3G SDI over Fiber

This drawing shows the SD/HD (Standard Definition/High Definition) SDI Red Camera being connected directly to the SDI fiber Transmmiter F-1SDI-3G-TX via SDI (Serial Digital Interface) and RS485 ports. The SDI cable sends the uncompressed live footage to the Transmitter and the RS485 connects to the camera for control/joystick functionality. The transmitter sends both the ability to use RS485 and the uncompressed SDI footage to the receiver through an ST/PC (Straight Tip / Physical Contact) fiber optic cable. From the receiver, the workstation can control all functionality because both the SDI and RS485 will be connected.

SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is a widely used video transmission standard, and various formats exist to accommodate different resolutions and bandwidth requirements. Here are some common SDI formats:

  1. SD-SDI (Standard Definition SDI): This format supports resolutions up to 720x576 pixels and is commonly used for standard-definition video.

  2. HD-SDI (High Definition SDI): HD-SDI supports resolutions up to 1920x1080 pixels, making it suitable for high-definition video transmission.

  3. 3G-SDI (3 Gbps SDI): This format allows for higher data rates, supporting resolutions up to 1920x1080 at 60 frames per second.

  4. 12G-SDI (12 Gbps SDI): Designed for ultra-high-definition video, 12G-SDI supports resolutions up to 3840x2160 at 60 frames per second.

Losses over Coax with Distance: As SDI signals travel over coaxial cables, they can experience signal losses with increasing distance. Higher SDI formats generally require higher-quality cables to mitigate signal degradation. Losses can result in reduced signal quality, affecting video resolution and clarity. Repeaters or signal boosters may be required for longer cable runs to maintain signal integrity.

Advantages of Using Single Mode Fiber for SDI: When transmitting SDI signals over longer distances or in environments with electromagnetic interference, using single mode fiber optic cables offers several advantages:

  1. Greater Distance Capability: Single mode fiber can transmit SDI signals over much longer distances without significant signal degradation compared to coaxial cables.

  2. Immunity to EMI: Fiber optics are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference, ensuring a stable SDI signal even in electrically noisy environments.

  3. Lightweight and Compact: Fiber optic cables are lightweight and more compact than their coaxial counterparts, simplifying installation and cable management.

  4. Future-Proofing: Fiber optic technology supports higher data rates, making it suitable for evolving SDI standards and future advancements.

SDI over Fiber with Thor Transmitter and Receiver (ST/PC Connector): The use of Thor Transmitter and Receiver with ST/PC connectors for SDI over fiber enhances the advantages mentioned above. ST connectors, with their twist-and-turn mechanism similar to BNC, provide:

  1. Quick and Secure Connections: The ST connector's mechanism allows for fast and secure connections, similar to the familiar BNC twist-and-lock design.

  2. Robustness: The ST connector's design ensures a reliable and robust connection, minimizing the risk of accidental disconnection.

  3. Ease of Use: The twist-and-turn mechanism simplifies the installation process, making it user-friendly for technicians and installers.

In summary, utilizing various SDI formats and transitioning to fiber optics, especially with Thor Transmitter and Receiver featuring ST/PC connectors, can significantly enhance video transmission capabilities, ensuring high-quality, reliable, and future-proofed signal delivery.

Products used:

8 Ch SD/HD 3G-SDI Over Single Fiber CWDM Uncompressed Rack-Mountable

8-channel 3G HD SDI transmitter receiver, sends uncompressed signals over fiber optic cable, enabling long-distance transmission up to 120km.

Mini SD/HD/3G-SDI Pattern Generator

This Device is an SD/HD/3G-SDI pattern generator. This Unit supports 2970Mb/s, 1485Mb/s and 270Mb/s color bar pattern with moving circle and embedded 1 KHz audio.

1 channel SD/HD 3G SDI Fiber Extender 1080p/60hz

Extend 3G, HD-SDI, or SD-SDI video over single-mode fiber. Unit includes 1 channel RS-485 control data for bi-directional communication

ST/PC to ST/PC Simplex, 3.0mm, Singlemode Patch Cable

This is a Single Mode Fiber Patch Cable LC/PC to ST/PC Simplex, 3.0mm Singlemode Jumper.

8 channel HDMI and SDI Clear CATV RF Modulator QAM, ATSC, DVB-T, ISDB-T

Thor Universal multi-channel SDI and HDMI Modulator with QAM, ATSC, DVB-T, or ISDB-T coax RF output

SDI fiber extender for SD HD 3G and 4K 12G SDI with return RS485 Data

Singlle mode 12G SDI fiber optic converter for camera video extension