3Gb/s SDI for Transport of 3D, 4k and Beyond

The latest generation of the Serial Digital Interface, 3Gb/s SDI, or 3G, has been in use in the broadcast industry for 5 years. But what exactly is 3G SDI? The basic data rate is capable of carrying many different video and audio formats, so we need additional metadata to achieve interoperability. SMPTE has standards to describe the different formats, and the EBU has produced a Technical Report to help its members on this subject. — For higher data rates, multiple 3G SDI links can be combined, and SMPTE is standardising the transport of formats up to 4K, using 2 or 4 links to provide up to 11.88Gb/s. — This paper describes 3G SDI systems, including the different formats available and how they are flagged for identification. The paper includes updates on SMPTE standardisation work and the EBU technical report. — It also informs the system designer on the reliable use of 3Gb/s SDI, including optimum selection of coax copper cable vs optical fiber.

Published

2011-10

Content type

Original Research

Keywords

SDI, Serial Digital Interface, 3Gb/s, 3Gbits/s, EBU, 3D, 2k, 4k, SMPTE standards, Level A, Level B, cable reach

DOI

10.5594/M001071

ISBN

978-1-61482-940-9