Inexpensive SDI to HDMI Converter for EX1

craftech wrote on 3/21/2013, 9:28 AM
After posting a comment regarding the limited choices in LCD field monitors for the Sony PMW-EX1 due to the HD-SDI output it has instead of an HDMI output I started looking again for an SDI to HDMI converter. The last time I researched this they were so expensive I decided to use the Component output on the camera instead of the HD-SDI output.

This time I found a converter for around $50 USD. I ordered it from Ebay yesterday (March 20). Today I actually stumbled across a review and test of this device using it in conjunction with an EX1. It turns out that the device appears to work well. I haven't received mine yet (Est. delivery March 26), but when I do I will post the results here.

Here is the video review of the device with an EX1.

http://vimeo.com/51770361

John

Comments

farss wrote on 3/21/2013, 3:16 PM
Thanks for that.
The 5V supply issue could be solved using a buck/boost converter such as this one. They can be had from eBay for under $10 however you'll need to be confident with using a soldering iron and multimeter. Being switch mode they are quite efficient and 0V dropout.

Doing a search on eBay I do find a number of SDI to HDMI converters under $100.
I might buy one for out test bench HDTV, quite a pain not having a SDI input.

Bob.

craftech wrote on 3/21/2013, 4:21 PM
Thanks Bob,

That little converter looks interesting. Actually I was going to use my Tekkeon MP3450.
That little thing is fantastic and comes with all sorts of adapters for nearly anything. It can be set for 5, 6, 7.5, 9, 12, 14, 16 , or 19 volts and it is very accurate.

John
farss wrote on 3/21/2013, 4:38 PM
That'd probably do it. What I'd hope for is being able to fit one of those little boards inside the actual converter itself so it would run happily from 6.5V to 16.0V. That's one of the features of the more expensive units such as Marshal's Orchid.

Bob.
craftech wrote on 3/21/2013, 5:28 PM
Bob,

The SDI to HDMI device measures: 105 x 59 x 23mm

That DC to DC converter measures: 48 x 23 x 14 mm

There appear to be holes for ventilation in the SDI to HDMI device so I would imagine that even if there were enough room inside the unit for that converter, it would probably interfere with air flow.
There is also a note from the seller regarding that DC to DC converter that states: Power: 15W, if install heatsink can reach 20W (MAX), Please do not exceed 20W, or it would burn out.

And lastly, to adjust the voltage for the converter you need access to the board. Unless you plan on using the same voltage source each time?

John
craftech wrote on 4/5/2013, 4:50 PM
Just a follow up.

The little device seems to work very well. I hooked it up to the SDI output of my Sony EX1 and fed the HDMI into my 15 inch monitor. Image was noticeably sharper with HDMI than the component interface I had been using. The video reviewer I linked above used the exact same setup with the same monitor and got lag when he quickly panned the camera. I tried it over and over again, but could not reproduce that anomaly. I am happy about that.

I had ordered a http://www.lilliputusa.com/Product/i-267/Lilliput 663 o/p][/link] direct from Lilliput so I tested it with the converter. Worked perfectly.

So for under $50 the little device filled a real need for a cheap price.

John