Camera Feed Not Showing in Wirecast (Mini Recorder)

Always Check Your Camera(s) First

Check the Physical Connection

The first step is to check all the most basic issues.

• Is the camera turned on?
• Is there a lens cover on the camera?
• Can you see the video on your camera screen?
• Are the HDMI and Thunderbolt cables plugged in securely?

Next, launch Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup and see if your laptop detects the device. If you see something similar to the image below, then there is a problem with the connection between your Mini Recorder and your computer.

Mini Recorder isn't Connected

First, check if the white LED indicator light is illuminated on the Mini Recorder. If the light is not illuminated, try unplugging and replugging the Thunderbolt cable. Next, try restarting the computer without the Mini Recorder connected, then plugging in the Mini Recorder. If, after restarting the Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup application still does not detect the Mini Recorder, try using a different Thunderbolt cable or Mini Recorder if possible, as these components may be the issue.

Mini Recorder is Connected

Double-check that your Mini Recorder is set for HDMI by opening BlackMagic Desktop Video Utility. If set to HDMI, proceed to open Wirecast.

If set on SDI, click the circle button under the picture of the Mini Recorder, and select HDMI. Then Save. 

Once set, close the Utility, and open your Wirecast template.

Check Wirecast

The UltraStudio Mini Recorder must be connected to the computer before starting Wirecast. Therefore, the most straightforward fix is to restart Wirecast with the Mini Recorder connected.

If that fails, the camera feed may be coming into Wirecast, but the shots themselves are no longer working. Check our article on how to add a camera to Wirecast.

Check the Camera and HDMI cord

After completing the steps above, if Wirecast recognizes the Mini Recorder, but no video is being pulled into your shot, take the camera and HDMI cord and plug them into a monitor or TV. Set the monitor or TV to the correct HDMI input. If there is no feed on the monitor or TV, use a different HDMI cord if possible.

Once you connect the camera to the monitor or TV with a different HDMI cord, if the camera still will not display on the screen, there may be an issue with the HDMI port on the camera itself.