Blackmagic Broadcast Converter

Broadcast Converter combines most mini converters features into a 1 rack unit chassis that allows bi-directional conversion. Convert SDI to analog/HDMI while at the same time converting analog to HDMI to SDI. Broadcast Converter is a complete solution for connecting analog decks such as Betacam SP to SDI based systems in a compact rack mount design. Broadcast Converter does feature some different specifications to Mini Converter models, so please check the Tech Specs page for full details on the differences.

Build your SDI studio with the worlds most advanced and easy to use converters! Only Mini Converters include auto SD/HD switching, redundant input, AES/EBU and analog audio on standard 1/4 inch jack connections, combined with advanced 3 Gb/s SDI technology. There's 4 great models to choose from depending on the conversion you need, plus a sync generator model!

Auto Switching SD and HD

Mini Converters instantly switch between standard definition and high definition video formats and changeover is automatic when the video input changes. A huge range of video standards are supported including, NTSC, PAL, 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 1080psf/23.98, 1080psf/24, 720p/59.94 and 720p/50 formats, plus new formats can be added via USB.

Redundant SDI Input

Mini Converters feature a unique redundant input for mission critical tasks such as broadcast or live events. You can connect a redundant cable to the second input, so if the main input is lost due to cable damage or any other cause, Mini Converter will automatically switch over to the redundant input cable. This lets you use Mini Converters in locations where crowds or the environment might cause cable damage, or lets you place Mini Converters in hard to reach locations such as roof mounted video projectors. A loop though SDI output is also provided for connecting to other devices. A loop-thru SDI connection is also great if you need more than 2 audio channels, as you can connect the loop-thru to another Mini Converter to de-embedd extra audio channels!

New 3 Gb/s SDI Technology

Only Mini Converters include the latest 3 Gb/s SDI technology and upgrades can be loaded via the built in USB connection for future video format compatibility. 3 Gb/s SDI is also fully compatible with all your standard definition and high definition SDI equipment.

Built in AES/EBU or Analog Audio

Standard 1/4 inch jacks are built in for balanced analog or AES/EBU audio. Because Mini Converters use standard 1/4 inch jack connectors for all audio connections, you can use standard cables commonly available from any pro audio store. Unlike other converters, Mini Converters don't need custom cables, as any balanced 1/4 inch jack cable can be used. Mini Converters are also unique as the same 1/4 inch jack connections can be switched between professional balanced analog audio, or AES/EBU digital audio. This means you only need one model of Mini Converter for both analog and digital audio. You can select the type of audio from one of the mini switches on the side of the Mini Converter unit. On modes with AES/EBU digital audio in, a sample rate converter lets you connect to any AES/EBU source, either synchronized, or un-syncronized. On HDMI models, you also have full access to the HDMI audio embedded in the HDMI video connection.

High Quality

Mini Converters are built to highest quality standards with low SDI jitter so you get the longest SDI cable lengths combined with multiple internal power supplies for ultra low noise broadcast quality analog video and audio. Unlike other converters, Mini Converters don't use "low grade" video electronics just to save cost. Mini Converters feature the highest grade broadcast quality analog audio and video electronics. In fact, Mini Converters uses the same analog video design as our most expensive and award winning Multibridge Eclipse! That means you get the highest quality, all in a very affordable and incredibly compact unit.

International Power Supply

Unlike other converters, a universal power supply is included with international socket adapters for all countries. This lets you take Mini Converters with you to any location worldwide, and plug directly into the local power sockets. To stop power accidentally being disconnected, a cable tie point is included to lock down the power connection tight!

Mini Converters will keep up with you when quality really counts. Its fully SDI digital construction means it never suffers from video noise and will always connect video cleanly between equipment, without any change in quality.

Flexibility for High End Production

The SDI video standard was designed for total flexibility. All equipment connects together using simple coax BNC cables and the connection can be more than 100 meters or 300 feet apart. SDI doesn't use compression so you can record video to any kind of broadcast or high end consumer deck completely independently of the tape format. Modern equipment such as Mini Converters allow for video rate switching between standard definition 270 Mb/s, high definition 1.485 Gb/s or high definition 3 Gb/s video rates, so newer HDTV equipment can be integrated into existing systems.

Unlike DV, which is only 4:1:1 color sampling with only 1 red and 1 blue video sample per 4 luma samples, SDI is normally 4:2:2 with twice the color resolution. Traditionally SDI equipment has been expensive, however Blackmagic Design has changed the industry and finally made SDI affordable for everyone. Now SDI is the production format of the choice for high end, corporate, on-location and live broadcast video worldwide.

Compatibility when it Counts

SDI has the compatibility to connect every kind of video equipment together, from all tape format decks, monitoring and distribution. No matter what the tape format, there will be a model with SDI connections. This means you don’t have to worry about tape formats and non linear editing file formats standards, with SDI it all connects together seamlessly. SDI has absolutely no latency, so unlike FireWire you get instant response on NLE timelines. SDI also allows direct monitoring, as all good video monitors have SDI input options or use analog converters such as Multibridge and HDLink for LCD monitoring. For audio perfectionists, SDI has a massive multi-channel audio capability with video capture cards such as DeckLink using up to 12 channels for HD audio capture.

That's great for 5.1 surround sound work. And like the video, all audio is digital so there is no generation loss of any kind combined with perfect AV sync. There are thousands of SDI based products on the market ranging from million dollar telecine film scanners down to low cost analog converters for a few hundred dollars, and they're all fully compatible with each other.

Broadcast Converter — $995