Blackmagic Design's SDI Expander 8x12G converts eight 12G-SDI inputs to SMPTE ST 2110 while simultaneously converting eight IP sources back to SDI. The 1RU unit therefore provides sixteen independent 10-bit 4:2:2 paths at up to 4K60.
Dual 100GbE QSFP28 ports support SMPTE ST 2022-7 redundancy, and external orchestration can use NMOS. Each video path carries up to 16 audio channels, with dual power supplies intended to reduce single-component failure risk.
The density makes the unit relevant to hybrid plants that need to retain SDI devices while moving routing and processing onto a 100GbE media fabric. Bidirectional conversion in the same chassis can reduce the number of separate gateways at a studio or truck boundary.
The announced price is US$3,295 with pre-orders open. Delivery timing, measured latency, PTP behaviour under failure and interoperability across third-party NMOS controllers still require production verification.
