The Best SDI To HDMI Converters (2021)
Last updatedThis is a list of the SDI to HDMI converters I recommend and use.
In this list you'll find:
Let's get started.
Signal Converters
These converters only do SDI to HDMI 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-8P
Get Latest Price on AmazonDatavideo makes extremely solid and reliable converters, and this is no exception.
But with the bonus ability to embed 2 channels of analog audio, this unit suddenly becomes very handy.
You can either embed audio from a stereo RCA connection or keep the embedded audio from the SDI source.
Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fpss
My Favorite Feature: Audio embedding

Datavideo DAC-8PA
Get Latest Price on AmazonAnother excellent converter from Datavideo with the added feature of audio de-embedding.
Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fpss
My Favorite Feature: Audio de-embedding

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're in a mobile environment and 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 Hi5-12G
Get Latest Price on AmazonThere are very few reasonably priced converters capable of handling 4K at 60 fps, but thankfully AJA has delivered.
The Hi5 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 SDI to HDMI 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 29.97 fps through SDI and output that signal as 1280 x 720 resolution at 59.94 fps through HDMI.
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)
If you need to convert SDI to HDMI/DVI VESA formats (for example, 1920 x 1200) then you will typically need a full presentation switcher, which can get expensive. It's usually more cost-effective to convert SDI to analog in this situation unless HDMI is the only option.

Lumantek ez-SHV+
Get Latest Price on AmazonAmazingly useful features at an outstanding price.
This unit is great 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 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 or full 4K60 functionality, this is by far the best option for the price.
Formats: VESA inputs up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and DCI and broadcast formats up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps
My Favorite Feature: 12G-SDI and 4K60 support

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.
It even includes a genlock input and cropping or pillarboxing a standard definition output.
Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and DVI/HDMI input resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768
My Favorite Feature: Genlock input (rare at this price point)

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

AJA ROI-SDI
Get Latest Price on AmazonWhen you need just a little more oomph, look no further.
Standards conversion, output 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 output 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."
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 fpx or broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
My Favorite Feature: VGA and analog audio inputs
*If you need VGA output, check out the Datavideo DAC-60.