Toward a Hierarchy of SDI Data Rates

Once again, our ability to capture and display images has leap-frogged our ability to transport, control, and monitor them. New ultrahigh-definition (UHD) formats, and high frame rates require increasing data rates in image transport. Payload rates approaching 200 Gbits/sec are required to support UHDTV2 image structures at 120 Hz progressive frame rate. Building on the concepts presented in the paper “1080p50/60, 4K and Beyond: Future Proofing the Core Infrastructure to Manage the Bandwidth Explosion,” presented at the UHDTV: Ultra-High Definition Imaging Session of the SMPTE 2012 Annual Technical Conference, this paper introduces a hierarchical approach to increased serial digital interface (SDI) data rates, allowing affordable steps toward extended data rates, including those needed for UHDTV2. It describes progress in technical standards and technology development since the 2012 conference, for single-link and multilink SDI operating at 6 Gbits/sec, 12 Gbits/sec, and 24 Gbits/sec using protocols that enable easy compatibility between data rates. It shows the performance that can be expected at these data rates, over copper and optical interfaces, and introduces coding concepts to improve the reliability of serial video.

Print ISSN

1545-0279

Electronic ISSN

2160-2492

Published

2014-04

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/j18395XY