Video Inputs
FXCanvas can use external video feeds as visual sources alongside its built-in shader-based pattern generators. Connect a webcam, receive an NDI stream, capture from a Blackmagic DeckLink card, or receive shared textures via Spout (Windows) or Syphon (macOS).
What Are Video Inputs?
Video inputs let you bring live or external video into FXCanvas's rendering pipeline. Once connected, a video input replaces the active shader source and feeds directly into your effects chain and output mappings — just like any built-in source.
Key concepts:
- Input providers — Each video technology (webcam, NDI, etc.) is a separate provider
- Device discovery — FXCanvas automatically discovers available devices on your system and network
- Single active input — One video input can be active at a time, replacing the current source
- Effects compatible — Video inputs pass through the same effects chain as shader sources
Supported Input Types
| Type | Platform | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | Windows, macOS | USB and built-in cameras |
| NDI | Windows, macOS | Network video streams from any NDI source |
| Spout | Windows only | GPU texture sharing from other Windows applications |
| Syphon | macOS only | GPU texture sharing from other macOS applications |
| DeckLink | Windows, macOS | Blackmagic Design capture cards and devices |
Webcam
Captures video from USB cameras and built-in webcams with hardware-accelerated decoding.
Requirements:
- A connected webcam or capture device
Features:
- Automatic device discovery
- MJPEG support for better performance with high-resolution cameras
- Standard resolution and frame rate options
NDI (Network Device Interface)
Receives video streams over your local network from any NDI-compatible source — other software, hardware encoders, or NDI cameras.
Requirements:
- NDI runtime installed
- Source and FXCanvas on the same network
Features:
- Automatic discovery of NDI sources on the network
- Filters out FXCanvas's own NDI outputs to avoid feedback loops
- Low-latency network video reception
NDI works best over wired Gigabit Ethernet. Avoid WiFi for reliable, low-latency reception.
Spout (Windows Only)
Receives GPU-shared textures from other applications on the same Windows computer. This is the fastest way to get video from another application into FXCanvas.
Requirements:
- Windows operating system
- A Spout-compatible sending application (Resolume, TouchDesigner, OBS with Spout plugin, etc.)
Features:
- Near-zero latency GPU-to-GPU texture transfer
- Minimal CPU overhead
- Automatic discovery of Spout senders
Syphon (macOS Only)
The macOS equivalent of Spout — receives GPU-shared textures from other applications on the same Mac.
Requirements:
- macOS operating system
- A Syphon-compatible sending application
Features:
- GPU-to-GPU texture sharing
- Low latency and minimal overhead
- Automatic discovery of Syphon servers
Syphon input support is planned for a future release. Syphon output is already available.
DeckLink (Blackmagic Design)
Captures video from Blackmagic Design capture cards and devices (DeckLink, Intensity, UltraStudio, etc.). Works on both Windows and macOS.
Requirements:
- Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers installed
- A supported Blackmagic capture device
Features:
- Professional-grade video capture on Windows and macOS
- Support for HD and UHD modes (1080p, 1080i, 4K)
- Multiple frame rate options (24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps)
- Interlaced and progressive scan support
- Automatic device discovery
Supported video modes include:
| Mode | Resolution | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p24 | 1920×1080 | 24 fps |
| 1080p25 | 1920×1080 | 25 fps |
| 1080p30 | 1920×1080 | 30 fps |
| 1080p50 | 1920×1080 | 50 fps |
| 1080p60 | 1920×1080 | 60 fps |
| 1080i50 | 1920×1080 | 50 fps (interlaced) |
| 1080i60 | 1920×1080 | 60 fps (interlaced) |
| 2160p25 | 3840×2160 | 25 fps |
| 2160p30 | 3840×2160 | 30 fps |
| 2160p60 | 3840×2160 | 60 fps |
Connecting a Video Input
Device Discovery
FXCanvas automatically discovers available video input devices when it starts. To refresh the device list:
- Open the Video Input panel
- Click Refresh to re-scan for devices
- New devices appear in the list grouped by provider type
Connecting to a Device
- Browse the discovered devices in the Video Input panel
- Select the device you want to use
- Click Connect (or double-click the device)
- The video feed replaces the current source and flows through your effects chain
Disconnecting
To return to shader-based sources:
- Click Disconnect in the Video Input panel
- Select any source preset from the Source Presets panel to switch back
Video Settings
Access video input settings via Edit → Settings → Video tab.
The Video settings tab provides configuration for:
- Hardware acceleration — Select GPU-accelerated video decoders
- Codec support — View available codecs and decoder status
- Decoder selection — Choose between available hardware decoders on your system
Tips and Best Practices
- Use Spout/Syphon for same-machine sharing — it's significantly faster than NDI for local transfers
- For DeckLink, match the input mode to your source's actual output format to avoid unnecessary conversion
- Close unused video applications to free up GPU resources
- Use descriptive NDI source names so they're easy to identify in FXCanvas
- Keep NDI traffic on a dedicated network or VLAN for best performance
- FXCanvas automatically filters out its own NDI outputs to prevent feedback
- Install the latest Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers before using DeckLink inputs
- Use the Blackmagic Desktop Video Setup utility to verify your card is detected
- If devices aren't appearing, check the Log Viewer for error messages
Troubleshooting
No Devices Found
- Webcam: Verify the camera is connected and not in use by another application
- NDI: Check that both devices are on the same network and NDI runtime is installed
- Spout: Ensure the sending application is running and actively sharing a texture
- DeckLink: Verify Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers are installed and the device appears in Desktop Video Setup
Video Feed Is Black or Frozen
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the device
- Check that the source is actively sending video
- For DeckLink, verify the video mode matches the source signal
- Check the Log Viewer (View → Log Viewer) for error messages
Poor Performance or Dropped Frames
- Reduce render canvas resolution in Output settings
- For NDI, switch to a wired Ethernet connection
- Close other GPU-intensive applications
- Check GPU utilization in your system's task manager