Virtual Production with BMPCC - Timecode and Genlock*

[@NewWayIndia]

The best explanation on BMPCC and Unreal Engine Virtual Production workflow. Please continue doing complete shots from shoot to final delivery after compositing. Thanks a lot. Stay safe, stay healthy.

[@damonvpstudio5621]

This is literally the most clearly tutorial about genlock I have ever seen.

[@JakeGWater]

Yes, tell me about it. I made this because there was pretty much nothing detailed I could reference. I'm glad it's useful!

[@otegadamagic]

Oh my I've been looking for this. Thanks man. Instant sub

[@MotMovie]

This is what i call community service at its best. Planning to buy the needed videocard etc. and borrowing a bmpcc6K for a validation test (before buying the camera). I would ask most kindly if people who have tried to replicate this would let us know if they have been succesful (main concern in compatibility issues between different gear/unreal versions etc.).

[@hkenshin89]

Did it work

[@Ravenwithme]

Thank you You Are My HERO! Almost bought URSA for Genlok things! Your tutorial is so clear!

[@JakeGWater]

Me too! You only need Genlock if you intend to use multiple Cameras or an LED wall.

[@apixel.content]

This is awesome, learning so much on this video + the slides, can't wait to try it out once I have all the hardware!

[@Jayme]

Genlock can be tricky... I work in the live event industry and deal with genlock all the time. There are 2 main types. Blackburst and Tri level sync. Which one you used really mattered back in the day with older video gear but most video gear could "probably" run without any sync. For most our setups we use AJA Gen10 sync generators as it can do SD and HD reference simultaneously. Sometimes older broadcast cameras need SD ref, but render engines seem to perfer a ref singal that's the same resolution as the camera. Also Remember that these signals are not digital signals so if you need to distribute the signal down the line you need to use an analog distro. We normally use the AJA C10DA for that. Similar to timecode it's very helpful (Especially in virtual production) to have EVERYTHING in the system running at the same reference. It can cut out a few frames of delay and solve random issues your system might be having.

[@JakeGWater]

Whoah this is fantastic info. Do you have any videos going into detail, because I would love to link to it from my Virtual Production reference. I want to start documenting setups that work so others can reference them. I am definitely cheating here, because I'm telling Unreal to sync to the video signal instead of a dedicated reference, but for my 1 camera setup without ndisplay it works as intended.

[@lukastemberger]

@@JakeGWater You mentioned in the video there's a two frame delay in your video feed. Would it be good to input this into the Frame Delay window in the timecode details? 12:51

[@ozzythemighty2767]

oh nice.. im going to watch every videos on this. thq for the content

[@faded_blue_jeans]

This is Great! I can't wait to for your next video. I'm excited to see how this works with Take Recorder, Sequencer & Composure especially with Virtual Camera using Vive Tracker. Good luck & more power!

[@UnrealPixelation22222]

This tutorial is so good. Almost the same setup here (Sony FS5ii) but all the data handling, converter and decklink 8k pro is the same. So helpful. I'm getting now my cameras timecode in Unreal Thank you. (genlock isn't working yet. but I'm on it).

[@locksleylennoxvfx]

Very useful... thanks. Now I will watch the live compositing part.

[@mikefordphoto5566]

Hey Jake! thanks for sharing! I'm actually learning a lot from you and I appreciate you sharing.

[@FlorentCorchia]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm facing this situation with my bmpcc this is great! I look forward to more of your content!

[@JakeGWater]

Good luck! I plan to do an end-to-end demo next. I'll be sure to share.

[@CHNLTV]

Jake, I want to thank you for all your efforts it has cleared up soo much for me. Keep going ! I'm getting better thanks to you. Blue Prints are confusing for Vive - However, Time Code is set up thanks to you.

[@JakeGWater]

Thank you, that's wonderful to hear. Good luck!

[@christianstamati]

Thanks! This video helped me a lot :), hope to see more videos!!!

[@robertpdavenportii2908]

Thank you for doing this. I appreciate your approach, it is right on target. Of course I am subscribing.

[@spiderbite7849]

So for an nDisplay setup, I'd need a Decklink SDI card with reference out, and a camera like the URSA Mini with reference in? I'm using a HDMI TV so not sure if the SDI to HDMI conversion will retain the reference sync.

[@cahayamedia4446]

Thanks for the simple explanation. Your videos are awesome

[@ThisWayUpTravel]

this is awesome, I was thinking if I can get the bmpcc 4k as I have a load of m43 lenses! Was curious I can use a gh5s? thanks or putting this together!

[@andrewcvisuals]

Very thorough! Great work.

[@JakeGWater]

Thanks! What are you working on?

[@andrewcvisuals]

@@JakeGWater I'm just now jumping in. No major intention, yet. We'll see where it goes.

[@matthewaina4234]

We can't wait for more of your videos; they are quite helpful.

[@12KINTERIORS]

Hope ur familiar with Z CAM series, can you suggest wich one will be best for virtual production, time code and genlock

[@JakeGWater]

Hey. I don't know Z Cam but what is the rest of your setup like?

[@NewWayIndia]

I'm going through your vpifg documentation & following BURN Workflow. I have BMPCC 6K right now. I got stuck at buying DeckLink card. I need your help please. Is DeckLink 8K Pro compulsory for timecode and genlock to work in this kind of setup? Otherwise, can we use DeckLink SDI 4K (or) DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K as i'm looking for lower priced card to buy for my financial situation. Thanks a lot.

[@JakeGWater]

I think any card listed on the Unreal website should be fine. docs.unrealengine.com/4.26/en-US/WorkingWithMedia/ProVideoIO/BlackmagicIOReference/ I looked into the code, and it's not included in the Unreal source. Blackmagic provides Unreal with a DLL, so you're really at their mercy. I would stick to the approved cards.

[@marcogrob3899]

Thank you! I wonder if there is a way to get a video card for the new Mac Studio?

[@Ash_Industries]

fantastic video. Great job.

[@workbackgroundmsuic]

I have a question Does it work the same way on a non-Blackmagic Canon c500 cinema camera? The camera is different, but can I follow the same?

[@JakeGWater]

It depends if the C500 send Timecode over HDMI (or SDI). It yes, then I think it will work, but I cannot confirm.

[@SitinprettyProductions]

Hello, thanks so much for this video. Can you provide any insight on how I can record all 3 feeds at once? I know I can record in my camera - the green screen, but I'd also like to record the clean unreal footage, and the composite. Do I need any other sort or capture card to do that?

[@NarendraKumarJ]

One question is there a way to use the deck link card with laptop instead of desktop or does it only work for desktop. I'm aware it's PCI express card but is there an alternative product for laptop like connecting through usb or so. Thanks

[@JakeGWater]

With the decklink, I don't think so. The AJA IO 4k plus says its supported by Unreal and uses thunderbolt.

[@ansoldreams]

I'm thinking using ultrastudio but idk if this setup will works since it need timecode

[@eliteartisan6733]

Do I need two SDI cables coming out of the camera (1 for SDI in into the capture card and another for the Reference input?

[@deanhome1]

Hi Jake thanks for the video I have a pocket 6k g2 using unreal 5.1 i dont have a decklink as yet but I wondered if you think i can use My atem Extreme for timecode some how?

[@ozvehadar7101]

cant you use a BM card that have hdmi input insted of getting the adapter?

[@Henchproductions]

Do you know of the Blackmagic mini recorder into the computer will work?

[@jesusfreak_x3l]

Thanks Jake. Too late finding your video...for me though I already bought a Ursa because I thought the pocket cams didn't have timecode sync...no SDI input for that... something the Ursa has. Anyway, I'll comfort myself with the other features the Ursa has😅

[@racketaproduction]

Godsend! Got 2x bmcc 6k and was looking for a different camera thinking I can't get tc to ue. Subscribed!

[@fernandoedelstein5252]

Does this work with the Blackmagic Decklink Mini Recorder 4K?

[@NarendraKumarJ]

Excellent thank you just what I was looking for. Does this apply same way for bmpcc 6k as well?

[@JakeGWater]

I would assume so, but I cannot confirm. If you try it please let me know and we can start a list of working equipment.

[@Clovenlife]

are there any wireless transmitters that support this workflow?

Why would be the issue if I were to use live virtual production, with a screen recording in the camera, let's say, with the pocket 4K or 6K? I would have to set to 16:9 in order it to match proportions with the Full HD output, but other than that, would there be any drawback?

[@dpredie]

Does the timecode through HDMI channel only works with BMPCC or any other brand will also work with that SDI converter? Also, if my CG render is behind the camera feed, will timestep delay the media feed, or it only works the other way around?

[@JakeGWater]

I am not sure, because I cannot find any documentation on how HDMI timecode works. Nor does Blackmagic document how their stuff works. Timecode seems to either come as LTC which is an SMPTE signal embedded into an audio channel, or VITC which is the same SMPTE signal but squeezed between video frames. If you try anything, please report back. Maybe we can start documenting what works for others.

[@dpredie]

@@JakeGWater understood, still weighing out equipment purchases right now. The mini sdi converter works with both LTC and VITC?

[@JakeGWater]

@@dpredie I am not sure, because I don't even know what the BMPCC outputs. Ideally, get a camera with SDI out which supports timecode. Another option would be to use an external timecode device, and sync Unreal and the camera. I don't have one, so I can't really verify but it should work in theory.

[@dpredie]

@@JakeGWater thanks, really good work you're doing here!

[@PatrickCharpenet]

You are a life saver

[@AIexisD]

How can you check if a camera provides Genlock or not ? I looked everywhere on the BMPCC manual but it doesn't say that it does.

[@duchmais7120]

Hi once again...Whats the current progress? Specs for the Comp and Graphics card

[@DGFA-]

Hi, I have successfully connected a Decklink mini recorder 4K to the BMPCC4K via HDMI input. However, the time code should be set to LTC. It works with UE4 as well as UE5 and UE5.1. All the steps you have taken are still necessary.

[@AdamSmith-zq5sr]

Do you also use Blackmagic Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G to connect? I didn't think there was a way to get timecode with only HDMI? I'm interested because I just recently purchased the decklink studio 4k which has HDMI input. If I don't need the Micro Converter that would be nice. Cheers

[@DGFA-]

@@AdamSmith-zq5sr no, I connected the BMPCC4K direct to the Decklink mini recorder 4K via HDMI. You have just to set the Timecode to LTC.

[@AdamSmith-pn5hk]

@@DGFA- This is awesome info to know! Thanks a lot for sharing! My 4K studio decklink hasn’t arrived yet but I’m hoping that it will work the same as your mini recorder 4K.

[@DGFA-]

One thing I additionally have is the tentacle sync as reference for the timecode.

[@AdamSmith-pn5hk]

@@DGFA- Is tentacle needed if I want to do post work outside of Unreal with the ue footage and then the camera footage separate?

[@MooncakeVisuals]

awesome, thank you so much this is gold!

[@user-ut9pu5tx8y]

would the decklink sdi 4k work too?

[@suancho]

Thanks. Great video! Can I ask you why vitc if you are recording in progressive? If your tc comes from an audio channel shouldn´t be ltc?

[@JakeGWater]

Blackmagic documentation is not clear, but the 4K pocket cinema camera seems to output VITC.

[@kennytan5570]

Hi Jake. Thanks for this awesome video. I tried following this video and received an error msg in the output log. "LogBlackmagicMedia: Warning: BlackmagicTimecodeProvider input '1' received an invalid Timecode frame number (24) for the current frame rate (24 fps)." May I know what is the issue? I'm running 25fps on my camera and setting in media configuration matches the 25FPS. I'm very puzzled what went wrong.

[@JakeGWater]

Did you set the frame rate in the Timecode provider to 25? It has to match exactly in all places.

[@kennytan5570]

@@JakeGWater Yup all the settings match exactly. Not sure what is the issue. Here is the link to my screenshot. drive.google.com/file/d/1s1YLmGSka0rsdU0g4LqvPZmR7c-f8mMD/view?usp=sharing

[@JakeGWater]

Your comment got held for review because of the link and I didn't see it until now. Are you able to use Blackmagic Media Express app to capture timecode?

[@KershenMoodley]

Hi Sir, firstly thank you for this video. You shareing this information is going a long way to helping set up my studio here in South Africa. I will love get your feeback on my setup. Is there away I can reach out too you sir. Once again thank you for thr content.

[@goldenfang4375]

great works. thanks very much

[@duchmais7120]

Hi. Kindly do share specifications for the Computer You are using for Virtual Production. Thanks for sharing the Video.

[@EugenioTrainer]

Great content, thanks for sharing

[@brokecitizen4934]

I am a new subscriber to your channel let me say Awesome video I have been looking around and a few guys doing I dont have this setup but I have been able to use NDI with it and had some success. I cant wait to get a deck link look forward to seeing more videos on this topic from you. cheers

[@JakeGWater]

The decklink has definitely made life easier, but I've never considered NDI as an inexpensive alternative. What are the limitations?

[@thezombiefriedchickenshow2253]

Have you had any issues so far with the camera feed disconnecting from the media player with the BMD 8k? Its supposedly a n expected issue - but the question is - is it dependent on the capture device?... Most people who have used, for instance, the Elgato camlink USB 4k, which Unreal "sees" as a webcam, have had to reconnect the feed constantly - it might simply be that Unreal disconnects live camera feeds whenever changes are made to - anything for that matter ...I would get prob the BMD 8k if I knew beyond a doubt

[@JakeGWater]

Perhaps small issues, but everything has been fixed by restarting Unreal. The Decklink card is one of the more reliable pieces. I had an issue with it not seeing timecode at first, but the problem disappeared. I'm not sure why, but it has never returned. I used to use the webcam approach, and I can attest that the Decklink method is waaaaay better supported.

[@original9]

@JakeGWater what happened to all of the stream videos? I wanted to go through them myself as i have started multicaming. also did you find a way to minimize the jitter????

[@JakeGWater]

The stream videos were not public, but I can give you access in the mean time. I have been working out color management and preparing some documentation I think folks will want. I haven't looked into the jittering again, not yet.

[@JakeGWater]

Send me an email [e-mail]

[@original9]

@@JakeGWater Done

[@duchmais7120]

Hello Once again,, would the bidirectional HDMI/SDI Work also? You have gone MIA for over a Year. Dude are You Okay?

[@recmode9223]

Awesome content! Definitively helps me a lot, do you happen to know whether the Blackmagic Decklink Mini Recorder 4K could work or not? I’m willing to make my own virtual production studio and I’m trying to save as much money as possible, thanks again!

[@lukastemberger]

I'm about to pull the trigger on it for the same reason! Have you tried it? Does gen lock work with it?

[@FrankYu56]

Thanks very much for sharing!

[@paweljak1220]

Hi I have problem with time code, I use the same devices black magic and etc. but when I try get time code I have this error : "Warning: BlackmagicTimecodeProvider input '5' didn't receive any timecode in the last frame. Is your source configured correctly?"

[@JakeGWater]

What decklink are you using? I don't have an input (5).

[@RednWhiteWorld]

👍👍👍

[@silverbulletin846]

do this work better now?

[@sanjeevramvista]

THANKS, i HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR TUTORIAL AND IT WAS OF GREAT HELP, i HAVE MANAGED TO GET THE BLACKMAGIC INPUT INTO THE UNREAL EDITOR. CAN YOU SHOW THE BLUEPRINT FOR IMPORTING THE BLACKMAGIC INPUT WHILE UNREAL IS IN PLAY MODE.

[@ozaerfaroqui7858]

Theoretically, wouldn't a non-Blackmagic camera that can produce timecode work? Along with HDMI capture from a supported PCI capture device? I'll probably test this myself soon, thanks for making this video.

[@JakeGWater]

It should work with other cameras, but I think only with supported capture cards. If you have any success, let me know and I will start documenting working setups.

[@PopularWebz]

1. The Blackmagic Studio Camera will accept REF in and is around the same price 2. Without Genlock into camera you are limited to a single camera with Unreal

[@JakeGWater]

Yes! I chose the BMPCC because it can record Raw internally. I think it all depends on the needs. Are you doing a live production?

[@PopularWebz]

@@JakeGWater Yes I work as a broadcast engineer for live events. Hope to explore Unreal soon.

[@JakeGWater]

@@PopularWebz I got the BMPCC working pretty well with live recording that I think would work super well with a multi-camera setup.

[@zakirali8721]

You are super cool ! thanks

[@JoseChemmassery]

Thank you 😊

[@johnerickson8762]

Thanks for all the concise tutorials! I'm having an issue where once I have everything genlocked my tracking becomes very choppy. Any advice?

[@JakeGWater]

I have yet to figure out the tracking piece as well as some of the other stuff. What are you using to track? I'm hearing a lot of complaints about the Vive, but that's also what I have.

[@johnerickson8762]

@@JakeGWater I'm also using a Vive Puck. Hoping to upgrade to a tracker called NCam in the future but trying to work out all the bugs before making another investment. The advice I've been given is to make sure the refresh rate of the tracker is the same multiple as your frame rate but I haven't found a way to set that yet.

[@JakeGWater]

@@johnerickson8762 That's interesting! I have also had someone tell me using an iphone worked better than the vive. Probably anything works it's just super picky and dependent on the room.

[@MrYoungAndrew]

@John Erickson Did you ever figure this out? I've arrived at choppy tracking as well. Thanks!

[@Clovenlife]

also dealing witht the choppy data...

[@sohrabhosseini981]

please make a tutorial about vr scouting.tnx.

[@JakeGWater]

Hey. It's a neat topic, but I don't think I will get to this anytime soon. Sorry!

[@pm_creation3057]

plz do video on virtual production using iphone with remote 2 app as tracker for live camera greem screen footage

[@JakeGWater]

I want to try that next! Have you tried this already? Any tips?

[@garyswindell]

Very useful thank you

[@pdcsky]

Have you ever tried getting timecode and genlock to work in a packaged build?

[@markusgrunbert4756]

Trank you will try on tuesday

[@JWPanimation]

Now combine this with a Zed2i stereo camera mounted on the camera body and you will be cookimg with gas...

[@StudioZwei393]

Does this also work with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2?

[@timsyble3065]

Is the Decklink Mini 4K workable for this too?