Blackmagic Design Studio Fiber Converter

Reliable camera chain over a distance of two kilometers

The ability to operate a camera position at a greater distance from the control room is essential for live production. Separate cabling for video, audio, power, communication, and tally signals is often expensive, complex, and less reliable. The Studio Fiber Converter consolidates the entire camera chain into a single standardized hybrid cable.

Range up to 2 km: A pair of Camera Fiber Converters and Studio Fiber Converters uses a hybrid SMPTE cable between the camera and the control room or broadcast truck. One converter is mounted on the camera and the other in the studio; this solution is suitable for sports, news, theater, and large-scale production sites.

SMPTE 311M and SMPTE 304: The cable contains a pair of optical fibers, a data pair, and a power pair with a central reinforcing conductor. The studio unit transmits up to 200 V of power over the cable to the camera converter, the camera, and accessories.

The power supply is continuously monitored by electronics at both ends. High voltage is activated only after safety tests have been successfully completed, and in the event of a fault, it is immediately disconnected to ensure that the camera chain complies with professional SMPTE requirements.

The converters transmit the main 12G-SDI signal, three independent HD returns, camera remote control, PTZ, tally, genlock, network data, and communication. The two-channel intercom uses standard five-pin XLR connectors, and a backup communication path is also available.

Communication between units uses 10Gb Ethernet and low-latency IP video in professional 10-bit quality with lossless compression. Commands for aperture, focus, recording, and other studio functions are also transmitted; latency remains below one frame.

The rugged studio unit occupies half a rack width, and two units can be installed side-by-side in 1 RU using an optional shelf. A 5-inch LCD on the front panel provides an instant signal preview right in the control room.