Blackmagic Design Announces 2 New Mini Converters Designed for 4K Workflows


IBC 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands - September 7, 2012 - Blackmagic Design today announced two new models of Mini Converter designed to ease the transition into 4K workflows and to allow lower cost 4K studios to be built. Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K is a Quad Link HD-SDI to HDMI 4K converter that also works with new Dual Link 3 Gb/s SDI 4K connections. It allows monitoring using the new HDMI 4K devices starting to be released. The other model, Mini Converter SDI Multiplex, features four SDI inputs and four SDI outputs allowing conversion to and from Quad Link HD-SDI and Dual Link 3 Gb/s SDI 4K signals. This model can also handle 4:4:4 Single Link/Dual Link conversions.

Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K and Mini Converter SDI Multiplex will be shown on the Blackmagic Design IBC 2012 booth in Hall 7, Booth H20.

About Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K
The new Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K features a new HDMI connection that supports four times the resolution of HD video via a single HDMI link. Video projectors and televisions are beginning to be released with this new video standard and it allows full resolution 4K monitoring using a very convenient single HDMI connection, which is simple and easy for customers. However, currently the television industry has been using 4 x HD-SDI connections for connecting 4K signals.

This new converter will allow the four HD-SDI links to be connected to an HDMI 4K device, and will also handle the new Dual Link 3 Gb/s SDI 4K connections built into the new UltraStudio 4K and DeckLink 4K Extreme capture and playback products from Blackmagic Design. Using 3 Gb/s SDI allows the same 4K signal to be connected between devices with only two BNC SDI cables, instead of four. This halves cost and halves the number of router cross points required when routing 4K in a busy facility.

This means Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K supports both older Quad Link and new Dual Link 4K SDI connections, so is perfect for all 4K monitoring. It also switches between SD and HD video formats automatically so can be used for any task required, in SD, HD and 4K!

About Mini Converter SDI Multiplex
The new Mini Converter SDI Multiplex is designed for converting between equipment using Quad Link HD-SDI and equipment using Dual Link 3 Gb/s SDI. Newer products are using Dual Link 3 Gb/s SDI while a lot of equipment in the television industry handles 4K by using four HD-SDI connections. Mini Converter SDI Multiplex features four SDI inputs and four SDI outputs, so can convert to and from both of these formats, simply by selecting the desired conversion using mini switches. Mini Converter SDI Multiplex is also perfect for people using 4:4:4 video via Single Link 3 Gb/s and Dual Link HD-SDI as it can also convert to and from these standards.

“We have been asked by DaVinci Resolve customers doing feature films for better solutions for handling 4K in their facilities. We think these Mini Converters are perfect for easing that transition to 4K and allowing amazing feature films to be completed without massive costs!” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “They are also the perfect companion to other 4K products from Blackmagic Design, such as the new HyperDeck Studio Pro, UltraStudio 4K and DeckLink 4K Extreme! Now its possible to build a whole 4K post production studio at dramatically low cost!”

Availability and Price
Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K and Mini Converter SDI Multiplex will be available for $495 in November from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

Press Photography
Product photos of the heavy duty Mini Converters, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and film restoration software for the feature film, post-production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability, while the company’s DaVinci Emmy™ award winning color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including stereoscopic 3D and 4K workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. For more information, please check www.blackmagicdesign.com.