BMD Intensity Pro 4K - AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE. SHAME ON BMD.

[markpaterson]

In a previous time I was a happy user of an Intensity Pro PCI card. That was one or two systems ago. Oh how the mighty have fallen!

When I saw the 4K model was available, I immediately jumped at the card without even reading a review, as I was so sure of Blackmagic's quality in this market. How wrong I was…

I purchased the 4K for the express purpose of digitizing my old VHS tapes, as is CLEARLY advertised as a feature on the product page AND the product box. False advertising?

Either that, or I must be some kind of moron for assuming products do what they say they do, because apparently, analog capture is completely broken. I've tried the 'workarounds' (switching between component and composite) and they don't work for me. I only have composite output so how am I supposed to do that?

The card has been available now for over a month, yet remains broken with not even an official acknowledgment of the issue or when a solution might be available. This is unacceptable. Some estimates on certain forums say wait "around 6 months" for a stable driver. Eff that.

This, combined with the atrociously loud fan (which sounds like a leaf blower howling 24x7, whether it's being used or not – and clearly, it's not), is giving me serious doubts about this card.

If you don't believe me, I've prepared a video which makes it (unfortunately) LOUD and clear.
http://dropbox.com/sc/pnb5wbc3hyum0i1/AACa2X2gIWgaLjSbjqH5rxuQa

The only option I can see to turn the fan speed down ONLY appears when the card is UNPLUGGED (in the Desktop Video Pref Pane), and besides, it's greyed out anyway. You can't make this stuff up. When the card is plugged back in, all those extra generic options disappear. What the hell?

I'm giving Blackmagic until the end of March go get their act together. If there's no word on a new driver, with at the bare minimum a fix to the analog problem, the card is going back to B&H, and a scathing review is going on Amazon. B&H, et al (along with a well tagged youtube link to the fan video) so as to save other suckers like me the trouble.



PS - I posted this on the BMD forums too, but there's a snowballs chance in hell it will even make it passed the mods!

(Mac Pro Mid 2010. OS X 10.10.2)

[papcom]

I did not understand what exactly is Your problem , besides the fan noise? What OSX do You have, What capture tool do you use? What Source do You have (type, output, TBC etc.)

[Brad]

I've tried the 'workarounds' (switching between component and composite) and they don't work for me. I only have composite output so how am I supposed to do that?

You can't do the workaround without an active component signal. Do you not have access to a DVD (or old Blu-ray) player? I pointed out in my little review here that simply changing the option in the menu isn't sufficient. (The thread you responded to immediately after you posted this one.)

It is completely ridiculous that this is required, yes. BMD should be embarrassed.

The only option I can see to turn the fan speed down ONLY appears when the card is UNPLUGGED (in the Desktop Video Pref Pane), and besides, it's greyed out anyway. You can't make this stuff up. When the card is plugged back in, all those extra generic options disappear. What the hell?

The greyed-out option shows up for me when it's plugged in.

[Bjs]

Appears macs must use intel cpu ... g4, g5 are out.

[jagabo]

I've tried the 'workarounds' (switching between component and composite) and they don't work for me. I only have composite output so how am I supposed to do that?

You can't do the workaround without an active component signal. Do you not have access to a DVD (or old Blu-ray) player? I pointed out in my little review here that simply changing the option in the menu isn't sufficient. (The thread you responded to immediately after you posted this one.)

Can't you just plug the composite cable into the Y channel of the component input for this?

[Brad]

The Y-in of the card is the composite input, so no. And Y+Pb are used with the included adapter for S-Video in.

You do only require the Y output from the player, though. That's all I used (with a yellow composite cable).

[Bjs]

Check your system specs ... g5 dual core and g5 quad systems where first to include pci express slots ... if current system pre-dates those mentioned then the card will be useless until you upgrade (replace system)

[usually_quiet]

Check your system specs ... g5 dual core and g5 quad systems where first to include pci express slots ... if current system pre-dates those mentioned then the card will be useless until you upgrade (replace system)

The odds are he has a much newer system now and has not bothered to update his VideoHelp computer details.

[Brad]

The bottom of the OP actually says "(Mac Pro Mid 2010. OS X 10.10.2)". His system isn't the cause of the problem with the composite input.

[newpball]

Mark, I will help you get rid of that horrible intensity card for $100!