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SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 8:10 pm
by JeffMealer
At loss here and hoping someone has an idea.

I am using a Blackmagic 1x8 SDI distribution amp (model CONUMSDIDA 4K) to send the feed from a Panasonic 4K PTZ camera (model AW-UE70) to multiple Barco 4K monitors (model MDSC-8231). The camera has a 3G SDI out and the monitors have a 3G SDI inputs. The DA is powered up but I'm only seeing a black screen.

Also, distance from the camera to the DA is about 65 feet and the distance to the monitor is about 65 feet. When I bypass the DA and barrel the two lines together I get the image. I've also tried another device and have the same problem. Any thoughts?

Re: SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 11:30 pm
by pederdingo
Could it be that you are sending out level A 3G and the DA can't take it?

Re: SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 12:01 am
by Dave Del Vecchio
Note that the SDI Distribution 4K does support 3G SDI Level A as of the Blackmagic Converters 7.0.9 firmware update. To update the firmware on these converters, you actually have to remove the metal cover as the USB port is only accessible internally:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=65056

Re: SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 1:51 pm
by Xtreemtec
Update the firmware on your DA! Usb connector is inside the housing.

Normal DA’s are just pass trough with reclocking. But BMD DA have Some more hardware inside that was for a long time not compatible with both levels on 3G-sdi

Re: SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 6:42 pm
by Tony Rivera
How to update the SDI Distribution Mini Converters is discussed on page 10 of the Mini Converter manual.

Re: SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 2:54 pm
by JeffMealer
Thanks all for the quick responses and good info.

Probably an obvious answer to this question but, can I expect that the Level A support introduced in the 7.0.9 update is present in the current 7.3.1 as well?

I should be able to test this afternoon. Looking forward to a positive result.

Re: SDI Mini Converter Issue

PostPosted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 6:06 pm
by Tony Rivera
Short answer? Yes.

Detailed answer: The latest drivers for the Mini Converters will update the different models to the latest driver for that specific one.