Decimator MD-LX Converter - Hands On Review

Decimator MD-LX Converter - Replaces BMD Micro Converters. Used in conjunction with Black Magic ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K Video Switch for SDI MultiView Out.
Power: USB - PC, Wall (included Cable - Micro USB to USB + Outlet Adapter); Battery or USB Charger for multiple Units.
Mounting: Device can be clamped with Matthews MicroClamp, Manfrotto Tripod Nano clamp or harnessed more gently with Tether Tools StrapMoore on a Light Stand with a Vesa Monitor Mount.
Decimator MD-LX HDMI/SDI Bi-Directional Converter BiDirectional Converter - NOT a Cross Converter!
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We hope you find this Video helpful!

[@bonuscardboy]

thanks for explaining what is ''doesn't" do as well. this the best explanation yet! I'll need to 1080p to 1080i (appleTV input config.)

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Sound Man! Thanks for your comments! You'll need a good Splitter - HDMI 1.3 + Decimator MD-HX Converter. At one time, we had a Bank of Splitters, Rack Mounted, USB Powered for multiple Media players. Right now, we use mainly these 2 Splitters... - ViewHD 2 Port 1x2 Powered HDMI Mini Splitter & - OREI HD-102 1x2 1 Port HDMI Powered Splitter. Hope that helps!

[@iRepairElectronics]

Thanks you just got a new subscriber.

[@gillboyd2956]

Thanks! Much Appreciated!

[@myriamortiz769]

Hola!!! The Decimator MD-HX works with the Hero GOPRO 9 and the ATEM/1ME Production Studio 4k?

[@queenmary5532]

Great tutorial! This was very helpful. I was wondering if the MD-LX will work with my Lenovo tablet i.e. HDMI output to the USB on the Lenovo?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Sharon Hatcher, Thank You! Appreciate Your Comments! If You can get HDMI out, yes. HDMI is pretty forgiving whether NTSC or RGB. No format conversions though - 1080i / 59.94 or 1080p / 60. Whatever comes in, will be same going out. If You need Conversion of any kind, consider Decimator MD-HX Converter. Are You connecting with a Video Switch or a Video Projector? Test before You deploy!

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

This is fantastic, thanks for being so comprehensive. Will this accept a 4K HDMI signal from the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and be able to send SDI signal to an SDI input 4K monitor? I sometimes get mixed up on 3G, 6G and 12G SDI signals. This MD-LX is only capable of 1080i or 1080p at 23.98fps?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Insanity On A Bun, Thanks! Appreciate Your Comments! Been remodeling. Sorry to take so long in getting back to You! Since we're talking 4k, that's a different animal. Let's just cut to the chase... Here's what you want... Decimator 12G-Cross 4K HDMI/SDI Cross Converter with Scaling and Frame Rate Conversion - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1474644-REG/decimator_12g_cross_4k_hdmi_sdi_cross_converter.html Will do 4k60! Look at the price! These will sell out fast, once available! Hope that helps!

[@danielmanning7181]

Great Video Gill! Thank you! We are using an ATEM Mini Pro and want to send our PGM feed to our church lobby. How would I achieve this without sending the M/V feed that is coming out of the output?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Daniel Manning, Thank You for Your Comments! Anything, going the Distance has to go SDI. You have HDMI out. SDI is good to 300 feet without a signal Boost. HDMI is good to 7 feet reliably. Unless You get a very special and very expensive HDMI cable. And in the end, SDI is still the best option. The Decimator MD-LX Converter is great for what it does. However... With all of that said, suggest a Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter. You'll have 1 HDMI In and 2 SDI Out. Whatever comes out of ATEM Mini Pro Programs feed goes to Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter. Form there, 1 feed to House - Sanctuary. The other SDI feed to Church Lobby. This is the Go To Converter for everything. You'll need one on each end. And if You need longer distance, install another Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter in the line to boost another 300 feet. Pay attention to Configuration. Any Setting changes are easier to implement from a Computer through their downloadable software. Takes 5 minutes. Much faster than trying to navigate the tiny screen menus. The tiny screen is best suited to visually showing signal I/O. Hope that helps. Suggest, in time get a Blackmagic Video Switch with SDI. Everything needs to be SDI. The Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter can also be used to get a Camera out to see the Audience either on a Crane or in a loft from a Gimbal. Suggest keeping everything at default, 1080i / 59.94. As You upgrade to Broadcast SDI Cameras, You'll already be working in that environment. Conversions to Stream can be done from the Streaming Device. Which would be a 3rd output signal also coming from the Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter near the Video Switch. Now, to keep costs down, suggest 1 Decimator MD-LX Converter at Video Switch. And a Decimator MD-LX Converter at each point of exit - House and Lobby. Hope that helps!

[@rastafandy]

Hi Gill, Great review, just subscribed, awesome channel. I have this converter and I’m having an issue with my audio. Every minute or so I have static, like saturated sound on my tv (kind of like the black magic converters). My setup is this: 1. ATEM 4K switcher (SDI out) to md-lx. 2. MD-LX our to HDMI projector and also SDI loop out which goes to MD-LX #2 3. MD-LX to tv through HDMI. I’ve tried many things but i can try more to fix this. Do you have any idea what the issue might be? Thanks!

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi rastafandy, Thanks! Appreciate Your comments. What's Your Payload - 1080i/59.94? And Your Delivery - SMPTE Level B. Let's isolate. At what Point are You getting noise? Tell Us more about your SDI Cables. Any noise at Projector? Verify 1st MD-LX connections (SDI & HDMI) before adding 2nd MD-LX. And test both MD-LX's in 1st position, separately. Might be a setting within the MD-LX or might need a Firmware Update also in the MD-LX. Never had any problems with the MD-LX. Very simple and straight forward. But stuff happens. And at the worst possible time. For the Projector, we use a Blackmagic SDI to HDMI Converter. They connect quick after the 1st time, remembering the connection. No waiting for Projector to snyc HDMI connection.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi rastafandy, Did You ever update the Firmware in Your Black Magic Converters? They are notorious for noise.

[@iRepairElectronics]

Nice review. was wondering if you have tried going from dispkay port to this device, via a display port to hdmi cable.

[@BuildOrBuy]

Hi i Repair Electronics, Thanks. Shot Live, no edits then posted. Was short on time. Interesting Question. No, not yet. Thinking out loud... Cable should not matter. We only use the Decimator MD-LX for Output. Out of the ATEM is easy. As an Input to ATEM, that could be a problem. Into the ATEM is more difficult due to frame rates 1080i / 60 (default). The Decimator MD-LX does NOT Convert frame rates. It only converts SDI to HDMI and vice versa. We'll test, next week, during setup, and let you know. We're making setup changes right now. Now You have me curious as well! Details matter! We can test and see. Thanks for asking and Thanks for Watching!

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi i Repair Electronics, Thanks for your patience. And glad you asked! Hope this helps! Decimator MD-LX & DisplayPort to HDMI kzbin.info/www/bejne/naSWmZ2udrSkbKM

[@CarletonWatkins1861]

Would this be a good option for a 100 foot feed between my Sony A7III to the ATEM Pro Mini if I had an MD-LX on each end with a 100' SDI cable between the 2 boxes?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi CarletonWatkins1861, SDI, absolutely. Decimator MD-LX Converter, questionable. This does not convert format only HDMI to SDI. Meaning, whatever = Input, same for Output. HDMI is very forgiving. Such as not the case with SDI. With SDI, everything has to be exact, 1080i / 59.94. You have to know all of that going in, to expect anything, coming out. Sony A7III www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1394217-REG/sony_ilce_7m3_alpha_a7_iii_mirrorless.html ATEM Pro Mini - HDMI www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1557461-REG/blackmagic_design_atem_mini_pro_hdmi.html Our suggestion, Decimator MH-HX Cross Converter - That converter actually converts signal. Anything to anything. Bullet proof. Signal locks on and stay on target. Takes 5 minutes to configure through Decimator software. You just have to remember or designate as an Input or Output Converter. We have all of our Decimator MH-HX Cross Converters configured for Input. The default was Output. FYI. Decimator MH-HX Cross Converter www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1091826-REG/decimator_dd_hx_hdmi_sdi_cross_converter_with.html We're going to be doing a series of Videos answering these types of Questions, sharing our experiences connecting Devices to a Video Switch through SDI. You're on the right track. Hope this helps!

[@CarletonWatkins1861]

@@gillboyd2956 Thanks for the reply!

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@CarletonWatkins1861, You're welcome. Hope that helps!

[@TheDarkestOne37]

Great video, but I had a question on the SDI to HDMI / HDMI to SDI set up. Does that option mean that I can run an HDMI input from a camera to go to SDI to my switcher. Then, I could run an output from my switcher via SDI to a TV through HDMI? So it can handle input/output from two different sources? (Assuming all video sources are the same resolution.) That would be a great option to eliminate an extra convertor and power connection (not really a price savings though.)

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi The Darkest One, Thank You! Much Appreciated! In essence what You want would be a secondary Video Switch. We've been in that spot too before. Just remember to Keep it Simple! Every Input requires a Converter. Every Output, same. Unless You're using SDI Cameras. NTSC vs sRGB, Resolution and Frame Rate - 1080i / 59.94. You can only feed One signal In but You can Split the Source and have Two signals going out. To reiterate... And whatever comes In is the same going out. There is NO conversion. There is no dual signal possible. Think of this as a fancy Gender changer. It works but is limited in scope since there is no frame rate conversion. Suggest instead to consider the Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter. Still only one Signal Input however, it will Convert Signal both Frame Rate and Resolution and lock on every time! Hope that helps! Looks like we need to do another Video on Signal Converters! What Video Switch are You using? All about the Music! Play On!

[@TheDarkestOne37]

@@gillboyd2956 Wow! A lot of info in there. Thank you. I appreciate all of that detail.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@TheDarkestOne37, Absolutely! Here to Help! Thank You for Asking and Watching!!

[@ONLINEINYOU_prod.]

Hi, can it convert 1080p to 1080i ? I have Atem 1 TV, and I'll need just 1080i. Or can it convert 720p to 1080i? I need convert progressive to interlease

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi onlineinyou , Unfortunately, No Signal Format Conversion. Whatever comes in, same Signal going out. Only conversion is HDMI to SDI and vice versa. For Signal Format Conversion you have 2 Options - Decimator MD-HX / MD-Cross (Color Bars & Tones) or BMD UpDownCross HD Converter (less expensive - problematic with GoPro). The Decimator MD-HX just needs configuring - Use software, faster than buttons! Great Question, Thanks for Asking & Thanks for Watching!

[@ress143]

hi, will the output will work using the HDMI Splitter? to use in a multiple monitor or projector?

[@gillboyd2956]

Yes it will work! Good idea for another video - Thanks! Been Upgrading our Mics before anymore Videos get uploaded. The MD-LX needs a firmware update to sync quickly on HDMI. Coming out of the ATEM to Projector, we use a BMD 4K SDI to HDMI Converter. Why? A Firmware Update now allows the BMD 4K SDI to HDMI Converter to remember the last HDMI Device, thus providing a quicker signal lock allowing for a quick signal to Projector and then on screen, no waiting! The Decimator MD-LX needs that same type of Firmware Upgrade. Hope that helps! Thanks for asking!

[@GameHelp10]

Can this be used as an SDI loop/booster? We have about a 300’ SDI run but only have 200’ cables. Hoping to use this as a SDI booster between the two SDI cables.

[@GameHelp10]

Trying to see if this is worth it because it’s temporary and would be nice to have a backup for our other SDI-HDMI and HDMI-SDI converters as well.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Kaleigh Muth, It should. In fact any Device on SDI should boost the signal. We have not tried it that way. Seeing Your 2nd message, suggest the Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter. That will! Very handy to have for checking and verifying signal on an SDI Cable. Best way and fastest way to Configure is from a Computer. 5 Minutes to Configure! Hope that helps!

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@GameHelp10, As already mentioned, suggest Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter. The Decimator MD-LX Converter just sends whatever is there. No conversions unless You count it as a Gender Changer. That's the only Conversion. The LED is helpful but not as helpful as the LCD Screen on the Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter (SMPTE Level A/B) which actually indicates Resolution and Frame Rate both In and Out. All of the Decimators we've used are bullet proof and have worked. Not like some of the other SDI Devices out there! Hope this helps!

[@lawrencearevalo5578]

Great video! I just subscribed. I'm having trouble sending a signal using the LX. Here's my signal path... Switcher > HDMI > Decimator MD-HX > SDI > MD-LX > HDMI > Projector. I am guessing there is a configuration issue?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Lawrence Arevalo, Good to meet You! Great Question! Appreciate Your Comments! Short answer... Keep It Simple! Yes, since we may have a signal issue, not knowing where you're at, let's work this out - 1080i/59.94 payload (Broadcast), SMPTE Level B delivery? 1st - Simplify the configuration - x Switcher > HDMI > Decimator MD-HX > SDI > MD-LX > HDMI > Projector Can you try either one of the following... - Switcher > SDI > MD-LX > HDMI > Projector - Switcher > SDI > MD-HX > HDMI > Projector Longer answer... Reminder: Decimator MD-HX, by default, are configured for Output, not Input. So are you good there? And the Decimator MD-LX only passes signal, in and out, no conversion. In other words, the Decimator MD-LX is ready to go out of the box at 1080i/59.94. To Test: You'd need another Decimator MD-HX Converter ie: Decimator MD-HX > SDI > MD-LX > Decimator MD-HX - Read the MD-HX screen, for verification, and see what you have on both sides of the MD-LX. On a side note: The Decimator MD-HX is easier to configure from a PC than reading that tiny screen menu. The Screen is great for verification but not for configuration - IMO. Oversimplified... Switcher > HDMI > Projector - Works! Problem - Distance. Hence... Switcher > SDI > MD-LX > HDMI > Projector - Should work. Depends upon output (1080i/59.94). And depends upon the Projector (HDMI wants 1080p/60). Expectations - Think of it like NTSC vs RGB. Most Monitors & Projectors are pretty forgiving and can do both. Anything SDI is not. SDI has to be spot on. Here's how we approach the same scenario: Switcher > SDI > Blackmagic Design Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K (Quick Synch feature) > HDMI > Projector. Sometimes it helps when someone else takes a look to verify. Take nothing for granted. Assume nothing and check everything. Once you do this, it gets easier! Let us know if this helps. Thanks for Asking & Thanks for Subscribing!

[@lawrencearevalo5578]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL! THANK YOU!

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Lawrence, Excellent! Thanks for Subscribing! Let Us know if You need anymore help!

[@justlookingfour]

can I use the MD-LX to send a signal from a video switch down to a monitor using hdmi to sdi running 1080i I recently try using black magic micro converters but it fail to take the signal

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi justlookingfour, Yes, we have done it and it works! HDMI is pretty forgiving. However, with SDI, Signal has to be spot on, 1080i / 59.94. Frame rate is the kicker. Whatever comes through is what goes out. No Conversion, only signal pass through. However, Your best bet is using a Decimator MD-HX converter. Blackmagic Micro Converters are finicky. You don't have time to mess around. We have used all 3 to do what You want. Watch Your Frame Rate. That's where everyone get hung up. Keep it Simple!

[@justlookingfour]

@@gillboyd2956 I am using a Roland v1HD hdmi switcher into a decimator md-lx no signal going into the monitors I try all 3 formats 720P 1080i and 1080P still red light SD signal hdmi input sdi out to bmd sdi to hdmi Have you ever run across this problem ?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@justlookingfour, What's Your Roland setup for? Your Frame Rate? 1080i / 59.94? What's You Distance on HDMI? The Decimator MD-LX will only pass thru whatever is coming in. There is no signal Conversion. HDMI is only good consistently for up to 8 feet. Don't use Redmere technology HDMI cables for longer distances. They are hit or miss.

[@justlookingfour]

@@gillboyd2956 I am using the roland to send computer /PowerPoint signal thru a 75ft sdi cable to a projector. The problem I'm having when I connect the roland via 4ft hdmi out to hdmi md-lx input then sdi out to bmd sdi to hdmi out to projector I have no video going to the projector but if I take the roland out of line and connect 4ft hdmi jumper directly to converter I get video. What converter should I used in this case to work with the roland?

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@justlookingfour, That's sounds like differences in Frame Rate 59.94 vs 60. Suggest using a Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter.

[@charlespatt]

Gill, your videos on the MD-LX have been great. No where else did I see mention of the level A vs B selection on the software. I'm connecting an AVIPAS low budget PTZ to the ATEM TV Studio SDI input and was really hoping the MDLX could do the conversion I needed. Once I changed the software setting it worked fine - (other than finding a bad connection in my BNC cable). I have two pc's via HDMI, and two SDI cameras going into my ATEM. I'm running them at 1080p59.94. The pc monitors seem to want to default to 1080p60. If I try other settings (1080i) the pc monitors seem to get messed up. I think I would have liked using 1080i since we are also feeding multiple TVs around a church facility and they all wanted 1080i. I need to learn more regarding connecting pc's, monitors, and the ATEM so I'll be checking out your other videos as well. Thanks

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Charles, Welcome! Those little details matter greatly as You well know! Always Test new Cables and Verify Signal integrity. We have much more to do for Behind the Scenes. I've been very Busy with BuildOrBuy to make that aspect Successful. We will be doing more Videos Behind the Scene soon! HDMI is much more forgiving than SDI. Although SDI is the way to go once You understand Signal Requirements! SMPTE Level A and B is an interesting Discussion. We should show more of that aspect and what works and why and why not. We like to keep it Simple. The Default works! Suggest Getting at least one Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter in Your repertoire. Those always work! That's what We use for all Computers - Decimator MD-HX Cross Converter. Always spot on! Decimator MD-LX is whatever comes in, same goes out. We're only able to convert Gender. However, the Decimator MD-LX is sufficient for Monitors and as a path thru and signal boost to the next Monitor. We need to do a Video about Hooking a Projector to a PC and then scaling that to a Blackmagic ATEM SDI Video Switch. And We're contemplating 4K. That's a big deal for Converters. That's a lot of Data to move. I'm all about Answering Subscribers Questions! Appreciate Your Comments! Hope that helps!

[@charlespatt]

@@gillboyd2956 Yes, I bought the Decimator HX a little while back and it has been a god-send! It really helps troubleshooting to know where a problem may be coming from AND then it can perform the quick fix when it's needed in a live situation such as someone's laptop with odd settings, or other situations. The MD-LX worked to allow my cheap PTZ camera to join the party, and I just tested it with another cheapo

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@charlespatt, Outstanding! Absolutely! Let me, know if You need any more help! Success, Blessings and Best Wishes.

[@charlespatt]

@@gillboyd2956 Thanks again. I'll probably be hitting you up with an email or two.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@charlespatt, Always ready for new Clients! Otherwise, always here to Answer Subscribers Questions on KZbin! Hope that helps!

[@thedigitalemotion]

Hi Gill, new subscriber, can you explain the difference between Level A SDI and Level B SDI? Thank you!

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Neon Emotion, An honor and a privilege! The key is the Payload. Change the Payload, changes the Delivery mode - Level A or Level B. From the Source - SMPTE ST 425 - 3G SDI Mapping Standards - Three different mapping modes are defined as: - Level A Direct Image Mapping - Level B-DL Dual Link mapping - Level B-DS Dual Stream mapping Level A sounds & looks simpler, on paper. All 3 are operating at a nominal rate of 3Gb/s. The Key is 3G SDI. What about going forward... As long as we keep the default broadcast standard of 1080i / 59.94, the payload is the same. Therefor, either delivery mode should work. Meaning: SMPTE Level A SDI and Level B SDI are the same when the payload is 1080i / 59.94. If we change anything like (1080p / 60), the payload changes thus requiring a choice of Level A or Level B. And who ever made that distinction must have been nuts! But we have the benefit of now, looking back. Who ever made that distinction then, was looking forward. So maybe we're nuts! Anyway... For the long term, I'm beginning to see why Black Magic chose SMPTE Level B as we get into 6G & 12G SDI - One Cable for 4K instead of 4 Cables for 4K. 4K is 4 times the payload. But hey, we're all still shooting 1080 for lots of reasons. How many of us have 4k cameras? Looks good on paper! Look at all of the 4K Cameras that do not do 4k 6G SDI. There are a few but you have to hunt for them! So there you go! Here's a (2013) SMPTE PDF link that helps: www.smpte.org/sites/default/files/2013-09-10-3GSDI-Hudson-V3-Full.pdf Hope that makes sense. Hope that helps. We learn by doing and by sharing our experiences. What good is knowledge if not shared! Shooting Video is easy but when we start shooting SDI Video, that changes everything! Appreciate your Question. Keep them coming! Makes me think and reminds us all, remember to never take any of this for granted! This Technology is Amazing & Great... When it works! Another thought... If there's interest, we should do a Video of just what you've asked showing the broadcast standard of 1080i / 59.94 using BOTH Level A & Level B gear with our Black Magic ATEM 4K Video Switch. Interesting question!

[@williamlopez5462]

why anybody shows what cable goes where? talk too much, start from the beginning.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi William Lopez, What can we help You with? Do You need a more basic walk through to understand the signal path and process? Goes to show, we should never take anything for granted. We're here to help!

[@234yomo]

Need to put a delay on your audio. Your video n audio are not sync.

[@gillboyd2956]

What browser are you using? Chrome? Using USB headset? Try watching the Video again. They ARE in sync. I know what you're talking about and have seen that before. May have something to do with delivery on your end. Google occasionally gives stats on why videos are buffering. Can't find that link right now. And that can cause sync issues. Download the video and play locally if that issue persists for you. Appreciate your bringing this to our attention though! Good idea for a video! Sync is easy with edited video. Sync can become a problem with Live broadcast video. Everything matters from signal out to signal monitoring. This video was shot, unedited, rendered, verified and uploaded. Wanted to see if it was possible to speed up the process. Very doable. The only issue with this audio is the scratchiness. Mic antennas were folded, for transport, and needed direction change.

[@234yomo]

Gill Boyd your right. Looks good on my phone but not on my laptop. Using safari. Question? Just started to use the BMD atem switcher and try to use a laptop as a video source but my switcher wont see it. Would a Decimator MD-HX help fix this frame rate issue.

[@gillboyd2956]

Absolutely Yes! You're Laptop is sending 1080p and you're ATEM is defaulted to 1080i? I've only had 1 - 3 year Laptop NOT work with Decimator MD-HX. Everything else, from ASUS ZEN 4K Laptop - Yes, to an 8 year old HDMI Laptop - Yes! BTW: Decimator MD-HX & MD-CROSS are configured, by default, for Output Converters. As ATEM Input Converters and SMPTE Level B support, use the software Control Panel from Decimator website. Takes 5 minutes to Configure. At ATEM default of 1080i, Level A or B does not matter in Converter settings. Another idea for a Video! Hope that helps!

[@234yomo]

Gill Boyd thanks.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi@@234yomo, Glad we could help! Been busy!

[@wrnrt]

16 minutes. Could have been 6 minutes.

[@gillboyd2956]

Hi Werner T, Thank You for Your Comments. We answer Questions with Our Videos based on Questions from Subscribers. Some want more information to better understand SDI.