SDI & HDSDI Over Fiber Extenders

SDI & HDSDI Over Fiber Extenders

Fiber Optic Technology had been around since the 1880s when Alexander Graham Bell invented the Photophone, but it wasn't until the successful TV coverage of the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, that the Broadcast Industry began to embrace Fiber Optics fully. Fiber could transmit video and audio over longer distances without the degradation common to copper coaxial cables. Fibers' immunity to electromagnetic interference and lower latency, which is the amount of delay between when an event happens and when the viewer sees it on the screen, made it the logical step forward.

Analog to Fiber
That led to the next step: converting the existing analog electrical signal to an optical format using specialized transmitters and receivers. SDI, or Serial Digital Interface, was designed to convert and transmit video and audio data via light signals over fiber optic cables, then reconvert them at the receiving end. Products like the AJA Video FiDO allow long cable runs up to 10 km (32,808 ft) with electrical isolation. SDI over fiber can handle numerous formats, including 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, and even 12G-SDI.

Conversion
In broadcast, composite, or compressed video is practical for many applications, but raw, uncompressed video offers vastly superior quality and greater flexibility for editing and color correction. Conversion is the name of the game and cutting-edge companies like Camplex offer solutions like the CMX-3GSDI-TR, a fiber converter that extends a 3G, SDI or SD signal at resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz with a receiver that features an optical power meter that displays signal strength so you can be confident that your production is live and on the air.

The LYNX Technik LYNX OBD 1410 is a bidirectional Fiber Optic to SDI transmitter and receiver that also uses a single fiber link. It's a convenient, cost-effective solution designed to overcome the challenges of distributing over long distances. HD-SDI was designed to transmit uncompressed digital video signals, providing a high-quality, lossless user experience. HD-SDI over fiber is also integral in gathering content and control signals using PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) cameras, which are widely used across numerous industries.

SDI and HD-SDI Over Fiber Extenders are used for:

• Broadcast: Studio camera feeds, remote units, and long-haul transport.
• Live Events: Video distribution and control in venues.
• Video Production: Camera feeds, switching, and distribution.
• Security Systems: Video surveillance and camera control.
• Medical Imaging: High-quality video for display.

We've Got You!
Markertek has a professional selection of the best SDI and HD-SDI Over Fiber Extenders. It's the best solution for converting 8K, 4K, 12G-SDI, 6G-SDI, and 3G-SDI to fiber optic and back again while maintaining crystal-clear quality. We stock only the best in the Biz, names like Camplex, Blackmagic, AJA Video, THOR, Lynx Technik, Broadata, and Barnfind! You can trust Markertek to help you deliver your most critical content!

FAQ

Can I use SDI/HDSDI over fiber extenders with any existing SDI equipment?
Most SDI/HDSDI over fiber extenders are designed to be plug-and-play with standard SDI devices, but always check for compliance with SMPTE standards (e.g., SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M) to ensure compatibility.

What fiber cable type is required for these extenders?
Single-mode fiber is typically recommended for longer distances, while multi-mode fiber is suitable for shorter runs. Confirm the supported fiber type and connector (usually LC or ST) before installation.