> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dfine.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Blackmagic SDI loop-back

> Loop your SDI output back into your SDI input and encode in software with OBS — no dedicated hardware encoder needed.

You can avoid a separate, dedicated hardware encoder by looping your own signal back: connect one **SDI output** of a Blackmagic capture device into the **SDI input** of the same device, and let **OBS** encode it and stream it to dfine.io. All you need is a capture device with two SDI outputs and one SDI input. While editing, you can share your screen and feed the SDI reference output to your clients at the same time.

<Note>
  These steps apply to **both** dfine.io products that livestream — Streaming Classic and Review. The encoder setup is the same; only where you copy your ingest URL and stream key differs by product. See [Where do I find the ingest server URL?](/en/where-do-i-find-the-ingest-server-url).
</Note>

For our own setup we used a Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K to loop the SDI signal back and capture it in OBS.

## Tested devices

* Blackmagic UltraStudio HD/4K Mini
* Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K Extreme
* Blackmagic Decklink 8K Pro
* Blackmagic Decklink 4K Extreme 12G
* Blackmagic Decklink Quad

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dfineiogmbh/G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5/images/guides/4gy4t-3941-1.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5&q=85&s=82eadf2239229782bd70408879deea77" alt="Blackmagic capture device used to loop the SDI signal back" width="4032" height="3024" data-path="images/guides/4gy4t-3941-1.jpg" />
</Frame>

## Set it up

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a scene">
    In OBS, use the **+** button at the lower left to add a new scene and give it a name.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dfineiogmbh/G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5/images/guides/4gy4t-3941-2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5&q=85&s=e2171d9c7630cb28acb3b49cb41b5616" alt="Creating a new scene in OBS" width="2386" height="1830" data-path="images/guides/4gy4t-3941-2.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the source">
    Add a new source on the right side. We use a **Blackmagic Device** and give it a name.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dfineiogmbh/G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5/images/guides/4gy4t-3941-3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5&q=85&s=466ebe8166b22773ac0108ad9814ba3a" alt="Adding a Blackmagic device source in OBS" width="2386" height="1830" data-path="images/guides/4gy4t-3941-3.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the source">
    Double click the source, set it up as shown and save.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dfineiogmbh/G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5/images/guides/4gy4t-3941-4.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5xSKB6elOdxLHD5&q=85&s=d4061fae4bca843666f34d0edd6e6330" alt="Configuring the Blackmagic device source in OBS" width="1660" height="2110" data-path="images/guides/4gy4t-3941-4.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="Next: enter your ingest URL and stream key" icon="arrow-right" href="/en/settings-rtmps">
  Add your connection details in OBS and go live.
</Card>
