The Best HDMI To SDI Converters (2021)
UpdatedThis is a list of the HDMI to SDI converters I recommend and use.
In this list you'll find:
Let's get started...
Signal Converters
These converters only do HDMI to SDI conversion, they do not change the resolution or the frame rate.
Blackmagic Design Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G
Get Latest Price on AmazonA 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonPopular, 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonBuilt 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonWow! 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonThere 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?
Up/Down/Cross Converters
Also referred to as standards converters.
In addition to HDMI to SDI conversion, these convert from one broadcast standard to another before sending it to the output(s).
For example, they can receive a 1920 x 1080 resolution at 30 fps through HDMI and output that signal as 1280 x 720 resolution at 59.94 fps through SDI.
IMPORTANT: These converters are limited to broadcast resolutions and frame rates only. They cannot handle most computer or odd resolutions and frame rates.
Sometimes they can also crop, letterbox, or pillarbox, but that can vary. Be sure to check the specifications for each converter if you need these features.
Resolutions can include:
- 720 x 525 or 720 x 480 (NTSC)
- 720 x 625 or 720 x 576 (PAL)
- 1280 x 720 (HD)
- 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
- 2048 x 1080 (DCI 2K)
- 3840 x 2160 (UHD 4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (DCI 4K)
Frame rates can include:
- 23.976 fps (23.98 fps)
- 24 fps
- 25 fps
- 29.97 fps
- 30 fps
- 50 fps
- 59.94 fps
- 60 fps (can often include 60 Hz HDMI computer signals as well)
It's also important to know that some of these are referred to as scalers, but in reality they are just up/down/cross converters. While all scalers are up/down/cross converters, not all up/down/cross converters are full scalers.
Lumantek ez-HSV+
Get Latest Price on Amazon Get Latest Price on B&HUseful 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
Decimator Design MD-HX
Get Latest Price on AmazonThis 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
Scaler Converters
These can also be referred to as scan converters (although there is some confusion around this term). Scan conversion is just the process of changing the vertical / horizontal scan frequency of a signal, which is a natural part (but not all) of what scalers (and even up/down/cross converters) do. However, it is important to know that the term "scan converter" is often used nowadays to describe a device that converts and scales analog signals, usually from computers, to digital signals.
In addition to HDMI to SDI conversion, these convert a wide variety of input formats to a broadcast standard before sending it to the output(s).
Keep in mind, SDI is a collection of broadcast standards that have strict specifications for resolutions and frame rates.
For example, these converters can receive a signal of 1024 x 768 resolution at 60 Hz through HDMI and output that signal as 1920 x 1080 resolution at 29.97 fps through SDI.
They can also usually do things like cropping, letterboxing, pillarboxing, and/or region of interest (choosing a specific area of the frame to send to the output), but this can vary. Be sure to check the specifications for each converter if you need these features.
Resolutions can include:
- All broadcast resolutions mentioned in the Up/Down/Cross section above
- VESA standards (a wide selection of resolutions ranging from 640 x 480 up to 1920 x 1200 - see a list here)
Frame rates and refresh rates can include:
- All broadcast frame rates mentioned in the Up/Down/Cross section above
- 60 Hz computer/analog signals (usually with a variance of a couple of hertz in either direction)
Decimator Design 12G-Cross
Get Latest Price on AmazonThe same great features and reliability we've come to expect from Decimator cross converters, now with 4K60 capabilities!
If you need 12G-SDI capability, full DCI 4K60 functionality, or need to convert VESA signals to SDI, this is by far the best option for the price.
Formats: VESA, DCI, 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
Blackmagic Design Mini Converter UpDownCross HD
Get Latest Price on AmazonAn awesome bang for the buck, with features that are rarely found in units twice the price.
Includes a genlock input and the ability to scale DVI resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768 to broadcast formats by either cropping or pillarboxing them.
Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and DVI/HDMI resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768
My Favorite Feature: Genlock input (rare at this price point)
AJA ROI-HDMI
Get Latest Price on AmazonWhen you need just a little more oomph, look no further.
Standards conversion, input from 640 x 480 all the way up to 1920 x 1200, image flip and rotation, and region of interest scaling gives you loads of versatility.
Formats: VESA input formats up to 1920 x 1200 at 60 fps or broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
My Favorite Feature: Region of interest
Datavideo DAC-70
Get Latest Price on AmazonWhen 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
HDCP Supported Converters
One of the biggest complaints when it comes to converting HDMI to SDI is the the inability to play HDCP encrypted content.
But contrary to popular belief, you can do it legally without any workarounds.
Ensemble Designs BrightEye 83-H
Get Latest Price on B&HIf 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