Blackmagic Design ATEM Camera Converter

ATEM Camera Converter converts a camera's SDI or HDMI signal to single mode optical fiber while carrying the program return, talkback and tally. The rugged aluminium body with an internal battery and belt clip belongs right at the camera position, and its counterpart in the control room is the ATEM Studio Converter.

Camera, return and comms on one fiber

A camera converter for live production with ATEM switchers: video to the control room, program return to the operator, talkback and tally over one optical cable up to 45 km.

SDI + HDMILC optical fiberTalkback + tallyInternal battery

Optical cable instead of copper

Optical fiber extends the distance between camera and control room far beyond what copper SDI can do. The cables are easy to get and inexpensive – the same type used in computer networks – and the converters follow the SMPTE standard (1310 nm).

Program return

The SDI and HDMI outputs carry the program feed from the switcher, so the operator watches the on-air picture on their own monitor.

Talkback

Communication with the control room uses channels 15 and 16 of the SDI embedded audio. Standard headphones with a microphone of the kind used with computers and phones will do.

Tally

The converter receives tally from the ATEM switcher and shows the live shot with a red LED, so the operator knows when their camera is on air.

Audio from the camera

Two balanced 1/4″ TRS inputs at microphone level send commentary or effects straight from the camera position, replacing the audio from the SDI or HDMI input.

On the camera, not in the way

The converter connects to the camera with an SDI or HDMI cable and mounts on the tripod or a belt. The internal battery keeps the camera position mobile, and the 12V power supply with socket adaptors can power it too.

Controls under your thumb

Backlit buttons on the side of the converter control power, tally and headphones. The PTT button opens the talkback microphone only while pressed, so nothing extra reaches the control room.

Rugged aluminium body

The chassis is machined from a solid aluminium alloy to withstand demanding live work. The SDI and HDMI connectors and two 1/4″ TRS inputs are on the back, and the built-in clip makes it easy to wear on a belt.

Standard cables and connectors

The converter uses standard connectors: BNC for SDI, HDMI type A, jacks for audio and talkback and duplex LC for single mode fiber. The cables are available from any networking supplier.

Connections

The rear has SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, two audio inputs, talkback microphone and headphone connections, the LC optical connector, USB for setup and the +12V power input.