Troubleshooting Dxgi-fmt Error With AVPro DeckLink In Unity 6.1

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When integrating video capture into Unity projects, developers often rely on plugins like AVPro DeckLink to interface with professional video hardware. This article addresses a specific issue encountered while using the RenderHeads UnityPlugin-AVPro DeckLink in Unity 6.1, focusing on a dxgi-fmt error that arises during input setup. We will explore the details of the problem, potential causes, and steps to troubleshoot and resolve it. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue and offer practical solutions for developers facing similar challenges, ensuring a smooth video integration process in their Unity projects. Understanding and resolving this issue is crucial for maintaining the integrity of video capture workflows and ensuring high-quality results in projects that rely on external video input.

This article delves into a specific error encountered while utilizing the AVPro DeckLink plugin in Unity version 6.1. The error message, d3d12 error: Creating a default shader resource view with non compatible format (dxgi-fmt=0 for a resource that uses dxgi-fmt=30), appears in the Unity console when attempting to capture video input. This issue indicates a mismatch between the expected and actual DirectX Graphics Infrastructure (DXGI) format, which is crucial for proper video rendering and processing within Unity. The user reported that while the Blackmagic Media Express software correctly displayed the input, the error persisted within the Unity environment. This discrepancy suggests that the problem lies within the Unity integration of the AVPro DeckLink plugin, specifically concerning how it handles Direct3D 12 and video format compatibility. The error can be particularly disruptive as it prevents the correct display of video input, hindering development and testing workflows.

To fully grasp the implications of this error, it's essential to break down the specific context in which it occurs. The user's setup includes:

  • Unity Version: 6.1
  • AVPro DeckLink Edition: Full
  • AVPro DeckLink Version: 1.9.9
  • Desktop Video Version: 14.5
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Graphics API: Direct3D 12
  • Decklink Device Model: Mini Recorder 4K
  • Connection: HDMI
  • Video Mode: 3840x2160 @30 RGB 24bit

The error arises when running the first example provided with the AVPro DeckLink plugin, designed to verify input functionality. The dxgi-fmt error suggests that the Direct3D 12 pipeline is attempting to create a default shader resource view with an incompatible format. Specifically, it indicates a mismatch between dxgi-fmt=0 and dxgi-fmt=30. This typically implies that the resource format used by the video input does not align with the format expected by the shader resource view. The fact that Blackmagic Media Express works correctly indicates that the DeckLink device itself is functioning as expected, pointing to a potential issue within the AVPro DeckLink plugin's integration with Unity and Direct3D 12. Understanding these details is essential for accurately diagnosing the problem and implementing an effective solution. Identifying the root cause of this format mismatch is the key to restoring correct video input functionality within Unity.

To effectively troubleshoot the dxgi-fmt error, it's important to have a clear understanding of DirectX Graphics Infrastructure (DXGI) and its role within Direct3D 12. DXGI is an API that manages fundamental graphics system tasks, such as presenting rendered images to the screen and handling video input/output. It defines various pixel formats, each represented by a DXGI_FORMAT enumeration value, specifying how pixel data is stored in memory. The dxgi-fmt codes mentioned in the error message refer to these format values. In this case, dxgi-fmt=0 typically represents an unknown or unspecified format, while dxgi-fmt=30 corresponds to a specific format, likely one intended for RGB 24-bit data as indicated by the user's video mode setting (3840x2160 @30 RGB 24bit). The error message indicates that the Direct3D 12 pipeline is attempting to create a shader resource view—a resource that allows shaders to access textures and other data—with an incompatible format. This mismatch suggests that the AVPro DeckLink plugin might not be correctly negotiating the video format with Unity's rendering pipeline or that there is a misconfiguration in how the video data is being passed between the plugin and Direct3D 12. Properly aligning DXGI formats is crucial for ensuring that video data is correctly interpreted and rendered, and a failure to do so can result in errors like the one observed. Therefore, a thorough investigation into how video formats are handled within the plugin and the Direct3D 12 context is essential for resolving this issue.

Several factors could contribute to the dxgi-fmt error encountered in Unity 6.1 with AVPro DeckLink. One primary cause could be a format mismatch between what the DeckLink device is outputting and what the Unity Direct3D 12 pipeline expects. This could stem from an incorrect video mode setting within the AVPro DeckLink plugin or a failure to properly negotiate the format between the DeckLink device and the rendering pipeline. Another potential cause is an incompatibility or bug within the AVPro DeckLink plugin itself, particularly its handling of Direct3D 12 in Unity 6.1. Plugin versions may sometimes have issues that arise with specific Unity versions or graphics APIs, making this a plausible explanation. Additionally, there might be a misconfiguration in the Direct3D 12 settings within Unity, affecting how it handles video input formats. This could involve settings related to render textures, shader resource views, or other graphics resources. Driver-related issues could also play a role. Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can sometimes lead to format incompatibilities and other rendering errors. Finally, the integration between the Desktop Video version (14.5) and the AVPro DeckLink version (1.9.9) could have unforeseen interactions, particularly within the context of Unity 6.1. Investigating each of these potential causes is crucial for pinpointing the exact source of the error and implementing an effective solution. A systematic approach to troubleshooting, considering each factor, will help in identifying the root of the dxgi-fmt issue.

To address the dxgi-fmt error, a methodical approach to troubleshooting is essential. Here are several steps and potential solutions to consider:

  1. Verify Video Mode Settings: Begin by confirming that the video mode settings in the AVPro DeckLink plugin match the output format of the DeckLink device. Ensure that the resolution, frame rate, and color format (RGB 24bit in this case) are correctly configured. A mismatch here can lead to format incompatibility issues. Check both the plugin settings within Unity and the device settings in the Blackmagic Desktop Video software.

  2. Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can often cause rendering issues, including format errors. Ensure that you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card. Visit the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the most recent drivers. A clean installation, which removes previous driver versions, can also help resolve potential conflicts.

  3. Check AVPro DeckLink Plugin Compatibility: Verify that the version of the AVPro DeckLink plugin (1.9.9) is fully compatible with Unity 6.1 and your Desktop Video version (14.5). Consult the plugin documentation or the RenderHeads support resources for compatibility information. If necessary, try using a different version of the plugin that is known to work with your setup.

  4. Review Direct3D 12 Settings in Unity: Investigate the Direct3D 12 settings within Unity. Check for any configurations that might be affecting video input formats or resource creation. Ensure that the render texture formats and shader resource view settings are correctly configured for the input video. Incorrect settings in this area can lead to the dxgi-fmt error.

  5. Test with a Simpler Video Mode: To isolate the issue, try using a simpler video mode, such as 1920x1080 @30, to see if the error persists. This can help determine if the problem is related to the high resolution (3840x2160) or a specific format. If the error disappears with a simpler mode, it suggests that the issue might be related to bandwidth or format compatibility at higher resolutions.

  6. Examine Unity Logs for More Details: Scrutinize the Unity logs for any additional error messages or warnings that might provide more context. The logs can often reveal specific details about the resource creation process or format negotiation failures. Look for any messages that mention Direct3D 12, DXGI, or AVPro DeckLink.

  7. Contact RenderHeads Support: If the issue persists after trying the above steps, reach out to RenderHeads support for assistance. Provide them with detailed information about your setup, including Unity version, plugin versions, hardware configuration, and the troubleshooting steps you have already taken. They may have specific insights or fixes for the dxgi-fmt error within the context of AVPro DeckLink.

By systematically working through these steps, you can identify the root cause of the error and implement the necessary solution, ensuring that your video input functions correctly within Unity.

The dxgi-fmt error encountered while using the AVPro DeckLink plugin in Unity 6.1 is a complex issue stemming from potential format incompatibilities within the Direct3D 12 rendering pipeline. This article has outlined the problem's context, potential causes, and a structured approach to troubleshooting. By verifying video mode settings, updating graphics drivers, checking plugin compatibility, reviewing Direct3D 12 settings, testing with simpler modes, and examining Unity logs, developers can systematically identify the source of the error. When these steps are insufficient, reaching out to RenderHeads support can provide additional assistance and insights. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the seamless integration of video input into Unity projects, maintaining the integrity of video capture workflows, and delivering high-quality results. A thorough understanding of DXGI formats, Direct3D 12 interactions, and the AVPro DeckLink plugin is essential for effectively resolving this and similar issues, ultimately enhancing the reliability and performance of video-intensive applications within the Unity environment.