Blackmagic Design Camera Fiber Converter SMPTE

Hybrid Electro-Optic Interface for Camera Connectivity

The Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter and Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converter convert standard video, audio, power, and communication connections into a single hybrid electro-optic SMPTE fiber interface. This enables operation of cameras up to 2 km away from the overhead or transmission truck using a single SMPTE hybrid fiber cable.

Extended Range for Live Production

Ideal for live studio or outdoor productions, this solution overcomes the limited range of traditional SDI and the challenges of power availability in large venues. It replaces multiple cables for power, communication, signaling, and video/audio with a single SMPTE fiber cable, reducing complexity and cost while improving reliability.

Compatibility and Standards

• Uses SMPTE 311M hybrid cable with rugged SMPTE 304 connectors.
• Cable includes fiber optic pair, data pair, power pair, and a center conductor for strength.
• Power supply provides 200V to camera converter and accessories with continuous monitoring and safety shutdown on failure.
• Fully compliant with SMPTE standards ensuring maximum operational safety.

Camera and Studio Converters

• Camera converter supplies standard 12V power to URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras and accessories.
• Connects to camera rear panel, converting video, audio, remote control, communication, signaling, and power to SMPTE hybrid wiring.
• Supports standard studio camera functions including preview lines, dual intercom channels, record triggering, aperture, and focus control.
• Features a V-Lock interface for accessories like the Blackmagic Studio Viewfinder monitor.
• Studio Fiber Converter mounts in studio or transmission truck racks, converting SMPTE fiber interfaces back to standard connections for camera control panels, directors, and mixing consoles.

Supported Interfaces and Features

• Supports 12G-SDI for all HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60 resolution.
• Provides Ultra HD output and three independent HD links from overhead.
• Includes remote camera control, PTZ protocol, and Ethernet interface.
• Two-channel intercom with 5-pin XLR connectors for professional headsets and backup intercom in case of optical failure.
• Additional 10-pin connector for crane operator headset and signal output.
• Communication between converters uses 10Gb Ethernet with 10-bit lossless IP video compression and sub-frame latency.

Rugged and Practical Design

• Camera Fiber Converter features a robust metal body matching URSA Broadcast cameras with dust-sealed connectors.
• Includes a high-quality V-Lock interface for professional monitor connection.
• Studio Fiber Converter designed for rack mounting with a 5" LCD for instant signal preview.

Included Accessories

• Mounting bracket and screws for URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras.
• Three short 12G SDI cables for camera input and output connections.
• SD card with software and manual.

Supported Video and Audio Standards

• HD Video: 720p50/59.94/60, 1080p23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60, 1080PsF23.98/24/25/29.97/30, 1080i50/59.94/60
• Ultra HD Video: 2160p23.98/24/25/29.97/30/60
• SDI Compliance: SMPTE 259M, 292M, 296M, 372M, 424M Level B, 425M
• Audio Sampling: 48 kHz, 24-bit A/D conversion
• Video Sampling: 4:2:2, 10-bit color precision
• Color Space: REC 709, REC 2020
• Multiple Rate Support: HD, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 12G-SDI switching

Connectivity

• 1x SMPTE Hybrid Fiber Optic input with SMPTE 304 male connector
• 1x 12G SDI video input for camera feed
• 1x 3G SDI output for camera return feed, plus 3x 3G SDI return outputs
• 2x 5-pin XLR talkback audio outputs with three-way audio mixer per output and 1x tracker output
• 2x 3-pin XLR analog audio inputs supporting AES, line, or mic input with phantom power
• 1x USB-C computer interface for firmware updates

Software and Compatibility

• Includes Camera Utility software for firmware updates.
• Compatible with Mac OS 10.14 Mojave, 10.15 Catalina or later, and Windows 8.1 and 10.

Environmental and Physical Specifications

• Operating temperature: 0° to 40° C
• Storage temperature: -20° to 45° C
• Relative humidity: 0% to 90% non-condensing

Warranty

1 Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty.

Firmware Updates and Features

• Supports transmission of "call" and "on-air" commands with ATEM Talkback Converter 4K and Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino.
• Improved system stability, reference signal detection, and communication with third-party systems.
• Bug fixes for camera output, status lights, and XLR input switching.
• Localization to multiple languages.
• Enhanced HDR support and sync stability in recent updates.