Blackmagic Video Assist 3.3 Firmware Update Released – Webcam Support

Monitor Recorder

by Jeff LochNovember 25^th, 2020

Blackmagic Design has just released a firmware update for all its Blackmagic Video Assist 5″ and 7″ 3G and 12G HDRs: Blackmagic Video Assist 3.3. This firmware update includes a couple of new features, like the ability to use the USB output of the Video Assist as a webcam output, so you can use it as a streaming source. Let’s take a closer look at it!

During IBC 2019, Blackmagic Design introduced the Video Assist 12G HDR in two versions: 5″ and 7″. Along with the Blackmagic Video Assist 5″ and 7” 3G, there are now four models in the Video Assist lineup.

The Blackmagic Video Assist are now five products in one! Indeed, they were already portable monitors, professional recorders, portable video monitoring tools, and a camera viewfinder solution. Now, with the Blackmagic Video Assist 3.3 firmware update, you can use the USB Type-C output of your Video Assist for streaming video, so your computer sees your monitor/recorder as a webcam.

Blackmagic Video Assist 3.3 Update

Below are all the changes and what’s new with this new firmware update:

• For all Video Assist 12G HDRs and Video Assist 3Gs: added support for USB webcam output
• For Video Assist 5” 3G and Video Assist 7” 3G: added audio monitoring channel selection
• New features for the Video Assist 7” 3G: added XLR audio mapping to different channels and XLR external timecode

As you can see, this Blackmagic Video Assist 3.3 firmware update adds webcam support to the USB-C connection. It means that you can connect your Video Assist to computers and live stream video, using any major streaming software or platform, such as Open Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Zoom, Twitch and more, in full HD resolution 1080p quality.

When connecting the Video Assist to your computer, the software is tricked into seeing it as a common webcam, when it’s actually streaming the incoming SDI or HDMI source from a camera or playing back previously recorded content. With the new webcam support, you can even live stream your shoot to clients from a remote location, anywhere in the world.

Price and Availability

The Blackmagic Video Assist 3.3 firmware update is available now, and it is a free update. You can download it directly on Blackmagic Design’s website here.

What do you think about this firmware update? Do you often do live streams for yourself or clients? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!