Blackmagic Cloud Sync Lets Editors Work While Cameras Record
Blackmagic Design has announced Blackmagic Cloud Sync, a new feature of its Blackmagic Cloud storage platform that enables cameras to sync media into a DaVinci Resolve bin while the camera is actively recording.
“Within seconds the editors can see media arriving in real-time and start editing, even while the camera continues to record,” Blackmagic explains. “This is a revolution in broadcast workflows where the editors can see and edit with media, seconds after it’s been recorded in a camera, from any location globally.” The new live syncing on Blackmagic Cloud is being demonstrated at Blackmagic’s booth at Cine Gear 2024.
Blackmagic Cloud’s live sync capability is enabled by recent Blackmagic cameras, like the Cinema Camera 6K, Pyxis, Ursa Cine, and Ursa Broadcast G2, being able to record a full resolution HD proxy in H.264 codec. These files are synced to Blackmagic Cloud while recorded and then live synced to all DaVinci Resolve workstations connected to the same cloud project. “All you need to do is connect to the project. It is all automatic!” promises Blackmagic.
On the camera side of the communication setup, users must log in to Blackmagic Cloud and select a DaVinci Resolve project before recording. Once recording starts, it will automatically sync to connected workstations.
As the proxy footage comes down the pipeline, editors, and colorists can perform their processing tasks. Further, suppose customers have multiple cameras shooting at the same time. In that case, Blackmagic’s new multi-sync feature will show all connected cameras in a multi-view so that editors can pick the best angle.
“In many ways this workflow is similar to live streaming into the edit software. If the user starts playing, the playback will never end as the media is syncing into the viewer just in front of the play head. The editor can see the play indicator jump back as each segment of clip arrives and the clip continues to grow in length. Plus the clip icon in the bin will show a red record indicator to show this clip is still recording on the remote camera,” the company explains.
Further, it is a concurrent post-production and shooting setup. A recording camera’s footage is sent to a workstation, where it is edited and graded. Then that graded footage is looped back to the production side, provided there is a local DaVinci Resolve workstation.
For live events, where every second counts, as a camera is recording, an editor is already working on the footage that has already been shot. Rather than needing to wait for the entire segment to be captured, they are working simultaneously with the camera operator.
“Live syncing media from our cameras directly into DaVinci Resolve bins is a workflow revolution. This simply has never been possible before,” explains Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “It’s just like live streaming into the DaVinci Resolve bin, even when dozens of DaVinci Resolve systems are collaborating via the same Blackmagic Cloud project. This is very exciting and it looks amazing when you see it working live!”
The new Blackmagic Cloud live sync feature will enter public beta in the next week or two as a free download for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K and Blackmagic Ursa Broadcast G2. The Blackmagic Camera app for iPhone will also receive this feature in an update “in the coming weeks.” The live sync feature will be added to additional cameras, like the Pyxis 6K and Ursa Cine 12K “shortly.” The feature will be free to users with Blackmagic Cloud media sync plans. Additional information on Blackmagic Cloud media sync plans is available on the company’s website.
Image credits: Blackmagic Design
