Blackmagic Design Optical Fiber: Studio Converter, Camera Converter, Mini Converter 4K

A brief discussion on some of Blackmagic Design's products which transmit and receive video over optical fiber...
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[@jayesshague]

Old video, I know, but just found it. While you're obviously occupied during shows, it would be wonderful to see photos of your team members, camera operators with their equipment, who all is in the trailer, etc.

[@djp_video]

I've done quite a few behind-the-scenes videos for KZbin Members and Patreon supporters.

[@TomSykesMedia]

Really helpful thank you. Please keep them coming.

[@DanielFowlerSr]

Great Presentation Doug. I was just catching up with this tech for my Team. Thanks . . .

[@jimmymiller3185]

I know you used MTP fiber in this video explainer, but if you were going to do all this brand new today, would you still use LC ends to MTP and with Cassetts, or would you go ST ends to the trailer? Looking at one-way or the other currently. Thanks!

[@djp_video]

I use MTP because it contains many fiber strands. In the case of the cables that I use, it's 24 strands in a single connector. That isn't true of LC or SC or ST. Trying to deal with 24 individual ST connectors in my trailer would be frustrating and time consuming. Not to mention 24 opportunities at each end for a cable to be damaged or get dirty or just not get installed correctly. I've defaulted to LC for everything else because that is what the Blackmagic equipment ultimately uses. If I was to have ST somewhere in the mix, it would be an additional conversion step to get it back to LC anyway. And with fiber, each connection causes some loss of signal. So minimizing the number of connections is better than adding extra unnecessary connections. In a perfect world, I'd use Neutrik OpticalCON for everything because it protects the fiber cables much better than other options. But OpticalCON MTP 24 uses (surprisingly :) MTP connections internally.

[@sergebachinsky3824]

Doug can you post a link or a model # of the MPO/MTP Cassette and fiber snake cable that you use. I'm interested in doing the same setup.

[@djp_video]

I wish I could. I got them as one-off deals on eBay and they don't have enough identifying information to be able to link to them. What you're looking for is single mode fiber cassettes with MPO/MTP connector on the rear and LC connectors on the front. The LC side should be blue (not green -- those are APC which won't work). With the MTP connectors, make sure you're connecting male to female. It seems that male connectors are common in the cassettes, but female aren't unheard of either. The fiber trunk cable should have the signals reversed (strand 1 on one end goes to strand 12 on the other) -- I believe this is called type B, but don't quote me on that.

[@i360MediaInc]

Whats the box in your video at time 1:03 called- the 24 channel fibre box

[@djp_video]

The fiber cassette?

[@HartmeierThomas]

Very nice video! Thank you. Could you tell me what kind of fiber "splibox" this is? Thanks!!

[@djp_video]

I'm not familiar with that.

[@gazayouth29]

is it worth it buying the camera convertor seeing it's 1080 p still ?

[@djp_video]

That's something only you can decide. My clients never ask for 4K so I can get away with 1080p. But not all will.

[@TheGameCamer360]

Could you touch on the media converters for sending Ethernet down the fibre line for ptz control, it’s something I’m looking into

[@gazayouth29]

Hi , thanks for all the help I am still in the testing phase my headset connected to the talk back convertor I can only hear the operator but they do not hear me , they also using the camera convertor with the headsets you recommended . but the headset am using on the talk back convertor is xlr .

[@djp_video]

Are your green Push/Lock-to-Talk buttons enabled?

[@hebbarenterprises]

I recently brought camera converter i am using the other third party optical converter on other end. I am not getting the optical signal so, can you help me this issue.

[@djp_video]

What converter and SFP are you using? And what cable?

[@jimjones6680]

Can you provide a link to the MPO or MTP boxes you show in the video?

[@djp_video]

I wish I could. They were one-time finds on eBay, and aren't there any longer. There is a company that I like working with for fiber products, though... they're called Fibertronics, and here's their 12-fiber cassette: www.fibertronics-store.com/12-Fiber-MTP-MPO-female-to-LC-Duplex-Singlemode-Cassette-MTC-12LCH19L.htm

[@ErikWildemanFilms]

Thanks for the excellent tutorials. I've learned a lot. So I have an event next month. Pretty big for me. And now the client asked me if I can connect two visual switchers with each other (2 different stages). Output 1 on input 2 and the other way around. Now I was thinking: I purchase 2 camera converters and a few hundred meters of fiber to connect them. But do you know if that is possible? (Including audio)

[@djp_video]

It would work. But a cheaper solution would be two Optical Fiber converters.

[@ErikWildemanFilms]

Thank you for your quick reply :) I would like to use the converters in the future for productions, so I think the camera converters would be the best deal for me :) Now only figuring out which fiber to buy and we can party on :)

[@djp_video]

Just look for blue LC connectors and you're good to go.

[@EventStreamTeam]

which SFP modules are you using?

[@djp_video]

For video, just the ones that ship with the Blackmagic Design products.

[@gazayouth29]

hi Dough , I purchased the camera converter is besides on the operator is there a way I can mount it to a tripod ? tripod legs the camera ?

[@djp_video]

It has 1/4-20 and 3/16-16 screw mounts on the bottom so you can use pretty much any clamp with either screw size. I also use the belt clip to hang it on mid-level spreaders on the tripods that have them.

[@collinscompletemedia979]

HI Doug, thank you so much for the videos,, can you please put descriptions of the fibers and the fibers and the fibers Hubs,, please

[@djp_video]

I keep a listing of the fiber products I use here: djp.li/cat=Fiber

[@RMFFILM]

Thanks for the quick reply. What are the 8 SDI INs on the rear plug-in field for? That was my thought, that's what they're for.

[@djp_video]

Those are meant to connect to the camera's SDI output, in the case where you're using coax cables instead of fiber. There is also an SDI output on the Talkback Converter meant to go to the camera's SDI input. So you either go fiber, or use those SDIs, but not both.

[@RMFFILM]

@@djp_video Thanks

[@no10standard36]

I have recently purchased a Blackmagic Studio converter and 4 Blackmagic camera converters. I am interested to know if anyone has found a way to "extend" the tally lights from the camera converter. In their current placement they are almost useless. If the converter is positioned so the cam op can view the panel, then the tallys are on the left and right side of the converter. What the...? Just looking to remote an LED to be placed on top of the camera that is visible to both the talent and the operator. Without having to disassemble the unit and drill holes. Anyone working on this?

[@andrew2113]

Do you have a link to the armored fiber cable? Thanks!

[@djp_video]

I don't. I got them on eBay.

[@gazayouth29]

what's the name of the headset ?

[@Alminox]

No links to the actual fibers and fiber cassettes?

[@djp_video]

I've been getting mine off of eBay, so they come and go... so no permanent links are available.

[@SheaHarris]

@@djp_video Would this cassette be the right one? fibertronics.com/12f-mtp-cassette-sm-lcupc-to-1-mtpapc-std-fstandard-pinout-lgx-pin-spacing edit> or actually this? - fibertronics.com/12f-mtp-cassette-sm-scupc-to-1-mtpapc-std-fstandard-pinout-lgx-pin-spacing

[@shem44]

for the talkback, can all cam operators hear each other like in a conference call or they can only talk to the director?

[@djp_video]

When connected to a Studio Converter, Talkback Converter, everyone hears everyone.

[@juliussekadde6295]

Priceless knowledge in the comments string .....thanks Doug for the video....Am using a 6channel converter but failed to get tally working well for all the 6cams

[@BearRiverLive]

Did you ever have problems with the fiber cassettes as a break out?

[@djp_video]

I don't use them very often at all, but they've always worked just fine.

[@joeybaronstudio]

Can you use the return connection to run audio back to the camera for a intercom?

[@djp_video]

The Camera Converter / Studio Converter products have intercom functionality built-in. I have a video about how I use it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/robJi6GQm5ujj6s

[@wacfilms1]

there is any audio and video pressbox over fiber TX and RX?? witch you recommend ??

[@djp_video]

I'm not familiar enough with those products to make a recommendation

[@VladoGatev]

Thanks for excellent explanation! I have question about possibitlite to connect 3-4 cameras with BMD ATEM Camera Converters to your duplexs system and after that with BMD Fiber to SDI converter to ATEM Television Studio HD. In this case, how many video inputs from the cameras will I have - 1 or 4? My idea is to exclude the Studio converter from the setup or it is not possible?

[@zakaijalen2368]

instablaster.

[@joeybaronstudio]

Does that camera converter box power from fiber?

[@djp_video]

No. Fiber doesn't carry power.

[@kevinmcgrath9635]

Could you please explain how you hook up 6 cameras on the single fiber cable that you talked about in the beginning of the video

[@djp_video]

The reel contains a 150 meter cable with 12 individual fibers in it. That allows for up to six cameras -- two fibers per camera: one for transmit, one for receive, over a single cable. The connectors on the end are called MPO or MTP, and those plug into the back of the cassettes you see sitting just in front of the reel. From there I just use regular single mode cable with LC (UPC) connectors as I normally would.

[@28timm]

Is the MPO cable Single mode or multi mode? Does it matter?

[@RMFFILM]

Hi great video and well explained. I have a question about Talkback Converter 4k, the one with 8 inputs/outputs? Is it possible to send different signals to 8 Blackmagic MiniConverter Optical Fiber12G via the optical wave in each SDI IN? I don't always need a program for all 8 converters, but sometimes an AUX or I have to send an external signal via the glass cable. Maybe you can help me. Thanks :-)

[@djp_video]

No, unfortunately the return signal going to the cameras has to all be the same.

[@fortacteur]

Hi. Can you give me a link for the fiber cassets please? Thanks

[@djp_video]

I wish I could. I got these second hand and they aren't labeled.

[@pveselkov]

Hi there. I have a question. Will the PTT function work when connecting one converter to another of the same?

[@djp_video]

If you're referring to connecting two Camera Converters together, yes intercom does work between them. Albeit with the restriction that you won't hear your own audio (sidetone) in your headset -- just the audio of the other person.

[@TarekSaneh]

Hey great video, is those blue armored cables are reliable in events when people can step on them?

[@djp_video]

So far they've all held up. And I've had to lay them in walking paths quite a few times. They're reasonably rugged, though not as much so as you might find on higher-end gear.

[@TarekSaneh]

doubledeej thx a lot, the price difference between those cables and fieldcast or tactilalfibre is insane. Its worth trying them

[@ErikWildemanFilms]

So, I got my Studio Converter 2 a few days ago. It took me a while to get it running. I finally got my tally working, but only on my camera converter and not on my monitor (the border that I expected). Am I missing something, or am I doing things not right?

[@juliussekadde6295]

Faced the same problem

[@ROBERTPOKONSKI]

I know this is not the subject but what the model n manufacture is the monitor

[@djp_video]

The small monitor on top of the camera is a Neewer DC-70. It has been discontinued and replaced by what I feel is an inferior model.

[@jenshawlitzky3300]

Can i do 1080 50p with the camera converter? I don’t get a picture with 50p

[@djp_video]

If your video source is 3G-SDI Level B. If it's Level A it won't work.

[@jenshawlitzky3300]

@@djp_video where can I change to level B I go from a JVC gy 180 with 50p to the converter and than into an Atem television studio hd

[@djp_video]

You usually can't change the camera's output type. But it can be converted from Level A to Level B with a Blackmagic Design Bidirectional Micro Converter or Decimator MD-LX.

[@jenshawlitzky3300]

Thank you. I will try that.

[@djp_video]

You should also try HDMI if you can.

[@TarekSaneh]

Is there any tally information transmit from the camera converter output to your camera monitor like red and green box?

[@djp_video]

The ATEM switcher does send tally information on all of its SDI outputs. So if the ATEM is connected directly to the Studio Converter or Talkback Converter, and you have Camera Converters on the other end it will display a red tally box when viewing video from the local camera. If any one those pieces is missing, though, no tally box shows up. And it only works for Program, not Preview.

[@TarekSaneh]

doubledeej thx a lot, so only red box mean no preview tally, wich not a big deal for my work coz I awlays tell the cameraman to standby before i switch to his camera

[@PinknoizStudios]

Hi Doug, it is very very helpful! I have ATEM Television Studio Pro HD. Is it possible to connect Mini Converter Optical Fiber 12G over opitical cable to ATEM Camera Converter with full functionality (with tally and talkback) and exclude ATEM Studio Converter 'cause it delivers 1 mix-minus for all cameras and talkback is in switcher already? Probably can't talk to one camera then but all. Thanks. Gordan

[@djp_video]

I haven't explicitly tried using the Optical Fiber converters, but it should work. I'll be testing that soon, though, because I actually need that myself for an event I have coming up in a few weeks. And you would always be talking to all cameras, as there aren't any buttons to select the relevant outputs. The SDI outputs on the TVS can be configured to either be mix minus or a regular program out, just FYI.

[@PinknoizStudios]

@@djp_video Thank you for a quick answer confirming some my thoughts about optical interconnections. You are doing great job an have very inerresting mobile setups. I should do that in very similar manner if I had that budget and production needs. Best regards, Gordan Antic

[@griffinellis5578]

@@djp_video Hey Doug! Did you ever test the Talkback converter to the 12G optical converters? Interested to know if it’d work

[@djp_video]

@@griffinellis5578I haven't tested it explicitly, but it would work.

[@JeffreyFranck]

Curious about the cassette, fiber spool, and armored fiber cable. Can you give me part numbers?

[@djp_video]

I wish I could... they're all generic and/or eBay finds.

[@JeffreyFranck]

I'm looking into these for our crew. Have you been able to interface with an existing comm system or do I need to have the camera converter for every member?

[@djp_video]

A camera converter for each operator is the easy solution, but with a little effort you can interface to other systems. The Studio Converter and Talkback Converter have AES/EBU inputs and outputs for audio, so with an AES/EBU Analog converter (like the Behringer Ultramatch Pro that I'm using) you get regular analog audio, which you can then interface into most other intercom systems fairly easily. I haven't had to do that, as I do have enough gear for my crew, but there's no reason it wouldn't work.

[@JeffreyFranck]

Great! I was thinking of a camera converter for each just for keeping it simple sake. Much appreciated and thanks for the quick responses! Your videos have helped a lot!

[@bcharanek]

would you go for the same cabling/conversion if you are using the BM 4k studio cameras (the latest reduced price version)

[@djp_video]

I would definitely still use the Studio Converter and optical cables if I had to use BMD's Studio cameras. Obviously no Camera Converters would be necessary in that situation. But, considering all of their limitations, I wouldn't use those cameras.

[@willemcbothavideos]

Does the ATEM camera converter ship with a sfp module?

[@djp_video]

Yes, it ships with the 3G SFP

[@willemcbothavideos]

Doug Johnson Productions I also have contacted my local store and that is the response they gave me. “The older Camera Converter includes the 3G SFP, but all the new products exclude the SFP”

[@djp_video]

The Camera Converter, Studio Converter and original Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber 4K mini converter units do include the SFP. The newer Optical Fiber 12G, Talkback Converter, and Studio Cameras do not include SFP modules.

[@belosport]

Hello!!! I'm about to buy the 8-channel ATEM talback. I already have 8 fiber optic videoconverters to 12g SDI de BLACKMAGIC. Once the connection of the 8 cameras is finished, do I have to leave the talback to a switcher? Or does the ATEM talback also work as a switcher? I ask you because I do not see that it has a MULTIVIEW output to be able to view the 8 cameras and be able to use it as a switcher at the same time.

[@djp_video]

You’ll need a separate switcher. The Talkback Converter doesn’t do any processing on the video

[@belosport]

@@djp_video Okay!!! thank you very much!!! I want to use the Blackmagic Design ATEM 2 M / E Production Studio 4K, because I need to use 14 cameras in the stream. What do you recommend that I use as a control panel? Because the ATEM 2 M / E Advanced Panel is extremely expensive for me in its price. Is there another panel that I can use to take advantage of the 16 inputs it has?

[@dreamingofbonsai]

Does anyone else have an issue sending the talkback from the aviation style headset to the camera operators on the Atem Talkback Converter 4K? The studio where I work has a Atem Talkback Converter 4K but I am not able to get the director microphone to send audio back to the cameras. We are using (4) Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2 cameras with the camera fiber converters that run fiber into (4) BMD studio fiber converters. Then sdi out of the BMD studio fiber converters into the SDI inputs of the Atem Talkback Converter 4K. At this point the aviation style headset in the front of the unit can hear themselves from their microphone as was as all the camera headsets. We then send the iso camera feeds out of the Atem Talkback Converter 4K via the individual SDI outs and then into the SDI inputs of a new tricaster 1. We then send the program out of the tricaster 1 into the program sdi in on the Atem Talkback Converter 4K and then out of the program sdi out into the BMD studio fiber converter. Any help would be amazing!

[@djp_video]

Are you enabling the talkback channels? Pressing the buttons on the front of the unit to turn green to enable audio to the connected cameras?

[@dreamingofbonsai]

@@djp_video yes all channels are green.

[@dreamingofbonsai]

It is not muted on the front either.

[@djp_video]

Can the camera operators hear each other?

[@dreamingofbonsai]

@@djp_video no they cannot

[@Phi2Ch]

Hey, thanks for the explainations about fiber optics! Do you have a like about the fiber optics cables?

[@djp_video]

Not any in particular. But I do highly recommend getting armored cable. This will help a great deal in making sure the glass fiber isn't damaged. Just make sure to look for single mode cable with blue LC connectors. If the connector is any other color the cable isn't the right type and likely wouldn't work well.

[@EmpireVideoIN]

Would you recommend this type of fiber cable: www.amazon.com/dp/B017B3EHZ2?th=1 or can you recommend a brand of cable. Tactical Fiber is way to expensive for us and I am looking to switching to a fiber workflow that I can take in the field - trying to determine the best bang for the buck with careful handling and deployment. THANKS!!

[@djp_video]

That cable would work. (If a cable has blue ends you can be pretty confident it will work.) However, personally if I was to start over I'd only invest in armored cable. It isn't that much more expensive, but is significantly better able to hold up to potential damage. Take a look at this cable, which is armored and isn't that much more money: www.ebay.com/itm/100M-Armored-cable-Fiber-Patch-Cord-LC-to-LC-LC-LC-SM-9-125-Duplex-/201216565199?hash=item2ed9711fcf:g:7t8AAOSwn51UYxzm

[@EmpireVideoIN]

Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply. Is the damage concern more on the ends of the unit being dropped, damaged, dirt, etc or is it more of a concern from laying it across a traffic area where if it was stepped on it would crush the cable? Most of the time I can route cables away from traffic but there are times where I have no choice - with HD-SDI cables I have no worries but I would be worried if someone stepped on a fiber cable. I think that is what as kept me away from going this route. But tally lights and good two way communication (and not having it) has been an annoyance with me so I am thinking of going with the BM workflow for our live productions.

[@djp_video]

It certainly helps to protect from foot traffic, but the main concern is a cable being kinked or otherwise bent at too sharp of a radius, such as being pulled too tightly around a corner, or too much force being applied at one of the connectors. The armoring helps quite a bit in that area.

[@stagemedia]

You say that the camera converter is the only non 4k gear but the studio converter is not 4k right?

[@djp_video]

The Studio Converter does support 4K. It ships with the 6G Optical SFPs.

[@stagemedia]

Saw the 4k format specs now on the tech specs tab on their website. But nowhere else. Sketchy. Thanks for the info. Great information in your videos. Keep em coming. BTW Have you used the SDI-Hdmi 4k mini converter? Does it output 1080 hdmi when connected to a Atem? I want to do: Micro studio Cam - 6Gsdi/fiber - Mini conv 4k - split to: 1:HyDeStu(record 4k) 2: Hdmi 1080 Atem. Do'able?

[@djp_video]

The SDI-to-HDMI 4K Mini Converter outputs the same resolution to HDMI that it receives via SDI. So if you've got 1080 in, it does 1080 out. It doesn't do signal conversion. (If you need conversion, you'll need a Teranex or Decimator MD-HX djp.li/mdhx). Most of the ATEM switchers have an HD down-converted output so if you are shooting and switching 4K but need an HD signal for a TV, you can use the down-converted output rather than the regular Program output.

[@stagemedia]

What I've found is that if the Hdmi out is connected to a HD(1080) Hdmi input it downconverts. "Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K includes everything you need to convert from SD, HD, 3G and 6G-SDI video sources to HDMI in SD, HD and Ultra HD video formats. You can also de-embed SDI audio to HDMI, AES/EBU or balanced analog audio out. Also includes Instant Lock on HDMI output. Imagine using big screen Ultra HD TV’s and projectors for broadcast monitoring! The built in down converter even allows Ultra HD monitoring on HD televisions!"

[@stagemedia]

The MD-HX doesn't do 6G to my knowledge. Only HD 3G.

[@WeWereYoungandCrazy]

by saying 3gig SDI, you mean 3G?

[@djp_video]

3 Gig = 3 Gigabits/second... the data rate used for 1080p50 or 1080p60.

[@Assassin4567a]

Where do you buy your fiber cable? Any suggestions for where to buy used? Not seeing too much on ebay

[@djp_video]

I haven't seen much used fiber. Frankly, I wouldn't trust it. It's just too fragile to be able to be sure that the prior owner took care of it. I get mine mostly off of Amazon, Monoprice, or eBay.

[@Assassin4567a]

Doug Johnson Productions yeah good suggestion. Our company is considering upgrading to all fiber. What brand of cable do you use and where did you buy it? Thanks!

[@djp_video]

For really short runs (like inside of an equipment rack) I use these: amzn.to/2Dp41ax For longer runs, in areas with foot traffic, I use these (or their longer versions): djp.li/20mlc My trunk cable is here: djp.li/200mtrunk I've also used Fibertronics, and been very happy with them too.: www.fibertronics.com/

[@Assassin4567a]

Doug Johnson Productions thanks! I’ll look into these

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

hey Doug, do you know if these fibre connections will work directly with the Blackmagic Studio cameras? or do i still have to get the studio converter+camera converter connectors?

[@djp_video]

Dennis Allen The full-size Studio cameras have SFP slots in them so they can accept fiber directly. All you need is to buy one of their SFP modules.

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

i know you're not a BMD representative lol but can you do a workflow graphic and breakdown. i'm struggling to understand magic of how the 9-strand snake carries 6 video inputs+programme+data and how you utalize the third party fibre hubs and the BMD VideoHub to get everything moving along. Yesss...i know it's plenty to ask! :-D

[@djp_video]

It's pretty simple... a diagram isn't required... Fibers 1 through 9 carry video from the cameras back to my trailer, going to two Studio Converters and one Optical Fiber converter. 10 and 11 carry video from the trailer back to the cameras (one output of each Studio Converter), distributed to the cameras by a pair of 1:4 optical splitters. The 12th fiber carries bidirectional 1Gbps Ethernet network traffic.

[@jakestopstalkingme6974]

Quick question, I'm wanting to setup cameras at a Dirt Race Track, Most cameras are 1,000-1,700 feet away, so would all I need is converters to convert from sdi-fiber>fiber cable>fiber-sdi>then into the switcher? (Sorry Im still REALLY new and confused even after watching every video I think is on the internet)

[@djp_video]

Yes, but you’d definitely want outdoor armored cable to protect the fiber strands. When purchasing, you want single mode, LC connectors. Blue connectors (not green, or teal) will let you know you’ve got the right thing.

[@jakestopstalkingme6974]

Doug Johnson Productions Thank you SO much!! I’m planning on getting out door cables and running them in some PVC pipe and capping the ends when not being used to keep water and stuff out do you think that would work very well and do you have somewhere you recommend to get budget friendly Fiber cables?

[@jakestopstalkingme6974]

Doug Johnson Productions If I’m getting a 12G converter and use a 3G optical module, would it still work because my camera is 3G so I don’t want to spend the extra money on a 12G module if it’s not going to affect anything. Thank you so much for all your help!

[@djp_video]

The 3G module works just fine in the 12G converter, as long as your video is 3G-SDI or lower.

[@jakestopstalkingme6974]

Doug Johnson Productions Ok! Thank you SO much for all your help!

[@FiberMART]

Very Nice video, maybe you need any fiber cables, we may help :)

[@dgodfrey5322]

Where do you purchase your Optic Fibre cables form?

[@djp_video]

It varies. Amazon, eBay, Monoprice, fs.com.