Blackmagic Design Studio Fiber Converter – SMPTE Fiber Converter

Product Overview

The Blackmagic Design Studio Fiber Converter is the studio-end unit of a SMPTE fiber camera chain, pairing with the Camera Fiber Converter to link a remote camera over a single SMPTE fiber cable. It converts the camera's video, audio, talkback, and tally back into standard broadcast connections for your switcher, audio mixer, and intercom, while sending power up to the camera. With 12G-SDI, a main UHD feed plus three HD return feeds, and a front-panel 5" LCD, it brings full studio camera control to broadcast and live-event productions.

Product Description

Used back in the studio or outside-broadcast truck, the Studio Fiber Converter receives a remote camera over a single SMPTE 311M hybrid fiber cable (SMPTE 304 connectors) and breaks it out into standard television connections for live production switchers, audio mixers, and talkback systems. Its high-capacity power supply sends industry-standard 200V power down the cable to drive the camera and accessories at distances up to 2 km, with a multi-layer fail-safe that continuously monitors the link and instantly cuts power if a damaged cable or earth leak is detected. The fiber link is an open-standard 10G Ethernet connection carrying lossless 10-bit IP video, so you get a main Ultra HD camera feed plus three independent HD return feeds, along with full remote camera control, PTZ, tracker talkback, and Ethernet. It provides two dual-channel digital intercoms for standard 5-pin XLR talkback headsets (production and engineering) plus a backup talkback channel that switches to the cable's data pair if the fiber goes down, as well as tally and reference. A built-in 5" LCD sits right next to the front-panel fiber connector for instant monitoring and patching, and two units fit side by side in a rack with the optional rack mount kit. The converters support all HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60.

Key Features

• SMPTE fiber camera link — Single cable for video, audio, power, talkback, and tally up to 2 km.
• 200V camera power — High-capacity supply powers the camera and accessories down the cable.
• Multi-layer fail-safe — Instantly cuts power if a damaged cable or earth leak is detected.
• UHD feed + 3 HD returns — Lossless 10-bit IP video over a 10G Ethernet fiber link.
• Full camera control — Remote camera control, PTZ, tracker talkback, and Ethernet.
• Dual intercoms + backup — Two dual-channel 5-pin XLR talkbacks plus a backup channel on the data pair.
• Front-panel 5" LCD — Monitor the remote camera right at the fiber connection.
• 12G-SDI breakout — Standard SDI in/out and XLR audio for your existing infrastructure.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio — Brings remote SMPTE-fiber cameras into the switcher and intercom.
• Auditorium — Runs cameras long distances back to a control room or OB truck for live events.
• House of worship — High-end broadcast camera connectivity at an accessible cost.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Studio Fiber Converter do?
It sits at the studio or OB-truck end of a SMPTE fiber chain, converting a remote camera's feeds back into standard SDI, audio, talkback, and tally for your existing equipment.

How far can the camera be placed?
Up to 2 km away over a single SMPTE 311M hybrid fiber cable, with power sent down the cable to the camera.

How many feeds does it provide?
A main Ultra HD camera feed plus three independent HD return feeds, along with camera control, PTZ, talkback, and Ethernet.

What happens if the fiber link fails?
A backup talkback channel automatically switches to the cable's data pair, and a multi-layer fail-safe cuts power instantly if a fault is detected.