No Video Feed from Blackmagic UltraStudio 3G in Focus

Issue

Focus isn't displaying a feed from a connected Blackmagic UltraStudio 3G device.

Resolution

Start by checking whether the status light on the Blackmagic device is on.

If the light IS on

1. Confirm you're using a Thunderbolt cable, not USB-C.
   The UltraStudio 3G requires Thunderbolt - a USB-C cable will look identical but won't carry a signal. See this comparison of USB-C vs Thunderbolt cables if you're unsure which you have.

2. Confirm the device is recognised by the system.

   • Mac: Open System Information and check under Thunderbolt/USB for the Blackmagic device.

   • Windows: Open Device Manager and check that the device appears without a warning icon.
      
     
     
     
      
3. Trust/approve the Thunderbolt device.

On Mac:

• Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.
• If Blackmagic software is listed as blocked, click the lock icon to unlock, then click Allow.
  
• Close and relaunch Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup, then select the correct input (SDI or HDMI).

On Windows:

• Open the Thunderbolt Control Center.
• Confirm the device is listed. If needed, go to Approve Devices, change the setting from Do Not Connect to Always Connect, and click OK.
  
  
  
  
  Once approved, the status light should turn solid white.

4. If the light still isn't white, reinstall the Desktop Video drivers:
   1. Unplug the Mini Recorder. 
   2. Run the Blackmagic Desktop Video uninstaller to remove existing drivers, then reboot. 
   3. Install the latest release from the Blackmagic support page. Check this OS compatibility guide before installing to confirm the version matches your OS. 
   4. Reboot. 
   5. Launch Desktop Video Setup. 
   6. Plug the Mini Recorder back in, then uninstall again with the device connected. Reboot. 
   7. Install the latest version again. 
   8. Mac only: open Security & Privacy and click Allow if prompted. 
   9. Reboot.
5. If the device still isn't powering on after all of the above, the unit itself may be faulty - contact Blackmagic support or your hardware provider about a repair/replacement.

If the light is NOT on

1. Launch Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup and confirm the device appears in the app. 
   
2. Click the HDMI/SDI toggle to switch the input type - the device may simply be set to the wrong input source.
3.