There are now two reasonably priced new ways to convert HDV, DV and AVCHD video signals to HD/SD-SDI. Both come from Convergent Design and were shown at the IBC show in Amsterdam.
The first-HD-Connect SI-converts 1394 (HDV) stream and RS-422 deck-control inputs to HD/SD-SDI stream and 1394 deck-control outputs. The second-HD-Connect MI-retains the deck-control conversion and represents an entirely new class of stream conversion: HDMI to HD/SD-SDI.
HD-Connect SI, the HDV to HD/SD-SDI converter, works with all HDV devices from Sony, JVC and Canon, including 1080i24F and 720p24 formats. This box decodes the compressed HDV stream (sent over 1394) and converts it to HD/SD-SDI.
HD-Connect MI, on the other hand, takes the uncompressed HD/SD 4:2:2 video (and stereo audio) from HDMI, adds the time code from a 1394 connection, and multiplexes all this data into an HD/SD-SDI stream. It operates with the JVC BR-HD50 and Sony HVR-M25U deck as well as the Sony HDR-HC3 HDV consumer camcorder and the upcoming AVCHD camcorders (with HDMI output).
Both feature RS-422-to-1394 deck-control translation that has been extensively tested on Avid, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Quantel and Media 100 systems. This translation allows offline/online batch capture to an NLE. Likewise, both converters provide 1080i and 720p cross-conversion and downscale to SD in anamorphic, letterbox or edge-crop modes.
HDV and AVCHD editors now have affordable tools to convert long-GOP compressed formats into easily editable I-frame-based codecs such as DVCProHD and DNxHD. These real-time conversions can eliminate the headaches and long render times associated with native-format editing.
HD-Connect SI and HD-Connect MI are priced at $995 each. For more, visit www.convergent-design.com.