DeckLink Duo 2 – Technical Specifications

Connections
The DeckLink Duo 2 features 4 bidirectional 12-bit SD/HD 3G-SDI connectors that can each be independently configured as either an input or output. Each SDI connection supports 16 channels of embedded audio in both SD and HD formats. It also includes a reference input supporting Tri-Sync or Black Burst for accurate timing in live broadcast environments. The computer interface is a PCI Express 4-lane Gen 2 connector, compatible with 4, 8, and 16-lane PCIe slots.

Supported Codecs
DeckLink Duo 2 supports a wide range of professional video codecs including AVC-Intra, AVCHD, Canon XF MPEG2, Digital SLR, DV-NTSC, DV-PAL, DVCPRO50, DVCPROHD, DPX, HDV, HEVC, XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422, DNxHR, DNxHD, Apple ProRes (4444, 422 HQ, 422, LT, Proxy), and uncompressed formats (8-bit and 10-bit 4:2:2, 10-bit 4:4:4).

Software
The card ships with Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility, and drivers for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. Firmware updates are embedded in the driver and load automatically during system startup or through the updater software.

Video Standards
DeckLink Duo 2 supports a broad range of SD and HD video formats. SD formats include 525i59.94 NTSC and 625i50 PAL. HD formats include 720p at 50, 59.94, and 60 fps, and 1080p at 23.98 to 60 fps. Interlaced and PsF formats are also supported up to 1080i60.

Compliance & Sampling
The card complies with SMPTE standards including 259M, 292M, 296M, 372M, 425M, and ITU-R BT.656/601. Audio is sampled at 48kHz, 24-bit. The supported color precision includes 8, 10, and 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 (playback only), and 8/10-bit YUV 4:2:2. The supported color spaces are REC 601 and REC 709.

Processing
The DeckLink Duo 2 offers real-time hardware-based color space conversion. It features built-in high-quality software down conversion from HD to SD and up conversion from SD to HD (720p or 1080p). Additionally, it supports cross conversion between 720HD and 1080HD during playback. Real-time effects are supported in DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro CC (Mercury Playback Engine), and Avid Media Composer.

Physical Installation
Designed for high-performance systems, it requires a PCI Express 4-lane Gen 2 slot and is compatible with Mac OS (Mac Pro systems with PCIe slots), Windows, and Linux platforms. Refer to Blackmagic’s support page for full system requirements.

Operating System Compatibility

• macOS 10.15 Catalina and macOS 11.1 Big Sur or later

• Windows 8.1 and 10 (64-bit)

• Linux

Power Requirements
The DeckLink Duo 2 consumes 10 watts of power.

Environmental Specifications

• Operating Temperature: 5° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)

• Storage Temperature: -20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F)

• Relative Humidity: 0% to 90% non-condensing

What's Included

• DeckLink Duo 2 capture and playback card