Budget SDI to HDMI Video Converters

[@heretorecord]

Excellent work, once again, Doug. I've definitely recommended the BMD Micros before, but never knew about the audio issues (as I tend not to run audio through them) - Great to know!

[@Dr_Ngubo]

Great video. Really enjoyed watching and learning.

[@Invalid_Sim]

Good Review.... i like what you are doing.... i do AV work in NYC and i work with a lot of BlackMagic Design Hardware also, your reviews are very informative and detailed... keep going! Im rooting for you...

[@streetprinciples]

Great video. A ton of research and information. Thanks!

[@leopoldwhylie5076]

Thank you for this comparison test. This information is what I need as I'm building out a video system for our church.

[@djp_video]

Glad to help. :)

[@edbenfield9174]

Very clear and helpful

[@addoejonathan2114]

You are a live sever, you are good at what you do keep it up thanks

[@AprilMeservyMusic]

Your videos rock.

[@QuicksilverSG]

More recent Chinese clones of the BMD SDI to HDMI converters handle both level A and level B inputs. Unlike the BMD originals, they default to level A. Some of BMD's older SDI gear only outputs level B.

[@dmundes]

good infor, Kenya

[@davidponcefoh]

extremely helpful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great video and thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gcprost]

There is something about these converters that I don't understand. I bought a BMD converter, it didn't work. I contacted BMD but they were no help. I bought the AVMatrix and initially it seemed to work. Then I tried to use it to convert my SDI signal to HDMI to work with the BMD ATEM Mini Pro. Now it doesn't work at all. I bought a second BMD mini converter and right out of the box, it doesn't work. Am I missing something? I am trying to use this with my Panasonic PX270. I know the SDI out has a signal because I use it all the time to monitor and record with this camera on the Atomos Samurai which is SDI. I have tried these converters coming straight out of the camera and coming out of the loop through. My local dealer is no help. Do you have any ideas?

[@djp_video]

Do you get a picture when you connect the HDMI output of the converter to a monitor/TV?

[@gcprost]

@@djp_video No

[@djp_video]

It sounds like it doesn't like your SDI signal. What format is the video?

[@gcprost]

@@djp_video 1080p 24 fps

[@gcprost]

Thanks for doing this. It is perhaps not the sexyist topic in video but it is still important. I have BM mini converter from SDI to HDMI and I am having some trouble with it as I can't get a signal out of it. The lights are on and the SDI loop through works. Thanks for alerting me to the audio problem with this unit. I am using this camera (Panasonic PX 270) with 3 GH5's in a live stream to a BM ATEM mixer. The camera has an HDMI out but it will only do interlaced footage.

[@djp_video]

As far as I can tell the audio issue with the Micro SDI-to-HDMI has been resolved in newer firmware versions.

[@antonygikabia7236]

Hello Doug.Really love your video.they are very helpful.I wanted to find out from you if Blackmagic Support team fixed the audio issue on the SDI to HDMI Microconverter..Did they release a firmware fix for the problem? Kindly let me know. Thanks.

[@djp_video]

It seems they have. I haven't seen (heard) the issue in a while.

[@josejosiane4359]

Hello, i have a question pls? How can connect an vga or hdmi output to a bnc connecter on a cctv recorder? I want to see an clone of my existing monitor right on my cctv. Without the use of an xtra monitor or even a camera pointed to my existing vga monitor.. Tia jose

[@djp_video]

That depends on the CCTV recorder. If it accepts a composite video signal you just need an HDMI to Composite converter like amzn.to/3CTKX1b. If it's another signal type like HD-TVI, HD-CVI, or AHD (likely not SDI, FYI) you'll need to seek out a converter.

[@josejosiane4359]

@@djp_video ok thank you. Will check it out.

[@mustafashawarib6056]

Thanks for your efforts. Does AVMatrix SC1112 support audio from sdi to hdmi? I have a Blackmagic micro Studeo camera.

[@djp_video]

Yes it does. All of them do. Just avoid the BMD Micro Converter if you need audio, since it has a problem that hasn't been fixed yet.

[@martinlebel6380]

Excellent video Doug ! I just brought 2x AJA Hi5-Plus 2 days before you published this video. I wish I saw this video before committing my purchase. Do you have anything to say on the AJA Hi5-Plus ?

[@djp_video]

I haven't personally used the AJA converter. Generally they produce good stuff, though it tends to be outside the purchase price range of the products I review here. I'm sure you'll be getting something that will work well.

[@TygerByte]

Hi Doug, thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge! Do you know or recommend any Fiber to HDMI converters? Our church is trying to run a small live stream setup. We'd like to run fiber as you've suggested in your other videos, but would like to skip the SDI step and go right into HDMI (because of the consumer video dslr/cameras we are using).

[@djp_video]

Honestly, I haven't used any of them myself. I use SDI pretty much exclusively.

[@CulturalChicago]

We have black magic sdi to hdmi 6G converter with an iMac desktop computer and 4K black magic switcher... Unfortunately our propresenter 7 is not seeing the black magic and vice versa from the atem switcher software too. Please what might be the problem... We want to do lower thirds through the atem from the propresenter

[@djp_video]

Getting Macs to connect directly to Blackmagic Switchers can be difficult due to the fact that it's hard to set the video output format in macOS, and the video format being output by the Mac has to match the settings of the switcher exactly. So if your switcher is running 1080p59.94, the Mac also has to output 1080p59.94, which is hard to do. 1080i is the only output setting on Macs that is more or less guaranteed to work with BMD switchers. If you want a sure-fire solution, invest in a Decimator MD-HX (for HD) or 12G-Cross (for UHD) to convert whatever video format the Mac tries to output to the format you need in the switcher. This comes with its own set of issues, but at least you can make it work.

[@billlundstrom2665]

Does the SDI loop on the on the Blackmagic SDI-HDMI, boost the SDI signal? I am trying to run 164 ft * 2 SDI cables.

[@djp_video]

The Loop outputs do reclock (regenerate) the signal, extending the distance you can run a signal. This is true for all of the Blackmagic SDI/HDMI converters, including the Micro converters at a fraction of the price of the Mini version.

[@jimmylostigen6023]

Thank you! Very helpful and informative. I've got those generic ones HDMI to 3G-SDI. I've not been able to transport any reliable images through a 50 meter SDI. I changed to a reliable SDI source and got the same cables to work fine. I got the advise to squeeze the dielectric in the center of the BNC connector. Have you or anyone else heard about any issues with the BNC connector like that?

[@djp_video]

I actually haven't tried running a signal from one of those converters more than a few meters. I haven't run into that issue or heard from anyone else who has.

[@jimmylostigen6023]

Thank you for your answer. I imagine that if there is a small distance in the connector I believe the problem should show even in shorter ranges. I have not dared to try yet since I depend on them as it is now.

[@Philippians-hh5mc]

Will the Rybozen Sdi To hdmi micro converter work for live streaming?

[@djp_video]

I’m not sure I understand the question. For live streaming you need an RTMP video encoder, whether that be a piece of hardware or some software. These devices convert from SDI video to HDMI

[@ceotariqnelson8802]

Wow!!! What about the KanexPro HDMI to 3G/HD/SD-SDI Converter??? How could you leave that one out??? Seems very popular at least with the A/V companies I work with.

[@djp_video]

CEO Tariq Nelson This wasn’t meant to be a comprehensive review. Just covering the converters I already happen to own.

[@ceotariqnelson8802]

Thanks! I plan to purchase the Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD (Waiting on B&H to Restock) and the Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio Mini. I will be shooting from DSLRs thus converting HDMI to SDI to send signals across the studio. I will get a DECIMATOR MD-LX to have options. I was looking at the KanexPro HDMI to 3G/HD/SD-SDI Converter. but I'm now interested in the AV Matrix Mini SC1221 cause you recommended it. My main concern with the converters is reliability. If I choose AV Matrix I will use your link.

[@djp_video]

If you haven't already purchased your cameras, consider going with camcorders instead of DSLRs. They are better suited to live work.

[@ceotariqnelson8802]

Yea I know. but I have an 80D and T5i, My partner has a 60D and a GoPro.. I can shoot now and do a Multicam edit in Final Cut but I want to save time on editing.

[@colossusmediagroup6725]

How do you get the score on the video?

[@djp_video]

Colossus Media Group it's a luma key on graphics produced by some of my own custom software.

[@colossusmediagroup6725]

Do you recommend any software for keeping score and time for football games?

[@djp_video]

Since I only use my own I can't really make any other recommendations.

[@carlosdenully1080]

Hi friend thank you for this video but please help me out. The thing is my brother is cheap lol & doesn’t want to call DISH to install an HDMI cable to my father in laws TV. The thing is my father in laws TV is really fuzzy & there’s really no good clear picture on the TV because it’s using an Antenna cable. Can I use your setup to connect the DISH Antenna to connect an HDMI Cable to connect to my father in laws TV so his TV won’t be fuzzy & he can get that clear picture? Please help.

[@djp_video]

SDI doesn't support the HDCP copy protection used by HDMI, so there are a lot channels that just wouldn't work. Try looking at HDMI extenders instead of converting to SDI.

[@gcprost]

Unfortunately the afiliate links didn't work for me. It could be because I'm in Canada.

[@alexisromero9445]

I can connect directly from the camera to a micro sdi to hdmi converter

[@tankionlinemarkos]

Not sure if this the right video to ask this question. I want to go for a budget portable live streaming setup. I want to have it on a laptop, through Wirecast but having like 3 capture cards and other peripherals will mostly max out its usb bandwidth. What should I do? I dont have the money to get a full blackmagic rack kit. Should I build a rack mounted pc and put it in a flight case or something?

[@djp_video]

I'd really advise that you stay away from trying to capture video from multiple cameras on a computer. I've never found that to be reliable. And to handle that amount of data you'd need a pretty beefy computer. For what you'd spend on a computer that would even be capable of doing such a thing you'd be much better off getting the Television Studio HD from Blackmagic Design and a dedicated hardware video encoder, or a capture card for a computer. It will actually cost you less. Also, in my experience, Wirecast is a nightmare to get setup correctly in a way where it is reliable and doesn't have audio sync issues. If reliability is at all important to you, I'd advise getting computers out of the signal path.

[@tankionlinemarkos]

Thank you for the reply. I have watched most of your videos, and I still havent decided if I want to bite the bullet. Do you have any experience with buying used Blackmagic gear? I would probably also need to get up/downscalers for all my inputs if they are different resolutions, for example I have a GH2 that will output @720p I have a ux90 and will be buying a ux180 that will output at 1080 and if I also decide to read a projector output I would need another scaler for that, correct me if I'm wrong. The price to do all that just gets a bit too high for my budget. My output will mostly be 720P and sometimes 1080, but rarely since getting stable internet connections in venues here is really difficult. In terms of encoding what do you think I should go with? I'm thinking one of those mini PCs that I've seen (ex. HereToRecord), are there any that are strong enough to encode video? Thanks again for your time.

[@djp_video]

I've bought plenty of used BMD gear. The two tricks I'd recommend are (1) making sure the gear is in good physical condition, as physical condition often correlates to functional condition and product reliability, (2) asking when the products were purchased to see if they're still covered by warranty. If your cameras output different resolutions you will need scalers. BMD just announced the new UpDownCross HD, which is $155, which would handle that for you. But even with video converters, using different models of cameras, and especially cameras from different manufacturers, isn't ideal because the images coming from those cameras won't match. Every manufacturer puts different "sauce" into their cameras to give them a distinctive look, and obviously higher end cameras produce a higher quality image than the less expensive models. Since budget is an issue, consider using an older tape-based camera like a Canon HV20 or HV30; they sell for next to nothing on eBay because nobody wants to record to tape any longer, and that doesn't matter if you're live switching without recording at the camera. If you're having to buy a computer to do encoding, you'll actually save money getting dedicated hardware. In the budget category, you can get something like this: amzn.to/2H4k2Id

[@JLamont45]

After I convert SDI to HDMI, do I use something like a cam link to get the signal into VMix for streaming. I inherited an SDI Camcorder and want to stream. Thank you! Please excuse my ignorance, totally new to this.

[@djp_video]

Yes, you'd need some kind of capture device. The elgato Cam Link is a very popular option.

[@JLamont45]

Doug Johnson Productions Big, BIG THANKS Doug! I knew that there were Mozart’s behind all the things we see on television, it is, however, rare to actually meet and interact with one. Again, Thanks! I watched several videos last night and learned more in an evening than in a slew of other “instructional “ videos watched for weeks! I can do this! Thanks for helping me save this older camera from the dusty corner, and money out for a new one as well as keeping me from the helpless feeling of obsolescence! I’ll keep watching!

[@colossusmediagroup6725]

How can we get in touch with you?

[@djp_video]

Contact information is on the web site: djp.li/contact

[@MessianicJudaism]

What is the model of your Sony monitor?

[@djp_video]

It's the PVM-A170.

[@The_Best_Of_Best]

Hi, I came across your videos and it looks like you know what you are talking about. I am always transferring old vhs to DVDs or mp4 files but it seems never satisfying- I'm using composite capture cards to pc's and editing it with premier. Hate using filters, blurring, deinterlacing and definately crop, zoom or stretch to get rid of the 4:3 bars since outputting 720p. I know I can buy the Teranex products which you explained very well in your videos but its too expensive. Do you have any suggestions for any budget equiptments,software and process that would give me the best results converting analog to digital without loosing quality that much and its time effective. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.Joey.

[@djp_video]

That isn't something I have a ton of experience with. But what you're looking for is high quality deinterlacing and scaling. But you also want to use a really good quality VCR. That can make a huge difference. I'd capture at the native resolution -- NTSC or PAL. You won't get any benefit from attempting to capture at another resolution. After the capture is completed then you can apply filters to clean up the footage. Handbrake is one open source piece of software that has the tools you'd need. But there are other tools out there as well. Premiere's deinterlacing and scaling leave a bit to be desired, so I don't think I'd do much processing there. I just don't have enough experience to make a recommendation with any degree of confidence. Perhaps someone else reading this might?

[@The_Best_Of_Best]

Thank you for the input, Doug.

[@Mari0648]

Can you go from a camcorder to an Apple laptop directly and create MP4 files?

[@djp_video]

You'd need some sort of capture device, like the Blackmagic Design Ultrastudio Mini Recorder (or similar), and some software to encode as MP4. None of the devices in this video are capable of doing the type of conversion you'd need.

[@mediaapexproduction5245]

What do you recommend for HDMI to 3G SDI. I just bought the avmatrix 1221 hdmi to 3gsdi and i am not getting a signal, i am using a Panasonic UX90 and it says the hdmi out is type A and the avmatrix is hdmi type A input.

[@djp_video]

That depends entirely on what you're connecting to. Does the device connected to the output of your converter support 3G-SDI, Level A?

[@mediaapexproduction5245]

Its running to the atem m/E 1 4K.

[@djp_video]

Have you updated your ATEM's firmware to 6.9 or later so it can support Level A? Previous versions only worked with Level B.

[@mediaapexproduction5245]

The atem is running 7.2

[@djp_video]

It should be able to recognize a 3G-SDI Level A signal then. Have you tried running at 1080i or 720p to see if the converter works at all?

[@BoguschMedia]

Does BMD output only Level B 3G on their switchers? Or can I switch sdi outputs to level A?

[@djp_video]

BoguschMedia Their modern switchers can be set to either Level A or Level B. Most people with other BMD gear will probably leave them on B though, since quite a few of their products are still B only.

[@56335130]

atem switcher 4k series in 2016 have an update to output A or B switchable in sofeware option.

[@directedbyericsattler]

I'm trying to find one that works with Ursa mini 4.6k. I shoot 4.6k and 4k I'm looking to monitor it on a 1080 monitor. I recently bought an esync adapter. it didn't work on display. don't know if it was the cable or not. which one do you recommend for the Ursa mini. also USB powered is best with my battery pack. also does the Sdi cord 3g work for the Ursa? thanks again

[@djp_video]

Blackmagic Design's own SDI to HDMI 4K (djp.li/bmds2h ) or 6G (djp.li/bmds2h6 ) would do exactly what you need. They aren't USB powered, but depending on what battery or battery plate you are using you might have a D-Tap port you can pull power from.

[@directedbyericsattler]

so avmatrix doesn't downscale for monitoring? I thought I heard 1 does.. just don't remember which

[@djp_video]

Correct. Of this collection only the BMD Mini converter does (as linked in my previous reply.)

[@directedbyericsattler]

thanks for your help. going to invest into that one then. gotta return this one. or do you recommend just buying an Sdi monitor for the same price?

[@djp_video]

Possibly. Most cheaper SDI monitors aren't very good though.

[@noihara7265]

sir what if the connection is like below, will it works? CCTVADAPTERTV (Video Output; not CCTV Camera)

[@djp_video]

Televisions don't have SDI inputs, so you'd have to convert the SDI back to HDMI again.

[@noihara7265]

@@djp_video ahh sorry, i forgot to mention that im using bnc connector to plug sdi cable on tv

[@djp_video]

BNCs are used for more than SDI. It's also used for composite video as well as HD Over Coax.

[@noihara7265]

@@djp_video i see, thank sir. god bless :)

[@TakeCareTV]

New subscriber, love your videos ! I would like to run an XDCam F330 through a Studio HD switcher. This camera only has Component HD outputs and the frame rates are 1080i60, 720p30 and 720p23.9. Will I be able to make this work ? Thks

[@djp_video]

Yes, you'll just need a converter that takes your component video output and converts it to SDI, like this one: amzn.to/2ybOABB. It will handle up to 1080i30 or 1080p30 just fine. You'll also either need to run the switcher at the same resolution as the camera, or run it through a scaler to match the signal type.

[@Audiovisualesbmp]

Hi from spain.Looking for hdmi to sdi converter but not only for video .I need good audio to streaming and live reports. Any recommendations on products this year 2018?? Thanks !!!!

[@djp_video]

The BMD HDMI-to-SDI Mini Converter has audio inputs which can accept either analog audio or AES/EBU, and they work well.

[@Audiovisualesbmp]

Thanks for your answer ¡¡

[@naokimengua4836]

What does SDI level B do?

[@djp_video]

3G SDI (used primarily for 1080p60 and 2K60) comes in two main incompatible variants... Level A and Level B (technically Level B-DL). The actual picture information is identical between the two, but the way the picture information is organized in the SDI signal is a little different between the two. Level A is similar to HD-SDI, but faster. Level B is more like merging two HD-SDI signals into one data stream. Level B breaks up the data a little differently. (There is another variant of B called B-DS which actually transports two HD-SDI video signals on one cable, but it is uncommon.) Level A is more common on higher-end video production equipment, and Level B is more common on budget-friendly gear. Blackmagic Design by default uses Level B, though they are making more and more of their products support both. My Sony cameras are also Level B. So my gear is almost exclusively Level B. But sometimes we have to interface with equipment that uses the other standard, which requires either conversion or having equipment that knows how to decode both formats. Current model BMD switchers, routers, capture cards, and most of their conversion products understand both A and B, with some notable holdouts like their SSD video recorders and older LCD monitors. All of this only applies to 3G SDI, so it only matters if you're dealing with 1080p60 or 2K60. There are no such incompatibilities with HD-SDI (1080i or 720p) signals.

[@OrbitVideovision]

Hello sir, Iam trying to convert my old vhs to digital, I have a hd capture card (60fps), iam currently using a sony VCR. can u please suggest a good sd to hd converter?.. Which is the best blackmagic 3g sd to hd converter or Avmatrix sc1112?.. Hd Audio output not an issue for me. Waiting for your reply. Thank you.

[@bhwh_h]

Hi - thanks for your very helpful videos. I am struggling to convert the HD SDI signal output from my Canon XA15 to HDMI. I’ve tested on my LiveU Solo and various TVs/monitors. I bought a BM Micro Converter 3G SDI-HDMI to do this. The xa15 is sending out 1080i (59.94 I believe). Both Canon and BM aren’t clear on the reason but have suggested trying different HDMI and SDI cables which I will try. Could it be a HDMI ‘handshake’ issue? If so, maybe I try a BM SDI-HDMI 6G with the HDMI locking feature? Any help appreciated. Thanks

[@djp_video]

That should be a pretty easy conversion. Are you sure that the SDI output is working properly? And, yes, do try different cables. More often than not when I'm having a problem like this it's a problem with an HDMI cable.

[@bhwh_h]

@@djp_video thanks - I’m still in the early stages of growing my setup so have no way of testing the SDI output. No other devices with an SDI input. A Decimator is appealing in that sense. Have tried at least 3 HDMIs with no luck. Today I have another SDI cable arriving so will try that next. How often do these cams ship with faulty SDI output? Could be possible I guess. Although there’s others on BM forums reporting similar... will keep trying 🤞🏼

[@djp_video]

It's pretty rare to have a device ship with a faulty SDI output. More than likely there's a setting in the camera that needs to be changed.

[@bhwh_h]

@@djp_video Will let you know how I get on. Settings wise I’ve enabled the SDI output, tried 720p and 1080i. I don’t think there’s anything else buried in settings to try...

[@bhwh_h]

No luck. New hdmi cable, new Belden 1694A SDI cable and still nothing. If I connect all, switch on camera feed and converter, followed lastly by LiveU Solo, the LU hangs on the loading screen. Which suggests it’s receiving a signal but no handshake. I’m trying the SDI feed with a friend’s Atmos tomorrow so should know whether the SDI is outputting...

[@vladbox1]

I wish there was one with an internal battery, would be more a portable. Otherwise the BM is the one.

[@djp_video]

BMD does have versions of the HDMI-to-SDI and SDI-to-HDMI converters with internal batteries. They currently only support up to 3G-SDI. www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/miniconverters/models Since all of their Mini converters run on 12V, it's trivial to connect a 12V battery. The Micro converters are even easier, as all you'd need is a USB battery bank.

[@samsarapy]

Great video, lots of hiss in the background!!

[@PaulDGreen]

The AVmatrix looks like a crayon box

[@djp_video]

Indeed. :)