Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Monitor Discussion Summary
Contents
2021 Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Monitor Discussion Summary
Problem
Chuck experienced intermittent blackouts when using the Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Monitor. The issue arose particularly when the device was connected to an LG OLED B7 TV via a Denon AVR-S750H. Blackouts appeared to be related to HDMI handshake and compatibility issues when routing through the AVR.
This discussion occurred in the Avid Media Composer Users group on Facebook, where members shared potential solutions and insights.[1]
Proposed Solutions
1. Use an HDMI Splitter
Several commenters suggested trying active HDMI splitters to stabilize the signal chain:
- Monoprice Blackbird 4K Mini 1x2 HDMI Splitter (USB-powered) – Recommended by Adam.[2]
- Path tested: Blackmagic → Monoprice Splitter → Denon AVR → LG OLED TV.
- Techole HDMI Bi-Directional Switch – Suggested as an alternative.[3]
Conclusion: The Monoprice splitter worked initially but caused blackouts during extended playback. The non-powered splitter was not fully effective.
2. Direct Connection to TV
Chuck bypassed the AVR entirely by connecting the Blackmagic Mini Monitor directly to the LG OLED B7 TV.
Conclusion: This resolved the video blackouts but removed the ability to route audio through the AVR for the speaker setup, limiting its use in the overall workflow.
3. Update Software
Some commenters suggested updating:
- The Blackmagic Desktop Video Software.[4][5]
- Chuck updated from version 11.4 to 12.1 on macOS Mojave.
- Despite the update, the blackouts persisted.
Conclusion: Updates did not resolve the blackouts.
4. Consider Alternative Devices
AJA hardware was frequently recommended as a more reliable option:
- AJA devices are said to have better driver support and fewer HDMI compatibility issues compared to Blackmagic hardware.[6]
Conclusion: AJA devices were considered but not tested in the thread.
5. AVR or Powered HDMI Switch
Some commenters noted that switching to a different AVR or using a powered HDMI switch might help stabilize the signal chain. No explicit tests of these setups were discussed in detail.
General Observations
- Blackmagic devices are prone to HDMI handshake issues in complex signal chains involving AVRs and TVs.
- AJA hardware was highly recommended by several users as a more stable alternative.
- Direct connections bypassing intermediate devices, like AVRs, are often the most reliable but sacrifice audio setup.
Conclusions
- The Monoprice HDMI splitter helped initially but was not a long-term solution.
- Directly connecting the Mini Monitor to the TV worked but removed the ability to route audio through the AVR for the speaker setup, limiting its use in the overall workflow.
- Blackmagic Desktop Video Software updates failed to address the issue.
- Chuck expressed dissatisfaction with Blackmagic hardware and began considering alternative solutions, such as AJA devices.
2024 Blackmagic Support Thread
In 2024, Chuck contacted Blackmagic Design Support (Ticket ID: WV-463-10113) to escalate the blackout issue. Key points from the support thread include:
- Initial Inquiry:
- Chuck reported blackouts when routing video through the Denon AVR-S750H to the LG OLED B7 or a Vizio TV.
- Blackouts persisted even when testing different TVs, though bypassing the AVR reduced incidents.
- Sound and Overheating Observations:
- Chuck noted that both audio and video blanked out simultaneously when routed through the AVR.
- Blackouts seemed less frequent when playing silent (MOS) footage, suggesting audio processing on the HDMI path could contribute to the issue.
- Overheating of the UltraStudio Mini Monitor was suspected when left on overnight.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Support’s Suggestions:
- Blackmagic Design suggested testing without the AVR and confirming if the Denon receiver was the root cause.
- Support indicated they would log the issue and escalate it to their development team, though no promises were made regarding a fix.
- Final Observations:
- Despite reverting to version 12.3 and minimizing use during long operations, blackouts continued intermittently.
- Chuck highlighted that the AVR audio blanking was a significant limitation, as the AVR was central to his monitoring setup.
Conclusion: Blackmagic Support did not provide a conclusive solution, but acknowledged the issue and logged the AVR model (Denon AVR-S750H) for further review.
