The Best HDMI To SDI Converters (2021)

Blackmagic Design Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G

A welcomed update to a popular converter, with some surprises.

Supports a wide range of video formats, SDI levels A and B, HDMI timecode, SDI re-clocking, and fully embedded audio.

3D LUT support gives you the ability to add your own custom looks, and even apply them to the SDI loop output.

Blackmagic Camera Control conversion now allows you to control compatible Blackmagic cameras directly from all current ATEM switcher models.

While I'm not a fan of USB power ports (with no lock connections can easily come loose), it's difficult to beat this converter for the price.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Blackmagic Camera Control included in signal conversion

Decimator Design MD-LX

Popular, reliable, and still a great option.

My only complaint is the USB power port (with no lock connections can easily come loose).

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Bi-directional and simultaneous HDMI/SDI conversion in one unit

Datavideo DAC-9P

Built like a tank and just plain reliable.

The locking power and HDMI ports make this a rock solid investment.

My Favorite Feature: Locking power and HDMI ports

Theatrixx xVision

Wow! Theatrixx is taking video conversion to a whole new level.

The integrated power supply (no external power bricks or wall warts), integrated AC outlet, protected ports, and clever mounting options are just a few of the tricks up Theatrixx's sleeves.

If you need tour grade durability, this is what you've been waiting for.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Integrated power supply with PowerCON connector

AJA HA5-12G

There are very few reasonably priced converters capable of handling 4K at 60 fps, but thankfully AJA has delivered.

The HA5 series has been one of the industry standards for many years.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: 4K60! 12G-SDI! What more do you want?

Lumantek ez-HSV+

Useful features and reliability for an outstanding price.

Handy for testing cable runs or situations where the destination can't be seen. The built-in display provides visual confirmation of video and audio being sent to the outputs.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Built-in display for video and audio monitoring

Blackmagic Design Mini Converter UpDownCross HD

An awesome bang for the buck, with features that are rarely found in units twice the price.

It even includes a genlock input and the ability to scale DVI resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768 to broadcast formats.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and DVI resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768

My Favorite Feature: Built-in display for video and audio monitoring

Decimator Design 12G-Cross

The same great features and reliability we've come to expect from Decimator cross converters, now with 4K60 capabilities!

If you need 12G-SDI or full 4K60 functionality, this is by far the best option for the price.

Formats: VESA and Broadcast formats up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: As if 4K at 60 fps isn't enough - genlock input and 4 SDI outputs give it a ton of potential

Decimator Design MD-HX

This has been the Swiss Army knife of HDMI/SDI conversion for many years.

It has more inputs and outputs than most and a long track record of reliability, still making it an excellent choice in many cases.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: 4 SDI outputs give it awesome versatility

Datavideo DAC-70

When others say it can't be done, the DAC-70 says "Hold my beer."

This can usually handle tricky input signals that many other converters can't.

It rarely hurts to have something this versatile, reliable, and capable in your system or kit.

Formats: VESA input formats up to 1600 x 1200 at 60 fps or broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: VGA and analog audio inputs

Ensemble Designs BrightEye 83-H

If you need to play HDCP encrypted content over SDI, and you have all necessary licenses or approvals to do so, then this will do it well.

It does require signing a waiver and applying a license key, but it is a simple one-time process. No hacks and no need to make physical changes to the unit.

Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Native HDCP support, even for SDI outputs