decklink-tools

Capture and playback SDI/HDMI video via ffmpeg with Blackmagic DeckLink hardware.

15|4|Updated Apr 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os --skill decklink-tools
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: decklink-tools
Source: https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os/tree/main/skills/decklink-tools
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os --skill decklink-tools

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

DeckLink Tools enables capture and playback of SDI/HDMI streams using Blackmagic DeckLink hardware via ffmpeg, simplifying hardware-integrated video workflows.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Discover, enumerate, and select DeckLink devices for capture or output
  • Capture SDI/HDMI to file with optional encoding or copy
  • Playback media out through DeckLink devices with accurate timing
  • Generate calibration/test patterns for video pipelines
  • SDK installation guidance for developers to build against DeckLink

Quick Start

Use the decklink tool to discover devices and start a capture or playback session.

Frequently Asked Questions about decklink-tools

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I capture SDI video using Blackmagic DeckLink and ffmpeg?▼

Capture SDI video using Blackmagic DeckLink hardware via ffmpeg by discovering the exact device name and applying the correct -format_code and -raw_format flags to ensure reliable stream capture to a file.

What's the best way to play back media through a DeckLink device?▼

Play back media through a DeckLink device by using ffmpeg with decklink support, specifying the exact device name and output format codes to maintain accurate timing for SDI or HDMI video output.

Can I generate a test pattern for a DeckLink SDI video pipeline?▼

Generate a calibration test pattern for DeckLink SDI video pipelines using the provided scripts, which output standard video signals to verify device connectivity and configure capture or playback modes.

Do I need a specific ffmpeg build to use Blackmagic DeckLink capture?▼

DeckLink capture requires an ffmpeg build compiled with decklink support, alongside exact device names and correct -duplex_mode configuration, to ensure the hardware interface functions reliably for SDI and HDMI streams.

Why does my DeckLink ffmpeg capture fail with a format error?▼

DeckLink ffmpeg capture fails with format errors when the -format_code, -raw_format, or -duplex_mode parameters are incorrect, requiring exact device enumeration and format selection to match the specific Blackmagic card.

Does the DeckLink skill provide SDK installation guidance for developers?▼

The DeckLink skill provides SDK installation guidance for developers, offering references to build custom applications against Blackmagic DeckLink hardware and integrate SDI/HDMI capture or playback into video workflows.