Blackmagicdesign Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G User manual

Installation and Operation Manual
Blackmagic
Converters
September 2020
English, 日本語, Français, Deutsch, Español, 中文,
한국어, Русский, Italiano, Português and Türkçe.

Languages
To go directly to your preferred language, simply click on the hyperlinks listed in the
contents below.
English 3
日本語 100
Français 198
Deutsch 296
Español 394
中文 492
한국어 590
Русский 688
Italiano 786
Português 884
Türkçe 982

English
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing Blackmagic Converters for your production needs.
Blackmagic Mini Converters and Micro Converters give you a solution for virtually
any conversion you could need. Mini Converters convert analog to digital, digital to
analog, SDI to audio, audio to SDI, up, down and cross conversion, SDI distribution,
and can even provide a sync generator for locking all your video equipment to the
same reference signal. Blackmagic Micro Converters are small and designed for
popular conversions such asSDI to HDMI and HDMI to SDI so you can plug any
HDMI output into SDI video recorders and switchers, or plug SDI video equipment into
HDMI monitors.
This instruction manual contains all the information you need to start using your
Blackmagic Converters.
Please check the support page on our web site at www.blackmagicdesign.com for the
latest version of this manual and for updates if your Blackmagic Converter has internal
software. Keeping your internal software up to date will always ensure you get all the
latest features. When downloading software, please register with your information so
we can keep you updated when new software is released. We are constantly working
on new features and improvements, so we would love to hear from you!
Grant Petty
CEO Blackmagic Design

Getting Started 5
Plugging in Power 5
Plugging in Video 5
Plugging in Audio 7
Installing Administration Software 8
Installing Blackmagic Converters Setup 8
Updating the Internal Software 9
Updating Mini Converter SDI
Distribution 4K 10
Changing Settings 11
Changing Settings using Switches 11
Changing Settings using
Blackmagic Converters Setup 12
About Tab 13
Setup Tab 13
Blackmagic Converter Models 14
Teranex Mini Converters 14
Blackmagic Micro Converters 15
Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G 15
Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G 17
Micro Converter BiDirectional
SDI/HDMI 3G 19
Camera Control and Tally between
SDI and HDMI 21
Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 22
Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 24
Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 26
Blackmagic Mini Converters 28
Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 28
Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 4K 31
Mini Converter SDI to HDMI 6G 35
Mini Converter HDMI to SDI 40
Mini Converter HDMI to SDI 4K 43
Mini Converter HDMI to SDI 6G 46
Mini Converter SDI to Analog 49
Mini Converter SDI to Analog 4K 54
Mini Converter Analog to SDI 58
Mini Converter SDI to Audio 62
Mini Converter SDI to Audio 4K 65
Mini Converter Audio to SDI 68
Mini Converter Audio to SDI 4K 72
Mini Converter Optical Fiber 76
Mini Converter Optical Fiber 4K 77
Mini Converter Optical Fiber 12G 78
Mini Converter Quad SDI to HDMI 4K 79
Mini Converter SDI Distribution 80
Mini Converter SDI Distribution 4K 81
Mini Converter SDI Multiplex 4K 82
Mini Converter Sync Generator 85
Mini Converter UpDownCross 87
Mini Converter UpDownCross HD 91
Converter Setup Utility 95
Help 96
Regulatory Notices 97
Safety Information 98
Warranty 99
Contents
Blackmagic Converters
4

Getting Started
Getting started with your Blackmagic Converter is as simple as plugging in power, plugging
your source video into your converter’s video input, and plugging the video output into your
destination equipment.
Plugging in Power
Plug in the included 12 volt power supply using the socket adapter for your country.
If your converter has a built in cable tie point, you can easily secure the power connection
toyourconverter.
Y or NTSC/PAL
B-Y or S-VIDEO Y
R-Y or S-VIDEO C
L - ANALOG or AES/EBU
R - ANALOG
SDI LOCK
SDI OUT
ALT SDI IN
SDI IN
POWER
+12V
SDI to Analog
Locking the power cable to the converter’s cable
tie point prevents accidental disconnection.
Micro Converter
Blackmagic Micro Converters are powered using USB-C or Micro USB connectors. This means
you can easily connect power using the battery charger for some modern cell phones, or even
power your converter via the USB port of your laptop computer. Any equipment capable of
providing 5V via a standard USB to Micro USBcable or USB-C cable can power your
Blackmagic Micro Converter.
Plugging in Video
To connect your video inputs and outputs, simply plug your source video into your converter’s
video input and plug the video output into your destination equipment.
BNC HDMI Optical Fiber
Depending on your Blackmagic Convertermodel,
the videoconnectors may be BNC, HDMI, or optical fiber LC.
Getting Started 5

Optical Fiber Connectors
Some Blackmagic Converter models include an SFP socket to accept a compatible SFP optical
fiber module that supports up to 3G, 6G or 12G-SDI video. The module is an optical transmitter
and receiver with sockets for optical fiber cables.
1 2
Examine the Optical Out/In socket to make
sure it is free of dust.
Remove the protective cover from the SFP optical
fiber module, and insert it in the SFP socket.
A locking pin clicks into position to secure the
module in the socket.
3 4
The optical fiber cables have latching tabs
on top to make sure they don’t fall out.
Plug in the optical fiber cables. Confirm the Out
and In plugs are in the correct sockets, and that
the locking tabs on the plugs hold the lever of the
SFP optical fiber module upright.
Fail Safe Alternate SDI inputs
Some Blackmagic Converter models include alternative SDI inputs for redundancy.
Theseinputs are labeled ‘Alt SDI In’ and will immediately take over should the primary SDI input
signal fail. In this rare scenario, the SDI LOCK LED will flash, indicating that the converter has
switched to the ALT SDI input.
HDMI
L - ANALOG or
AES/EBU
R - ANALOG
SDI LOCK
SDI OUT
ALT SDI IN
SDI IN
POWER
+12V
SDI to HDMI
HDMI
L - ANALOG or
AES/EBU
R - ANALOG
SDI LOCK
SDI OUT
ALT SDI IN
SDI IN
POWER
+12V
SDI to HDMI
Converters with an ‘Alt SDI’ input will
automatically switch to this secondary input
should the primary SDI input signal fail.
Getting Started 6

Plugging in Audio
Jack Audio Connectors
Some Blackmagic Converters have built in 1/4" jacks, so you can easily plug in balanced
external analog or digital AES/EBU audio. The 1/4" jacks are balanced TRS connectors.
TRSstands for Tip, Ring, Sleeve which refers to the three contacts of the jack connector.
POWER
+12V
SDI IN
ALT SDI IN
SDI OUT
SDI LOCK
R - ANALOG
L - ANALOG or AES/EBU
R-Y or S-VIDEO C
B-Y or S-VIDEO Y
Y or NTSC/PAL
SDI to Analog
If your Blackmagic Converter has jack
audio connectors, you can plug in
balanced analog or AES/EBU audio.
POWER
+12V
SDI IN
ALT SDI IN
SDI OUT
SDI LOCK
R - ANALOG
L - ANALOG or AES/EBU
R-Y or S-VIDEO C
B-Y or S-VIDEO Y
Y or NTSC/PAL
SDI to Analog
Below is an illustration showing the wiring pins inside the male 1/4" jack connector if you want
to make your own audio cables.
Sleeve (Ground) Tip (+) Sleeve (Ground) Ring (–) Tip (+)
Ring (–)
The audio jack illustration on the previous page shows the jack connector’s positive,
negativeand ground wiring pins. Ifyou need to reverse the polarity of your analog audio
cableto suit your audio equipment, youcan simply swap the positive and negative wiring
onthe tip and ring pins.
NOTE If you are connecting stereo analog audio, it’s worth mentioning that if you
reverse the polarityfor one channel jack connector, make sure you do the same for the
second or your stereo analog audio will be out of phase.
Getting Started 7

Installing Administration Software
Installing Blackmagic Converters Setup
Blackmagic Converters Setup is used to change settings on your converter and to update your
converter’s internal software. The settings available will depend on the converter you are using.
However, some Blackmagic Converters don’t require any adjustable settings and don’t have
internal software, therefore these particular converters will not have a USB connector. If your
converter is one of these, you can go straight to your converter model in this manual to learn
more about it.
Blackmagic Converters Setup can be installed
on Mac OS and Windows computers.
Installation on Mac
1 Download the Blackmagic Converters Setup software from www.blackmagicdesign.com
2 Unzip the downloaded file and open the resulting disk image to reveal its contents.
3 Double click the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4 When the installation has finished, click ‘close’. Blackmagic Converters Setup is
nowinstalled.
Installation on Windows
1 Download Blackmagic Converters Setup from www.blackmagicdesign.com
2 Unzip the downloaded file. You should see a Blackmagic Converters Setup
foldercontaining this PDF manual and the Blackmagic Converters Setup installer.
3 Double click the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4 Click ‘finish’ to complete the installation.
Blackmagic Converters Setup is now ready to use.
Installing Administration Software 8

Updating the Internal Software
If your Blackmagic Converter has a USB connector, then you may have additional settings
youcan change, plus you can update your converter with the latest internal software.
Thelatestsoftware can be downloaded from the Blackmagic Design support center at
www.blackmagicdesign.com/support.
When updating Blackmagic Micro Converters, power is already supplied via the USB port,
soyou don’t have to worry about connecting power.
On Blackmagic Mini Converters, you willneed to ensure your converter is powered before
connecting to your computer via USB.
1 Power your converter.
2 Attach a USB cable from the computer to the converter and launch the Blackmagic
Converter Setup.
Your Blackmagic Converter will be displayed on the setup utility’s home page. If you have more
than one converter connected via USB, click on the arrow icons on the left or right side of the
home page to select your desired converter.
If Blackmagic Converters Setup detects anearlier version of
yourconverter’s internal software, it will prompt you to update.
If no converter is connected, the home page will display “no converters found”. If you have a
converter connected to your computer via USB, but you don’t have power plugged in, the home
page may display ‘no power connected’. Simply plug power into your converter to access
the settings.
If Blackmagic Converters Setup contains newer internal software than that currently installed
in your Blackmagic Converter, it will prompt you to update. Simply follow the on screen
instructions to complete the update.
Installing Administration Software 9

Updating Mini Converter SDI Distribution 4K
Blackmagic Mini Converter SDI Distribution 4K has an internal USB connector. This mini
converter has no user adjustable settings, so you will never need to connect setup software.
Very occasionally, though, internal software updates will be released to improve compatibility.
For example, Blackmagic Converters Software version 7.0.9 improves this mini converter’s
compatibility with level A 3G SDI signals.
If a particular update applies to the equipment you are using with Mini Converter
SDIDistribution 4K, follow these steps to access your mini converter’s USB connector:
NOTE Make sure you disconnect power before accessing your Mini Converter
SDIDistribution 4K. We recommend this job is undertaken by a qualified engineer
using an anti static strap.
SDI Distribution 4K
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI IN
POWER
+12V
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
Auto Switching SD, HD and Ultra HD
1 2
Using a philips head screwdriver, remove the four
(M3) screws on the sides ofMiniConverter SDI
Distribution 4K.
Slide off the external cover.
3 4
Using a T10 torx screwdriver, remove the
four screws connecting the circuit board to
MiniConverter SDI Distribution 4K’s frame.
Gently pull the circuit board from the frame to
access the USB connector.
Installing Administration Software 10

5
SDI Distribution 4K
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI IN
POWER
+12V
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
SDI OUT
Auto Switching SD, HD and Ultra HD
6
Plug in your Mini Converter SDI Distribution4K’s
power supply and connect it to a computer using
a USB cable. Update the internal software as you
would any other miniconverter.
Repeat steps 1 - 4 in reverse toreassemble
MiniConverter SDIDistribution 4K.
NOTE When handling your Mini Converter SDI Distribution 4K’s circuit board,
becarefulto always hold it by the edges to prevent accidentally short circuiting
internalcomponents.
Changing Settings
If your Blackmagic Converter has adjustable settings, there are two ways you can change them.
You can use the built in switches on the side of your converter, or you can change settings
using the Blackmagic Converters Setup utility software. The utility is also used to change any
settings that can’t be set using the switches, for example analog video and audio levels.
Changing Settings using Switches
Many Blackmagic Converter models have built in switches.
To change a switch setting simply push the switch up or down using the tip of a pen. This turns
the switches on or off. With 8 switches, this gives you many combinations so you can choose
exactly the conversion settings you want.
You’ll find a switch settings diagram printed on the base of your converter. Ensure your switch
settings correspond to the legend by observing the switch numbers from 1 to 8, left to right.
Change settings by adjusting the switches with a pen.
Changing Settings 11

For a full description of the switches and their settings, refer to your converter model in this
manual. Even though switch settings are printed on the base of your converter, new features in
later updates can add new settings so it’s worth checking the latest version of this manual for
the most up to date information. You can download the latest version from the
Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support.
Changing Settings using Blackmagic Converters Setup
Once Blackmagic Converters Setup is installed on your computer, connect the setup utility
toyour Blackmagic Converter via USB.
The Blackmagic Converters setup utility lets you
update your converter’s internal software and adjust
settings using a Mac OS or Windows computer.
The first thing you’ll see when launching the software is the ‘home’ page. If you have more
thanone converter connected to your computer, select your desired converter by clicking
thearrows on the left and right side of the Blackmagic Converters Setup home page.
To change settings, click on the ‘settings’ icon below the image of your Blackmagic Converter.
Adjustments will be immediately saved to your converter. This means if power is lost, your
settings will be reestablished as soon as power is restored.
Even though most settings are configured using the built in switches, some settings can only
be set using the setup software, for example adjusting analog video or audio levels.
TIP Teranex Mini Converters are 12G-SDI converters that support even more video
formats including up to 4K DCI 60p. If you are looking for information on how to use
aTeranex Mini Converter, including how to change settings using the
BlackmagicTeranex Setup utility, refer to the Teranex Mini Converters manual.
You can download the most up to date manual from the Blackmagic Design support
center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support
Changing Settings 12

About Tab
The ‘about’ tab in Blackmagic Converters Setup is common across many converter models.
You can use the settings in this tab to name your Blackmagic Converter. Simply click in the
‘name’ text box and type your desired converter name. Click ‘save’ to confirm the change.
The 'about' tab in Blackmagic Converters Setup displays
information about the current software version.
The ‘Software Information’ menu in the ‘about’ tab identifies which software version your
Blackmagic Converter is running. If your converter’s internal software is older than the current
version that comes with Blackmagic Converters Setup, an update button will be present here
that allows you to bring your converter’s software up to date.
Setup Tab
Some Blackmagic Converters use a ‘setup’ tab to name your converter and check software
information. The setup tab will also contain other settings specific to your converter. For more
information about the setup settings for your converter, refer to the unit’s dedicated section in
this manual.
Changing Settings 13

Blackmagic Converter Models
Blackmagic Converters provide conversion solutions for all types of conditions. For example,
MiniConverters are tough and lightweight so you can mount them on video equipment or video
trays. Blackmagic Micro Converters are tiny SDI to HDMI and HDMI to SDI converters that can
be powered via USB so are perfect for attaching to monitors and laptopcomputers.
The following pages contain information about your Blackmagic Converter, plus switch settings
and setup software settings.
Teranex Mini Converters
Blackmagic Teranex Mini Converters are 12G-SDI converters that support video formats up to
4K DCI 60p. These converters can be controlled using an optional Teranex Mini Smart Panel
with built in LCD, buttons and a rotary knob, and can be powered via Ethernet. If you are
looking for information about these converters, including controlling them via the Blackmagic
Teranex Setup utility, refer to the Teranex Mini Converters manual which you can download
from the Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support
Teranex Mini Converters 14

Blackmagic Micro Converters
Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G
With Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G you can connect a huge range of HDMI displays and
video projectors to SDI based equipment. Your Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G automatically
detects between SD/HD/3G-SDI and converts to HDMI with embedded audio. This model can
also display a 3D LUT on both the HDMI and SDI loop output.
This tiny broadcast quality converter is protected by a strong aluminum chassis and powers
over USB-C, meaning you can power your Blackmagic Micro Converter via your laptop or
television’s USB connector using a USB-C cable. USB-C cables are used to connect some cell
phones to chargers and laptops, so if you have one of these, you can use the same cable. If the
USB connector on your cable is a different type, the correct cable can be purchased from most
electronic equipment stores.
SDI IN
Micro Converter
SDI to HDMI 3G
SDI LOOP OUT HDMI OUT
13
24
Connectors
1 SDI IN
Primary SDI input BNC connector. The small 'lock' LED next to the BNC connector will
illuminate when an SDI input is detected and the HDMI output is connected. When
flashing, the LED indicates an SDI input is present, but no HDMI output has been
detected. If the LED lock light is off no SDI input or HDMI output is present.
2 SDI LOOP
Loop through output of your SDI input BNC connector.
3 USB-C / POWER
Connect 5V power using a standard USB to USB-C cable. Also connects to Blackmagic
Converters Setup software via your Mac OS or Windows Computer. A small white LED
light next to the USB-C port will illuminate when connected to a power source.
4 HDMI OUT
HDMI type A video output.
Blackmagic Converters Setup Settings
The Blackmagic Converters Setup utility can be used to change settings and update your Micro
Converter’s software. You can access these settings by moving between the ‘setup’ and
‘LUTs’ tabs.
The ‘setup’ tab features the unit name and software version along with HDMI output levels and
audio mapping options for 5.1 surround.
Blackmagic Micro Converters 15

HDMI Output
To stay within HDMI legal broadcast levels, select ‘normal levels’. To allow video levels to
conform to the SDI input, select ‘illegal levels’. We recommend using normal levels.
Audio Mapping
For 5.1 surround, select your desired audio mapping from either SMPTE or consumer standard.
Reset
You can also reset your converter to factory settings by clicking the ‘factory reset’ option.
LUTs
To add a 3D LUT on the HDMI output, select ‘on’ and click on the ‘import’ button. Now navigate
to the location of the LUT you want to import and select it. Click ‘save’.
To add the LUT on the SDI loop out, select the ‘enable on loop output’ checkbox. Disable the
LUT by selecting the ‘off’ option. To remove the loaded LUT, simply click the ‘delete’ button.
Blackmagic Micro Converters 16

Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G Block Diagram
HDMI Out
USB-C
Loop SDI
Out
Equalizer and
10-bit De-serializer
Central Processor
and Firmware
Input automatically
detects between
SD/HD/3G-SDI
SDI In
Customizable
Video Processor
HDMI Video and
Audio Formatter
Automatic
SD/HD/3G-SDI Cable
Driver and Re-clocker
Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G
You can use Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G to convert the HDMI ouput from video equipment
such as HDV cameras and game consoles to SDI. This means you can send video signals from
HDMI over SDI using the longest SDI cables. You can even add SDI outputs to computers with
HDMIcompatibility.
This tiny broadcast quality converter is protected by a strong aluminum chassis and powers
over USB-C, meaning you can power your Blackmagic Micro Converter via your laptop or
television’s USB connector using a common USB-C cable. USB-C cables are used to connect
some cell phones to chargers and laptops, so if you have one of these, you can use the same
cable. If the USB connector on your cable is a different type, the correct cable can be
purchased from most electronic equipment stores.
SDI OUT
Micro Converter
HDMI to SDI 3G
SDI OUT HDMI IN
13
24
Connectors
1 SDI OUT
SDI video output BNC connector.
2 SDI OUT
Second SDI output.
3 USB-C / POWER
Connect 5V power using a standard USB to USB-C cable. Also connects to
Blackmagic Converters Setup software via your Mac OS or Windows Computer. A small
white LED light next to the USB-C port will illuminate when connected to a
power source.
4 HDMI IN
HDMI Type A video input. The small 'lock' LED next to the HDMI IN connector will
illuminate when a valid HDMI input is detected.
Blackmagic Micro Converters 17

Blackmagic Converters Setup Settings
The Blackmagic Converters Setup utility can be used to change settings and update your Micro
Converter’s software. You can access these settings by moving between the ‘setup,’ and
‘about’ tabs.
The ‘setup’ tab contains the software information and name for your converter.
SDI Output
The 3G SDI Output lets you select between Level A or Level B 3G-SDI. This setting lets you
change the 3G-SDI output standard to maintain compatibility with equipment that can only
receive level A or level B 3G-SDI video. Level B is the default setting.
Reset
You can also reset your converter to factory settings by clicking the ‘factory reset’ option.
LUTs
To add a 3D LUT on the SDI output, select ‘on’ and click on the ‘import’ button. Now navigate to
the location of the LUT you want to import and select it. Click ‘save’.
To remove the loaded LUT, simply click the ‘delete’ button.
Blackmagic Micro Converters 18

Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G Block Diagram
HDMI In
USB-C
HDMI Video
and audio decoder
Central Processor
and Firmware
Input automatically
detects between
SD/HD/3G-SDI
Customizable
Video Processor
Automatic
SD/HD/3G-SDI Cable
Driver and Re-clocker SDI Out
SDI Out
Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G
Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G lets you convert HDMI to SDI and back again while
maintaining tally and camera control in both signal formats. This means you can now connect a
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or 6K to any SDI ATEM switcher, or an URSA Broadcast
camera to an ATEM Mini, all while maintaining camera control and tally. You can also use this
micro converter as an SDI extender so you can connect HDMI Blackmagic Design cameras to
ATEM Mini switchers over far greater cable lengths.
If you have only one input connected, the SDI and HDMI outputs both become loop outputs
so you can feed the input signal to other HDMI and SDI equipment, for example a
SmartView monitor.
Your Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G automatically detects the SD/HD/3G-SDI input
format and sets the output format to match.
This tiny broadcast quality converter is powered over USB, meaning you can power the unit
from your laptop or television’s USB connector using a common USB-C cable. USB-C cables are
used to connect some cell phones to chargers and laptops, so if you have one of these, you
can use the same cable. If the USB connector on your cable is a different type, the correct
cable can be purchased from most electronic equipment stores.
SDI OUT
MicroConverter
BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G
SDI IN
HDMI IN
HDMI OUT
1
4
25
3
Connectors
1 HDMI OUT
HDMI type A video output.
2 HDMI IN
HDMI Type A video input. The small 'lock' LED next to the HDMI IN connector will
illuminate when a valid HDMI input is detected.
Blackmagic Micro Converters 19

3 USB-C / POWER
Connect 5V power using a standard USB to USB-C cable. Also connects to Blackmagic
Converters Setup software via your Mac OS or Windows Computer. A small white LED
light next to the USB-C port will light up when connected to a power source.
4 SDI OUT
SDI video output BNC connector.
5 SDI IN
SDI video input BNC connector. The small 'lock' LED next to the SDI IN will illuminate
when a valid SDI input is detected.
Blackmagic Converters Setup Settings
The Blackmagic Converters Setup utility can be used to change settings and update your
MicroConverter’s software.
The ‘setup’ tab contains the unit name and software version along with SDI Camera Control and
SDI Output options.
The Setup options for Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G.
SDI Camera Control
To ensure CCU and tally data from the ATEM switcher is sent to the correct camera the
'ATEMCamera ID' number should be set to match the ATEM's input number.
SDI Output
The ‘3G Output’ setting lets you select between Level A or Level B 3G-SDI. This changes the
3G-SDI output standard to maintain compatibility with equipment that can receive only level A
or level B 3G-SDI video. The default setting is Level B.
Reset
You can also reset your converter to factory settings by clicking the ‘factory reset’ option.
Blackmagic Micro Converters 20