Neutrik delivers a 1080p HD/SDI connector to pros, and it's not HDMI

HDMI has certainly taken hold in the consumer AV space and component video connection -- despite its merits and supporters -- is in decline. Looking around at the back of a receiver, you might think that small, high density connectors used for digital signals are just better, right? Not necessarily -- consider the rearTwist BNC connectors Neutrik is bringing to the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) show for 1080p HD/SDI (serial digital interface) use by pros. That's good-old coax design, specced out to 4.5GHz, with a kind of in-field reliability that our beloved HDMI connectors can only dream of. We're not bashing HDMI -- it's now mature, has lots of nice features and puts great performance within the reach of lots of people. Also, discrete coax connections like these Neutrik connectors are too pricey for consumer gear; but don't be fooled into thinking that the move to HDMI was all about performance, either.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 29th 2009 4:53AM]

BnC SDI connections are nothing new. I've been using them for years with my Kona 2, and now my Kona 3. Unfortunately HD-SDI cards are expensive - perhaps around $1500. So just because you have a cable doesn't mean you can plug it into anything. I had hoped this article was about a new HDMI - HD-SDI adapter, but I guess you guys didn't know broadcasting folks use SDI already.

Basically, this is pretty much nothing new. Perhaps it's the Monster cables of SDI cables.

[brianbobcat Posted Mar 29th 2009 2:21PM]

I didn't realize that HD/SDI couldn't do 1080P. Besides you, me, and a small handful of EHD readers, this story really has no market. I am psyched to see what else comes from NAB since it's still half a month off.

-Brian

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 29th 2009 6:01PM]

You can do dual-link HD/SDI to get 1080p...ie 2 cables

[badweasel Posted Mar 29th 2009 5:09PM]

I wish all consumer equipment would use HD/SDI instead of HDMI. But as other commenters have said.. it's nothing new. I've been using HD/SDI for YEARS on pro equipment - like HDCAM, DVCPRO HD, and Avid and Black Magic cards. For higher bandwidth stuff, like 4:4:4:4 and 2k you can use dual-link HD/SDI.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 29th 2009 7:18PM]

I think the big deal about these connectors is their attach/release mechanism. I work in a professional broadcasting/post production environment and we have literally thousands of BNCs hooked up to densely populated patchbays/routers. This makes the locking/releasing of the cables difficult without the use of a BNC tool and even then it can be difficult. Also, the "boots" can be color coded to identify different signals (SDI, HDSDI, AES, various forms of reference) which can make it easier to set up, break down, or troubleshoot systems.

Yes, in capability this connector is nothing new. Neutrik does what it can to add convenience features to existing connector technology. If you want to see something really cool, check out their XLR connectors that can instantly change gender. I've always been impressed by their creativity in such a seemingly basic industry.