Video Scaling/Conversion - Blackmagic Design Teranex Express vs. Decimator MD-HX

Quick comparison of the Blackmagic Design Teranex Express and Decimator Design MD-HX video standards converters. Which is right for you?
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Decimator MD-HX - amzn.to/2fcfVLW
Teranex Express - amzn.to/2glITc0
Teranex AV - amzn.to/2h7VAEX
Note: A BMD representative reached out to me and informed me that the newer Teranex AV product has considerably less latency than the Express model. I haven't purchased one (yet) so I can't demonstrate that, but I thought I should pass that along...

[@trutester]

I worked with a local university that used the Decimator to feed their content to our network. That device is a powerhouse to convert video. Black Magic Design is also a great addition.

[@Hallcom]

Thanks for explaining the Decimator MD-HX. I just completed a successful shoot using it. I couldn't of done it without you.

[@djp_video]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad it's working for you. It has become a standard part of my kit as well.

[@shvartze]

Your great video convinced me to to with the Teranex Express along with the DeckLink Mini Recorder and analog to SDI mini converter. Thank you.

[@BoguschMedia]

thank you for this side by side video! helps many of us a lot i think.

[@ESDRASMELENDEZ]

Good. I want to make an appointment. I have a Black Magic capture Atem study but I do not match the formats of the cameras I have currently, will this converter can help me with this problem or I will have to change cameras

[@marin082164]

Thank you Doug!

[@REC.709]

Doug, can I configure the teranex 2d to give a different resolution per output? Example output 1 480, output 2 1080p. Is this possible?

[@souls.7033]

I believe a better comparison to the Decimator MD-HX would be the Blackmagic UpDownCross (which is half of the price of the Decimator). We are using them (BMD UDC) in our Studio and love it!

[@djp_video]

Soul S. The UpDownCross HD didn’t exist when I made this video

[@ccevideo]

Quick Question - I am trying to find a good way to capture power point presentations as a video source when filming conferences and seminars - can the Decimator pass through the HDMI signal from the laptop to the projector as one signal (so the projector gets its feed) and than to me via HD-SDI as 1080i59.94 (so I get the same laptop feed and can use it as I would use any other video source in my switch?

[@djp_video]

Click Click Expose Yes, it would be capable of doing this. The SDI and HDMI outputs can each come from any of three sources: SDI, HDMI, or the scaler. So the HDMI output could come directly from the HDMI input without any processing, while the SDI output comes from the scaler.

[@Shauny_D]

They will but they blur and overscan 1080i output.

[@bryandarling4252]

Discovered this video today. Thanks for the great work here. I'm looking for a solution to upscale and de-interlace SVHS camera original tapes. The source deck is a Sony SVO-5800 going S-Video to an Analog-to-SDI solution. Upon completion of the project. The edited final may be frame rate converted to 24p. Curious if it would be better to run things through the Teranex or Decimator, or just use an older Blackmagic Intensity and perform the de-interlacing and upscaling through Resolve. Any thoughts welcome!

[@djp_video]

Of those particular options, the Teranex will give the best results, especially with the 60i to 24p conversion. If you needed real-time conversion, that's the way to go. But the best upscaler I've found is a piece of software called Topaz Video Enhance AI. It's kind of amazing. Its de-interlacer is pretty good too. They have a free trial available so you can see how well it will work before purchasing.

[@airwolf1901]

Hi, I have a question, does Teranex make any noise when it is running, such as a hum? It is not a typical sound, such as when you start a mixer or a hyperdeck, but a hum. I don't know if this is a flaw.

[@ruhnet]

Great video; thanks. But try to relax and breathe! 😁

[@BoguschMedia]

Hi, the md-hx does not convert hdmi with „computer resolutions“ (1024x768,...) i think. Is that right?

[@djp_video]

I tried to test that, but I wasn't able to make my computers output 1024x768 over HDMI. It says it is, but the actual output is still 1920x1080.

[@multicamzilla4669]

Do you know if the MD-HX will do a clean switch between HDMI and SDI sources if you have the sync set to free-run and the outputs set to the scaler and switch the input to the scaler between SDI and HDMI?

[@djp_video]

I don't off the top of my head, but I'll try it next time I have it out.

[@shvartze]

These are both older products. Have you used the 12G-Cross and compared it to the Teranex AV? I am going from standard to HD for hundreds of shows on DVCAM. Some valuable archive footage on VHS and Hi8. Is there a worthwhile difference in the new products when going to progressive, HD, 4K to justify the price difference?

[@djp_video]

The 12G-Cross still hasn't shipped, so we don't know what the conversion will be like with it for sure just yet. I don't own one, but I hear that the conversion with the Teranex AV is the same as the Express -- it just does it with less latency.

[@christopherdoyle8081]

Do either of these units scale custom resolutions and frame rates? If not, do you know of a unit that does?

[@djp_video]

I can't say for sure, I haven't ever tried. I can tell you that neither one outputs custom resolutions or framerates; they only let you choose from a handful of standard options.

[@mfrfilm4760]

I wanted to convert 1080i50 tp 1080p50. Does the BM updowncross convert thr interlace to progressive interm of deinterlacing the video properly? I tried using it but the output are just terible. Or i did something wrong? Or am i left with teranex /decimeter?

[@djp_video]

Deinterlacing is hard to get right, and few devices do a good job of it. Even the Decimators don't do that good of a job. The Teranex units are going to be your best shot at getting something usable.

[@bramurph]

Hello. Thanks. Great video. I'm wanting to record demos off of a laptop in 4K and be able to feed that source in HD to a monitor and switcher. Will either/both of these products support an HDMI loop through of a 4K laptop output to a recorder, plus two HD outputs to a monitor and switcher? Monitor input is HDMI. Switcher input is SDI. Any recommendations for how to support this configuration is greatly appreciated.

[@djp_video]

Neither of the products in this video would work - the Teranex Express doesn’t have HDMI and the Decimator doesn’t do 4K.

[@DaniTanevOfficial]

I have a 4k camera. If I shoot on the camera at 4k, and put it through the decimator, will it downscale it to 1080p?

[@djp_video]

The Decimator products don't support 4K. But check your camera settings to see if it will output 1080p. Most will.

[@DaniTanevOfficial]

Yes, it does. But I want to record 4k on the SD card of the camera, and at the same time put out 1080 for streaming

[@djp_video]

Very often cameras will do this. Check the menus to see if you can set the output to a specific resolution. Also, just try connecting the HDMI cable and see if the automatic negotiation that takes place between camera and connected device will force it to output 1080p.

[@kukashiffr]

@Doug Johnson Productions can you please tell me that is this able to convert 2k to 4k without any decrease in quality .... Wanted to know about this professionally since some a project which was to be shot in 4k was actually shot in 2k due to the DOP error. Looking forward to your kind reply thanks.

[@djp_video]

If you need real-time conversion, the Teranex devices are hard to beat. If you are looking for a software solution, take a look at Topaz Video Enhance AI. It produces amazing results!

[@LuisPerez-vr1ip]

I have a TV show on a channel with very old equipment (aspect ration 4: 3), even though I record my shots in 4k the channel signal is not HD so it is cut when seen on TV, my production company used the Teranex for my program to see HD on TV, but now I'm not with them, they took the Teranex and my program is cut again, with the Decimator MD-HX can I solve this problem?

[@djp_video]

The MD-HX will allow you to manipulate aspect ratio.

[@rblock12]

Hi! I'm looking for something that can do what the Decimator does, but at 4K (trying to get computer outputs down from 60Hz to 29.97). I'm also mildly concerned about latency. Is the Teranex AV the way to go, or is there something cheaper that you know of that can handle a 4K cross conversion? Any chance the latency would be acceptable on the Teranex Express since it's a cross conversion instead of up/down?

[@djp_video]

I'm not aware of anything else cheaper at this point. Decimator doesn't offer anything that does 4K yet. From what a BMD rep tells me, the Teranex AV has much lower latency than the Express. Supposedly down to 2 or so frames. Plus, it has an HDMI input.

[@rblock12]

The latency should vary based on how complex the conversion is though, right?

[@djp_video]

To some degree, yes. Converting just resolution but maintaining frame rate is easier than doing a frame rate conversion. Frame rate conversions are quite a bit more tricky than just scaling.

[@dannypgrizzle]

I need downconversion from Ultra HD to 1080p. Any changes in these two product families?

[@djp_video]

BMD has added the Teranex AV to the line, which has considerably lower latency and more connectivity options but the quality of the conversion, as far as I know, is the same as the Express. The Decimator line is unchanged since this video was made in terms of scaling options.

[@montyfriesen458]

Was the aperture on the Teranex set to drama (0) or Sport (3)?

[@djp_video]

Since I wasn't doing a frame rate conversion (input and output were both 59.94p) the aperture setting didn't apply (and wasn't available).

[@airwolf1901]

Hi, is it possible to connect a VHS analog signal to this converter and convert to 1080p?

[@djp_video]

It would have to be converted from analog to digital first. The Blackmagic Design Analog-to-SDI Mini Converter would be able to do that for you. Then that signal could be fed into a Decimator or Teranex to be scaled up to 1080p.

But it seems it can not read a 10-bit 444 signal on SDI nor HDMI, neither can the 12g cross. Which I find very odd. The signal shows up as 8-bit 444 in the Decimator control panel. C

[@Aminoco]

Teranex looks like the better quality output. I'm looking into this for capturing and archiving my old Hi8 tapes, and a few Teranex are available for rent in my city.

[@modelsport2858]

Doug, thanks for your effort - well done! Curious about one thing; garbage-in, garbage-out in terms of NTSC to HD, or actually usable? NTSC DVCPro deck with SDI-out card so I'm thinking Teranex AV, but would 'definitely' consider something cheaper if you have advice. John

[@djp_video]

If you SD footage is high quality, then a Teranex AV would be great, especially if you need to convert to another frame rate. If the footage is just okay, I wouldn't waste money on something so expensive and would look at a Decimator or BMD UpDownCross HD instead.

[@modelsport2858]

@@djp_video Thanks for taking time to respond. Upgrading a 4-camera NTSC studio to HD, and the edit bay as well (from Vegas to Resolve). Having a bit of trouble figuring out where to put my intelligently money. BMD SmartScope Duo 4K looks like a no brainer to monitor signals, and meanwhile, I'm plugging away trying to sort out what I really need. Anyway, thanks!

[@modelsport2858]

@@djp_video One last thing, Teranex AV doesn't take in analog video, so I'm looking at BMD Analog to SDI Mini converter ($495) ahead of the Teranex AV ($1695). Best idea, or? I have about 30 DVCPro programs to convert (but I have the SDI card in the deck), plus a similar number of S-VHS, plus about the same Betacam SP, and the quality of all are quite good so spending for the Teranex makes sense to me. Thoughts?

[@djp_video]

The BMD Analog to SDI Mini Converter should be more like $195, not $495. I think you're looking at the Teranex Mini version ($495), which can do up-conversion to HD or UHD so in theory you wouldn't need the Teranex AV with that, though you don't get to choose which specific flavor of HD you get. If you already have an SDI output card in a deck, you just need an UpDownCross or Decimator MD-HX to make that particular signal HD. But you would get a better conversion with the Teranex AV. If latency isn't an issue you could get the Teranex Express and save a few dollars. It has the same conversion, just with a longer delay (5-6 frames instead of 2-3). One thing to note... if you're considering using a Teranex converter on an SD camera to get an HD signal, your money might be better spent on a newer camera. The Sony FDR-AX700 (UHD) and HXR-NX100 (HD) are both in the same ballpark as the Teranex AV and you'd end up with a far higher quality image out of either one.

[@modelsport2858]

@@djp_video I'm well equipped camera wise in the studio with four Sony FS700. The plan is for HD out via HDMI to an ATEM Mini Pro ISO (which i just received). While they're capable of 4K RAW via SDI and an external recorder, with a KZbin deliverable for my how-tos, I feel the 4K workflow is nuts. After all, 50% watch on tablets or phones! I've been recording via four Sony PD150 camcorders in the studio and it's an existing 50-hour library of how-to programs mastered to DVCPro, which is leading me to try my hand at upscaling them via Teranex AV. Honestly, if I can get them looking decent at 720p I'd count it as a big time win. By the way, I'm [e-mail] if it's more convenient. Anyway, I noticed you switching in this program and because the MP ISO outputs a Resolve editable 4-track program, which saves a Hell of a lot of time, it's leading me away from 20 years of Sony Vegas to Resolve Studio. It's a brave new world. Hope I don't regret it! last thing, just clicked buy it now on a used Teranex AV from Adorama for $1100. Has a ding on the sheet metal but they guarantee it for 90-days (with 30-day return privilege) and ugly doesn't bother me!

[@apprendrelavideo463]

I am considering buying a video scaler to upconvert SD to HD for multicam environement. SD OBvan are very cheap in nowdays. Do you think the outcome would be good enough for live event content that needs to be streamed over social networks ? Thank you for your valuable input. I never got a chance to watch SD upgraded videos to judge myself yet

[@djp_video]

High quality SD can upscale to HD and look okay, but it will never look as good as native HD, especially if that conversion is being done in real-time rather than going through a software upconverter. I'd look at the quality of the cameras before making such an investment. If they're really good ones you can make it work, but you might actually get much better results with decent consumer HD equipment and an ATEM Mini.

[@apprendrelavideo463]

@@djp_video I thought about that too. It is a dilemma. I Will probably take the OBvan on location to give it a test. Thank you for that quick reply though.

[@Shauny_D]

Md-hx do NOT scale to 1080i 59.94 well. They work great for 1080p but are un usable for 1080i. I had to return 20 units because of this. Decimator support said it is because they do not support anything that is not SMPTE certified.

Have you tried the 12g cross? I’m debating using it with a 1080p feed upscaling to 4k

[@djp_video]

Yes, I use it all of the time. It will give you a 4K signal, but it won't have any more detail than the 1080p signal you started with.

@@djp_video you have any examples? I’m taking a 1080p 4444 and making it a 4k 422 So it’s literally no conversion, just a upscale without treatment?

[@Mac40music]

Can someone help me? The business I work for wants to stream in interlaced.... we shoot classical music - PAL region - 1080p 25 is what we've been doing. I'm concerned that they have been given poor advice and that streaming in interlaced will impact our quality standards. What's your thoughts on this? Are your cameras all running progressive or are you converting to progressive at some point?

[@djp_video]

Interlace should really be avoided if at all possible. All modern displays are progressive anyway. Interlace is a headache to work with and not all devices or software do a good job about converting it back to progressive for final display.

[@Mac40music]

@@djp_video Thanks. This was my understanding too.

[@ariyoadebayoj1356]

at 04:02 to 04:06 you said this could be powered with PoE. Could you guide on how this is done? Could make my workflow easier really. Thanks

[@djp_video]

Purchase a PoE splitter capable of outputting 12V on a 5.5mm/2.5mm (positive tip) plug, then just plug in. This only would provide power, though; it wouldn't help with configuring the device.

[@ariyoadebayoj1356]

thanks Doug. Any brand recommendation? I've Cisco Catalyst 2960 PoE switch. Rgds @@djp_video

[@djp_video]

I'm using some from TP-Link, but it doesn't really matter much. Just make sure to get one that is compatible with gigabit Ethernet. A lot of them are not.

[@ifeanyiemmanuel456]

How do I change back the display of my teranex 2D from white/black to normal display, I reset it and got stock with black and white

[@djp_video]

I believe it only supports white background / black text

[@ifeanyiemmanuel456]

@@djp_video what I meant was that my display has no color only black and white, pls help??

[@djp_video]

@@ifeanyiemmanuel456 Is it just the internal display that is B&W, or does it output to the SDI ports in B&W too? If the latter, go into the picture adjustments and set the Saturation back to its default setting.

[@dannypgrizzle]

Does Terenex Express pass SDI audio and compensate for video delay?

[@djp_video]

Any audio passed through the Teranex is automatically delayed the same amount of time as it takes to process the video.

[@56335130]

theres option to delay audio or video for certain frame or ms on terenax av.

[@joeybaronstudio]

Hey Doug… have you had any experience with wireless cameras over hdmi or sdi? I’m assisting a guy doing a high school football game and he wants a camera for roaming around with… I’ve only used those bonded cell units and even to rent one would be out of price range… any other solutions?

[@djp_video]

I’ve used wireless systems many times. The one I use most is one I reviewed here on the channel - the Cinegears Ghost Eye 200M. But I’ve also used the Teranex Bolt quite a few times too. A lot of people are using Hollyland systems, but I don’t care for them because of the 4-6 frame latency.

[@joeybaronstudio]

@@djp_video ok I’ll check it out.. can I call you direct some time I have a few more questions

[@djp_video]

www.djprod.biz/consulting.php

[@joeybaronstudio]

@@djp_video I saw that you are going to get a hardware switcher… have you seen the shaarhoj stuff? It’s absolutely amazing I’m gonna out fit the entire production truck with the stuff

[@djp_video]

I’m familiar with their products, and I’ve interacted with them a number of times. Their offerings are very high quality. But they don’t have anything that quite fits what I need at a price point I’m comfortable with.

[@megamattzero7348]

Can the Decimator rotate video 90 degrees with black bars on the side?

[@djp_video]

No. It can flip horizontally or vertically, but no rotation.

[@megamattzero7348]

@Doug Johnson Productions thanks for the reply! So the reason i was looking into this is because, I have the Blackmagic Atem Extreme ISO however, rotation is greyed out in the DVE section. Do you know how to enable it? I was looking for a solution but I couldn't find anything online.

[@djp_video]

The only models of ATEM switchers which support the rotation feature are the 2 M/E Production Studio 4K and 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K. Not even the Constellation 8K has that feature, and it isn’t found in any of the Mini or Extreme series models. And the Teranex converters don’t support rotation either.

[@stevecooksley]

Love my Decimators (I have the MD-HX and 12G) - if I had one wish is that they could be controlled on a rack panel in a similar way to the Teranex - then they could be hidden inside a rack system and controlled from the front. The lag on the Teranex is very poor.

[@djp_video]

You can connect them (multiple even) via USB to a computer and use their control panel software to configure them. That's how I have several of mine setup.

[@bazalaslamtaha]

hello