Eco Capture 12G SDI 4K Plus M.2

The Magewell Eco Capture 12G SDI 4K Plus M.2 is a professional, high-bandwidth internal capture card designed for high-end video acquisition within space-constrained environments. It leverages the M.2 interface to provide a high-performance 12G-SDI pipeline for uncompressed 4K video.

Core Functions & Capabilities

• High-Speed 4K Acquisition: Captures a single channel of DCI 4K (4096×2160) or UHD at 60fps with 10-bit color depth, delivering professional broadcast quality in a tiny form factor.

• Flexible SDI Connectivity: Uniquely supports both Single-Link 12G-SDI and Quad-Link 3G-SDI configurations, making it compatible with both modern single-cable 4K cameras and older multi-cable 4K equipment.

• Advanced DMA Bandwidth: Utilizes a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface (approx. 2400MB/s), ensuring there is no data bottleneck when transferring uncompressed 4K video frames to the system memory.

• Hardware-Based Video Processing: Includes a dedicated “Video Engine” that handles up/down scaling, color space conversion, and frame rate conversion on the card itself, which minimizes CPU usage on the host device.

Key Features for Performance

• Compact M.2 2280 Form Factor: At just 22x80mm, it fits directly into motherboards, small-form-factor PCs (NUCs), or custom embedded hardware where traditional PCIe slots are unavailable.

• Low Latency & Low Power: Optimized for “eco” performance, drawing a maximum of only 6.5W, which reduces heat buildup in tight, fanless, or portable enclosures.

• Universal Signal Support: Automatically detects the input signal format (SD/HD/3G/6G/12G-SDI), removing the need for manual configuration.

• Professional Audio & Metadata: Captures up to 8 channels of embedded SDI audio and supports the extraction of timecode and closed captioning via the Magewell SDK.

Flexibility for Organizations & Domestic Users

• Broadcast & Live Production

  • Function: Serves as the backbone for mobile “Outside Broadcast” (OB) units or portable streaming kits where every inch of rack space counts.

  • Flexibility: The support for Quad-Link 3G-SDI allows broadcast teams to repurpose older high-end 4K cameras that lack a single 12G output.

• Medical & Scientific Imaging

  • Function: Integrates into compact medical workstations for recording surgery or high-resolution diagnostic feeds in 4K60.

  • Flexibility: Designed for 24/7 continuous operation, making it reliable for critical healthcare environments where recording failure is not an option.

• System Integrators & OEM Developers

  • Function: Used as a high-performance capture engine for custom-built “black box” devices, such as standalone encoders or lecture capture stations.

  • Flexibility: Extensive SDK support for Windows, Linux (x86/x64), and ARM architectures (like NVIDIA Jetson) allows for integration into diverse, proprietary hardware.

• Digital Signage & High-End Kiosks

  • Function: Enables interactive 4K video kiosks to ingest live camera feeds for AI-driven face recognition or customer interaction.

  • Flexibility: The M.2 design allows for significantly slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing kiosk enclosures compared to those using full-sized PCs.

• Domestic / Prosumer Power Users

  • Function: Perfect for “Small Form Factor” (SFF) PC enthusiasts who want professional SDI connectivity for gaming or high-end vlogging without sacrificing their GPU slot.

  • Flexibility: Compatibility with popular software like OBS, vMix, and Wirecast means domestic creators can immediately use the card for high-end home studios.