> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/nobe-omniscope/outputs/sdi-output.md).

# SDI Output

Route video output from OmniScope to external SDI monitors using **Blackmagic Design DeckLink** or **UltraStudio** devices. OmniScope automatically detects all available SDI output devices.

<figure><img src="/files/K45DPlAKvjFwNCcaNKzu" alt=""><figcaption><p>SDI Output settings</p></figcaption></figure>

## Output Modes

| Mode           | Description                                                                                                                                      |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Source**     | Pass through the selected input signal directly to the SDI output. When multiple sources are connected, select which one to output.              |
| **All Scopes** | Send the full OmniScope interface — all scopes, overlays, and UI elements — to the SDI output. Useful for remote monitoring and review sessions. |

## Settings

### Quality & Format

| Setting             | Description                                                                                      |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **High resolution** | Output at maximum resolution instead of matching the scope layout size.                          |
| **Signal quality**  | Choose between 8-bit, 10-bit, or 16-bit output depending on the connected device's capabilities. |
| **Pixel format**    | Select the YCbCr format (YUY2, UYVY) or RGB format for the output signal.                        |
| **Signal range**    | Video (limited) or Full range.                                                                   |
| **Scaling**         | Scale the output to 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% of the source resolution.                             |

### Source Options

These settings are available in **Source** mode only:

| Setting                  | Description                                                                                                             |
| ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Apply input settings** | Apply color correction and other input adjustments to the output signal.                                                |
| **Burn-in frame number** | Overlay the current frame number on the output.                                                                         |
| **Audio**                | Enable or disable audio pass-through to the SDI output. Audio is supported at 48 kHz (16-bit integer and 32-bit float). |

### Advanced

| Setting                              | Description                                                                                                            |
| ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Release device when backgrounded** | Free the DeckLink device when OmniScope is not in the foreground, allowing other applications to use it. Experimental. |

## Supported Formats

### Pixel Formats

| Format          | Bit Depth | Type                                    |
| --------------- | --------- | --------------------------------------- |
| YUY2 / UYVY     | 8-bit     | YCbCr 4:2:2 packed                      |
| RGB8U / BGR8U   | 8-bit     | RGB                                     |
| P010            | 10-bit    | YUV 4:2:0 (macOS Metal GPU-accelerated) |
| YUV420P10LE     | 10-bit    | YUV 4:2:0                               |
| YUV422P10LE     | 10-bit    | YUV 4:2:2                               |
| RGBA 10:10:10:2 | 10-bit    | RGB                                     |
| P216            | 16-bit    | YUV packed (professional broadcast)     |

### Frame Rates

23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.952, 48, 50, 59.94, and 60 fps (depending on the device and output resolution).

## Performance

* On macOS with Metal, OmniScope uses a **zero-copy GPU output path** (DeckLink SDK 14.14+) for minimal latency. Falls back to CPU transfer automatically if unavailable.
* The output pipeline monitors buffer fullness and automatically resyncs timing to avoid frame drops.
* For best results, use a dedicated DeckLink card rather than a USB-connected UltraStudio when outputting at high resolutions or frame rates.

## Troubleshooting

### Windows: Crash When Enabling Output Device

If OmniScope crashed when clicking **Enable** on Windows while the output settings UI referenced a stale or missing device entry, this was fixed in version 1.11.39. Update to the latest version and re-select the output device if the issue persists.