The Blackmagic Design Videohub 20x20 12G simplifies studio setups by allowing users to connect all their SDI equipment to the router, whether SD, HD, or UHD. With the flexibility to connect any video input to any output or even a single input to multiple outputs, complex system diagrams are no longer necessary, and monitors can display any source in the studio. The Videohub 20x20 12G enables customers to handle constant change and emergencies, use multiple HyperDeck recorders for redundant mastering, or route video to multiple streaming processors for broadcast platforms. Additionally, it's ideal for adding extra inputs to an ATEM switcher.
The Blackmagic Videohub 20x20 12G features a built-in front control panel that enables customers to route video, making it a perfect solution for live production racks with limited space for hardware panels. Similar to the Videohub Master Control Pro, the front panel has a spin knob for browsing, direct entry buttons for speed, and an LCD for displaying labels. However, because the panel is integrated into the router, customers can also view live video on the LCD and change router settings using the menus.
The advanced 12G-SDI connections on Blackmagic Videohub 20x20 12G are multi-rate, which means they support any SD, HD, and Ultra HD video format up to 2160p60 and can connect to any SDI equipment regardless of the video standard. This is a great feature as customers don't need to worry about the video standard compatibility of their equipment. Additionally, the router supports routing any video standard on the same router at the same time, providing great flexibility to customers. And with the ability to route up to 20 different video standards at the same time, customers can handle multiple video formats easily.
With 12G-SDI, customers get high frame rate Ultra HD via a single BNC connection that also plugs into their regular HD equipment. This makes it easier for customers to transition to Ultra HD while still using their existing equipment. And since 12G-SDI is a future-proof technology, customers can be assured that they can use it with their current equipment and any future equipment they may purchase.
SDI re-clocking is an important feature in Blackmagic Videohub routers as it helps regenerate the video signal for maximum quality. As you mentioned, longer video cables can degrade the signal, and even expensive digital cables may not completely eliminate signal integrity loss due to cable length. With built-in SDI re-clocking on every 12G-SDI input, Videohub routers help improve jitter performance and ensure that all connected SDI devices receive a regenerated signal with better quality, even over longer cable lengths.
Remote control of the Blackmagic Videohub routers is possible through various methods, including through the Ethernet port, USB port, RS-422 serial control, or through the optional Videohub Smart Control or Videohub Master Control panels. The Videohub Smart Control panel is a low-cost solution with 40 programmable buttons that can be assigned to different sources and destinations, while the Videohub Master Control panel features a larger LCD screen and spin knob for browsing, along with direct entry buttons for speed. Both panels can be used to control any model of Videohub router, and can be installed in multiple locations to provide easy access to routing control.
Blackmagic Videohub Software Control is a free software that allows users to control their router from their computer. It features customizable buttons with icons that make it easy to identify and select router inputs and outputs. It can be used on both Mac and Windows computers and even on an iPad. The software is especially useful for touch screen computers, as it becomes a large screen XY control panel. Overall, the software provides an affordable solution for external router control.