Capture · Record · Stream · Encode · Decode| Category | Magewell | AJA Video Systems | Blackmagic Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capture hardware | USB, PCIe, Mini PCIe and M.2 | PCIe (KONA), Thunderbolt (Io, T-TAP Pro), USB 3.0 (U-TAP) | PCIe (DeckLink), Thunderbolt 3 (UltraStudio) |
| Also makes | NDI encoders and decoders (Pro Convert), streaming encoders (Ultra Encode) | NDI/SDI gateways (BRIDGE NDI 3G), recorders, routers, converters | DaVinci Resolve editing and grading software |
| Developer support | Magewell Capture SDK | SDK options for KONA | Free DeckLink SDK |
| Rack systems | Modator 2U chassis, 10 hot-swap modules | BRIDGE NDI 3G, 1RU | See Blackmagic’s range |
| Operating systems | Windows, Linux, macOS; Chrome OS on USB Capture | macOS, Windows, Linux (KONA) | Mac, Windows, Linux (DeckLink) |
When to choose each brand
Choose Magewell when...
You need to bring live video into a computer or onto a network: NDI encoding and decoding, driver-free USB capture, multi-channel PCIe capture, or a rack of encoders in a Modator chassis. Magewell supports Windows, Linux and macOS, and the USB Capture range also lists Chrome OS.
Choose AJA when...
You need Thunderbolt capture and playback for a post-production suite, or its KONA PCIe cards for editing, colour and mastering software. AJA also makes the BRIDGE NDI 3G, a 1RU gateway between 3G-SDI and NDI for larger facilities.
Choose Blackmagic when...
You work in DaVinci Resolve. Blackmagic makes both the software and the DeckLink and UltraStudio capture and playback hardware, so they are designed to work together. DeckLink cards also work with other editing software on Mac, Windows and Linux.
Already decided on Magewell? Let us help you choose the right model.
As the UK's authorised Magewell distributor, we carry full stock and can advise on the exact product for your workflow.
Both make professional capture cards for Windows, macOS and Linux, and they suit different jobs. Magewell Pro Capture cards are aimed at live capture and systems integration. They work with standard DirectShow, V4L2 and AVCaptureSession software such as OBS, vMix, Wirecast and VLC, they come with an SDK for custom applications, and they do scaling, cropping and colour conversion on the card. Blackmagic DeckLink cards do capture and playback, and Blackmagic also makes DaVinci Resolve, so the two are designed to work together. For live production, streaming and integration into your own software, look at Magewell first. For a Resolve-based edit or grading suite, look at Blackmagic first.
It depends on the models you compare, and prices change, so we do not quote other makers’ prices here. Compare like for like: the same number of channels, the same resolution and frame rate, loop-through or not, and the operating systems you need. Then weigh what comes with the card. With Magewell that includes drivers for Windows, Linux and macOS, an SDK, and processing on the card. Ask us for a trade quote on the Magewell model and you can set it against the alternatives.
DaVinci Resolve is not on the compatible-software list for Magewell capture cards, and Blackmagic designs Resolve around its own DeckLink and UltraStudio hardware. If you need to capture or monitor from within Resolve, choose Blackmagic hardware. Magewell cards are the better fit when the capture software is OBS, vMix, Wirecast, XSplit, VLC or an application of your own built on the Magewell SDK. You can of course record with one of those and edit the files in Resolve afterwards.
Magewell makes a range of dedicated NDI hardware. The Pro Convert encoders turn HDMI or SDI into NDI High Bandwidth, the Pro Convert decoders turn NDI back into HDMI or SDI, and the Ultra Encode range sends NDI HX2, with HX3 on some models. Each is a standalone box that needs no computer. A capture card from any maker can also feed NDI through software on the host computer, such as vMix or OBS with an NDI plugin. If you want NDI without tying up a PC, a hardware encoder is the simpler route.