The Best SDI Cables (2022)
Last updatedThis is a list of the best SDI cables I recommend and use.
In this list you'll find:
But first...
SDI Guidelines
After installing and troubleshooting hundreds of different SDI and broadcast systems in all kinds of environments, these are the rules I follow to ensure a reliable SDI signal:
- Use coax cable rated for serial digital transmission with published maximum SDI transmission distances
- This removes all the guesswork for what cable will work for your situation.
- Use 75 ohm BNC connectors designed specifically for the model of cable you choose
- Use plenum or riser rated cables for in-wall installations or vertical installations between stories of a building
- Use plenum rated cables for installation inside plenum spaces
- Use powered distribution amplifiers with re-clocking to distribute the same signal to multiple destinations
- Do not use F-Type Connectors (screw-on connectors found in satellite and network environments)
- Do not use couplers or barrel adapters to connect multiple cables together
- Couplers weaken the reliability of SDI signals by causing too much signal loss and introducing potential interference into the signal
- Be conservative
- Try to stay at, or below, 75% of the recommended max transmission distance to ensure reliability
- For anything over 100m/330' it's usually best to consider using fiber instead of coax if possible
- While there are cables that can carry SDI signals much further than 100m/330', it is rarely a bad idea to use fiber instead
- Using fiber ensures both long-term signal reliability and future-proofing for when higher bandwidth signals might be needed.
What Cable Type To Use
There are many different classifications of coax cable that can be used for SDI transmission.
The only major differences between them are the size of the center conductor (gauge) and the amount/thickness of insulation and shielding.
Here are some popular cable types and how they are best used:
- Mini RG-59
- Short cable runs (50' or less)
- Inside racks or tight spaces (for example, small conduit)
- RG-59
- Short to medium cable runs (usually 150' or less)
- Inside racks or mobile applications
- RG-6
- Most common cable used for SDI
- Medium to long cable runs (usually 300' or less)
- Permanent installations or mobile applications
- RG-7
- Long cable runs and/or higher bandwidths (6G-SDI and up)
- Permanent installations or more demanding mobile applications
- RG-11
- Long cable runs and/or higher bandwidths (6G-SDI and up)
- Permanent installations or more demanding mobile applications
Installation
When planning for a permanent install:
- Use the largest conduit that meets code as much as possible
- It protects the cable during installation, protects the cable from rodents and other potential issues
- It makes pulling and replacing cable easier and more efficient.
- Install cabling that can grow with you
- Technology changes and bandwidth is always increasing.
- Over-spec the cable - think of what will be reliable and relevant in the future instead of using the bare minimum needed for the present.
- Test cabling before installing it
- Make sure it passes and holds a stable signal at the distance/length you need.
Now, on to the list...
Pre-Made Cable Assemblies
Many times, if you need less than 1000' of cabling and don't have the tools or time to make your own cables, then buying pre-made assemblies is an easy and economical way to go.
These cables will show up on your doorstep ready to go - just plug in and you're off to the races!
Blue Jeans Cable RG-6 SDI Cable
Get Latest Price on AmazonBlue Jeans Cable has a stellar reputation in the industry for many years for providing top quality cables.
Made with industry standard Belden 1694A cabling and Belden BNC connectors.
If you're looking for a rock solid cable that can carry signals up to 4K30 at distances up to 300', look no further.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: Not Rated / 6G-SDI: 340' / 3G-SDI: 509'
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for most installations except inside plenum spaces - a plenum version with Belden 1695A is also available)
Available Lengths: 25', 50', 100', 150', and 200'
*Custom lengths up to 975' available at BlueJeansCable.com
Blue Jeans Cable 12G RG-6 SDI Cable
Get Latest Price on AmazonNeed 12G-SDI (4K60) capability? Look no further.
Made with industry standard Belden 4694R cabling and Belden BNC connectors.
If you're planning on running 4K, now or in the future, this is a great middle of the road option and an upgrade to the cable above.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: 257' / 6G-SDI: 374' / 3G-SDI: 538'
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Available Lengths: 25', 50', and 100'
*Custom lengths up to 975' available at BlueJeansCable.com
Blue Jeans Cable RG-7 SDI Cable
Get Latest Price on AmazonWhen you really want to go the extra mile to ensure signal strength and future reliability, this will do it.
Made with industry standard Belden 4794R cabling and Belden BNC connectors.
If you're running 4K and need longer cable lengths, this is a no-brainer.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: 321' / 6G-SDI: 471' / 3G-SDI: 686'
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Available Lengths: 25', 50', and 100'
*Custom lengths up to 975' available at BlueJeansCable.com
Blue Jeans Cable RG-59 SDI Cable
Get Latest Price on AmazonSmaller than RG-6.
Great for use inside racks and for cable runs under 150'.
Made with industry standard Belden 1855A cabling and Belden BNC connectors.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: Not Rated / 6G-SDI: 207' / 3G-SDI: 302'
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Available Lengths: 5', 10', and 15'
*Custom lengths up to 975' available at BlueJeansCable.com
AV-Cables Mini RG-59 SDI Cable
Get Latest Price on AmazonMade by AV-Cables.net, another trusted provider of quality cables.
A smaller cable that works well in tighter spaces.
Can also be used for shorter cable runs under 150', even for 12G-SDI (100' or less recommended).
Made with industry standard Belden 4855R cabling and Amphenol BNC connectors.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: 149' / 6G-SDI: 215' / 3G-SDI: 310'
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Available Lengths: 1.5', 3', 6', 10', 15', 25', 35', 50', 75', 100', 150'
Bulk Coax Cable & Connectors
If you have the tools and the know-how (or are willing to invest in the tools and learn), bulk cable can often save you money compared to purchasing pre-made cables.
The two main types of connectors are crimp and compression.
Crimp connectors are the most common in professional broadcast environments and typically meet all SMPTE specs. While they are more difficult and time-consuming to install compared to compression, they are more reliable and durable.
Compression connectors are easier and quicker to install (designed mainly for consumer CATV and satellite installation), but are weaker and more prone to potential failure. They have gotten much better over the years though, so they can be a viable solution for some situations.
When in doubt, go with crimp connectors and learn to do it well.
Just be sure to use the proper tools and the approved connectors that fit the cable you choose.
Belden 1694A
Get Latest Price on AmazonA long-time industry standard coax used in both permanent installs and mobile environments.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: Not Rated / 6G-SDI: 340' / 3G-SDI: 509'
Recommended Connector: Belden 1694ABHD1 (B&H) or Belden 1694ABHD3 (B&H)
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Plenum Variant: Yes (available here)
Available Lengths: 500', 1000', 1000m, 1,372m, 5000', and 10,000'
West Penn 6350
Get Latest Price on AmazonSimilar performance and distance ratings compared to Belden 1694A at a slightly lower price.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: Not Rated / 6G-SDI: 346' / 3G-SDI: 510'
Recommended Connector: CN-BM73-5 (West Penn), CN-BNC6MCV (West Penn), or DB6BNCHD-25 (West Penn)
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Plenum Variant: Yes (available here)
Available Lengths: 500' and 1000'
Belden 1694F
Get Latest Price on B&HA more flexible version of Belden 1694A, but significantly less distance capability.
Great for difficult installs and mobile applications where flexibility is more important than distance.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: Not Rated / 6G-SDI: 225' / 3G-SDI: 348'
Recommended Connector: Belden 1694ABHD3 (B&H)
Fire Rating: CM (suitable for in-wall installation in residences or single-story commercial buildings)
Plenum Variant: No
Available Lengths: 500', 1000', 1000m, 1,372m, 5000', and 10,000'
Belden 4794R
Get Latest Price on MarkertekLike bringing a fire hose to a water gun fight.
When you want to install a cable that will outlive you, choose this.
Max Cable Lengths: 12G-SDI: 321' / 6G-SDI: 471' / 3G-SDI: 686'
Recommended Connector: Belden 4794RBUHD1 (Belden) or Belden 4794RBUHD3 (Belden)
Fire Rating: Riser (suitable for in-wall installation and/or vertical installations between stories of a building)
Plenum Variant: No
Available Lengths: 1000'