Any low cost way to bring in an SDI source?...

[jmmultex]

For Chromakey/LiveSets work, I use a Sony EX-1 camera. Though it has built in SDI, I am currently connecting it to my VT5 via component cables running in to an SX-8. While this setup does work, it involves a somewhat problematic string of cables (the custom component-out cable from Sony [which precariously connects to the side of the camera] attaching via adapters to a BNC component cable for the long run back, as well as audio out cables making a long and sometimes noisy run back as well.)

I would love some way to connect it as an SDI source - a single secure cable - without the expense of upgrading to an SX-84 and an SX-SDI.

Is there any way to configure a card like the Blackmagic SDI PCI Express Capture Card to operate as a single SDI source into a switcher input? At less than $300, it would fit the bill nicely.

I'm guessing the answer is no, but resourcefulness on this board is legendary, and hope does still spring eternal... ;)

Thanks,
-john

[chribba]

You can use SDI all the way from camera to BOB, there you can use one of these

http://www.decimator.com/brochures/REDBYTE_SD12DAC_brochure.pdf
http://www.miranda.com/portal/pdf/Datasheet/SDM-177p.en.pdf
http://www.aja.com/products/converters/converters-sdi-d10cea.php
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/miniconverters/

If you have embedded audio you can use de-embedder for analog or AES/EBU dependning on where you going with your audio..
regards
Chribba

[jmmultex]

Thanks - was hoping for something that kept the signal path digital all the way through, but this would certainly remove the cable clutter.

I'd rather put any big investment I make into a XD300 instead of the SX-SDI/84, so this will probably need to cover me until then.

I appreciate the response.

Best
John

[PIZAZZ]

john,

I still have 2 of the addon SDI boards for the VT.
The card attaches to your VTCard with a small bridge card.
The SDI card gives you SDI in/ SDI out/ AES in/out

New they were $995 but I will be glad to make you a GREAT deal on one.

[Zane Condren]

Yeah the NewTek VT single input SDI card is your best option. Note that it does not support embedded audio.

[jmmultex]

Jef, Zane,

Thanks for the suggestion around the VT-SDI.

My concern with going that route is that I'm committed - when money permits - to trading in my VT-Live for an XD300. I can see making a modest investment in SDI hardware today, especially if it will be useful in the future as a standalone, HD capable card. If not, it probably makes more sense for me to focus my $$ on getting into a position to do the trade-up.

I appreciate your reply.

Best,
-john

[joseburgos]

You know John it seems very possible to use the Decklink card as an adaptor. I don't own one but I do own an Intensity Pro card and in the control panel, you can tell the card how to input and output. That would mean SDI in to the card and then use the analog out. Then you would just connect the BNC of the VT input to the BNC on the Decklink output (mates perfectly as well because the Decklink breakout cable has female BNC on it). All that is left would be to run the Black Magic Design Capture program to enable the Decklink output. This is all theory based on my experience with the Intensity Pro.
The investment would not be wasted as you would gain an HD in/out display board for your desktop which doubles as a adaptor and even a scan converter (I use my Intesity to capture the GPU output)/full res, full frame screen capture. So it would be multi-functional. In retrospect, I should have purchased the Decklink just to add SDI to the list of features and uses the Intensity gives me. The Decklink list for $295 and besides going you SDI, the ability to be a scan converter for what you do is a very cool bonus :)

Take care,

[jmmultex]

Thanks Jose,

The analog I/O is only available on the DeckLink Studio and HD Extreme versions (AFAIK), so that would take a step up in cost. That said, it definitely gives me a little more to consider.

I guess I've never liked investing in equipment unless I feel I have a long payback window for it - hence the desire for a 'decklink' like solution that can add value beyond my immediate integration with the VT5.

I'll need to make a call cost wise, but this is definitely the way I'd go if I move forward.

Thanks for the suggestion.

john

[joseburgos]

I wanted to amend my statement and say the Intensity Pro does not work as a real-time scan converter for computer display output. HDMI to the computers DVI port allows capture perfectly full res and full frame rate (best screen capture period) but real-time display is not via component, composite or S-Video in SD resolution and only via HD resolution (HDMI or analog HD). So that means it is not a scan converter to work with the VT or TriCaster but should work as a scan converter with XD300. I do not know how the Decklink would fair so a phone call before purchase if you plan on using it as a scan converter.

[jmmultex]

Thanks Jose. I should have thought of this before, but I do have an AJA IO-HD that is hooked up to my Final Cut system. I'm going to see If I can leverage that to do the SDI-HD to Component-SD + Audio conversion in real time.

If you're interested, I'll let you know how that goes...

-john

[edmellnik]

I have a tricaster and a Ex1 with the same issue.
I use the Blackmagic sdi to analog converter.
it gives me the breakout component video and also the analog audio... YOu would be able to use it with the tricaster or the hd tricaster as it also gives you SDI and HDSDI out.
I find it handy where I am running a camera 200 ft away, I can use one cable for both the video and the audio from my EX1.

ed