Looking for a high-performance, high-quality interface for your broadcast or professional AV application?
With an ever-increasing demand for higher bandwidth (UHD, 4K, 8K…) in broadcasting and live events, the SDI standard has continued to advance — which is why you may want to consider 12G SDI for your next upcoming installation.
With increased data transfer speeds and compatibility with existing SDI equipment, 12G SDI is the next generation of Serial Digital Interface technology, and the perfect solution for demanding AV applications.
In this post, we’ll discuss what is 12G SDI, the many benefits of 12G SDI over its predecessors, and top-quality 12G cables and connectors for consistent high performance you can rely on.
What is SDI?
The SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is a standard for the transmission of digital video and audio. It uses a serial interface to transmit data in digital form over traditional coax cables or fiber optic cabling. SDI is commonly used in professional video and audio applications, such as:
- broadcast television
- live events
- post-production
- commercial and residential AV
SDI provides a high quality, uncompressed digital signal that is easy to integrate with other digital systems. It is the perfect choice for professional video and audio applications that require the highest quality signal possible.
What is 12G SDI?
As the name suggests, 12G SDI is a 12Gbps (12 gigabits per second) Serial Data Interface.
It is used for transmitting high-definition video and audio signals, and offers a significant upgrade in data transfer speeds, along with lower power consumption and improved signal integrity.
12G SDI supports 4K UHD (4096×2160) at 60fps (frames per second), and uses a 12Gbps data rate that can be used with existing HD-SDI infrastructure. It also offers support for Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR).
The 12G SDI standard is also backward compatible with 6G, 3G, and 1.5G SDI standards and provides substantial improvements in both signal integrity and data transmission distance over previous generations of the SDI standard.
12 Gbps SDI can transmit data over distances up to 100m using coaxial cables or over longer distances using fiber optic cables.
Benefits of 12G SDI
As the next generation of Serial Digital Interface technology, 12G SDI provides a higher data rate, uncompressed, latency-free distribution of signals and supports more channels than previous generations, making it ideal for high-resolution applications such as 4K and 8K.
The key benefits of 12G SDI include:
Improved data transfer speeds
12G SDI offers a 12 Gbps data rate, which is double the bandwidth of 6G SDI. This means that 12G SDI can support higher video resolutions, and offers significant improvements in picture quality. For example, the increased bandwidth allows for higher frame rates and greater color depth, resulting in more lifelike images.
Increased video resolution support
12G SDI enables 4K and 8K resolution video to be transmitted over a single cable and supports higher video resolutions, including 4K/UHD and 8K/UHD. This makes 12G SDI ideal for broadcast and professional AV applications.
Compatibility with existing SDI equipment
12G SDI is fully compatible and backward compatible with existing HD-SDI equipment, making it easy to upgrade to the new standard while reducing cabling costs and simplifying installation. Great to upgrade any business or home theater that wants to support higher resolutions!
Easy cost-effective installation
12G SDI cables are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, making them easier to work with and less likely to cause damage to equipment. It is also easy to implement and requires no special training or certification, and offers significant cost savings compared to other high-speed data transmission technologies, such as HDMI.
Complexity is also reduced — so in order to get 4K you now need a single 12G cable instead of four 3G or two 6G SDI cables.
Great for commercial AV
12G SDI supports longer cable runs than other standards, making it ideal for large installations or facilities with complex wiring requirements. It is also more resistant to signal degradation than other standards, making it ideal for mission-critical applications. SDI also supports ANC (ancillary data), used in broadcast systems, and great for CAV applications.
The 12G SDI standard is supported by a growing number of manufacturers, ensuring compatibility and interoperability now and in the future.
12G Connectors
12G connectors are electrical connectors designed to work with 12G cables that have a diameter of 12 mm. They are available in different shapes and sizes, and can be used with a variety of 12G cable types.
12G connectors are typically made from high-quality materials, such as brass or stainless steel, with gold plated center contacts, designed to provide a reliable connection.
At Pacrad, we are the ONLY U.S Distributor for Coax Connectors, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-performance RF connectors.
The connectors below are the hottest sellers in 12G right now:
Coax Connectors Ltd 10-005-W126-FB1 ‘KORUS’ UHD 12G True 75 ohm BNC for 4505R
Coax Connectors Ltd 10-005-W126-FC1 ‘KORUS’ UHD 12G True 75 ohm BNC for 4694R
Coax Connectors Ltd 10-005-W126-FI ‘KORUS’ UHD 12G True 75 ohm BNC for 4794R
Coax Connectors Ltd 10-005-W126-EF1 ‘KORUS’ UHD 12G True 75 ohm BNC for 4855R
Coax Connectors Ltd 67-005-B66-EF1 75 Ohm 12GHz Micro BNC Straight Crimp / Crimp Connector for 1855A
Coax Connectors Ltd 67-005-B66-EF1 75 Ohm 12GHz Micro BNC Straight Crimp / Crimp Connector for 1855A
Coax Connectors Ltd 67-005-B66-FI 12G 75 Ohm Micro BNC Straight Crimp/Crimp Plug
Coax Connectors Ltd 67-005-B66-FC Micro BNC Straight Crimp Plug 75 ohm (12Ghz) For Belden 4694R/F
12G Connectors — Browse All
12G Cables
12G SDI cables are the latest and greatest in digital video transmission technology. They offer 12Gbps data transfer speeds, which is twice as fast as 6Gbps HDMI cables and four times as fast as 3Gbps SDI cables. 12G SDI cables also support 4K resolution at 60fps, making them ideal for professional broadcast and AV applications.
Although SDI cables transmit uncompressed, unencrypted digital video signals, they typically depend on 75-ohm BNC coax cables and connectors for broadcasting — this is the same cabling traditionally used for standard analog video communication.
If you’re looking for the best 12G SDI cable for your needs, we’ve got you covered. Our 12G SDI cables are available in a variety of lengths and styles to suit your unique installation requirements. We also offer 12G SDI compatible patchbays, adapters, amplifiers and more to help you get the most out of your 12G SDI setup.
12G SDI Cables — Order Now!
Whether you’re looking to connect your 12G SDI cameras, switchers, or other AV equipment, we have the 12G SDI cables and connectors you need to get the job done right.
Shop Pacrad’s selection of 12G SDI cables and connectors along with 4K UHD and 12G-SDI Products and take your setup to the next level!