2012Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Using HD-SDI splitters with cinema cameras to feed multiple outputs simultaneously
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A passive HD-SDI splitter can distribute one SDI output to two devices without requiring additional power
- Simple BNC T-connectors can cause signal rejection or degradation due to double termination problems
- Passive splitters may use transformer-based designs to avoid double termination issues, resulting in approximately 3dB signal loss rather than the greater loss from using T-connectors
- Active HD-SDI distribution amplifiers with power supplies can provide amplified output and more reliable signal distribution than passive solutions
- Some professional video monitoring devices may be more sensitive to signal quality than others and may reject or experience breakup with passive splitter outputs
- Cable TV splitters with F-to-BNC adapters may function similarly to dedicated HD-SDI passive splitters
Depends on
- The passive splitter performance varies depending on the receiving device's signal sensitivity
- Maximum cable distance specifications apply but actual performance may vary by setup
- No definitive testing was completed to determine whether the passive splitter or an active amplifier would be the better choice for all applications
- Compatibility issues were noted between at least one passive splitter model and a specific wireless transmitter system