With the continuous development of modern technology, high-definition video signal transmission products have become an indispensable part of our lives.
These common high-definition video signal transmission products include HDMI, DVI, SDI, VGA, etc.
Understanding the respective capabilities of these technologies for audiovisual content is critical to choosing the technology that is best suited for your content.
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What is SDI? What is HDMI?
The full name of SDI is Serial Digital Interface (Serial Digital Interface), which is a technology specially used for high-definition video transmission.
It is mainly used in professional fields such as broadcasting and film.
Compared to HDMI and DVI, SDI has a longer transmission distance and is more stable, and it can support video resolutions up to 1080p.
In addition, SDI can also use different transmission cables. Coaxial cable is more common and can be up to 100 meters away.
HDMI is the acronym for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.
It is a video standard used to transmit uncompressed video and embedded audio signals to any device capable of displaying or encoding video.
HDMI is widely used in consumer and prosumer environments. It is a popular connection cable because it is compatible with consumer and professional equipment.
However, it is limited in length, with a maximum of 30 feet. For longer distances, you will need a booster.
What are the advantages of the SDI interface over the HDMI interface?
SDI transmission is more stable than HDMI
Choose the standard transmission method (SDI signal) in the radio and television industry.
The self-locking design of the SDI interface is more stable and reliable, not easy to fall off, and will not cause signal interruption due to human factors, which is very important for live broadcast events.
SDI has a longer transmission distance than HDMI
The serial interface refers to the sequential transmission of bit-by-bit data. It is characterised by simple communication lines.
As long as a pair of transmission lines can achieve two-way communication, it is particularly suitable for long-distance communication.
Theoretically, the transmission distance of SDI can reach 100m, while the transmission distance of HDMI is usually within 30m.
SDI is cheaper than HDMI
SDI costs less than HDMI! Therefore, from the perspective of the particularity of live broadcast, using the SDI interface is still more stable and reliable.
The difference between SDI and HDMI:
The interfaces are different:
HDMI is a fully digital video and sound transmission interface that can send uncompressed audio and video signals.
SDI is a high-definition digital component serial interface. HD-SDI is a real-time uncompressed high-definition broadcast-grade camera.
The principles are different:
HDMI supports uncompressed 8-channel digital audio transmission, as well as any compressed audio stream such as Dolby Digital or DTS, and also supports the 8-channel 1-bit DSD signal used by SACD.
SDI is a high-definition real-time transmission of uncompressed digital video over a 75-ohm coaxial cable based on the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) serial link standard.
Different characteristics:
Both HDMI and UDI without the audio transmission function inherit DVI's core technology "Transmission Minimized Differential Signal" TMDS, which is still essentially an extension of DVI. SDI.
Unlike IP surveillance, which compresses and packages video signals and then transmits them through the network.
It uses uncompressed digital signals to transmit at high speed on coaxial cables, and the original image will not be distorted.
What are the advantages of the SDI interface over the HDMI interface?
SDI transmission is more stable than HDMI
Choose the standard transmission method (SDI signal) in the radio and television industry.
The self-locking design of the SDI interface is more stable and reliable, not easy to fall off, and will not cause signal interruption due to human factors, which is very important for live broadcast events.
SDI has a longer transmission distance than HDMI
The serial interface refers to the sequential transmission of bit-by-bit data. It is characterised by simple communication lines.
As long as a pair of transmission lines can achieve two-way communication, it is particularly suitable for long-distance communication.
Theoretically, the transmission distance of SDI can reach 100m, while the transmission distance of HDMI is usually within 30m.
SDI is cheaper than HDMI
The price of a 20-meter HDMI interface is between 400-600 yuan. Based on this measurement, SDI estimates the bankruptcy to be several hundred meters.
It only costs a few yuan per meter, and 200 meters is even less than 1,000 yuan. Therefore, SDI costs less than HDMI!
Therefore, from the perspective of the particularity of live broadcast, using the SDI interface is still more stable and reliable.
Advantages of SDI:
High-Quality Video:
SDI can transmit high-quality video signals up to 4K resolution without any quality loss.
Stability:
SDI is a dedicated hardware-based technology that provides stability and reliability of signal transmission.
Low Latency:
SDI offers low latency transmission, which is important for live events where time is of the essence.
Compatibility:
SDI is a widely adopted industry standard, which means it is compatible with a wide range of devices and software.
Long-distance transmission:
SDI can transmit signals over long distances, up to hundreds of meters, without any loss of quality.
Final thought
SDI and HDMI cater to varying audio-visual needs, and the right choice hinges on your specific AV integration.
SDI is often the preferred choice for professional applications, whether in broadcasting or for streaming business meetings due to its ability to connect to a broad range of sources while transmitting signals.
