Blackmagic Design CONVBDC/SDIHDWPSU Video Converter

Overview

Blackmagic Design builds this pocket converter to sit between professional SDI equipment and HDMI sources such as computers, projectors and big screen televisions. Video passes both ways at once, so one direction can carry an SD signal while the other carries a full HD feed, and the SDI output follows whatever the HDMI input sends. The metal housing holds broadcast processing circuitry small enough to tuck behind a rack or monitor.

Two conversions in one box saves a second converter and a second power outlet, and the re-clocking on the SDI input cleans the signal before it is processed, which helps when cable runs get long. What it does not do is switch or scale between the two sides; each direction carries its own format, and the power supply is the only source listed.

Who it's for

Studio and field work where an SDI device and an HDMI screen must talk to each other without a rack of gear. The converter suits a technician who already has power at the position and understands that each direction runs its own format. A buyer expecting the box to scale or match formats between directions should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

The SDI input is re-clocked before processing, which regenerates the signal, cuts jitter and sharpens the eye pattern, so long cable runs hold up better than an unclocked feed. Processing is ten bit throughout, keeping the conversion transparent to the source. Each direction runs independently, so the two sides can carry different formats at the same time.

Specifications