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SDI Cables
Serial Digital Interface video, whether at standard or high-definition resolutions, requires precisely-made coaxial cable with high impedance stability and low return loss. This was true in the days of 480-line standard-definition video, but it's become even more important as SDI data rates have increased to as high as 12G. Whether you need the full bandwidth for 12G, or something more conventional, we have cable to suit: Belden's best SDI cables, in a variety of sizes.
The Coax: for 12G, or for up to 6G
We carry a variety of SDI cable stocks, together with BNCs and other connectors specifically designed to fit those particular cables. If you're running 6G or lower data rates, conventional SDI cables will do the job: Canare L-4.5CHD or Belden 1694A in RG-6 size, Belden 1505A for RG-59 size, or Belden 1855A for miniature size. Alternatively, for high-flex patch cord use, there's Belden 1505F, dramatically more flexible than standard SDI cables. If you are running 12G SDI, these cables may do the job in short runs just fine but are not designed for it; both Canare and Belden offer 12G coaxes and 12G connectors, including Belden 4505R, 4694R, 4855R and Canare L-3.3CUHD. Superficially, the 12G cables are very similar to the 6G-capable cables, but special attention is paid to impedance stability and return loss, which become more critical as frequencies and data rates increase.
Which to use? Well, it depends. The 12G cables are costlier, especially in long runs, than their lower-bandwidth equivalents, and so the issue turns mostly upon whether you're using 12G now or expect to do so in the reasonably near future.
The Connectors:
Our standard connector for conventional (up to 6G) SDI cables is the Canare crimp BNC (see picture above); 12G versions of these are used on Canare's 12G cables, while on the 12G Belden cables we use Belden BNCs. We also offer Canare DIN 1.0/2.3 plugs as an option on the Belden 1505A, 4505R, 1855A, 4855R, and 1505F, White Sands right-angle DIN 1.0/2.3 plugs on the 1855A and 4855R, and Amphenol female BNCs on the 1855A and 4855R. The Canare DIN plugs are our favorite DINs because they have a spring-loaded retracting collar which makes it particularly easy to be sure that they're solidly engaged in the jack, but also makes it easy to remove them -- simply pulling on the outer shell of the connector retracts the collar, releasing the hold on the jack. The White Sands DIN plugs, with their right-angle configuration, are useful in situations -- as on some camera bodies -- where having the cable emerge straight out from the jack is inconvenient. The female BNC, of course, is convenient if you're coupling a short adapter cable to a longer SDI cable, as in many small camera setups.
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| DIN | Right Angle DIN |
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| Female BNC | Belden BNC for 12G |
We measure, cut and terminate each of these cables in our shop in Seattle, using Canare tooling and the best electronic cable strippers and pneumatic presses, so we know they're done right and tested before they go out. We also offer a simple and easy return policy. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied, just return the cable, undamaged, within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase price in full.
To Order:
Just fill in your cable length in feet in the appropriate form below, select any applicable options, and the price will display to the right. To purchase, click "add to cart."
