How do I use SDI? What do I need for live music studio?

I hope this is the right place. I am setting up a new music studio where I will be using cameras for three purposes. Mainly for live monitoring for the musicians in other rooms. The next to record our performances for youtube and social media and third for live streaming. All of which I've done successfully. I have been using HDMI though which works but there is a little latency. Now I have the opportunity to redesign the wall panels to include SDI-BNC connectors. But I'm unclear on this. I have the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO. I also have 6 Panasonic LUMIX G9 cameras. I only see an HDMI output on the cameras, unless I'm missing something -- MORE than likely. So my question is what do I need to get and do to make the SDI connection? It seems defying my logic, that I need an HDMI to SDI convertor/extender then back to SDI to HDMI to get to the ATEM? Or for this I should just not use the ATEM but use something else, and use the ATEM only for streaming? If SDI is superior and latency free how does the HDMI-.SDI-> work?

The panels I have and have been using have a lot of CAT6 so I've been using HDMI to CAT6 extenders. But I can add BNC connectors to the panels, or is this not necessary depending on the converter/extender?

I think latency is problem of your photocameras .. if u add hdmi to SDI converters and back , latency will not be better .. the same or more ..

That’s what I thought. So I have to get cameras that have an SDI output? But these are good cameras. I don’t think the latency is in the camera. It’s in the HDMI


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I don’t think the latency is in the camera. It’s in the HDMI

There is basically zero latency in the HDMI signal transmission - we're talking in the micro-seconds range.

Where there will be latency is in the HDMI outputs of your cameras - those cameras are not designed for live video production where minimal delay is required. That means converting to SDI will make zero difference, as the delay will still be on the HDMI output from the camera.

If you want to reduce the latency, you will need to change cameras. For cross-room monitoring where timing is important, you may even want to look into analogue cameras and monitors - this is the only way to get true zero-latency.

Interesting. On another ATEM Forum - Facebook ok - I was inundated with everybody telling me that HDMI has too much latency and it will never work for musicians - The latency was not a big deal actually. And I was told the ONLY option is SDI. Hm. These aren't cheap cameras, but yes, they were designed specifically for video. Thanks.

So still - I am design the wall panels. If I have to get new cameras soo bit it. But will these cameras have SDI output on them? Do I need to put BNC coaxial (SDI) connectors on the panels. Then how do I get the SDI into the ATEM? I need a different model of ATEM or this is where the converter works?

Unless you are planning on ditching all your Panasonics and buying six new cameras with SDI, stay with HDMI. And for HDMI runs in excess of 10 metres, use fibre HDMI (Amazon has plenty to choose from).

A number of Panasonic cameras have the facility to switch off audio encoding into the HDMI video out, which will reduce video latency, as the encoder then has less to process.

I presume all your sound sources are going into a mixer, which in turn you'll need to plug into the audio input of your ATEM switcher. One further thing you'll need to do is delay the incoming audio using the ATEM Software Control. That's because your mixer audio will be ahead of the HDMI image. You will experience a lip-sync error if you don't apply audio delay.

You can sync the audio by pointing one of the cameras onto laptop playing a timing video with click track (YouTube has a number of these search - Audio Video Sync Test) then monitoring the incoming video on the Multiview and manually adjusting the audio delay through your ATEM, using a pair of headphones.

Thanks. I've done streaming and the monitoring already, with the Panasonics. And video. It's a professional pretty high end recording studio, so I record all the audio with mics and mix them so it sounds really good. I use the audio in the cameras merely to sync in FCPX with the mixed audio. For the live monitoring I just use the inputs from the recording console. I've got them synced from the console audio.

But further thinking here, and I'm open to thoughts, I don't need high end video cameras just to monitor ourselves. I am thinking of mounting those on the walls and using the LUMIX for the videos and live streaming where latency isn't an issue.

But further thinking here, and I'm open to thoughts, I don't need high end video cameras just to monitor ourselves. I am thinking of mounting those on the walls and using the LUMIX for the videos and live streaming where latency isn't an issue.

I’m not sure I follow the logic, low end cameras will have less latency? Or is the plan here to install a parallel analog system solely for in-house monitoring? Frankly I’d bite the bullet and swap cams. Replace the Panasonics with Micro 4ks and use your existing lenses and infrastructure. As a bonus you’ll get camera control from the Atem, less delay, and a native SDI option.

From your description it sounds like you’re using hdmi-cat extenders? These will add delay and degrade the signal.

Good Luck

OK. OK. Thanks. But these Panasonics ARE Micro 4K mirrorless and all that. I don't think what I have are lower end cameras. If you're making Hollywood movies yes. I have some lower end camcorders. These are those. The ATEM only has HDMI inputs and mini plugs for audio.

Ok. Ok. This is the camera I use. I have 6 of them. Only one with this lens. The other 5 are cheaper but good lens. This is not a camcorder. Not low end. Not high end, but not cheap.https://www.samys.com/p/Digital-Mirrorless-Cameras/DC-G9M2LK/Panasonic-Lumix-DC-G9-II-Mirrorless-Micro-Four-Thirds-Digital-Camera-with-12-60mm-Lens/255128.html?origin=product-search&msclkid=995d8483bb4b107c207ee32b68c6d5e3&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%3A%20Catch%20All%20-%20JF&utm_term=4585788126806765&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231

A double posting. Novice Blackmagic forum user.

This is not a camcorder. Not low end. Not high end, but not cheap.

I am familiar with the model but again am confused as to the point you're making. It doesn't matter if they're $5 each or $50000, price has no bearing on monitoring delay. In fact latency is pretty common in Panasonic cams, even their box and robo cams all have a little more delay than other broadcast cams in the segment.

But these Panasonics ARE Micro 4K mirrorless and all that.

As you're new I probably should have made it more clear, Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2. 4K is just a number (actually it's a couple) that only defines resolution.

Good Luck

problem is , that you use photocameras .. not "film" cameras .. some photocameras have delay 3-4 frames .. some are better .. Compared to film cameras , where is latency near zero frames ..

BTW: how about PTZ cameras ? is not better for you ?

problem is , that you use photocameras .. not "film" cameras .. some photocameras have delay 3-4 frames .. some are better .. Compared to film cameras , where is latency near zero frames ..

BTW: how about PTZ cameras ? is not better for you ?

What are PTZ cameras? I do understand better now. I was steered wrong when I bought the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9s. I only use them for video. And I don't think I can sell them and just buy 6 video cameras. Also the use I have there are a couple og ISO booths I'm building for some of the musicians. The space is small. I'm considering making a permanent mount for them. I'm also think of just getting small cheaper camcorders with SDI and still using the LUMIX.

What are PTZ cameras?

Might I suggest you consult a local video specialist and have them visit/specify/install? It's what we do for a living! You've already shelled-out a lot of money for 6 cameras that are not ideally-suited for what you require. You've had very good advice from others here on this forum, but it sounds like having a professional visit your studio would be of greater benefit.

If it were me, I'd sell-on the cameras you've already got and buy either a) the Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 like Howard said (you might even be able to use the lenses that came with your Panasonics), or b) A set of decent PTZ cameras, as per Roman's suggestion.

The advantage of the BM Micro-studio cameras is that they're controllable via the ATEM switcher and software; whereas the PTZs offer the flexibility of remote movement in terms of Pan, Tilt, Zoom.

The HDMI/SDI choice is a matter best addressed on a site survey by an installer.

What are PTZ cameras?

Might I suggest you consult a local video specialist and have them visit/specify/install? It's what we do for a living! You've already shelled-out a lot of money for 6 cameras that are not ideally-suited for what you require. You've had very good advice from others here on this forum, but it sounds like having a professional visit your studio would be of greater benefit.

If it were me, I'd sell-on the cameras you've already got and buy either a) the Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 like Howard said (you might even be able to use the lenses that came with your Panasonics), or b) A set of decent PTZ cameras, as per Roman's suggestion. The advantage of the BM Micro-studio cameras is that they're ATEM controllable; whereas the PTZs offer the flexibility of remote movement, zoom and focus adjustment.

The HDMI/SDI choice is a matter best addressed on a site survey by an installer.

I looked it up. PTZ - Pan/TILT/Zoom. Those little things installed on ceilings? Perfect. I was thinking about going to our local Camera store. And I do know professionals - more on the video end - but could help I'm sure. I mean this particular guy has done a lot of Documentaries, commercials independent films as a camera man. Another guy has filmed my last few concerts, but he uses cheaper cameras than I would! LOL. Thank you.

Can I record with PTZs or are they just for lie streaming or security? I do a lot od]f videos with my cameras of our rehearsals and other. If I could mmount them and still record - like if they can have a memory card it'd be pretty ideal.

It looks like I'm looking at keeping both my panasonics and getting PTZ mounted? The Panasonics look great for video. No one is complaining about the latency. It's just a little lag. Not much. I just thought that since I have to rebuild my studio now I should take advantage of the new build.

So for context here is an example of what we do in the studio with the Panasonics. This is the studio (Great studio ) that I put together and have to now leave. So I don't think the PTZ will do video of this quality. But if in addition to the Panasonics I had these mounted for rehearsing it could work well, not take up much space but be another big outlay of cash. Thanks for your help everyone. BTW my name is Henry Robinett. I have ALWAYS used my real name until I signed up here for some reason.

PTZ cameras gives you ability to remote controll them .. Its small, not neet lot of space .. Can be mounted onto walls , etc .. And U can remotely control PAN, TILT , ZOOM , and other parameters (like IRIS , CoLOR, etc) .. I think for recording studio is much better than Photocameras , or videocameras ..
Some of them, have SD card slot for local recording ..
If U want to record outside studio , then LUMIX is better I think .

PTZ cameras gives you ability to remote controll them .. Its small, not neet lot of space .. Can be mounted onto walls , etc .. And U can remotely control PAN, TILT , ZOOM , and other parameters (like IRIS , CoLOR, etc) .. I think for recording studio is much better than Photocameras , or videocameras ..
Some of them, have SD card slot for local recording ..
If U want to record outside studio , then LUMIX is better I think .

Thank you. But what about quality. I don't know if you've seen the video I posted. Just mounted cameras at a rehearsal for my band. I doubt the quality of the PTZ are thsat good, at least not without spending super high dollars on them?

yes .. quality deppend from price .. Im using $700 PTZs and its not bad .. You can see output here :

We wanted to upgrade one studio to UHD .. And we tested UHD PTZ with 12G sdi output .. One candidate was RGBlink for $3600 .. and one was Canon for $7000 .. Cannon was briliant , but it have lot of functions , what we donot need .. And price is double .. So we ordered that RBGlinks .. Outputs is here :

yes .. quality deppend from price .. Im using $700 PTZs and its not bad .. You can see output here :

We wanted to upgrade one studio to UHD .. And we tested UHD PTZ with 12G sdi output .. One candidate was RGBlink for $3600 .. and one was Canon for $7000 .. Cannon was briliant , but it have lot of functions , what we donot need .. And price is double .. So we ordered that RBGlinks .. Outputs is here :

Thank you. This is very helpful. Still not sure which way I'll go. Thinking of getting two PTZ's and putting one each in the isolation booths.