The Blackmagic Design Studio Fiber Converter is a bi-directional fibre optic interface that pairs with the Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter, carrying video, audio, communication, control and remote camera/accessory power over a single SMPTE fibre connection with standard-IP low-latency transport. It is designed for OB vans, television studios and large venues, where the studio or truck needs to sit some distance from the camera position without breaking the signal chain into separate cable runs for video, audio and control.

Fibre reach

The bi-directional design keeps the link talking in both directions along that single connection, communicating with a paired Camera Fiber Converter at the other end up to 2 km away. Rather than running separate video, audio and control cabling for that distance, the whole signal chain travels down one SMPTE fibre.

Video and reference connections

On the rear panel, two 12G-SDI camera-feed outputs carry video from the camera up to Ultra HD 60p, while three 12G-SDI return inputs send programme feed, camera control, tally and genlock back to the camera position, with intercom carried on Return 1.

Audio and control

Four balanced XLR connections break the audio out from the fibre link into standard analogue connectors, ready to patch into a studio or OB truck's audio desk. PTZ camera control and reference/control connections round out the rear panel to keep the studio and camera ends synchronised, backed by two dual-channel talkback intercoms plus a tracker talkback channel. A built-in 5-inch LCD lets the studio end monitor both the camera feed and the return feed directly from the unit.

Where it fits

That combination of range, video handling and audio breakout suits everything from a single OB link to one channel within a larger multi-camera production, without asking the crew to run anything more than one fibre between locations.