Exploring Video Editing Hardware & SDI Video Capture Cards

Although it's easy to find digital cameras capable of capturing video, editing these files is another story. Often, video files are very large, and converting them from compressed formats into editable files requires fast and powerful processors. That's why dedicated video editing hardware is a necessity for anything other than casual editing projects.

Video Capture and Recording Hardware

Various devices are available to capture and record raw video from cameras for post-production processing. These include relatively simple external devices such as the UltraStudio mini recorder, which is capable of capturing high-definition SDI or HDMI inputs and exporting signals to computers using Thunderbolt connections for editing and live streaming.

Other input devices, such as the Intensity Shuttle, work with component analog video signals as well as HDMI video. Export devices like UltraStudio mini monitors transmit video HDMI and SDI signals to external monitors and other equipment. Internal video capture cards, including the DeckLink mini recorder 4K, perform a similar function with the capability to support a wide range of formats.

Video Editing Workstations

Powerful video editing workstations are ideal for heavy-duty editing. Fitted with powerful Intel multi-core processors, generous RAM, multiple Thunderbolt ports, and top-of-the-line video cards, these computers offer the horsepower for multi-stream editing of videos. Available for both Windows and macOS systems, these workstations usually come bundled with professional video editing software.

Editing Controllers and Keyboards

Editing controllers replace keystrokes and mouse pads to provide customizable inputs into various editing programs. Some professional video edit controllers, such as the Black Magic Da Vinci Resolve micro panel, support particular editing suites, while others, such as Palette control surface kits, offer full customization to any editing software. Use these controllers to replace keyboard or mouse input shortcuts.

Specialized application/editing keyboards take the guesswork out of remembering keyboard shortcuts. Programmed for editing solutions such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, and Avid Media Composer, these keyboards have illuminated keys with labeled shortcut keys. Alternatives include skins or covers that fit over existing keyboards.

Accelerate your video editing capabilities with post-production video hardware from B&H Photo and Video.