Troubleshooting D3D12 Error With AVPro DeckLink In Unity 6 A Comprehensive Guide

If you're encountering a D3D12 error while using AVPro DeckLink in Unity 6, specifically the error message "Creating a default shader resource view with non-compatible format (dxgi-fmt=0 for a resource that uses dxgi-fmt=30)," you're not alone. This issue often arises when there's a mismatch between the expected and actual texture formats in Direct3D 12. This article provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting this error, ensuring your AVPro DeckLink integration with Unity 6 runs smoothly. We'll delve into the common causes, diagnostic steps, and solutions to get your video input working correctly. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and steps to resolve this issue efficiently, ensuring your video input setup functions as expected. Addressing this error promptly is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of your Unity-based video applications.

Understanding the D3D12 Error

The error message “Creating a default shader resource view with non-compatible format (dxgi-fmt=0 for a resource that uses dxgi-fmt=30)” indicates a mismatch in the texture formats being used in your Direct3D 12 setup. Specifically, dxgi-fmt=0 typically refers to an unknown or undefined format, while dxgi-fmt=30 corresponds to a specific format, often related to the color or data representation of the texture. This discrepancy can occur for several reasons, such as incorrect format settings in your AVPro DeckLink configuration, compatibility issues between the DeckLink device and the graphics API, or even bugs within the Unity 6 integration itself. Understanding the root cause is essential for implementing the correct solution.

This error can manifest in various ways, from a complete failure of the video input to subtle glitches in the displayed output. It’s imperative to address this issue to ensure the reliability and stability of your video processing pipeline within Unity. Identifying the exact cause involves a systematic approach, which we will outline in the following sections. By methodically checking each potential source of the problem, you can pinpoint the exact configuration or setting that is causing the conflict. The following sections will guide you through these steps, providing clear instructions and explanations to help you resolve this error effectively.

Identifying the Root Cause

To effectively troubleshoot this error, it’s vital to isolate the cause. Start by confirming that your AVPro DeckLink plugin is correctly installed and configured within Unity 6. Verify the plugin version (1.9.9 in this case) and ensure it’s compatible with your Unity version. Next, examine your DeckLink device settings within the AVPro DeckLink component in Unity. Ensure the video mode (3840x2160 @30 RGB 24bit) matches the input signal from your device. Mismatched resolutions or color formats are common culprits. Additionally, check the Desktop Video version (14.5) to ensure it's compatible with both the DeckLink hardware and the AVPro DeckLink plugin. An outdated or incompatible Desktop Video version can lead to unexpected errors and performance issues. Furthermore, consider testing the DeckLink input with other software, as the user did with Blackmagic Media Express. If the input works correctly in other applications, this indicates the issue is likely within the Unity project or AVPro DeckLink configuration, rather than a hardware problem.

Compatibility Considerations

Compatibility between software and hardware components is paramount. Unity 6, while offering the latest features and improvements, may introduce new interactions with plugins like AVPro DeckLink. Direct3D 12, as a modern graphics API, has specific requirements for texture formats and resource handling. Ensure that your graphics card drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with Direct3D 12. Review the release notes and documentation for both Unity 6 and AVPro DeckLink 1.9.9 to identify any known issues or compatibility notes. Sometimes, specific configurations or settings are recommended or explicitly discouraged for optimal performance. If the error emerged after upgrading to Unity 6, this might indicate a need for specific adjustments or patches. Engaging with community forums and support channels can provide valuable insights into others' experiences with similar setups and potential workarounds.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Verify Hardware and Software Versions

Start by confirming the versions of all critical components. You're using Unity 6.1, AVPro DeckLink 1.9.9, Desktop Video 14.5, and a Mini Recorder 4K. Ensure these versions are compatible with each other. Refer to the AVPro DeckLink documentation for recommended Desktop Video versions. Incompatible versions can often lead to unexpected errors. Cross-referencing the documentation ensures that you are operating within the supported parameters, reducing the likelihood of software conflicts. Specifically, look for any version-specific notes or warnings that might highlight known issues or necessary configurations.

It's also beneficial to check the release dates of each component. If there have been recent updates or patches, applying them may resolve the issue. Hardware compatibility should also be verified, ensuring the Mini Recorder 4K is fully supported by the installed Desktop Video version. Confirm that the drivers for the DeckLink device are up-to-date, as outdated drivers are a common source of problems. By ensuring each element is current and compatible, you can rule out version mismatches as a potential cause of the error.

2. Check Video Input Settings

Confirm that the video input settings in the AVPro DeckLink component match the output from your source. You're using 3840x2160 @30 RGB 24bit. Verify that this is the correct format and resolution for your input source. Incorrect settings can cause format mismatches and the D3D12 error. Double-check the settings within the AVPro DeckLink component in the Unity Editor, and ensure they mirror the output settings of your video source device. This includes not only the resolution and frame rate but also the color space and bit depth. For instance, if your source is outputting YUV color space and the AVPro DeckLink is configured for RGB, this will result in a format mismatch. Similarly, if the source is outputting 10-bit color and the configuration is set for 8-bit, errors will occur.

To test this, you can try different video modes within the AVPro DeckLink settings to see if any of them resolve the issue. If changing the video mode fixes the error, this indicates that the original setting was incompatible with the DeckLink device or the Direct3D 12 API. Additionally, review the documentation for the Mini Recorder 4K to confirm its supported input formats and resolutions. By systematically verifying and adjusting these settings, you can narrow down whether the issue is rooted in incorrect video input configurations.

3. Inspect Graphics API Configuration

Since you're using Direct3D 12, ensure that it's correctly configured in Unity. Go to Edit > Project Settings > Player and check the Graphics API settings for your platform. Direct3D 12 must be properly initialized to avoid format compatibility issues. Verify that Direct3D 12 is listed as the primary Graphics API and that there are no other conflicting APIs enabled. Sometimes, having multiple graphics APIs enabled can lead to unexpected behavior, especially with plugins that rely on specific API features. Check for any error messages or warnings related to the graphics API in the Unity console, as these can provide additional clues about the configuration. Ensure that the target platform is correctly set up to use Direct3D 12, as different platforms might have different requirements or limitations.

If you encounter any issues with the Direct3D 12 initialization, try removing and re-adding it to the list of Graphics APIs. This can sometimes resolve configuration glitches. Additionally, confirm that your graphics card and drivers fully support Direct3D 12. Check the manufacturer's specifications and driver release notes to ensure compatibility. If the error persists, you may want to temporarily switch to a different graphics API (such as Direct3D 11) to see if the issue is specific to Direct3D 12. This can help determine whether the problem lies with the API itself or with the AVPro DeckLink integration.

4. Review AVPro DeckLink Settings

Examine the AVPro DeckLink component settings in your Unity scene. Look for any format-related options that might be causing the conflict. Ensure that the texture format and color space settings are correctly configured. Incorrect texture format settings are a common cause of D3D12 errors. Open the AVPro DeckLink component in the Unity Inspector and carefully review each setting. Pay close attention to options like the pixel format, color space, and buffering mode. If you are unsure about the correct settings, consult the AVPro DeckLink documentation or example scenes. The documentation often provides detailed explanations of each setting and its impact on performance and compatibility.

Try experimenting with different texture formats to see if any of them resolve the issue. For instance, if you are currently using an 8-bit format, try switching to a 10-bit or 16-bit format to see if this alleviates the error. Be mindful of the performance implications of different texture formats, as higher bit depths can consume more memory and processing power. Check for any error messages or warnings related to the AVPro DeckLink component in the Unity console, as these can point to specific settings that need adjustment. If you have multiple DeckLink devices, ensure that the correct device is selected in the AVPro DeckLink settings. Incorrect device selection can lead to configuration mismatches and errors.

5. Check for Plugin Conflicts

Other plugins in your Unity project might be interfering with AVPro DeckLink. Try disabling other plugins temporarily to see if the error disappears. Plugin conflicts can lead to unexpected D3D12 errors. Start by disabling any plugins that interact with graphics or video processing, as these are the most likely to cause conflicts. You can disable plugins by going to Edit > Project Settings > Script Execution Order and unchecking the boxes next to the plugin scripts. After disabling a set of plugins, restart Unity and check if the error persists. If the error is resolved, this indicates that one of the disabled plugins was causing the conflict.

Re-enable the plugins one by one, testing after each one, to identify the specific plugin that is causing the issue. Once you have identified the conflicting plugin, you can explore solutions such as updating the plugin, changing its settings, or removing it altogether. If the conflict is due to incompatible versions of plugins, try updating both plugins to their latest versions. Consult the documentation for both AVPro DeckLink and the conflicting plugin for any known compatibility issues or recommended configurations. In some cases, you may need to adjust the script execution order to ensure that the plugins are initialized in the correct sequence.

Solutions

1. Adjust Texture Format Settings

Within the AVPro DeckLink component, experiment with different texture format settings. If the default format is causing issues, try a different format that is compatible with your input source and Direct3D 12. Ensure the selected format supports the color space and bit depth of your video signal. For example, if your input is RGB 24-bit, select a corresponding RGB format in the AVPro DeckLink settings. Incorrect texture formats can lead to the “non-compatible format” error, so this step is crucial. Consult the AVPro DeckLink documentation for a list of supported texture formats and their compatibility with different video modes. If you are unsure which format to choose, try a commonly used format like TextureFormat.RGBA32 or TextureFormat.BGRA32.

When adjusting the texture format, consider the performance implications. Some formats are more memory-intensive and can impact frame rates, especially at higher resolutions like 4K. Test different formats to find a balance between visual quality and performance. If you are using a custom shader, ensure that it is compatible with the selected texture format. Incorrect shader configurations can also cause format-related errors. Save your project settings and restart Unity after making changes to the texture format to ensure the new settings are applied correctly. By systematically testing different texture formats, you can identify the one that resolves the error while maintaining optimal performance.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues with Direct3D 12 and AVPro DeckLink. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card. Visit the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the latest drivers. New drivers often include fixes for compatibility issues and performance improvements, which can resolve D3D12 errors. Before updating your drivers, it is a good practice to back up your current drivers in case you encounter any issues with the new ones. This allows you to revert to the previous drivers if necessary. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the drivers, ensuring that you perform a clean installation to remove any remnants of previous drivers.

After updating the drivers, restart your computer to ensure the changes are applied. Then, reopen your Unity project and test if the error is resolved. If the error persists, you may want to check the release notes for the driver update to see if there are any known issues or specific configurations recommended for Direct3D 12. In some cases, a specific driver version may be more stable or compatible with certain hardware and software configurations. If you continue to experience issues, consider trying different driver versions to see if one resolves the error. By keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date, you ensure that your system is running with the latest optimizations and compatibility fixes.

3. Reimport AVPro DeckLink Plugin

Sometimes, plugin files can become corrupted or improperly imported. Try reimporting the AVPro DeckLink plugin into your Unity project. This can resolve issues caused by incomplete or incorrect plugin installations. To reimport the plugin, delete the AVPro DeckLink folder from your Assets directory in the Unity Project window. Then, reimport the plugin package from your local drive or the Unity Asset Store. Ensure that you import all the necessary files and folders. Before deleting the plugin, you may want to back up your project to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong.

After reimporting the plugin, restart Unity to ensure that the new files are properly loaded. Check the Unity console for any error messages or warnings during the import process. If there are errors, they may indicate missing dependencies or conflicts with other assets in your project. Ensure that the plugin is correctly placed within your project structure, typically within the Plugins folder or a subfolder within it. Review the AVPro DeckLink documentation for any specific instructions or recommendations for plugin installation and file placement. By reimporting the plugin, you ensure that all files are correctly installed and that any potential corruption or installation issues are resolved.

4. Check Project Settings

Review your Unity project settings, particularly the Graphics API settings and Color Space. Ensure that Direct3D 12 is correctly configured and that the color space setting (Linear or Gamma) matches your project's requirements. Mismatched project settings can lead to rendering errors and format conflicts. To access the project settings, go to Edit > Project Settings. In the Player settings, check the Graphics API section for your target platform. Ensure that Direct3D 12 is listed as the primary graphics API and that there are no conflicting APIs enabled. If Direct3D 12 is not listed, add it to the list and move it to the top.

In the Color Space settings, choose either Linear or Gamma depending on your project's needs. If you are unsure, consult your project's documentation or rendering pipeline requirements. Mismatched color space settings can result in incorrect color rendering and visual artifacts. Save your project settings and restart Unity after making any changes. Check the Unity console for any error messages or warnings related to graphics API or color space. If you are working on a team project, ensure that all team members are using the same project settings to avoid compatibility issues. By verifying and adjusting your project settings, you ensure that your project is configured correctly for Direct3D 12 and AVPro DeckLink.

5. Test with a Basic Scene

Create a new, basic Unity scene with only the necessary AVPro DeckLink components. This helps isolate whether the issue is specific to your project or a broader compatibility problem. Add a simple AVPro DeckLink component and a video display element to the scene. Configure the component with your DeckLink device and video input settings. If the error does not occur in the basic scene, it suggests that the problem may be related to other assets or configurations in your main project. If the error persists in the basic scene, it indicates a more fundamental issue with the AVPro DeckLink plugin, Direct3D 12, or your hardware configuration.

Compare the settings and configurations between the basic scene and your main project to identify any differences that may be causing the error. Check for any custom scripts or shaders that may be interfering with the AVPro DeckLink plugin. If the error is specific to your main project, try disabling assets or scripts one by one to isolate the source of the issue. This can help you pinpoint the exact cause of the error, whether it is a conflicting plugin, an incorrect setting, or a code-related problem. By testing with a basic scene, you establish a baseline for troubleshooting and narrow down the scope of the problem.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting D3D12 errors with AVPro DeckLink in Unity 6 requires a systematic approach. By verifying hardware and software versions, checking video input settings, inspecting graphics API configurations, reviewing AVPro DeckLink settings, and testing for plugin conflicts, you can effectively diagnose the issue. Solutions such as adjusting texture format settings, updating graphics drivers, reimporting the AVPro DeckLink plugin, checking project settings, and testing with a basic scene can help resolve the error. Remember to consult the AVPro DeckLink documentation and community forums for additional support and insights. Addressing these issues ensures that your video input pipeline in Unity 6 operates smoothly, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality video applications.