Enum DecklinkInput

Namespace

VisioForge.Core.Types.Decklink

Assembly

VisioForge.Core.dll

Specifies the video input source type for a DeckLink capture device.

public enum DecklinkInput

Fields

Auto = 0

Automatically selects the input based on detected signal.

In auto mode, the DeckLink device will attempt to detect which input has an active video signal and automatically switch to it. This is useful for: - Simple setups with only one connected source - Applications that need to adapt to changing connections - Initial configuration and testing

Note: Auto-detection may not work reliably if multiple inputs have active signals. In such cases, manual input selection is recommended.

SDI = 1

Selects SDI (Serial Digital Interface) input for professional digital video.

SDI is the professional standard for uncompressed digital video transmission. Features include: - Support for SD-SDI (270 Mbps), HD-SDI (1.485 Gbps), 3G-SDI (2.97 Gbps), and higher - Embedded audio (up to 16 channels) - Embedded ancillary data (timecode, closed captions, AFD) - Long cable runs (up to 300m for HD-SDI with quality cable)

SDI provides the highest quality input with no compression artifacts and is the preferred choice for professional production, broadcast, and post-production work.

The specific SDI standards supported depend on the DeckLink model. Higher-end cards support 6G-SDI (4K30) and 12G-SDI (4K60) formats.

Composite = 2

Selects composite video input for standard definition analog video.

Composite video combines all video information into a single analog signal. While offering the lowest quality among available inputs, it remains important for: - Capturing from consumer VCRs and older cameras - Digitizing VHS, Betamax, and other consumer tape formats - Connecting to security cameras and legacy equipment

Composite input characteristics: - Limited to standard definition (480i NTSC / 576i PAL) - Single cable connection (usually RCA or BNC) - Susceptible to color bleeding and dot crawl artifacts - Supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM standards

Component = 3

Selects component video input for higher quality analog video.

Component video separates the signal into three channels (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr), providing significantly better quality than composite video. Benefits include: - Support for both SD and HD resolutions - No color bleeding or cross-color artifacts - Better color accuracy and sharpness - Professional analog video quality

Component input is commonly used for: - Capturing from professional analog video equipment - Digitizing BetacamSP and other professional tape formats - Connecting to older HD cameras and decks - Legacy analog HD production workflows

Supported formats typically include 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p, depending on the DeckLink model.

SVideo = 4

Selects S-Video (Y/C) input for improved standard definition analog video.

S-Video separates luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals, providing better quality than composite video while remaining compatible with consumer equipment. Advantages include: - Reduced color bleeding compared to composite - Sharper image detail - Better color fidelity - 4-pin mini-DIN connector standard

S-Video input is useful for: - Capturing from S-VHS decks and Hi8 cameras - Higher quality SD digitization projects - Consumer equipment with S-Video output - Prosumer video production from the 1990s-2000s

Like composite, S-Video is limited to standard definition resolutions but provides noticeably better quality within those constraints.

HDMI = 5

Selects HDMI input for digital video from consumer and prosumer devices.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the standard for consumer digital video. Key features include: - Support for HD and 4K resolutions (model dependent) - Embedded multi-channel audio (up to 8 channels) - Single cable for audio and video - Wide compatibility with consumer devices

HDMI input is ideal for capturing from: - DSLR and mirrorless cameras - Gaming consoles and streaming devices - Computers and media players - Consumer camcorders and action cameras

Important considerations: - HDCP copy protection may prevent capture from some sources - Maximum resolution depends on HDMI version (1.4, 2.0, 2.1) - Some cameras output different signals on HDMI vs SDI - May include additional metadata (HDR, color space info)

OpticalSDI = 6

Selects optical SDI input for fiber-optic digital video transmission.

Optical SDI uses fiber optic cables for video transmission, providing unique advantages: - Extremely long cable runs (10km or more without signal degradation) - Complete immunity to electromagnetic interference - Secure transmission (difficult to intercept) - Support for high bandwidth formats (3G/6G/12G-SDI)

Optical SDI is essential for: - Large venue productions (stadiums, arenas) - Campus or facility-wide video distribution - High-interference environments (near broadcast transmitters) - Ultra-high-definition production requiring maximum bandwidth

The optical input typically supports the same video formats as electrical SDI but requires fiber optic infrastructure and may use LC, SC, or ST connectors depending on the implementation.

Remarks

DeckLink cards support various input types depending on the model. This enumeration allows selection of the active input source when multiple input options are available on a single card.

Not all input types are available on all DeckLink models. Applications should query the device capabilities to determine which inputs are supported. Attempting to select an unsupported input type will result in an error.

The quality and capabilities vary significantly between input types: - Digital inputs (SDI, HDMI) provide the highest quality - Analog inputs (Composite, Component, S-Video) are for legacy equipment - Some inputs may have resolution or frame rate limitations