Blackmagic Debuts Fairlight Live, Boosts DaVinci Resolve 21 with AI and Photo Tools

Blackmagic Design's multi-product rollout expands its ecosystem for live production and post-production. The introduction of Fairlight Live and the integration of SMPTE-2110 workflows into new hardware like UpDownCross 100G signify a continued push into IP-based broadcast infrastructure. For post-production, DaVinci Resolve 21's new Photo page and AI tools suggest a broader play for creative professionals beyond pure video, potentially capturing workflows currently handled by dedicated photo editing software. Future releases will likely continue to integrate AI and IP connectivity further across their product lines.

Blackmagic Design's strategic moves, unveiled at NAB 2026, focus on a unified 100G SMPTE 2110 ecosystem. This push aims to reduce cabling complexity and enhance redundancy for broadcast facilities, as reported by Digital Production (April 2026). Key components of this strategy include the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP switchers and infrastructure hardware like the Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G and HyperDeck ISO Recorder 100G, facilitating seamless integration between IP cores and SDI edges, and enabling real-time access to files during recording within Resolve workflows. The company is also exploring high frame rate production over 2110, with workflows aimed at 240 fps or 480 fps capture, highlighting a future-proof approach to live content. Fairlight Live's software-based approach to audio mixing, coupled with optional modular control surfaces, positions Blackmagic to compete with established audio industry players like Avid and SSL, as noted by audioXpress (April 2026). DaVinci Resolve 21, now officially released following an extensive public beta, emphasizes a significant expansion into professional photo editing, bringing its node-based color grading tools to still images. PetaPixel (June 2026) highlighted this as a notable addition, alongside AI-powered features such as IntelliSearch and CineFocus, which streamline workflows and automate tasks. This comprehensive update, spanning video editing, color grading, audio, and visual effects, strengthens Blackmagic's position as an all-in-one post-production solution.