Blackmagic Design has announced a new feature of its Blackmagic Cloud storage platform. The new Blackmagic Cloud live sync feature means that a camera can sync media into a DaVinci Resolve edit bin while it is still actively recording.
Proxy recording
The secret to Blackmagic Cloud live sync is the ability of the latest Blackmagic cameras to record a full resolution HD proxy in an H.264 file format. Currently, the Cinema Camera 6K, PYXIS, URSA Cine and URSA Broadcast G2 offer proxy recording. These files are then live synced to Blackmagic Cloud as they are recorded. In addition, the files are live synced down to all DaVinci Resolve workstations that are connected to the same cloud project. Once an editor connects to the project, they can work on the files.
How it works
On the camera, the operator needs to log into Blackmagic Cloud and then select a DaVinci Resolve project. Once they start shooting, the recording will start live syncing to all connected DaVinci Resolve workstations. This means that editors can start to cut the footage and colorists can also start working on the grade. In addition, you can have multiple cameras recording at the same time. The new multi sync feature will show the cameras in a multi view so the editor can pick the best angle.
Playing back while recording
Blackmagic Design says that the live sync workflow is similar to livestreaming into the editing software. If the editor starts playing while the camera is still recording, the playback will never end. This is because the media is syncing into the viewer just in front of the playhead. The editor can also see the play indicator jump back as each segment of the clip arrives and the clip continues to grow in length. In addition, the clip icon in the bin will show a red record indicator to show the clip is still being recorded remotely.
Use cases
Blackmagic Cloud live sync means that the crew on set can review the graded footage from the colorist as soon as they call cut. There’s no need for a complex grading suite on location. The colorist can work remotely, while the graded footage is displayed with an on-set DaVinci Resolve system. Also, for news workflows, a camera can start recording and syncing into the editing system as a historical event unfolds. In addition, the editor doesn’t need to wait for the camera to stop recording. A broadcaster can even play back the media as it arrives with the DaVinci Resolve viewer.
Workflow revolution
“Live syncing media from our cameras directly into DaVinci Resolve bins is a workflow revolution. This simply has never been possible before,” said 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.”
What we think
The launch of Blackmagic Cloud live sync is another step forward in the development of camera-to-cloud (C2C) solutions. This means that you can have concurrent shooting and postproduction, where both happen on the same shot at the same time. It’s also amazing to think that this is possible with cameras such as the Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera 6K. That’s a model which is currently available for less than $1,600. Blackmagic Design has also said that live sync will be coming to its free camera app for iPhone. The future of news gathering and filmmaking is looking very exciting.
Availability
The new Blackmagic Cloud live sync feature will be available as a public beta in mid-June. It will be a free download for Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K and Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2. The Blackmagic Camera app for iPhone will also include this feature in an update coming soon. In addition, Live Sync will be added to the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K and Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K in the near future. The update to Blackmagic Cloud will be included free with current Blackmagic Cloud media sync plans.
