Which HDMI->SDI converter?

[Jess Haas SOC]

It seems there are a lot of options out there now. Which one works the best for a good price? I need something that will work well with cameras like the Canon 5Dmk2 and T2i that switch the HDMI feed to SD resolution when you hit record. Also need to be able to power the thing from p-tap power without too much crazyness.

 

Thanks,

Jess

[Wolfgang Troescher]

Try converter from Blackmagic. Built in battery, I think there's a d-tap cable from Blackmagic.

 

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/batteryconverters/

 

http://www.switronix.com/products/batteries?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=91&category_id=39

[Jess Haas SOC]

Went with the battery version of the blackmagic. It accepts upto 31volts so don't need the silly switronix voltage regulated cable.

[John E Fry]

How does the Blackmagic converter handle the signal changes? Is it quick to adjust when you hit record & the resolution drops? Hatefully I've had to do a few DSLR Steadicam jobs recently & my HDMI - SDI doesn't seem to cope with the sudden change over the HDMI, & either takes ages to get a signal back or doesn't lock up at all! If the Blackmagic works well & quickly lock to all resolutions than that's next on the shopping list!

[Mark Schlicher]

As it happens, there is not a simple answer re: Blackmagic converter, but I have been recently researching and here's what I have found.

 

1. The BM converter currently comes in three flavors: original casing, heavy duty casing, and heavy duty casing with battery. According to BM, all three versions of the HDMI to SDI mini converter currently will accept up to 31vdc. They are based on the same electronics inside.

 

2. Before the heavy duty and battery versions were introduced, the original casing model was designed only to accept 14V or less. BM now calls these units "gen 1". When they introduced the new units, they also put the new electronics into the old-style case and called them "gen 2". They look the same as gen 1, but can be identified by a "2" at the end of the serial number. So there are two versions of the "original" BM HDMI to SDI mini-converter that look the same but accept different voltages.

 

3. This is the history of the HDMI to SDI converter. Different converters may have a different history...BM states on their message board that they have been migrating all of their mini converters to 12-31V input.

 

4. I own a gen 1 original BM converter. I have a Canon 60D and it handles the resolution drop just fine (takes a second, but it works.) I have installed the latest firmware. I have heard (but can't confirm from experience) that some BM firmware versions for mini-converters do not handle the resolution drop.

 

5. I also own a BM Hyperdeck Shuttle (first version). It handles the voltage, but does NOT handle the HDMI resolution drop when recording. I've been told it can't be upgraded to sork.

 

Hope this helps.

[Victor Lazaro]

I just purchased a Hyperdeck Shuttle 2 (with DNxHD recording) Do you think if could handle the resolution change at least while not recording.

I like the fact that the recorder also serves as HDMI/SDI converter.

[Joel San Juan]

yup but the mini SDI output is very filmsy and you have to be very careful handling it.

[Victor Lazaro]

yup but the mini SDI output is very filmsy and you have to be very careful handling it.

 

I was thinking bout that when buying it, those plugs seems like they are sticking out a bit too much.. Oh well, Maybe I should get a couple of extra adapter cables just in case.

I just came back from my first shoot with th HyperDeck and Red Epic. Feels good to have decent dailies to review your footage at home without waiting on production to hand you the R3Ds.

Plus some clients may even be interested in getting on the spot time coded dailies.

 

Is anyone using that super heavy cheese plate? I'm considering returning it if I find something else...

 

PS: sorry for the slight off topic.