Which Converter Do You Need? [EVERY Blackmagic Model, Explained]

0:00 - Intro
1:51 - Micro Converters 3G
3:50 - HDMI Mini Converters
6:01 - Analog Mini Converters
7:04 - Audio Mini Converters
9:22 - Optical Mini Converters
11:28 - SDI Mini Converters
14:14 - Teranex Mini 12G Converters
*For a detailed list of converters, and how to know which one you need, check out the new "Converters" page in the Gear Guide listed below!
Blackmagic Design Converters Manual: documents.blackmagicdesign.co...
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SyncID: MB01YDYUGXDIMQQ

[@TerenceKearns]

This is fantastic. even a year later this video provides a great platform to get church volunteers up to speed. Im gonna set up a wiki for my church at some point and this video is going straight into the AV section. Thanks for all your work.

[@watch-me-fail]

You don't know how helpful this video is to me who is learning this stuff...LIKED!

[@uduogah3139]

Thank you. Awesome video and very informative!

[@thriftygamer8366]

You have gained a new follower my usage for video and technologies capture is built on retro gaming. From my era of big hair and bigger heels the 1980’s to the era of about 2005.

[@seanpaulmoss3141]

Awesome, Thankyou. This really helps. 👍🏼

[@stibiumking]

Thank you teacher🙏

[@dataecstasy]

nice video very clear

[@nrnrnambi]

thank you

[@carlesmora8351]

Really necessary!! Thanx!!

[@ProfitandPixels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pauposts]

Great video sir!

[@ProfitandPixels]

Thank you kindly!

[@KaveloyNoDrama]

Thanks for the tutorial! I have a question? If the SDI input already has 2 channels of audio embedded and I want to use the Audio to Sdi 4K Mini converter to embed 8 different audio inputs, is it possible? And how will be the setup?

[@ProfitandPixels]

You’ll need all 8 channels via AES/EBU cables and ports, or you’ll need two converters to do this. You’ll inject audio before it hits your switcher or encoder, depending on what the audio channels are for

[@JStevensdk7]

Awesome video, best I have ever seen on this topic thank you so much. One of these decades I pray and hope that BMD will create a 1U or 2U multiport conversion and embed/de-embed converter. This would have say 12 SDI, 12 HDMI, 6 or more TRS and then just like a smart video hub, allow you to convert from any port to any port, and embed and de-embed to any port preferably with MADI and Dante support backed right in. Right now to accomplish all of this required multiple stand alone converters and in setting up racks or rolling cases, really is inefficient and kind of annoying with all of the power cables required to power them all.

[@spawnproductions]

There’s more than just Blackmagic out there. Your multi converter idea is exactly what Ross OpenGear is, and your idea of a box that can convert and embed/deembed from any port with both MADI and Dante is literally exactly what Ross Ultrix does. Evertz has a routing system that can do the exact same things

[@JStevensdk7]

@@spawnproductions Double/triple the cost tho? 😁

[@spawnproductions]

@@JStevensdk7 but does exactly what you’re looking for. Those needs aren’t exactly budget friendly things

[@derechoalacita]

Hi, thanks for your video. Is there any difference in image quality between the "mini converter updowncross hd" and teranex mini sdi to hdmi for SD to HD conversion? I have read that the mini converter uses Teranex logarithms... but is it ultimately the same as Teranex mini? Can the teranex mini sdi to hdmi deinterlace an SD to HD?

[@elchristianpodcast]

Hi, I have the Atem 1 m/e production 4k and I'm ingesting my cameras well with SdI at 2160p 30fps so SDI 6G, but when I try to connect my macbook laptop the image won't appear, I have tried using the Hdmi to SDI 4k converter, but somehow nothing shows. Any advice, thanks so much! Blessings!

[@johnabney826]

Thank you for the info. The Teranex Video looks very cool, maybe someday. In the meantime, we are thinking of getting four Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G @$65 each. Any ideas about building one or two AC to DC power supplies to avoid the mess of cables and mounting devices? Like a 19" single or double rack with only a single 120v AC input.

[@ProfitandPixels]

That can definitely simplify things, depending on where they are in the room. They’re all USB powered now, which gives you more flexibility (aka power from a camera, TV, etc works too)

[@billzidis2656]

That's an amazing video. My question is which HDMI to SDI will allow my Ursa Oled viewfinder to be used on my P6K Pro? Any idea?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Not 100% sure but the new 12G Micro Converters (which came out after this video) will no doubt be able to handle whatever output goes into your viewfinder, though the 3G one is probably just as good. Check the resolution of your OLED and see if it’s above 1080p or not

[@faithhouse6111]

Thanks. So this is how I can plug a Komodo in and the hdmi out will go to my Mac / E camm.

[@eric-janvandenbogaard9415]

Magewell Director mini :)

[@Reedith]

Great video no tarynx bidirectional that's interesting

[@richardsaunders2464]

Hello Spencer I appreciate the information it was great. I am using the Blackmagic ATEM M/E 4 switcher and the Blackmagic cameras are 1080p. The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K signal is 1080i. How can I convert the 1080i signal to a 1080p that allows me to connect to the Blackmagic switcher?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Hmm. I haven’t had that issue before, they always output 1080p. I would try and change your camera settings. You shouldn’t need to buy a converter for this issue

[@stevejackson6336]

Hey Spencer I appreciate the information about converters, great job. We are using an old (but good) JVC HD 200 camera. We need to convert the component output to HDMI to use with our livestream, any recommendations? Thank you

[@ProfitandPixels]

Hi Steve, you’ll need an analog to SDI converter, and then an SDI to HDMI for that connection

[@stevejackson6336]

@@ProfitandPixels Thank you

[@xavierzander4201]

@@stevejackson6336 BMD has also Hyperdeck and Decklink devices, which might be cheaper, and better in workflow

[@cristhyanoliva1591]

hello I have a panasonic AG HVX 205 camera with RCA output and I wanted to know if with the mini analog to sdi converter I can connect the camera to a mini sdi atem, a technician from a tv channel told me that this camera was already obsolete and the mini sdi atem would not recognize the signal, and it would be a waste not to use it, thank you for your advice

[@xavierzander4201]

it's a FullHD camcorder…. does it have component out ?

[@lam4061]

Hello! I am a beginner when it comes to this subject... Should I use a "T" SDI Connector in the input port of a SDI Distributor in order to have 2 inputs for the same video signal? I want 2 different positions in the room for the female connectors

[@aurelbergkemper1302]

Please dont use a T piece. Use a SDI distribution or a sdi converter with a second sdi out

[@amidfilms989]

Yes you technically can, but what happens is if you do long rungs you will loose a signal faster than if you used a sdi distributor. A distributor amplifies the signal.

[@kvnsgl]

If i want to use Camera Control of multiple BMD Cameras, is it possible to have 1 output from the switcher and distribute it with the SDI Distributor to multiple cameras? Or do i need multiple Outputs directly from the switcher?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Good question - my understanding is that it needs to be a 1:1 connection, but you should reach out to BMD directly to confirm

[@RandallJacobson-bz6gq]

Hi my understanding is the Hdmi to Sdi Mini Converter 6G only has audio in and no ability to de-embed and send out separately. Is that right?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Correct. You need the SDI-Audio converter to de-embed. It’s on the chart on the Gear Guide

[@rajdeepchakraborty3259]

I want to do HDR grading on my footage on an external monitor. which device shall i buy with lowest budget. That’s

[@xavierzander4201]

Depends on your equipment, this video should make it clear to you, you need a good monitor, or a Panasonic Oled TV google for what other people use.

[@fiva4ever]

I Have 2 projectors with HDMI connection. what convertors do I need to run both projectors? Projectors will be projecting in screens 100 feet apart where the tech table will be 100 feet far from the center point.

[@ProfitandPixels]

The simplest way to know what converter you need is the table inside the Gear Guide, which is linked in the description. You have to know what type of signal you have to start with first

[@fiva4ever]

@@ProfitandPixels Thank you for reply. The 2 projectors I have are

[@Bernard-H]

Hello, I have 1 sony and 2 Panasonic camcorders which have HDMI out. I'm trying to connect them to my switcher which is SDI. I'm trying to use 3G micro converters HDMI to SDI but i seem to be having issues with the converters. When i connect to my switcher they work for several minutes but then they start to glitch. I'm not sure why the signal starts to glitch or what may be the cause. I'm looking for suggestions as to how to fix. Your help is very much appreciated. Thanks.

[@eric-janvandenbogaard9415]

wrong information is given here… the signal is not clean enough

[@ProfitandPixels]

How long are your HDMI cables, and how old are your camcorders?

[@ReganMcCullough]

Do the Teranex mini's (or micro converters) work with HDCP? I.e. Can you connect a non-camera source like an Apple TV or Nvidia Shield to the models that have an HDMI Input?

[@ProfitandPixels]

I haven't had trouble with it personally - everything using HDMI has HDCP, but only DVD's and other protected content should actually trigger it

[@spawnproductions]

There’s only a few converters that will actually pass HDCP protected content, two of them are the Apantac Crescent DA-HDTV-SDI and then Ensemble Designs has one which I can’t remember the model number of

[@tonybarnwell2652]

hey can you use an a7iii with blackmagic switchers?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Yep! Any camera with clean HDMI output is compatible

[@afolabioluwafemi4076]

I have a question. If I live stream in 720p and I have a 4k camera. Which one do u recommend

[@ProfitandPixels]

You may not need a converter, most streaming encoders can change the streaming resolution internally.

[@Adamant9]

Will a ‘Blackmagic Design Ultrastudio Monitor 3G Playback Device’ mean I can use a M1 Mac Mini with 3 displays? I.e. HDMI output on Mac, USB 3 to HDMI output from Mac, Blackmagic Thunderbolt 3 output to HDMI

[@ProfitandPixels]

Yes it does, see my most recent video on this

[@anastasiakalenyuk4375]

what kind of converter is needed to connect the monitor to the computer I'm a beginner colorist and I just can't figure out which converter I need

[@xavierzander4201]

You should mention your equipment :) and it's connections :)

[@thejoeruizjr]

So if I want to run 3 SDI cameras to a laptop running streaming software, but no SDI inputs on the laptop, which would be best to connect to HDMI or thunderbolt?!

[@ProfitandPixels]

You need to connect to a video switcher. That will be 10x more stable and effective than running 3 cameras into a computer. The alternative is going into a DeckLink Duo 2 via SDI

[@thejoeruizjr]

@@ProfitandPixels thank you! Yes, going to run through a switcher

[@ProfitandPixels]

Perfect. Then just run your Program feed out and into your laptop over HDMI to stream through your software and you’ll be good

[@DR-lu7ek]

I just got the micro SDI to HDMI and the HDMI to SDI converters, but I am not getting any video from the camera. What could be the problem?

[@ProfitandPixels]

It’s probably that your camera frame rate doesn’t match your switcher settings. If not, connect your converter to your computer and check the settings

[@DR-lu7ek]

@@ProfitandPixels Thank you, I will check that today. Do I need to download the micro converter like I did for the ATEM mini?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Yes, check the “Support” section of their website for the latest firmware

[@ernestemuan6204]

Is it only 3G Sdi Cable that work?

[@ProfitandPixels]

3G is the minimum standard for live streaming

[@VickersDoorter]

Any idea which Jesus prefers, 12G SDI or HDMI? I'd hate to use the wrong one and our congregation is screwed when it comes to eternal salvation, particularly if they're buying it via weekly credit card donations.

[@ProfitandPixels]

Nice Lamborghini

[@arielshpitzer]

I need a sync generator to sync genlock.... funny you.

[@EugeneMaynard]

👏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾

[@orinlaney6010]

Industry standard signal flow charting is left to right. Your slides show the reverse.

[@ProfitandPixels]

I hope you can manage? 🤷‍♂️

[@orinlaney6010]

No sweat on my end. It's more a matter of professional polish on yours. I wasn't complaining; I was trying to help.

[@no15minutecities]

Money churches of course..................mammon

[@xavierzander4201]

The info given about the Analog to Digital (SDI) is not of any use for people starting with this, first the graphic @6:35 is wrong ! second, the advise to convert analog VCR footage can't be done without any "clean up" of the unstable analog video signal, (a passthrough device is needed) stable signals like game consoles, might work, if resolutions match with what the BMD converter is able to handle. It would be better to have done some research before making this video. I hope there are not more of this kind of mistakes in this video...

[@ProfitandPixels]

If you’re using a VCR in 2023, I don’t think this channel is for you

[@eric-janvandenbogaard9415]

@@ProfitandPixels in that case you should not mention a VHS player, because it doesn't work the way you mention it.

[@ceecrb1]

"ultimate guide"... Shows only blackmagic......

[@billgates3699]

VHS player? 😂 bruh. Did everybody forget how to spell VCR? 🤣 lord help us

[@ProfitandPixels]

I left VCR back where you got your profile pic lol

[@elitepropertiestoronto2979]

Great work but this just proves that black magic is a dick company with gear that is sdi when most inputs are going to be hdmi.. because we all have come cams. I have many BLM systems but because of their gouging might sell it all off and go with a more functional system.

[@ProfitandPixels]

Alternative take: Before BMD, everything for live video was SDI. Your option with cheap cameras was to sell them and buy more expensive gear that works with SDI. No one is forcing you to buy their gear my guy