunderbolt 3 to Full-Height/Half-Length PCIe Card Expansion System that we recommend connects to the computer via a thunderbolt 3 cable connection, not typically available on Windows computers.