Mastering the Shadows: Black Magic Tactics with the Lunk Deck

Black Magic Deck Lunk is a term used in the world of card games and specifically in the game of Magic: The Gathering. The term refers to a strategy or archetype of deck building that focuses on using black-colored cards and spells to gain control over the game and ultimately win. In Magic: The Gathering, each player constructs a deck of cards that represents their personal arsenal of spells, creatures, and other resources. The goal of the game is to reduce the opponent's life total from starting value to zero, using a combination of strategic moves and powerful cards. Black Magic Deck Lunk is characterized by its reliance on black-colored cards, which are known for their ability to manipulate the game and disrupt the opponent's plans. These cards often involve abilities such as card draw, removal of opponent's creatures or spells, and draining the opponent's life total directly.

These cards often involve abilities such as card draw, removal of opponent's creatures or spells, and draining the opponent's life total directly. The strategy behind a Black Magic Deck Lunk is to control the game by using black cards that force the opponent to discard cards from their hand, destroy their creatures, or weaken their overall position. This creates opportunities for the player with the Black Magic Deck Lunk to gain an advantage and eventually overwhelm the opponent.

Black magic deck lunk

I've been using a Mojo for many years and have grown very tired of the issues I've had with that particular unit. I recently purchased a Black Magic Deck Link Mini Monitor. Very inexpensive and sexy little card with an HDMI output.

Well, being an audio engineer and much less of a video engineer I mis interpreted the writing on the box that states that it:

"operates with both compressed and uncompressed video, so you're not locked into a single codec quality"

After about an hour or so of reading the manual and noticing that NONE of the movies on my system would play through the card, I called Black Magic. The tech support person I got was pretty shifty when I told him I was using Pro Tools. Frankly, Pro Tools was one thing, but the program that came with the card wouldn't play any vids either. I managed to get out of him that it only would play back uncompressed 10bit 4:2:2 Quick Time files.

So, if that's true, then I have to make a 200GB file for every 1 hour show I work on? YIKES? How do all of you other Deck Link users manage your workflow? Do you make uncompressed 4:2:2 quick times? Is there any other option?

Alright, NONE of the movies I make with Mpeg Streamclip work, not even the one made with the Black Magic 10bit RGB codec. I've also made 10bit and 8bit uncompressed QTs as well.

Anone have a clue what gives?

I've used the MultiBridge with Pro Tools, it can be resolution sensitive (low rez 16:9 gets center cut to 4:3) but did not have problems with codecs but we mostly used photo-jpeg

You did check the option: Video Out PCIe

I've used the MultiBridge with Pro Tools, it can be resolution sensitive (low rez 16:9 gets center cut to 4:3) but did not have problems with codecs but we mostly used photo-jpeg

You did check the option: Video Out PCIe

Oh yeah, I did check that option. I'm most curious why the Black Magic Media Express program won't play any file but the test clips that came with the installer disc.

There has to be something I'm overlooking.

We have the Decklink Studio which has the same instalation apps as yours and are using it with PT10 on MAC without any problems. We usually use Apple Pro RES quicktime video files and they play normally. And they are not by any means uncompressed either, so it�s strange that the tech gave you that info.

Did you install the Desktop Video software that came with the card and contains all the QT codecs?

Do you have installed QT 7 on your computer? Protools needs it to play video from the timeline, as the Mojo that you were running is not present anymore.

Are you on MAC or PC?

By the way, did you enabled the PCI video out in PT instead of firewire?

We have the Decklink Studio which has the same instalation apps as yours and are using it with PT10 on MAC without any problems. We usually use Apple Pro RES quicktime video files and they play normally. And they are not by any means uncompressed either, so it�s strange that the tech gave you that info.

That's exciting to hear

Did you install the Desktop Video software that came with the card and contains all the QT codecs?

Do you have installed QT 7 on your computer? Protools needs it to play video from the timeline, as the Mojo that you were running is not present anymore.

Are you on MAC or PC?

By the way, did you enabled the PCI video out in PT instead of firewire?

Thanks for the help. Maybe I'll call back tomorrow and hope for a different guy.

So far the only codec that will play out of Pro Tools is Apple component video YUV422. Looks great and is very responsive. Boy I hope I don't have to spend an hour transcoding video just to use this card.

A question for Paulo: Do you have FCP installed on the machine you run PT on? I do not. Only Mpeg stream clip and QT7pro.

A question for Paulo: Do you have FCP installed on the machine you run PT on? I do not. Only Mpeg stream clip and QT7pro.

No, FCP�s machines are connected on our Isis 5000, but not installed on the same MAC�s as PT.

We have installed the Perian codec pack. Although they don�t give support anymore you can still download the installer: http://perian.org/

We also installed the AVID codec packs which are free to download too:

http://avid.force.com/pkb/articles/en_US/download/en423319 (please check if there�s a new updated version)

On the MAC, check which codecs are installed under quicktime, it�s always useful to know what�s installed to troubleshoot issues.

Just forgot to add one thing. Enable QT 7 to be your default player on the MAC and not QT player X. Failure to do this makes PT use the lighter version(X) which doesn�t have all codecs as QT 7.

We are running Mountain Lion. Any chance you can upgrade from your 10.7 MAC OSX or do you have any compatibility issues that prevnt you to do that?

Which version of PT are you running? I assume that you have the CPTK also.

Just forgot to add one thing. Enable QT 7 to be your default player on the MAC and not QT player X. Failure to do this makes PT use the lighter version(X) which doesn�t have all codecs as QT 7.

I went through with a utility program and made QT7 the default player for all of the file types I saw were associated with QTx. Not sure if there is another way to do that, or a way within Pro Tools.

I already have Perian installed. I followed that link for the Avid Codecs and installed them, did not help. I did receive an H.264 from a client today that played in the timeline! Completely out of no where really. I tried all of the vids that I was trying to get to work yesterday and none of them worked. This is truly a mystery. I wonder if when Pro Tools 11 comes out, and PT has the same video engine as Media Composer if this will get a lot easier. I'm wondering if it could be a size issue since the card only has an HDMI out. Maybe no SD size vids will ever work?

We are running Mountain Lion. Any chance you can upgrade from your 10.7 MAC OSX or do you have any compatibility issues that prevnt you to do that?

I'm in the middle of a few projects, so I would prefer not to right now. Will do that soon.

Which version of PT are you running? I assume that you have the CPTK also.

I do have the CPTK running 10.3.5 I also have my system running under an HD license with no hardware (how I plan on running 11).

The help is very appreciated. - Mike

I use the Decklink card, its an excellent card for the money and will play back almost anything from the PT timeline on my system .movs, h264 (although a bit jerky) DV. My favourite is Pro res 1080 proxy, very good picture for the file size. Also syncable from the external sync port for frame edge accuracy.

You'll need the QT Pro Res codecs from FCP for that one.

What confused me as well is that you can't playback hardly anything from the Blackmagic player software, it maybe only does support uncompressed?

However when playing from the PT timeline you can have anything you have installed for Quicktime.

I'm sure it will come together. :-)

I use the Decklink card, its an excellent card for the money and will play back almost anything from the PT timeline on my system .movs, h264 (although a bit jerky) DV. My favourite is Pro res 1080 proxy, very good picture for the file size. Also syncable from the external sync port for frame edge accuracy.

You'll need the QT Pro Res codecs from FCP for that one.

What confused me as well is that you can't playback hardly anything from the Blackmagic player software, it maybe only does support uncompressed?

However when playing from the PT timeline you can have anything you have installed for Quicktime.

Wow, that sounds like a dream. Could it be that the Deck Link mini monitor isn't nearly as forgiving as the Deck Link card you have? So bizarre, because the tech told me it would play back the same files all of the other cards would.

What I'm wondering is if it doesn't have something to do with going HDMI into my TV. I'm wondering if I went in component if I wouldn't be having this trouble.

Wow, that sounds like a dream. Could it be that the Deck Link mini monitor isn't nearly as forgiving as the Deck Link card you have? So bizarre, because the tech told me it would play back the same files all of the other cards would.

What I'm wondering is if it doesn't have something to do with going HDMI into my TV. I'm wondering if I went in component if I wouldn't be having this trouble.

I don't know about the mini monitor, but I used to have the intensity pro card, which is only slightly more expensive than the mini monitor and that played back all the same formats as my new Decklink Studio. The only difference is you can't externally sync it and it doesn't have sdi.
It was a great card though and I only ever used HDMI out, with zero problems in PT.

Maybe you could persuade your dealer to let you exchange?
I don't think the mini monitor is officially supported by Avid, but then neither is the Decklink Studio and that works perfectly. :confused:

Maybe you could persuade your dealer to let you exchange?
I don't think the mini monitor is officially supported by Avid, but then neither is the Decklink Studio and that works perfectly. :confused:

I'm getting close to doing that.

I'm shocked at how poor Black Magic's service has been. I sent an email request in for tech support and received a stock answer back, that didn't even mention Pro Tools, when I clearly stated that's what I was using. The Pro Tools logo is displayed on the box, so is a list of a zillion codecs it supports.

I've gotten more vids to play, but if they are not transcoded to be HD720, they get letter boxed, which since they are already 16:9 looks stupid.

I'm surprised this has been such a strange odyssey so far. I'm really wondering if it is the new, and inexpensive nature of the card.

Yes, it�s quite strange. You have everything set as most people here, so I really don�t understand why you have those problems, really a mistery.

Meanwhile, PT 11 is out now and according to AVID it has proper support to all B Magic family of cards.

Don�t know if that is feasable for you or not, but for the moment I can�t think of anything else to help you, sorry.

Have you tried connecting the SDI out to check if it has the same problem? Or you don�t have anything near that has an SDI input?

Thanks for the help.

In the following few weeks I'm going to be upgrading to PT11, so I'll wait and see what happens with that. I can't check the SDI at the moment.

The fact that I have it set up like everybody else, but am using a new version of the card is very suspicious. I wish I had a deck link studio to compare it to. Just because they say it should be the same in regards to playback, doesn't mean it is. Seemed like $150 was too good to be true.

Hope you get it sorted soon. We will be updating to PT11 soon, so we can compare experiences with the new video engine.

Just of curiosity: the video files that you can�t output through the HDMI port on the card, play in PT when using the computer monitor display in the QT window instead of the PCIe out option?

The same files play within the preview window of the BM application if you import them into the app?

Hope you get it sorted soon. We will be updating to PT11 soon, so we can compare experiences with the new video engine.

Just of curiosity: the video files that you can�t output through the HDMI port on the card, play in PT when using the computer monitor display in the QT window instead of the PCIe out option?

The same files play within the preview window of the BM application if you import them into the app?

No, that program seems to be for uncompressed only

Here is the response I got today from Black Magic:

With ProTools it's whatever is supported by their application in a broadcast resolution which is also a requirement of our card. It's not just any codec that ProRes has installed, you may wish to check with ProTools for additional guidance on that but overall there's quite a few including ProRes/DNxHD. It's not compatible mostly cause it's a basic playback and capture application. It must fall into certain parameters, such as a compressed codec our app supports and the resolution and frame rate. You can try to put a MP4 file off the web into Media Express and that will not play. But any format that Media Express can capture, it can play back.

I'll reserve judgment till I see how it reacts with Pro Tools 11

I got a new GPU going on my machine. It's an ASUS GT640 silent graphics card. It has 3 monitor outs, and I'm using one to drive my TV. It works amazing. In all seriousness: what is the advantage of that card if I don't need SDI? The Quick time playback seems very tight, and I can downsize the movie if the editor sends something too compressed or too small to look good on my set. Any advantage, or should the Decklink card hit ebay?

I got a new GPU going on my machine. It's an ASUS GT640 silent graphics card. It has 3 monitor outs, and I'm using one to drive my TV. It works amazing. In all seriousness: what is the advantage of that card if I don't need SDI? The Quick time playback seems very tight, and I can downsize the movie if the editor sends something too compressed or too small to look good on my set. Any advantage, or should the Decklink card hit ebay?

Does Pro Tools see this card? Can you enable it in Options -> Video out PCIe?

The only advantages of the BM card are if you need to send to more than one monitor, go from HD to SD or capture video. It probably takes some load off the cpu too.

Also I'm not sure how tight the sync is with playback through a graphics card?
My guess would be, probably good enough for most people or short playback lengths, ie under an hour.

If your workflow doesn't need any of that.
Sounds like Ebay! :D

Does Pro Tools see this card? Can you enable it in Options -> Video out PCIe?

What I'm doing is simply putting the quicktime movie on a 3rd monitor, that happens to be a TV. Looks great, and is very responsive.

Since it is not a separate video playback card, why would it drift?

The only advantages of the BM card are if you need to send to more than one monitor, go from HD to SD

That's the only thing I haven't worked out yet. I do need to do those things, though not often.

A question for Paulo: Do you have FCP installed on the machine you run PT on? I do not. Only Mpeg stream clip and QT7pro.

Additionally, Black Magic Deck Lunk often includes cards that allow the player to gain life, making it difficult for the opponent to reduce their life total to zero. This added layer of defense can help the player stay in the game longer and increase their chances of victory. However, it is important to note that Black Magic Deck Lunk is just one of many strategies and deck archetypes that players can choose from. The game of Magic: The Gathering offers a wide range of cards and colors, allowing players to create unique and personalized decks to suit their playstyle. In conclusion, Black Magic Deck Lunk is a term used to describe a deck building strategy in the game of Magic: The Gathering that focuses on using black-colored cards to control the game and secure victory. This archetype relies on abilities such as card draw, removal, and life gain to gain an advantage over opponents..

Reviews for "Unleashing Nightmares: Black Magic Tactics with the Lunk Deck"

1. John - 2 stars

The "Black magic deck lunk" was a disappointment for me. The design looked appealing, but the quality of the cards was subpar. They felt flimsy and easily bent, making it difficult to shuffle and handle them. Additionally, the artwork lacked detail and looked pixelated up close. Overall, I wasn't satisfied with this deck and would not recommend it to others.

2. Sarah - 1 star

I regret purchasing the "Black magic deck lunk". The cards arrived with scratches and dents, indicating poor quality control. Moreover, the descriptions of the cards were vague, making it hard to understand their meanings without constantly referring to the guidebook. The cards also lacked aesthetic appeal, with unimpressive artwork and dull colors. Save your money and look for a different tarot deck.

3. Mark - 2 stars

The "Black magic deck lunk" did not live up to my expectations. The cards were smaller than anticipated, making it challenging to read the symbols and illustrations. The cardstock used felt thin and cheap, and they seemed prone to damage easily. The guidebook included was also lacking in depth, providing only brief interpretations for each card. I was hoping for a more comprehensive and well-crafted deck, but unfortunately, this was not it.

4. Emily - 1 star

I was extremely disappointed with the "Black magic deck lunk". The cards had a strong chemical smell upon opening the package, which was off-putting. The cardstock was flimsy and had a glossy finish, making them slippery and difficult to handle. The artwork appeared amateurish and lacked the intricate details I usually appreciate in tarot decks. I ended up returning this deck and finding a higher quality alternative.

5. Alex - 2 stars

The "Black magic deck lunk" was not what I expected. The cardstock felt cheap and the cards had a glossy finish, making them prone to sticking together. The illustrations, while intriguing, lacked clarity and precision, making it hard to interpret the symbolism on each card. The guidebook provided limited information and left me wanting more depth and insight into the meanings behind the cards. Overall, I found this deck underwhelming and would not recommend it to serious tarot enthusiasts.

The Art of Black Magic: Strategies for Success with the Lunk Deck