Blackmagicdesign Universal Videohub 288 User manual

Windows™
October 2011
Mac OS X™
Installation and Operation Manual
Videohub

Welcome
Welcome to Videohub!
We hope you share our dream for the television industry to become a truly creative industry by allowing
anyone to have access to the highest quality video.
Previously high end television and post production required investment in millions of dollars of hardware,
and professional SDI routing switchers have always been way too high in cost for most people to afford.
HD-SDI is even worse and until now, only the largest post production and television facilities could afford
HD-SDI routing. Videohub changes all that and even enables you to pipe 2K film around your studio just
like video. We hope you get years of use from your Videohub and have lots of fun connecting everyone in
your facility together!
This instruction manual should contain all the information you’ll need to install your Videohub, although it’s
always a good idea to ask a technical assistant for help if you are not sure what IP addresses are, or if you
don’t know much about computer networks. Videohub is easy to install, however, there are a few slightly
technical preferences you will need to set after you install it.
Please check our web site at www.blackmagic-design.com and click the support page to download the latest
updates to this manual and Videohub software. Lastly, please register your Videohub when downloading
software updates so we can keep you updated when new software is released. We are constantly working
on new features and improvements, so we would love to hear from you!
Grant Petty
CEO Blackmagic Design

Contents
Videohub Operation Manual
Planning Your Videohub Installation
Universal Videohub 288 6
Universal Videohub 72 12
Broadcast Videohub 18
Studio Videohub 20
Compact Videohub 22
Micro Videohub 25
Smart Videohub 27
Videohub Smart Control 30
Hardware Installation
Building a Universal Videohub 288 33
Building a Universal Videohub 72 40
Networking Videohub with Ethernet 43
Networking Videohub with USB 44
Networking Videohub Smart Control with Ethernet 45
Connecting Videohub Smart Control via USB 47
Labelling Control Panels 48
Tips for Connecting SDI cables 49
Software Installation
Installing the Videohub Software 50
Configuring the Videohub Software 51
Installing the Videohub Smart Control Software 57
Configuring the Videohub Smart Control Software 58
Installing the Videohub app on an Apple iPad 61
Configuring the Videohub app on an iPad 61
5
50
32
62
64
Using Hardware Control Panels
Using Smart Videohub's Control Panel 62
Using Videohub Smart Control 63
Using Software Control Panels
Router Control Views 64
Pushbutton Views 69
Touchscreen computers 79
Apple iPad 80
Help
Workflows
Videohub Workflows 89
Videohub and Sync 90
Developer Information
Blackmagic 2K Format 91
Videohub Ethernet Protocol v2.2 94
Videohub RS-422 Protocol 102
Wall Charts
Universal Videohub 288 SDI Connection Chart 105
Universal Videohub 72 SDI Connection Chart 106
Warranty Information
83
91
89
105
107

Welcome
How to read as little of this manual as possible
Most people only need to read one or two pages out of each section of this manual and there is no need to
read every page. Here is what you'll learn in each section.
Planning
First, go to the "Planning your Videohub Installation" section for your model of Videohub or Videohub Smart
Control. This section provides you with all the information you need to know before buying or installing a
Videohub. You can plan how to set it up so there are no nasty surprises. For example it will tell you how much
rack space will be required by your Videohub, how many power sockets it will need and which connection
options are available for controlling your Videohub, e.g USB, Ethernet or RS-422.
Hardware Installation
Hardware Installation covers all aspects of Videohub hardware installation. If you've got a Universal Videohub,
you'll need to read "Building a Universal Videohub" which details all the modules and how to install them.
Next you'll need to connect your Videohub to a computer or network so you can control it. If your Videohub
hardware has buttons, we suggest you read "Labelling Control Panels" so you make neat labels and avoid
damaging the unit. There are also a few tips worth knowing when connecting lots of SDI cables to your
Videohub or when connecting to video equipment which uses miniature SDI connectors.
Software Installation and Configuration
Now it's time to install and configure the software for Videohub. Jump to the "Software Installation" section
and read the installation and configuration pages for your Videohub or your Videohub Smart Control.
Routing Video
Now that the hardware and software is set up, it's time to start routing video! If you've got a hardware control
panel, just read the "Using Hardware Control Panels" section for your panel. If you're using software control
panels, read the "Using Software Control Panels" section and choose between a menu-driven interface or a
pushbutton interface which you can use with a touchscreen computer or iPad! The Videohub router control
software can be installed on as many computers and iPads as you like and there is no extra cost.
Developers
There is even a chapter for developers which you don't need to read unless you are a developer who wants
to integrate Videohub routers with third party control equipment and custom interfaces. The chapter also
details the Blackmagic 2K format which includes the same 2K format used with Sony HDCAM SR decks.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
5
If you have just purchased a Videohub or are planning to buy one, this section covers what you need to
know before installing a Videohub or Videohub Smart Control. Go directly to the planning pages for your
model of Videohub or Videohub Smart Control for everything you need to know.
If your Videohub has previously been set up, you can jump straight to the Using Hardware and Software
Control Panels sections of this manual.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
6
Universal Videohub 288
2x Power cards
2x Crosspoint cards
36x Interface cards 36x Interface cards

Planning Your Videohub Installation
7
Universal Videohub Interface cards
MAIN POWER
+12V 800W
MAIN POWER
+12V
150W 150W 150W
ALARM
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
MAIN POWER
+12V 800W
MAIN POWER
+12V
150W 150W 150W
ALARM
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
Output 4
Input 4
Output 3
Input 3
Output 1
Output 2
Output 3
Output 4
Input 1
Input 2
Input 3
Input 4
Activity light Activity light
Universal Videohub Deck Control
Cable connector
Universal Videohub Deck Control
Cable connector
Universal Videohub
Optical Interface
Universal Videohub
SDI Interface
Output 2
Input 2
Output 1
Input 1

Planning Your Videohub Installation
8
Universal Videohub 288 Modules
Universal Videohub 288 Universal Videohub 288 Crosspoint card
Universal Videohub Power Supply
includes a power card, 1 RU chassis
and connecting power cable
Universal Videohub 450W Power Card
can be connected to three 150W
power bricks
Universal Videohub SDI Interface card
Universal Videohub Optical
Interface card
Universal Videohub Deck Control Cable
Universal Videohub 72 Crosspoint card

Planning Your Videohub Installation
9
Planning your Universal Videohub 288 Installation
Universal Videohub 288 is a large, modular router which is perfect for very large facilities and broadcasters.
It features a 72 card rack frame which can be filled with any combination of BNC SDI or optical fiber SDI
interface cards. When fully populated with a Universal Videohub 288 Crosspoint card, two power cards,
72 interface cards and 72 deck control cables, Universal Videohub 288 provides 288 SDI inputs, 288 SDI
outputs, 288 bidirectional RS-422 deck control ports, reference input, crosspoint processor, redundant
power and powerful Videohub routing control software for Mac OS X and Windows.
All SDI connections support auto detection of SD, HD or 3 Gb/s SDI, and reclocking on all SDI outputs.
Simultaneous routing of 2K, HD, SD video and DVB-ASI are supported with Universal Videohub 288.
Remote router control is performed via 10/100Base-T Ethernet or serial.
25 rack units of space should be reserved for the installation of the Universal Videohub 288 and two rack-
mount power supply chassis as well as free space for heat dissipation. Only 23 RU is required if Universal
Videohub 288 is mounted at the top of an open rack. Universal Videohub 288 is 18 RU high and 6 inches
thick. You can rack-mount Universal Videohub 288 facing forwards or reversed, or even mount it in the rear
of the rack to leave space for other equipment. Due to the sheer number of cables that are likely to be
attached to this Videohub, it would be preferable to mount Universal Videohub 288 in a dedicated rack. 2
RU of space should be left above Universal Videohub 288 for heat dissipation unless mounted at the top of
an open rack where there is no obstruction to airflow above the Videohub. The remaining 5 RU allocation of
space below Universal Videohub 288 is used by rack-mount power supplies.
Universal Videohub 288 ships as an empty rack frame, except for a removable fan tray and fans. All other
hardware components, including SDI interface cards, deck control cables, crosspoint cards and power
supplies must be purchased and installed separately. SDI interface cards can be purchased as your facility
grows and need not be installed all at once. SDI interface cards are designed to be installed while Videohub
is running and become active immediately. They do not require Videohub to be power cycled. You will need
a number 01 and a number 02 size Pozidriv screwdriver to install the cards.
SDI interface cards feature 4 SDI inputs, 4 SDI outputs and a connector for a Universal Videohub Deck
Control Cable. There are two models of SDI interface cards which can be used with Universal Videohub 288:
• Universal Videohub SDI Interface has BNC connectors for connecting SDI cables with BNC connectors.
• Universal Videohub Optical Interface has standard SFP transceiver modules with 1310 nm laser drivers
and receivers. Each module includes an LC connector port to be used with single-mode optical fiber
cables.
Universal Videohub Deck Control Cable has a single port at one end, for connection to both types of SDI
interface cards, and four RS-422 deck control ports at the other end.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
10
The Universal Videohub 288 Crosspoint card contains the crosspoint processor for switching routes between
the SDI inputs and outputs, and changing deck control ports. Ethernet, USB and serial ports are located
on the card for router control. A Reference input is located on the card for connection to a tri-level sync or
blackburst genlock signal. An Alarm light will illuminate on the card if user intervention is required, e.g. if
the Videohub is overheating due to inadequate cooling. Alarm notification is supplied by the GPI (general
purpose interface) output to other devices. A Power Overload light will illuminate on the card if inadequate
power is being supplied to the unit for the number of cards installed. You will need a number 01 size Pozidriv
screwdriver to install the Universal Videohub 288 Crosspoint card.
Occasional firmware updates can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design website. Programmable
firmware can provide new features, compatibility with new hardware and support for new formats.
The Videohub firmware update utility runs on Mac OS X and Windows computers and uses a USB 2.0
connection to Universal Videohub 288. You will need to provide a USB 2.0 type A to mini B male cable.
Router Control Options
If router control is performed via Ethernet, the integrated “Videohub Server” is used and you need only
provide an Ethernet cable to connect Universal Videohub 288 to your Ethernet network switch.
Third party router controllers can control Universal Videohub 288 via Ethernet, or as an RS-422 slave device,
for router crosspoint switching. The Videohub Ethernet protocol, RS-422 protocol and RS-422 pinout
diagram are documented in the Developer Information section of this manual.
Power Supply Options
External power supplies connect to Universal Videohub 288 via power cards. Only one power card is needed
to power Universal Videohub 288 but two power cards should be installed if failover redundancy is required.
There are high and low power supply options for Universal Videohub 288. We strongly recommend the
high power supply to ensure sufficient power with all card combinations. The high power supply is named
the "Universal Videohub Power Supply". The low power supply may be considered due to its lower cost
but is slightly underpowered and will not power a fully populated Universal Videohub 288 under all card
combinations. The low power supply is a "Universal Videohub 450W Power Card"and requires three 150W
"brick" power supplies which are sold separately.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
11
Universal Videohub Power Supply
A Universal Videohub 288, which is fully populated and running at maximum power consumption, can be
powered by a single "Universal Videohub Power Supply". The Universal Videohub Power Supply package
includes a power card with a single connection to a 1 RU rack-mount chassis which contains the power
supply. You will need to leave 3 RU of space in your equipment rack to install the Universal Videohub Power
Supply chassis under the Universal Videohub 288, which includes 2 RU of clearance for removing the fan
tray at the bottom of Universal Videohub 288. The Universal Videohub Power Supply chassis contains a
universal (international) power supply for use in all countries and the connecting cable features thumb screw
fasteners. You will need to provide a standard IEC cord, with a C13 connector, and a mains power socket.
A second Universal Videohub Power Supply can be connected to the Universal Videohub 288 to ensure
continued operation should the first power supply fail. You will need to leave 5 RU of space in your equipment
rack to install both Universal Videohub Power Supply chassis under the Universal Videohub 288, including
1 RU of clearance between each power supply for heat dissipation. When two Universal Videohub Power
Supply chassis are connected, two IEC cords and two mains power sockets are required.
Universal Videohub 450W Power Card
While designed for the Universal Videohub 72, the lower cost Universal Videohub 450W Power Card can be
used with three 150W "brick" power supplies to power a Universal Videohub 288. This power supply option is
not capable of powering a fully populated Universal Videohub 288 running at maximum power consumption
and should only be considered if attempting to minimize the cost of purchasing a Universal Videohub 288.
If you choose this option, please check the Power Overload light on the crosspoint card after installing any
cards. If the Power Overload light illuminates, you will have to remove some cards to ensure that all installed
cards are receiving power. If the Power Overload light continues to illuminate even after verifying that all three
brick power supplies are working, you will need to discard your low power supply and upgrade to a Universal
Videohub Power Supply.
A second Universal Videohub 450W Power Card with three power bricks can be connected to the Universal
Videohub 288 to ensure continued operation should the first power card fail.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
12
Universal Videohub 72
Crosspoint card
Power card
9x SDI Interface cards 9x SDI Interface cards

Planning Your Videohub Installation
13
Universal Videohub Interface cards
MAIN POWER
+12V 800W
MAIN POWER
+12V
150W 150W 150W
ALARM
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
MAIN POWER
+12V 800W
MAIN POWER
+12V
150W 150W 150W
ALARM
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
POWER OVERLOAD
ALARM
REF IN
RS-422
CONTROL
ETHERNET
USB DIAGNOSTIC
Output 4
Input 4
Output 3
Input 3
Output 1
Output 2
Output 3
Output 4
Input 1
Input 2
Input 3
Input 4
Activity light
Activity light
Universal Videohub Deck Control
Cable connector
Universal Videohub Deck Control
Cable connector
Universal Videohub
Optical Interface
Universal Videohub
SDI Interface
Output 2
Input 2
Output 1
Input 1

Planning Your Videohub Installation
14
Universal Videohub 72 Modules
Universal Videohub 72 frame Universal Videohub 72 Crosspoint card Universal Videohub SDI Interface card Universal Videohub Optical
Interface card
Universal Videohub Deck Control Cable Universal Videohub 450W Power Card
can be connected to three 150W
power bricks

Planning Your Videohub Installation
15
Planning your Universal Videohub 72 Installation
Universal Videohub 72 is a medium-sized, modular router which is perfect for growing facilities. It features
an 18 card rack frame which can be filled with any combination of BNC SDI or optical fiber SDI interface
cards. When fully populated with a crosspoint card, a power card, 18 interface cards and 18 deck control
cables, Universal Videohub 72 provides 72 SDI inputs, 72 SDI outputs, 72 bidirectional RS-422 deck control
ports, reference input, redundant power supply options and powerful Videohub routing control software for
Mac OS X and Windows.
All SDI connections support auto detection of SD, HD or 3 Gb/s SDI, and reclocking on all SDI outputs.
Simultaneous routing of 2K, HD, SD video and DVB-ASI are supported with Universal Videohub 72.
Remote router control is performed via 10/100Base-T Ethernet or serial.
9 rack units of space should be reserved for the installation of the Universal Videohub 72 including access
space for the drop-down fan tray as well as free space for heat dissipation. Only 7 RU is required if Universal
Videohub 72 is mounted at the top of an open rack. Universal Videohub 72 is 5 rack units high and 6 inches
thick. You can rack-mount Universal Videohub 72 facing forwards or reversed, or even mount it in the rear of
the rack to leave space for other equipment. 2 RU of space should be left above Universal Videohub 72 for
heat dissipation unless mounted at the top of an open rack where there is no obstruction to airflow above
the Videohub.
Universal Videohub 72 ships as an empty rack frame, except for a removable fan tray and fans. All other
hardware components, including SDI interface cards, deck control cables, crosspoint card and power
supplies must be purchased and installed seperately. SDI interface cards can be purchased as your facility
grows and need not be installed all at once. SDI interface cards are designed to be installed while Videohub
is running and become active immediately. They do not require Videohub to be power cycled. You will need
a number 01 and a number 02 size Pozidriv screwdriver to install the various cards.
SDI interface cards feature 4 SDI inputs, 4 SDI outputs and a connector for a Universal Videohub Deck
Control Cable. There are two models of SDI interface cards which can be used with Universal Videohub 72:
• Universal Videohub SDI Interface has BNC connectors for connecting SDI cables with BNC connectors.
• Universal Videohub Optical Interface has standard SFP transceiver modules with 1310 nm laser drivers
and receivers. Each module includes an LC connector port to be used with single-mode optical fiber
cables.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
16
Universal Videohub Deck Control Cable has a single port at one end, for connection to both types of SDI
interface cards, and four RS-422 deck control ports at the other end.
The Universal Videohub 72 Crosspoint card contains the crosspoint processor for switching routes between
the SDI inputs and outputs, and changing deck control ports. Ethernet, USB and serial ports are located
on the card for router control. A Reference input is located on the card for connection to a tri-level sync or
blackburst genlock signal. An Alarm light will illuminate on the card if user intervention is required, e.g. if the
Videohub is overheating due to inadequate cooling. A Power Overload light will illuminate on the card if
inadequate power is being supplied to the unit for the number of cards installed.
Occasional firmware updates can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design website. Programmable
firmware can provide new features, compatibility with new hardware and support for new formats.
The Videohub firmware update utility runs on Mac OS X and Windows computers and uses a USB 2.0
connection to Universal Videohub 72. You will need to provide a USB 2.0 type A to mini B male cable.
Router Control Options
If router control is performed via Ethernet, the integrated “Videohub Server” is used and you need only
provide an Ethernet cable to connect Universal Videohub 72 to your Ethernet network switch.
Third party router controllers can control Universal Videohub 72 via Ethernet, or as an RS-422 slave device, for
router crosspoint switching. The Videohub Ethernet protocol, RS-422 protocol and RS-422 pinout diagram
are documented in the Developer Information section of this manual.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
17
Power Supply Options
External power supplies connect to Universal Videohub 72 via a single power card. The Universal Videohub
450W Power Card provides connections for up to three 150W brick-style power supplies, which must be
purchased separately.
A Universal Videohub 72, which is fully populated and running at maximum power consumption, can be
powered by two 150W "brick" power supplies. A third power supply can be connected to ensure continued
operation should one power supply fail. The 150W power supplies are universal (international) power
supplies for use in all countries and feature thumb screw fasteners. You will need to provide a standard IEC
cord, with a C13 connector, for each power supply. When fully populated with three power supplies, three
mains power sockets will be required.
If you have only partially populated your Universal Videohub 72 with cards, you might be able to power
it with one 150W power supply and preferably use a second power supply for failover redundancy. If you
choose this option, temporarily disconnect the second power supply and then check the Power Overload
light on the crosspoint card after installing any cards. If the Power Overload light illuminates, you will have
to add a 150W brick power supply or remove some cards to ensure that all cards are receiving power. Don't
forget to reconnect the second power supply when you have finished checking the Power Overload light.
For peace of mind, we recommend connecting and powering the three power supplies at all times to
ensure sufficient power, and power redundancy, with all card combinations.
Universal Videohub 72 has a single slot for a power card. Accordingly the high power supply recommended
for Universal Videohub 288 is ill-suited to Universal Videohub 72 as it does not provide power redundancy
to Universal Videohub 72, is more expensive and requires an additional 1 RU of space below Universal
Videohub 72.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
18
+12V main power
and backup power
supply connections
RS-422 control ports switch
between In for edit systems,
and Out for decks
SDI outputs feature
cable drivers that
auto switch between
SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI
SDI inputs feature
automatic equalization
and detect between
SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI
SDI switches between
3 Gb/s SDI, 1.485 Gb/s
HD-SDI and 270 Mb/s SD-SDI
Connections grouped
for each user or deck, so
connection is easy
Crosspoint switch processing
includes full re-clocking for long
cable lengths
Extra outputs for monitoring can
be independently routed to see
any router input
USB 2.0 for connecting
to a host Windows or
Mac OS X computer
Tri-Sync or Genlock input
Broadcast Videohub

Planning Your Videohub Installation
19
Planning your Broadcast Videohub Installation
Broadcast Videohub is perfect for large facilities. It features 72 SDI inputs, 144 SDI outputs, 72 bidirectional
RS-422 deck control ports, reference input, redundant power supplies and powerful Videohub routing
control software for Mac OS X and Windows.
All SDI connections support auto detection of SD, HD or 3 Gb/s SDI, and reclocking on all SDI inputs.
Simultaneous routing of 2K, HD, SD video and DVB-ASI are supported with Broadcast Videohub.
Remote router control is performed via USB 2.0 and then shared over an IP network in much the same
way as USB printer sharing. Prior to connecting any devices to Broadcast Videohub, you must nominate
a computer to be the Videohub “Server” and to perform Videohub sharing via USB. You can use almost
any computer for the Videohub Server, such as an editing workstation, and you don’t need a dedicated or
powerful computer for this task. However the Videohub Server computer must remain powered on at all
times so that Videohub settings can be modified. If your Broadcast Videohub is too far away to connect via
USB, or if you do decide to use a dedicated server computer, this could be a great use for an old Mac OS X
or Windows computer which is no longer fast enough for other work. Alternatively you could use a very
small computer, such as a netbook or Mac Mini, which can be hidden in an equipment rack along with your
Broadcast Videohub. You will need to provide a standard USB 2.0 type A-B male cable to connect Broadcast
Videohub to the server computer.
This same USB cable can be used for applying occasional firmware updates downloaded from the
Blackmagic Design website. Programmable firmware can provide new features, compatibility with new
hardware and support for new formats. The Videohub firmware update utility runs on the Videohub Server
computer and uses the USB 2.0 connection to update Broadcast Videohub.
Third party router controllers can control Broadcast Videohub via Ethernet for router crosspoint switching.
The Videohub Ethernet protocol is documented in the Developer Information section of this manual.
Broadcast Videohub is 8 rack units high and less than 3 inches deep, including power connector and cable.
You will need to leave enough space in your equipment rack to install the Broadcast Videohub hardware.
You can rack-mount Broadcast Videohub facing forwards or reversed, or even mount it in the rear of the rack
to leave space for other equipment.
The Broadcast Videohub requires one power supply but includes two, with thumb screw fasteners, to ensure
continued operation should one fail. The included power supplies are universal power supplies for use in
all countries. You will need to provide a standard IEC cord, with a C13 connector, for each power supply.
We recommend connecting and powering the two power supplies at all times, which means two mains
power sockets will be required. A third power socket will be required if you decide to use a dedicated server
computer.

Planning Your Videohub Installation
20
Studio Videohub
+12V main power
supply connection
SDI outputs feature cable drivers
that auto switch between
SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI
SDI switches between
3 Gb/s SDI, 1.485 Gb/s
HD-SDI and 270 Mb/s SD-SDI
Crosspoint switch processing
includes full re-clocking for
long cable lengths
SDI inputs feature automatic
equalization and detect between
SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI
Connections grouped
for each user or deck, so
connection is easy
Extra outputs for monitoring can
be independently routed to see
any router input
USB 2.0 for connecting
to a host Windows or
Mac OS X computer
Tri-Sync or Genlock input
RS-422 control ports switch
between in for edit systems,
or Out for decks