Blackmagic Design Studio Fiber Converter

The Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converter is the studio end of the SMPTE camera chain: it converts the optical connection from the camera back to 12G-SDI video, analog audio, intercom, tally, PTZ and Ethernet, and powers the remote camera over the same hybrid cable. The range is up to 2 km, and the main Ultra HD signal is joined by three independent HD return feeds and a 5-inch LCD on the front panel.

The studio end of the camera chain

In the control room or outside broadcast truck the converter splits the camera signal into standard studio connections and powers the remote camera over the same SMPTE cable.

Range up to 2 km12G-SDI5″ LCD200 V over the cableThree return feeds

A camera powered from the control room

The Studio Fiber Converter sends the standard 200 V down the SMPTE cable, so you power the camera and accessories remotely without worrying about voltage drop over a long run.

Connections for the control room

Two 12G-SDI outputs, three 12G-SDI return inputs, four XLR outputs, intercom and tally on a 25-pin connector, PTZ, Ethernet and Ref In/Out.

Front panel display

The 5-inch LCD next to the SMPTE connector shows the signal from the camera, so you can verify the link as soon as you plug in.

Two intercoms and a backup

Two dual-channel intercoms for third-party systems and a backup channel for engineering in case the fiber link goes down.

Range up to 2 km on a single cable

The Studio Fiber Converter converts signals from the remote camera back to standard television industry connections that you use with switchers, audio mixers and intercoms. Camera positions can be up to 2 km from the studio or outside broadcast truck, with everything carried by a single SMPTE cable. It suits news, interviews, series, sports broadcasts, webcasting and schools.

The SMPTE standard and safety

The converter uses the standard SMPTE 311M hybrid cable with SMPTE 304 connectors: two optical fibers, a data pair, a power pair and a central strength member. Once plugged in, it runs safety checks and then sends the standard 200 V down the cable for the camera and accessories. Microcontrollers at both ends monitor the power and cut it instantly if the cable is damaged or an earth leak is detected.

Intercom, tally and PTZ

Two dual-channel intercoms with standard 5-pin headsets, intercom and tally on a 25-pin connector for third-party systems, and a backup channel for engineering that switches to the data pair of the SMPTE cable if the fiber fails. The 9-pin D-Sub connector links PTZ controllers to PTZ heads over the Visca protocol.

10G Ethernet and IP video

The SMPTE link is an open 10G Ethernet connection, so video and return feeds are IP video with lossless 10-bit encoding. Intercom, tally, camera and lens control are also converted to low-latency IP; the delay is less than one frame.

Two in a rack

Two Studio Fiber Converter units can be mounted side by side in a standard equipment rack with the optional Blackmagic Studio Fiber Rack Kit. The SMPTE optical fiber connector is on the front panel right next to the 5-inch LCD, so you can plug in the remote camera and see its picture immediately.

Connections and controls

The drawing shows the front panel with the SMPTE connector, display and buttons and the rear panel with the connections for the control room.