Best HDMI to SDI for 2014

[Jonathan Pfundstein]

I've searched through the forums and have only come up with a few older threads about converters, nothing too extensive or that recent.

(My appologys because I'm sure this question has been asked a mllion times)

 

What is everyone using when it comes to hdmi to sdi transmitters? It seems like the blackmagic and atamos seem to be the most popular.

 

I'm leaning towards the atamos due to its small form factor and internal battery/eternal power options. The blackmagics seem to do the same just a bit heavier and larger.

 

I will flying it on a steadicam Zephry HD.

 

Any better options I'm missing?

I could've sworn I just recently saw a wireless video transmitter that has connections for either hdmi or sdi which would solve half the problem...

 

 

[Victor Lazaro]

I use my blackmagic Hyperdeck Shuttle as a video converter for DSLR work it gives you both SDI and HDMI out simultaneously. Great to use with a paralinx arrow on my steadicam. It's a bit larger but can also record a ProRes daily for you to review on set and for your reel.

[Shawn Wang]

well. to be honest the new teradek Bolt 300 is your best choice, it has both HDMI and SDI in and out.

 

but that can't solve your problem if you want to convert HDMI to SDI on your post. like if you have a C100 or 5D you want to hook it up to your steadicam monitor.

 

and, Like Victor said, best onboard solution would still be the shuttle since you have your option to record your reel at the same time.

 

 

these 2 tends to be the cheapest solution that you can do more than 2 things with one purchase (shuttle = reel + cross convert. Bolt 300 = cross convert + transmit)

 

 

and yes I have the atomos converter too. H2S, it works good. as long as you can find a rigid place to mount it and you don't mind charge/carry/worry another type of battery on set.

[Jonathan Pfundstein]

well. to be honest the new teradek Bolt 300 is your best choice, it has both HDMI and SDI in and out.

 

but that can't solve your problem if you want to convert HDMI to SDI on your post. like if you have a C100 or 5D you want to hook it up to your steadicam monitor.

 

and, Like Victor said, best onboard solution would still be the shuttle since you have your option to record your reel at the same time.

 

 

these 2 tends to be the cheapest solution that you can do more than 2 things with one purchase (shuttle = reel + cross convert. Bolt 300 = cross convert + transmit)

 

If only the bolt had a pass through converting the signal, a bit much to ask but oh well.

 

The hyperdeck seems to be a good option minus the form fator, I don't really see myself needing addtional recording abilities, how good is the internal battery? Thought I remembered reading 2 hours at some point, but I'm guessing your powering it off the sled anywise, which would be my plan for the Atamos instead of batteries, although the form factory of the battery to p-tap adpater seems annoying, but power via usb seems to be another option.

[Victor Lazaro]

For Hyperdeck it's a super cheap ptap to barrel plug cable. It works great. Forget about the internal battery. No power via USB (it's only for updates an settings). The recording has been useful to me on more than one occasion.

[Shawn Wang]

If only the bolt had a pass through converting the signal, a bit much to ask but oh well.

 

The hyperdeck seems to be a good option minus the form fator, I don't really see myself needing addtional recording abilities, how good is the internal battery? Thought I remembered reading 2 hours at some point, but I'm guessing your powering it off the sled anywise, which would be my plan for the Atamos instead of batteries, although the form factory of the battery to p-tap adpater seems annoying, but power via usb seems to be another option.

 

that would be neat, but nope, its not possible now. the transmitter has HDMI and SDI in, no OUT. even the current design the bolt 300 is blazzing HOT!!! (feeling burning hands, but who would be touching it all the time. Im just a little worrying about its life span under this kind of temperature.)

 

and the receiver, even has both HDMI and SDI out, you can only use 1 at a time. eventho you can always split SDI signal out to many.

 

 

anyways, back to your topic. cross convert box, like the AJA one, or decimator, etc etc. are priced around 695 and up. one way converter, like the atomos, is priced at half of this price.

 

so I still think hyperdeck shuttle is a steal if you want to cross convert, but you just have to embrace its short comings at the same time..... like its DIN connector, power and mounting options, etc etc.

[Patrick Drury]

I've used the Atomos to convert from HDMI to SDI and it works great! Very small form factor and one battery works all day. The two SDI outs are great. I send on to the Teradek and the other to the sled. It's much cheaper than upgrading to the Second Gen Teradek 300.

[Jonathan Pfundstein]

I've used the Atomos to convert from HDMI to SDI and it works great! Very small form factor and one battery works all day. The two SDI outs are great. I send on to the Teradek and the other to the sled. It's much cheaper than upgrading to the Second Gen Teradek 300.

Thanks Patrick, after reviewing the form factor on the hyperdeck, its huge in comparrison to the Atomos. Powering it off the battery seems like a fine option but off the sled would be ideal, have you have any experience with this?

[Alan Rencher]

I modify the included AC adapter by cutting the dummy battery cable in half then splicing in a male and female connector inline. It's AC power when you need it, and DC power otherwise.

[Jess Haas SOC]

IMHO this blackmagic is the way to go: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/857473-REG/Blackmagic_Design_CONVBATT_HS_HDMI_to_SDI_Battery.html

 

~Jess