MuxLab 500717 - Professional 3G-SDI to HDMI Converter with Re-clocking and Auto-Detection
The MuxLab 500717 is a robust and efficient engineered solution designed to integrate professional broadcast equipment into standard display environments. This device allows you to connect high-end video sources, such as broadcast cameras, video mixers, or SDI infrastructure equipment, directly to displays, projectors, or monitors with HDMI input. It is the ultimate tool for audiovisual professionals who require seamless signal conversion with no loss of quality or perceptible latency.
Unlike generic converters, the MuxLab 500717 stands out for its signal processing capabilities. It incorporates auto-detection technology that instantly identifies whether the input signal is SD-SDI, HD-SDI, or 3G-SDI, adjusting internal parameters to ensure a stable and crisp HDMI output. Furthermore, its internal architecture includes reclocking and low-jitter functions, ensuring signal integrity is maintained even in critical workflows where color accuracy and synchronization are vital.
This device not only converts video but also intelligently manages audio. It can process up to 8 channels of audio embedded in the SDI signal and transmit them via the HDMI output, enabling complete video and audio monitoring with a single cable. Its compact design, housed in a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum enclosure, makes it ideal for both permanent studio installations and rugged use in mobile units or equipment rentals.
Main features
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Multi-Format Compatibility: Supports 3G-SDI (SMPTE 424M), HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M) and SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M-C) standards with automatic input signal detection.
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Automatic Cable Equalization: Compensates for signal loss in long runs of coaxial cable, allowing you to receive 3G-SDI video up to 90 meters, HD-SDI up to 150 meters and SD-SDI up to 300 meters.
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High Definition Uncompressed: Supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60 Hz, guaranteeing an image faithful to the original source without compression artifacts.
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Audio Management: Supports passing up to 8 channels of embedded digital audio (LPCM 7.1) to the HDMI output.
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Industrial Construction: Made of metal (cast aluminum) for greater heat dissipation and protection against electromagnetic interference.
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Visual Diagnostics: Includes LED indicators for power and signal synchronization status (Sync), facilitating troubleshooting in the field.
Benefits for the professional user
The MuxLab 500717 offers a significant cost advantage by allowing the use of consumer HDMI TVs and monitors, which are considerably less expensive than dedicated SDI reference monitors. This is ideal for control rooms, client monitoring on set, or digital signage.
Its technical reliability eliminates the usual headaches in signal conversion: signal regeneration cleans up digital "noise" before conversion, ensuring that the HDMI screen receives a pure signal, avoiding flickering or momentary black screens typical of lower-end equipment.
Use cases
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Video Production and Broadcast: Viewing the output of professional cameras on inexpensive HDMI field monitors.
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Post-Production: Connecting SDI video matrices to large format screens for content review.
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Security Systems: Integration of SDI-based CCTV cameras into modern display systems with HDMI inputs.
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Live Events and Rental: Distribution of video signal to projectors in auditoriums or conference rooms from a professional mixing console.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the converter scale the image?
No, the device performs a signal format conversion (from SDI to HDMI) while maintaining the original resolution and refresh rate of the source.
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What type of coaxial cable do I need?
It is recommended to use high-quality coaxial cable (RG59 or higher, 75 ohms) to ensure maximum distance range, especially for 3G-SDI signals.
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Does it require an external power supply?
Yes, the device requires active power to process and regenerate the signal. An external power supply is included in the package.
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Does it support protected content (HDCP)?
Professional SDI signals typically do not carry HDCP encryption. The device converts the unencrypted SDI signal to HDMI. If the HDMI output is connected to a recording device, it will function as long as the original signal is unrestricted.
Project description
Professional video signal converter designed to transform SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signals to HDMI format in real time without scaling. The device must support the SMPTE 424M (3G-SDI), SMPTE 292M (HD-SDI), and SMPTE 259M-C (SD-SDI) standards with automatic input signal detection. It must offer a bandwidth of up to 2.97 Gbps and support video resolutions up to 1080p at 60Hz. The unit will include automatic cable equalization to compensate for signal loss over distances of up to 90 meters for 3G-SDI and 150 meters for HD-SDI. It will also guarantee the transmission of up to 8 channels of embedded audio. The hardware will be housed in a die-cast aluminum enclosure with approximate dimensions of 79 x 84 x 27 mm, LED status indicators, and an external 5V DC power supply.
