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Problem with HDMI to SDI MicroConverter

PostPosted: Wed Jul 24, 2024 9:03 pm
by manniaab
Hello,

We are trying to play a movie from our Mac mini to our projector through a BlackMagic MicroConverter HDMI to SDI. We always have problems with the video cutting in and out, going blank or freezing (if we are streaming on anything other than Disney+) Does anyone have any idea why this would be happening?

-Thank You!

Re: Problem with HDMI to SDI MicroConverter

PostPosted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 11:23 pm
by RPC_NewYork
I have the same problem. We are using an Apple TV connected to the same MicroConverter then to an ATEM Constellation. It worked fine when connected to an ATEM Production Studio 4K's HDMI port. We have concluded that the issue is that certain copy protection signals are not being returned by the MicroConverter and are therefore causing problems with the video. We typically only use the Apple TV for wireless roaming video, so we aren't even trying to use anything with copy protection. We are going to try a Decimator before giving up.

Re: Problem with HDMI to SDI MicroConverter

PostPosted: Sun Jul 28, 2024 12:01 am
by Howard Roll
Folks are quick to assume that Mac display issues are HDCP related when in reality they're just flaky Mac issues.

This is what an actual HDCP compliance fail looks like from both Netflix and Disney+ on the Apple TV. No flickering, no blackouts. It may be helpful to try a different resolution or refresh rate.

Good Luck
Netflix.jpg
Netflix.jpg (27.13 KiB) Viewed 1497 times

Disney+.jpg
Disney+.jpg (49.29 KiB) Viewed 1497 times

Re: Problem with HDMI to SDI MicroConverter

PostPosted: Sun Jul 28, 2024 4:07 am
by RPC_NewYork
Thanks for this! I will keep playing with the resolution then.

Re: Problem with HDMI to SDI MicroConverter

PostPosted: Tue Jul 30, 2024 11:08 pm
by manniaab
Thank you all for the help! We did discover that most issues go away if we open the streaming services through Google Chrome rather than Safari. Hope that helps others

Re: Problem with HDMI to SDI MicroConverter

PostPosted: Mon Jan 27, 2025 3:09 pm
by movielover12
RPC_NewYork wrote:I have the same problem. We are using an Apple TV connected to the same MicroConverter then to an ATEM Constellation. It worked fine when connected to an ATEM Production Studio 4K's HDMI port. We have concluded that the issue is that certain copy protection signals are not being returned by the MicroConverter and are therefore causing problems with the video. We typically only use the Apple TV for wireless roaming video, so we aren't even trying to use anything with copy protection. We are going to try a Decimator before giving up.

It sounds like a tricky situation, especially with the copy protection signals affecting your setup. I agree that trying the Decimator could be a good solution to bypass that issue. It’s always a bit frustrating when technology doesn’t play nice, but hopefully that does the trick. Just like preparing for a movie night—sometimes you need that extra piece of gear to get everything working smoothly! Keep me posted on how it goes!