SDI Cable to TV/Projector

[jonstewart24]

Ok, So this forum has convinced me to spend the money and go for SDI-HD cabling.

My question is how do I get from SDI to my monitor and speakers, or projector and speakers.

I will be using a blackmagic miniconverter SDI distribution box to split an SDI signal into 8. I then cable those runs to my rooms, but is there a way to hook into the displays without buying a $500 box for each LCD or Projector? Will the cheap $50 SDI to VGA converters work? Also, the SDI should have embedded audio. How do I get that to speakers?

Also, Will this cable work?

amazon.com/Belden-1694a-Serial-Digital-Coaxial/dp/B0053I60IA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=A7QNKLNRR5QSB&s=generic&qid=1 313450980&sr=1-3

[Brad Weber]

What audio and video inputs do your monitors, projectors and speakers accept or require?

You can embed audio onto the SDI signal but you do then have to break it back out at the destinations. You could also address the audio distribution separately.

A quick search didn't turn up anything even close a $50 price, can you provide any information on the $50 SDI-to-VGA converters you are referencing?

Belden 1694A will probably work fine but two caveats. One, 1694A it is not plenum rated so it can't be run in or through any plenum spaces unless in conduit. Two, the link you provided appears to be for bulk cable and if the plan is to terminate it yourself then you need to make sure to use compatible connectors and appropriate crimp and die or compression tools.

[petereit]

When it comes to SDI cable, I just quote the master, Bob Zelin:

Some of the brands that are used for this application come from Belden, GEPCO, and Canare (and there are others like Clark, etc.). You can find these brands - even pre made cables for these applications, from mail order houses like Markertek, B+H Photo, Comprehensive, and many others.

Because HD-SDI cable is readily available today, I recommend that you buy this type of cable, as it is easy to find. Typical RG-59 style HD-SDI cable is Belden 1505A, or Gepco VPM-2000. You can find this cable, and cables made with this, at places like Markertek. Older analog video cable, like Belden 8241, looks exactly like Belden 1505A, but let me assure you - IT'S NOT THE SAME PRODUCT ! And you won't get the same performance. Belden 1505A is the #1 cable that I use for all of my installations. If you want "skinny cable", which is often refered to as RG-174, this is Belden 1855A, and this can be use for up to just over 200'. Belden 1505A (the RG59 stuff) can be used for up to 300'. If you want the THICK STUFF (also known as RG-6 cable) this is Belden 1694A, but as Fred says, I don't like to use this cable type, as it is [difficult to work with]. It can be used for up to 370'.

Many of my rants are based on people saying "I just went to Radio Shack, bought some coax cable, and it works just fine with my HD deck". Hey - I have used stuff like this in emergencies too, for short runs, but this is not the right thing to do, and as you go longer distances, this will get you into deep trouble. Cable is expensive, but using the right cable is actually more important than getting a black generator !

Bob Zelin

And to that, I will just add two more things.

1. Real SDI cable is 75-ohm. Almost all of the crimp-on or compression BNC connectors you'll find are 50-ohm. Do not use these as it causes an impedance mismatch. Use 75-ohm BNC connectors!! If it's not labeled 75-ohm, it's 50-ohm. If the guy at the electronics supply place doesn't know, it's 50-ohm. If he has to look it up, it's 50-ohm. If he even hesitates, it's 50-ohm. Unless you live in New York or LA, you'll have to order them.
   
2. There are no $50 SDI converters.

[jonstewart24]

Hmmmm. Thanks guys :]
Brad, I do not have monitors or projectors yet, but will probably buy something with composite, HDMI, and VGA.

I was referencing some of the cheap converters on amazon, but those probably arent' even worth mentioning.

I think my best bet is to go with the Black Magic converters even though they are $470 a piece! It will de-embed my audio as well so that is two birds with one stone.

We just can't afford a 7K video budget right now, So I think my plan right now is to wire the new building we are building (150 foot max runs) with CAT6 and 1505A. We will make due with HDMIoE for now, then when we have the money we will buy some Black Magic Converters and switch to SDI cabling.

[petereit]

Go ahead and wire with SDI-spec cabling now. That way, when you're ready to upgrade to SDI, the cable is already in place. Cheaper cable is not cheaper, because you need to add the cost of the cheap cable to your future cost of the SDI cable you're going to buy anyway, plus you're doubling your labor.

[Edit: Oops! You DID suggest running SDI-spec cable. My bad.]

[jonstewart24]

Yea,

I wouldn't have but I trust your advice. I think it will be worth it in the long run to wire with SDI, and use HDMI with all of its problems until we can afford a better solution. Thanks so much for all of your help! I'm sure you have saved me some headaches and I've learned a lot about SDI!

[tdangelo]

Originally Posted by jonstewart24

My question is how do I get from SDI to my monitor and speakers, or projector and speakers.

Jon,

How far of a distance will the signal be travelling as SDI?

[jonstewart24]

100-150 FT Max.

[petereit]

Originally Posted by jonstewart24

100-150 FT Max.

No sweat! SDI is good for 300 feet.