Recommended Hardware to Capture, Record and Re-stream Video

Below is a list of recommended hardware and accessories to capture, record and re-stream video content using Focus. 

Capture & Recording

Laptop and iPad

• For full specification see Recommended Computer Hardware and Operating Systems

Capture device

We support the following Blackmagic and AJA-UTAP capture devices:

Blackmagic

• UltraStudio Recorder 3G
• Blackmagic MiniRecorder Note that Blackmagic does not support the Blackmagic Mini Recorder on M1 or M2 machines

See Blackmagic Desktop Video OS Compatibility

AJA-UTAP

Note: requires Focus Server 6.7 or newer

• HDMI model
• SDI model

See AJA U-TAP Desktop Video OS Compatibility

IP Video Encoders

In addition, we support any H.264 IP video encoders capable of providing feeds via one of the supported streaming protocols, for example:

• AVMatrix SE1217
• Blankom HDE-264
• Antrica devices, e.g. ANT-2554
• Matrox Monarch EDGE

Camera

Although we don't endorse any particular camera models, most cameras featuring HDMI or SDI output ports are compatible with Blackmagic and AJA U-TAP devices. Additionally, ensure the feed is at or below 1080p at 60fps.

Cables

The cables that are required are strongly dependent on the camera model and the capture device used. Possible considerations:

• HDMI to Mini HDMI or Micro HDMI cable (for Blackmagic or AJA devices)
• SDI to SDI cable (for Blackmagic or AJA devices)
• Thunderbolt 3 cable (for Blackmagic capture device)

Additional Information About Capture Devices

Blackmagic Desktop Video OS Compatibility

The table below outlines the compatible Desktop Video Versions. While multiple versions may work with certain operating systems, we recommend using the most recent release for optimal performance.

You can download the latest drivers from here.

Mac OS

Blackmagic Desktop Video Version	Sonoma 14.X	Ventura 13.X	Monterey 12.X
14.2*
14.1*
14.0.1*
14.0*
12.9*
12.7*
12.6*
12.5*
12.4*
12.2
12.1
12.0
11.7

Windows OS

*Blackmagic Desktop Video 12.4-14.2 works with Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 64-bit, with 8 GB DDR4 of system memory as a minimum system requirement.

AJA U-TAP Desktop Video OS Compatibility

AJA U-TAP HDMI and SDI capture devices are bus powered with the ability to bring in video across HDMI or 3G-SDI without any drivers to install, as are supported directly in MacOS and Windows.

Mac OS

AJA U-TAP	Sonoma 14.X	Ventura - 13.X	Monterey - 12.X
HDMI
SDI

Windows OS

Works with Windows 10 and Windows 11 (recommended by the manufacturer), with 8 GB DDR4 of system memory requirement.

Networking & Re-streaming

Wired Network

• Ethernet cable (min x2)
• USB-C to Ethernet adapter (min x2) or USB-C Hub (min x2)
• Gigabit Ethernet switch

Wireless Network

• Ubiquity Wireless Access Point
• Ruckus R610 (or a higher model) Wireless Access Point
• MikroTik Wireless Wire Cube