SDI vs. HDMI | What's the Difference?

Jake from B&H takes a look at the differences between SDI and HDMI as they pertain to video workflow. SDI is a professional standard, while HDMI is more consumer-geared, but check the video out for more specific features that set these two formats apart.
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#bhphoto #hdmi #hdsdi #SMPTE #whatisit #hd-sdi #4k #10-bit #8-bit #moviemaking #howto #filmmaking #bhphotovideo #bncconnector #broadcast

[@sethm3194]

I have been using SDI for 5 yrs now. It is by far more convenient, durable and the fact that you can easily run 100 ft on cheep coaxial cable makes it my preferred way to connect.

[@elizabethchevrie6574]

So many people do this wrong and very hard to get the correct information. Appreciate your expertise on this!

[@filmgeek1711]

Great video man lol - Jake's personality kept me interested throughout!

[@joshwelch9639]

Dropping a note of appreciation for being informative and entertaining at the same time. Thank You

[@ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785]

I really dig the SCART connectors, they are so convenient, it's one plug for video and audio, it's big, so you don't loose it, and it often gets jammed, so that counts as a lock

[@thomaskerrigan3244]

I usually run HDMI for my personal webcasting setup. When designing my former high school's TV studio, I wend with 3G SDI. When I need to use an HDMI camera with a video switcher I turn to the black magic mini converter HDMI to 3G SDI. I personally never had an HDMI cable slip, but would definetly say SDI is less to worry about.

[@KLRCAT]

Very good video, makes it really easy to understand for someone who is unfamiliar with Cameras etc.

[@Ben-zg5xb]

I’m not very interested in cameras, but I love random information, and this was certainly enjoyable to watch and learn

[@Hurricane23]

Same, I work for a camera company and not really a big camera user outside of work but videos like this help me stay informed.

[@maikatupua8228]

Bro i just had a History and Technology lesson. Love it very much!! Greetings from Fiji 🇫🇯

[@openreels]

This is a perfectly fine beginner video, but some key points were missed. For one, there is no "absolute" distance for any SDI cable--it depends on the bit-rate of the signal and the cable type. The same 1.5Gb HD-SDI signal can travel much farther on an RG-6 SDI cable than an RG-59 cable. The instant people hear "you can run SDI 100m" they think it's some kind of magic number. it's not for SDI, or ethernet, or anything else in the real world. Second, SDI is uni-directional. It sends all the data one way and there is no "hand-shaking" between the send and receive devices. They are "unaware" of each other. HDMI is entirely different because it was designed for so-called "plug and play" connection between consumer devices where the source and receiver negotiate certain parameters (including whether HDCP copy-protection is active). The number of things that can go wrong with HDMI (apart from the connector falling out) is greater than with SDI. Fortunately the equipment that uses HDMI has gotten much better at making sure a signal gets through! And, lastly, the DIN connector is not "mini-SDI." There is miniature DIN type, and there is a miniature BNC (called, confusingly, HD-BNC) and they are incompatible with each other. If your equipment uses these connectors, because space is really tight, make sure you get the correct cables or adapters.

[@NoloCuban]

Great job Jake, thanks!

[@TonySkeelz]

Great video. I love the explanation. This helped me in this project I'm working on.

[@BandH]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@xtracredit]

I'm writing to you from the future. This is still a very informative (and entertaining) video. Thanks!

[@azbaroj]

So fantastic 💝 . I am using SDI for ten years , I can easily transmit 600 feet away from the source camera . I enjoyed this video and learn a lot .

[@Davysprocket213]

He meant, “Fewer cables equals less hassle.”

[@vikliss6538]

I get why SDI is used in professional workspaces, like livestreams or normal film shoots, but i was wondering, do i need SDI connection from my PC to my monitor if the material is already shot and it's time for editing/colorgrading. So what i took from your video is, when i have to film professionally i should use SDI rather than HDMI, which i do, but for connecting my PC to my monitor, it doesnt matter because i dont need much range, and the lock/unlocked argument is also not critical. So i guess my question is, does it matter which cable i use to connect, when i use the highest standard of both cables?

[@willc3900]

Concise. Thank you

[@MissionaryFilmmaker_AF]

I like this teacher...

[@joeljrichards]

Worth reiterating that HDMI will now carry 4X the data rate! If you can live with short cable runs, it seems the big thing that is missing is an industry standard locking connector(s) for HDMI. For short runs it is starting to make more sense as cameras need higher data rates.

[@markshirley01]

OK - this seems a good post to ask this question - I need a used camera purely for a 1080p feed for event stage work. It needs to have a zoom and reasonable good AF. So what models should I search for on eBay for instance. This camera will only be used to record on a stage and having the best option of a sdi or hdmi will be helpful. Can anyone give me some advice.

[@BandH]

The Canon XA15 is a great starting option for a Camcorder with an SDI output and a 20x Zoom. Here is a link to the new model of the camera. bhpho.to/2NE15hS Thanks! -Joey P

[@Fogcitycine]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@jigsound]

Great brief, cap! 👌

[@Aristedes_Mr.Melody_TM]

Thank you for aclear and informative video. Now what about transmission of RAW, 4:2:2 or 444, 8bit, 10bit etc? Also how about areview of the Marseille uprezzing anti-aliasing HDMICinema cable?

[@point5Films]

In depth and funny video. Thanks guys!!

[@BandH]

Happy you enjoyed.

[@saurabhsrivastava812]

thank you for sharing the info. but i want to know how to convert SDI output into IP output and which equipment could do that actually. Please reply..Thank You

[@BandH]

Convert a single 3G-SDI signal for highly efficient SMPTE ST 2110 IP transmission using the IPT-10G2-SDI Mini-Converter from AJA. Supporting up to 1080p60 video, this mini-converter provides two interfaces for use with separately available 10 GbE SFP+ modules. Hitless SMPTE ST 2022-7 switching for critical transmissions is offered via the redundant interface design. AJA IPT-10G2-SDI 3G-SDI to SMPTE ST 2110 IP Mini-Converter BH #AJIPT10G2SDI: bhpho.to/2LK2Kk4 >Mark

[@fanjan7527]

Actually, whats more important to ask is: I can't do it without that...so I need to get it. Cool video and entertaining to boot.

[@GiacomoDellaRocca]

hi, I wanted to ask if you can connect two monitors with an SDI cable. I have an ikan monitor with sdi in / out and an atomos monitor with sdi in / out I would like to connect them with an sdi cable, connecting one of the two with hdmi to a sony a7sii, is it possible?

[@BandH]

That would depend on the exact monitors you are using and if either has an HDMI input with cross conversion to turn the HDMI signal in to SDI for output. If your monitors are not capable of cross conversion, you may just need an HDMI to SDI converter to connect from the A7SII to one of the monitors with SDI. bhpho.to/38nGwwN Thanks! - Joey P

[@Fogcitycine]

Thinking about using a Sony a6300 with Mini HDMI to a SDI Converter to a 300FT SDI and converting BACK to hdmi to a switcher.

[@mikeburns9228]

Agreed with the last comment. This host is a keeper. Funny, interesting, good camera 📷 presence. Where we’re you when MTV was on the air? Lol. Love B&H! Keep up the good work!

[@iainchristie8503]

Great all round video. Only criticism is some of the figures are a little misleading as you are never going to even come close to 900ft on anything greater than SD. Even 300ft is pushing the edge of reliability for HD.

[@Wraiths_and_Wreckage]

basically, if you can afford the level of equipment that comes with an sdi connection, then you're going with sdi, which is a simpler thing to use. for most of us, it's going to be hdmi. I've found that the signal dies after fifty feet without being repeated. I'm currently running a signal every week about 115 feet using repeaters between cables. You can also convert to other types of cords, but either way, I've found that a fifty foot cable is about as long as you can go before needing to repeat. And there are repeaters out there that don't need to be directly plugged in, so long as something somewhere along the line is plugged in, they'll draw from that.

[@oagengkgosimotsumi1357]

Great staff

[@aslanyureky]

1- do I need an SDI input monitor to get 10bit or HDMI(or DP) will do the job? 2- can we use dual monitor setup with geforce card + cheap quadro to get 10 bit picture on 2 monitor or doesn't work that way? 3- if second question negative can I use Blackmagic Design DeckLink Studio 4K 6G-SDI to get 10 bit signal on second monitor? I'll be using geforce on main monitor.

[@BandH]

You wil find 10 Bit options for both SDI or HDMI. So that we may better assist you with all of your questions feel free to email us directly at [e-mail]. Thanks! -Joey P

[@rendermanpro]

Make more video with this guy

[@ZENIGMATV]

Love Fiber and SDI. Hdmi often has problems plus the fitting aren’t secure.

[@Kelkschiz]

Funny, interesting video. This host is a keeper!

[@JakeEstesFilmmaker]

Kelkschiz gee thanks 😊

[@surfcityparacord606]

How did you get that he plays soccer from watching that video?

[@sundayfesttv396]

Absolutely! Interesting!

[@kevinwydler7305]

whats the name of the second background track ? :)

[@MacAudio74]

SDI for me. Getting the Black Magic mini converters.

[@ericdillonii8357]

Please help, I own the Sony fs7 and I wanted to know if there's a way to record video using an external recorder like the atomos Ninja V WITHOUT the Sony Xdca FS7 extension unit???

[@BandH]

Internal Recording The PXW-FS7M2 records internally in both DCI 4K and UHD 4K at up to 59.94 fps, and in HD up to 180 fps using XAVC-I or up to 120 fps with XAVC-L. DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) can be recorded internally without the need of an external recorder. You will need the XDCA-FS7 to output a RAW signal from any PXW-FS7. The Sony XDCA-FS7 allows 12-bit FS RAW output and is compatible with Sony and third party recorders. It will do both 4K RAW up to 59.94p (1 to 60 fps Slow and Quick Motion) and 2K RAW up to 59.94p (240 fps and 120 fps Slow Motion). >Mark

[@zedeng5230]

how to test the quality of SDI cable？

[@Hardik_wildlife_filmmaker]

which SDI monitor should i choose for Black Magic Ursa Mini Pro G2.

[@BandH]

The Atomos Shinobi SDI is a great option for the Ursa Mini Pro G2. bhpho.to/2YrjtPL Thanks! - Joey P

[@marsshalt]

i just never new this so can it give me the best streaming phot age?

[@ibtvindischebuurt]

Thnx, made it all very clear for this start up for now budgetless broadcasting company to be :-) Questions: hence the budget, we have to work with HDMIcables for transmitting live streaming signals from camera to OBS. In such a case; what would still be the best solution if we had to overcome distances longer then 15 feet? What set up exactly? Amplifiers? Is there loss of signal when using those? Are 2.1cables the best if we merely use 720 content? What about HDMI b? Actually.. we need to overcome about 30 feet distances to get a good camerashot regularly. And since there;s no budget to buy SDI camera's yet, what should we do best? Maybe with a bit loss of signal? Thx, René, IBTV, Amsterdam.

[@BandH]

At 30 feet or so active HDMI cables are a fine solution for most applications: Comprehensive MHD18G-35PROBLKA MicroFlex Premium High-Speed Active HDMI Cable with Ethernet (35') B&H # COMHD18G35P: bhpho.to/3bRFKgu >Mark< Supports 4K, HDR, 3D Video Active, Directional Design Triple Shielded 24kt Gold-Plated Connectors Xtra-Flex PVC Jacket Supports CEC, ARC, HDCP

[@ibtvindischebuurt]

@@BandH Thnx a lot, this is very helpful for our startup situation. Will follow you for our next steps!

[@djp_video]

No mention of 4:2:2 vs. 4:4:4, eh?

[@quarantinaakalillian7359]

👍 Interesting video. I learned a few things... As a consumer/prosumer, I say, "screw SDI." My HDMI cables are 4" long, and a non-locking micro 2.1 HDMI connection isn't a prob at 4". Adding SDI to my $260 USD 7" 2200 nit field monitor is an extra $80. An $80 thingamajig, that I'll never use anyway.

[@krishartsphotography5643]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@gurugamer8632]

Is the Panasonic AU EVA1 better than Sony FX6? In terms of picture quality, rendering and dynamic range?

[@BandH]

Please see this comparison of the specifications: Comparing Sony FX6 vs Panasonic AU-EVA1: bhpho.to/31PjRf6 >Mark

[@chazlewis8114]

Thanks for this info. I've noticed companies like Atomos sell "SDI to HDMI" converters. Does that actually mean that cameras with an SDI RAW output could actually record to a HDMI input on an external recorder?

[@BandH]

It does not. In general SDI to HDMI converters will not be able to handle an SDI Raw signal. Thanks! -Joey P

[@chazlewis8114]

@@BandH ahh thanks Joey P. Even without RAW, if they can still convert 4k60p SDI signal to HDMI that'd still be very cool!

[@Soundman4jesus]

In my opinion the 2 things that make SDI so much better besides the locking connector is the fact that it does not carry audio and that it will not pass HDCP. Plus you can terminate on site if you hit a jam.

[@MihaiCONIAC]

SDI carries 16 audio channels embedded.

[@richardhume2811]

We are using the Atem mini extreme so..... we have cameras that have hdmi at camera to HDMI-SDI convertor. Then SDI for the long runs back to the desk. We then have SDI to HDMI convertor to let us have a HDMI into the Atem extreme. Actually all works very well with no latency and loss of quality. Our PTZ camera is SDI straight out.

[@cia2928]

I have a canon C70 and was thinking of using for livestream use. How long is your HDMI (out of camera) to your HDMI to SDI coverter?

[@lanchestermethodistchurch1034]

@@cia2928 the HDMI out of the camera is 1 M long and the same at the other end from the convertor to the Atem.

[@marrcelloo2009]

Excelent!

[@JMMinistries]

Does SDI Cables Carry Audio as well like HDMI?

[@BandH]

Yes, SDI cables will relay audio signals, just like HDMI cables.

[@TheAggila]

How about Display Port? Wouldn't that connector be an option on consumer and/or professional camera systems and monitors? Best of both worlds so to speak?

[@BandH]

I'm afraid you will not find display port options on any cameras. >Mark

[@allansh828]

I use internal recording

[@jason.h.zager88]

great video..so there isnt any difference between BNC and HDSDI cable?

[@BandH]

A BNC is a connector that can be found on different kinds of cables. SDI Cables, Composite and Component can all have BNC Connectors. You need to make sure you are using the right cable type depending on the situation. Thanks! -Joey P

[@jason.h.zager88]

@@BandH thank you for the perfect answer and reply!always learn alot from ur channel.

[@user-mr1qs9lt9j]

Спасибо !!!

[@purvisvisionproductions5682]

"If you think you need it, get it" - I followed your advice, and now I'm broke! There's still a lot of stuff I think I need too! Any advice?

[@DanteFeraco81]

I always use sdi best way to go been using sdi since 90’s

[@prozac1127]

SDI was enough. The 18 pins can easily come serially on SDI. HDMI seems like a way to sell cables

[@HliarusProd]

Except they're not made to carry same types of signal... SDI simply cannot carry surround audio, nor Ethernet, let alone audio both ways !

[@Pabula]

Why displayport hast take off on camera industry being an open source format?

[@BandH]

You would probably want to pose that question to this organization: DisplayPort is a video interface standard administered by VESA, the Video Electronics Standards Association. DisplayPort is the new generation AV interface developed by the GPU/display industry segment and it continues to gain market momentum. DisplayPort enables high display performance, robustness, and versatility, highest degree of system integration, and greater interoperability among various device types. www.displayport.org/ >Mark

[@amolmategaonkar3491]

What about delay introduced by HDMI? That’s a major difference between the two.

[@burhanuddin127]

Hdmi over Ethernet or hdmi over sdi? Which one is better?

[@BandH]

SDI is a more professional transport of video over longer distances and is often an option in pro grade cameras. >Mark

[@daniel_lisbona]

what about timecode sdi supports it

[@BandH]

Yes it does! SDI includes video, audio, timecode and metadata all embedded in a single cable. Because of its reliability, SDI is ideal for live production, post and broadcast. SDI is scaleable and multi rate, so you can switch formats and frame rates using the same physical single cable connection. >Mark

[@merlinoner]

What you lack to say is that HDMI has a lot of latency on an external monitor and that's critical when focusing.

[@SagunManandhar]

Great video! BTW, can you also do another video on GEN Lock and it's importance ?

[@BandH]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will pass it on to our production team.

[@SagunManandhar]

@@BandH :) Looking forward to.

[@vanderwielen]

Oops...SDI runs are limited to 100 meters, not 300 meters. Plus, as the speed goes up, i.e. 3G and such, the rated distances degrade.

[@JakeEstesFilmmaker]

Rick Vanderwielen good catch! I should have specified that SD-SDI has a maximum run length of around 300 meters but if you need to run that far I would start looking at wireless options anyway ;) Thanks for watching!

[@zguy95135]

You can just reclock and run another 100 meters, the easiest way is to just convert to fiber if you wanna go more than 300ft. For professional broadcast quality video we rarely run anything wireless unless it's a roving camera or leaving via satellite.

[@victorrodriguez-di8cq]

so there are only 2 pro for SDI over hdmi, longer cables and locking... im sticking to hdmi

[@amigazo3972]

Interesting video. It could seem not important but I find the background music intrusive and very uncomfortable.

[@BandH]

Thank you for your comment. I will share with our production team.

[@martinzshow4361]

The background music is too loud, it is distracting. I can listen to this technical crap all day long, but not when the music is keeping me from hearing what is being said.

[@vicbottini]

Great video, but my like is for how old we are!

[@bobsbits5357]

hi i still using betacam digi bnc is better not worry about the plug coming out all the time in the back of the heavy decks SDI out puts on betacam digi HDMI with betacam right pain i used betacam sp for audio now 4 channel master i know about the encoding it a right pain take alot of time faster just run channel 1-4 into the back of the video's decks

[@markurban9113]

The real question is why doesn't consumer electronics use SDI

[@djp_video]

It doesn't support copy protection, so the creators of copyrighted content wouldn't allow it on consumer devices.

[@mrhobs]

This was actually a super useful video, so I feel like a turd sandwich for bringing it up, but for the sake of the English language, its not "weary." I've been seeing this more and more. Being LEARY or WARY means cautious, as he intended. Weary just means tired.

[@dataecstasy]

I don't know why people think that audience is seeking entertainment out of everything.

[@danielgong22]

Your background music is too loud to hear you properly.

[@BandH]

Thank you for your comment. I will share with with our production team.

[@svencarlsson343]

@@BandH - yes, did you put that music in to disrupt?

[@WhySteve]

My connection of choice is human connection. I have no friends.

[@nicok2131]

why does this renaissance painting have a man in a t-shirt talking?

[@acpgiga]

What about audio?

[@BandH]

HDMI carries audio. SDI does not. >Mark

[@kordichb]

16 channels of embedded audio

[@kordichb]

SDI

[@AK47GAMESTamil]

SDI is best..

[@akcine]

SDI

[@MDHenry4]

Why did the industry ditch the HDMID?

[@BandH]

Micro-HDMI Type D is very much alive and well. This port may be found on many cameras, camcorders, and on-camera monitors. >Mark

[@shivamsuman7136]

🎉😢😢😊

[@MafraTVportugal]

HDMI only 15 feet lol lol lol

[@shivamsuman7136]

😢🎉😢

[@TaskerTech]

The bg sound is the worst

[@michaelbobarev]

Wireless :)

[@DasAntiNaziBroetchen]

I wish someone would explain why HDMI is a thing then. Sounds inferior and more expensive.

[@anthonyiodice]

DasAntiNaziBroetchen licensing bs.

[@ksaugrin]

HDCP

[@raildude270]

Sdi is stupid. You can’t even turn off your camera without unplugging everything

[@westv13]

Would’ve been sufficient without all the cutesy-poo stuff.

[@eskilstunalindenhockey344]

WHY the crap music? It adds nothing to the content... I couldn't stand more than one minute.

[@CirkusBolgen]

You're swallowing the ends of your sentences, and not enunciating clearly enough. Thank you for the video

[@lishlash3749]

Hard to say what's more annoying, HDMI connectors, BNC connectors, or this goofy video.