Blackmagic Design SDI Expander 8x12G

Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G converts in 2 directions at the same time. It converts 8 independent channels of 12G-SDI to SMPTE-2110, while simultaneously converting a separate set of 8 channels of SMPTE-2110 back to 12G-SDI. That’s 16 channels of conversion in a single rack unit. The SMPTE-2110 connections use two 100G Ethernet ports for full SMPTE-2022-7 redundancy. There is also a separate NMOS control Ethernet port and dual redundant AC power supplies for reliable broadcast operation.

All Blackmagic SMPTE-2110 products with 100G Ethernet, plus some 10G Ethernet models have 2 separate Ethernet ports to support redundancy. SMPTE-2110 redundancy sends two identical copies of their video and audio across two separate network connections. This works even better when the redundant Ethernet ports are connected to separate Ethernet switches. This redundancy is called SMPTE 2022-7 Seamless Protection Switching. It compares incoming RTP packets on both connections by sequence number, then reconstructs a perfect video frame from whichever packet of pixels arrives first. The switchover is real-time and totally seamless, so customers never get dropped frames or audio glitches.

"A lot of customers have existing 12G-SDI equipment they want to bring into a 100G SMPTE-2110 system and the SDI Expander 8x12G makes that really simple," said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. "Customers can use it as a breakout box for their existing switchers, adding 8 inputs and 8 outputs. It’s also a great way to untangle the mess of BNC cables that builds up in equipment rooms. We think customers are really going to love how much easier it makes building and managing their broadcast facilities!"

Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G Features

• Connect 12G-SDI gear to 100G Ethernet SMPTE-2110 IP systems.
• Supports 8 bi-directional connections and SMPTE-2022-7 redundancy.
• 8 x 12G-SDI inputs and 8 x 12G-SDI outputs in a single 1RU design.
• Redundant 100G Ethernet for full SMPTE-2022-7 compliance.
• SDI connections switch between SD, HD, and Ultra HD.
• Includes dedicated NMOS connection for routing IP sources.
• Front panel LCD for monitoring of video inputs and outputs.
• Front panel speaker and headphone for audio monitoring.
• Dual redundant AC power supplies for broadcast reliability.
• Localized for 13 popular languages allowing international use.

Availability and Price

Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G will be available in June for US$2,995, excluding duties, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.