Blackmagic Design Micro Converter Birect SDI/HDMI 12G PSU

From 3G to 12G: A Micro Converter Designed for Ultra HD and 4K DCI

This Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 12G follows the evolution of modern video workflows: where 3G converters mainly addressed HD needs, the move to 12G-SDI enables transport of Ultra HD and 4K DCI signals over a single SDI link, while maintaining great compatibility flexibility. The benefits are twofold: simplifying cabling and securing integration between broadcast SDI equipment and more common HDMI solutions (monitors, recorders, control screens).

Its "two converters in one" approach (SDI to HDMI and HDMI to SDI simultaneously) makes it particularly relevant in production chains where formats, frame rates, and standards can vary from one job to another. Automatic format detection helps reduce setup time and limit errors during source changes.

Use Cases: Shooting, Live, Mobile Control, Broadcasting

The Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 12G targets users who need to coexist cameras, switchers, recorders, and monitors in heterogeneous environments. On set, for example, it allows converting an HDMI output to SDI for clean long-distance transmission, while keeping an HDMI output available for local monitoring. In live and event settings, it becomes an essential connection tool between an HDMI source (compact camera, computer, player) and an SDI infrastructure (control room, distribution frame, converters, matrices).

Its micro form factor and low power consumption facilitate integration into a lightweight rack, flycase, streaming case, or directly on set. It is also a very practical solution for providers who must absorb last-minute constraints: unexpected formats, HDMI screens to power, or existing SDI chains to maintain without reconfiguring the entire control room.

Conversion, Integration, and Settings: Precision, LUT, and Camera Control

12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Conversion: Extended Compatibility and Automatic Detection

The conversion supports a wide range of standards, from SD up to Ultra HD and 4K DCI, with multi-rate handling (270 Mb, 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G). Automatic switching and format detection (SD, HD, 2K DCI, Ultra HD, 4K DCI) facilitate operation on sets where multiple sources coexist. Support for A/B levels (auto on 3G-SDI input and selectable on output) is a key point to remain compatible with SDI implementation variations.

Colorimetry and Calibration: Loadable 33-Point LUT

To stay consistent with monitoring and rendering requirements, color accuracy is specified as 4:2:2 and the color space as YUV. The presence of a 33-point LUT loadable via utility allows easier alignment of the display to a shooting or broadcast environment, whether for look control, quick matching, or adaptation to a production pipeline.

Control, Tally, and Updates via USB Type-C

The USB Type-C port serves for power, configuration, and updates. The device supports bidirectional conversion with camera control and tally for Blackmagic Camera, which can simplify integration into multi-camera setups. Settings are adjusted via utility on MacOS and Windows to tailor converter behavior and keep firmware up to date without taking a control room offline.

Technical specifications

Accessories included	External power supply	Outputs	HDMI, 1x SDI
Category	SDI Converter	Power supply	External power supply
Requires power supply	Yes	Consumption	2.5 W
Maximum conversion resolution	4K/60	Weight	174 g
Type	Video	Dimensions (mm)	81 x 59 x 25
Inputs	HDMI, 1x SDI

SDI Video Inputs	1	SD Video Standards	525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL
SDI Video Outputs	automatically corresponds to HDMI input	HD Video Standards	720p50/59.94/60; 1080p23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60; 1080PsF25/29.97/30; 1080i50/59.94/60
HDMI 2.0 Video Inputs	1 x Type A	2K Video Standards	2Kp23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60 DCI; 2KPsF25/29.97/30 DCI
HDMI 2.0 Video Outputs	1 x Type A	Ultra HD Video Standards	2160p23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60
Updates, Configuration, and Power	USB Type-C	4K Video Standards	4Kp23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60 DCI
Synchronization	Yes	HDMI Video Standards	SD 525i59.94 NTSC, 625i50 PAL; 720p50/59.94/60; 1080p23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60; 1080i50/59.94/60; 2160p23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60; 4K DCI 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60
SDI Rates	270 Mb, 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G	HDMI Color Accuracy	4:2:2; 33-point LUT via utility
Multi-rate Support	automatic detection of SD, HD, 2K, Ultra HD, and 4K	HDMI Color Space	YUV
SDI Compliance	SMPTE 259M, 292M, 296M, 424M, 425M, 2081-1, 2081-10, 2082-1, 2082-10, 2084, 2108-1	Copy Protection	HDMI input does not capture protected sources
SDI Video Connections	switchable SD, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2K DCI, Ultra HD, 4K DCI	Camera Control	bidirectional conversion with Blackmagic Camera control and tally
SDI Auto Switching	detection of SD, HD, 2K DCI, Ultra HD, 4K DCI; A/B levels auto on 3G-SDI input and selectable on output	Parameter Control	via MacOS/Windows utility over USB
SDI Color Accuracy	4:2:2; 33-point LUT loadable via utility	Operating Systems	Mac 10.15 Catalina, Mac 11.1 Big Sur or later; Windows 10 64-bit
SDI Color Space	YUV	Software	internal update via USB