Using Blackmagic Devices with Remoto Playback
Written by Sara Griffith
Updated at May 15th, 2026
Table of Contents
Using Blackmagic Devices with Remoto Playback
Remoto Playback supports Blackmagic devices for both video and audio capture. When a Blackmagic device is selected as the video input type, Playback expects Blackmagic SDI to also be chosen as the audio input type.
Supported Configuration
- Video Input Type: Blackmagic SDI
- Audio Input Type: Blackmagic SDI
Once Blackmagic SDI has been chosen as the video input type, additional configuration fields are revealed:
- Streaming Video Source
- Connection
- Timecode Format
For audio, select the Blackmagic hardware device and set the desired channel layout to match your source material.
Setup Overview
Step 1: Connect Your Blackmagic Device
Connect your Blackmagic UltraStudio or compatible device via Thunderbolt or USB. If using SDI loopback (output to input), connect the SDI cable accordingly.
Step 2: Configure Video in Playback
In Playback's Stream Settings, under Video Settings:
- Set Video Input Type to Blackmagic SDI
- Select the appropriate Streaming Video Source (your Blackmagic device)
- Configure the Connection and Timecode Format fields as needed
Step 3: Configure Audio in Playback
In Playback's Stream Settings, under Audio Settings:
- Set Audio Input Type to Blackmagic SDI
- Select the Blackmagic device as the Audio Device
- Set the Channel Layout to match your source (stereo through multichannel)
Step 4: Verify Signal
Use Playback's stream preview to confirm that both video and audio are being received correctly before starting the session.
Verifying Signal with Blackmagic Media Express
If Playback does not detect the expected video or audio signal, you can verify the upstream signal using Blackmagic Media Express:
- Fully close Remoto Playback
- Open Blackmagic Media Express
- Go to the Log and Capture tab
- Confirm that the expected video and audio are actively present
This step is only for verification. You cannot preview the feed while Playback is open. Once confirmed, close Media Express completely, then reopen Remoto Playback.
SDI Loopback
Some workflows require an SDI loopback configuration (connecting SDI OUT to SDI IN). This is needed when Playback must detect a signal on an input that is being generated as an output from the same device or from another application on the same machine. If your source application (such as Avid Media Composer) outputs to the Blackmagic device, and Playback needs to capture that signal, connect the SDI output back to an SDI input so Playback can detect it.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Playback does not see the Blackmagic video source | Device not connected, driver not installed, or another application (such as Media Express) is holding the device |
| No audio in the stream | Audio not embedded in the SDI signal, or incorrect audio device selected in Playback |
| Video freezes when the stream starts | SDI loopback not connected (if required for your workflow), or format mismatch |
| Signal appears in Media Express but not in Playback | Media Express is still open and holding the device — close it fully before opening Playback |
Best Practices
- Ensure your Blackmagic device firmware and Desktop Video software are up to date
- Confirm the SDI signal format (resolution, frame rate) matches what Playback expects
- Close Media Express or any other application that may be using the Blackmagic device before opening Playback
- For multichannel audio, verify the channel layout in Playback matches the source