The Magewell Pro Convert SDI Plus is the flagship 3G-SDI NDI encoder in the Pro Convert family — and the step up from the entry-level SDI TX for installations where SDI loop-through output, tally lights and the potential for encode/decode mode switching are required. Converting a single 3G-SDI source into a Full NDI High Bandwidth stream at up to 2048×1080 at 60fps, it bridges any existing SDI camera, router output or broadcast source into an NDI production network instantly — while simultaneously passing the signal through to a local monitor or downstream SDI device. PoE powered, camera-mountable and PTZ-controllable, it is the preferred choice for permanent, fixed SDI-to-NDI conversion points in broadcast studios, houses of worship, live event venues and corporate AV installations.
Core Functions & Capabilities
- 3G-SDI to Full NDI Encoding with Loop-Through: Converts a single 3G/HD/SD-SDI input to Full NDI High Bandwidth at up to 2048×1080 60fps — while simultaneously passing the original SDI signal through to a second SDI output for local monitoring, downstream routing or recording, without any signal interruption or degradation.
- 16-Channel SDI Audio: Captures all 16 channels of SDI-embedded audio and transmits them as 16-channel NDI-embedded audio — preserving the complete audio payload of broadcast SDI sources including multi-group audio configurations.
- Flexible NDI Output Resolution: Encodes at the native input resolution or any custom resolution — with output frame rates selectable at full, half, third or quarter of the input. Enables simultaneous full-quality programme streams and reduced-bandwidth preview streams from a single source.
- FPGA Video Processing: Onboard FPGA handles deinterlacing, up/down scaling, frame rate conversion and aspect ratio adjustment entirely in hardware — with zero CPU impact on any connected host and consistent deterministic processing latency.
- PTZ Camera Control: Controls PTZ cameras over the network using VISCA, Visca UDP, Visca UDP2RS232, PELCO-P and PELCO-D protocols via the shared Mini-DIN 8 port — enabling NDI-based camera control without a separate PTZ controller or dedicated serial cable infrastructure.
- Programme & Preview Tally: Dedicated programme (red) and preview (green) tally LEDs on the device — with tally signals carried via the Mini-DIN 8 port to connected on-camera tally lights. Tally light accessory included in the box.
- Long SDI Cable Support: Integrated cable equaliser supports 3G-SDI cable runs up to 180m (591ft) — enabling deployment directly at SDI camera or router output locations across large venues, studios and multi-floor buildings.
- NDI 6.2 Support: Fully updated to NDI SDK 6.2 — compatible with all current NDI production infrastructure, software and network discovery.
Key Features
- PoE Powered: IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet — a single cable delivers both network connectivity and power at the device location. No separate power adapter required at the installation point. USB 5V/2.1A also supported as an alternative.
- Camera Mountable: ¼–20 threaded mounting hole enables direct mounting on camera cages, hot shoe adapters and standard accessory brackets — ideal for on-camera, cage-mounted and field deployment alongside SDI cameras.
- SDI Loop-Through — Plus Model Advantage: Unlike the TX-only entry model, the SDI Plus includes a dedicated BNC loop-through output — passing the full SDI signal to a monitor, router or downstream device simultaneously with NDI encoding. This is the defining advantage of the Plus model for professional permanent installations.
- Browser-Based Web GUI: Full configuration, status monitoring, EDID management and PTZ control via any modern browser — no software required. Compatible with IE, Edge, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera.
- Control Hub Compatible: Registers with Magewell Control Hub for centralised management, firmware updates and signal monitoring across multiple Pro Convert devices — essential for larger installations with multiple SDI-to-NDI conversion points.
- Crestron & Q-SYS Plugins: Official Crestron SIMPL+ and Q-SYS plugins available — enabling full integration into enterprise AV control systems for professional installation and building automation projects.
- Rotary DIP Switch: 16-position onboard rotary switch assigns a unique device index from 0 to F — enabling reliable identification and management of multiple Pro Convert SDI Plus units in the same installation.
- Modator Chassis Module Available: A module-type version of the same specification is available for the Magewell Modator 2U chassis — enabling high-density multi-channel SDI NDI encoding in a 2U rack footprint for broadcast and AV equipment rooms.
Ideal For
- Broadcast Studios — SDI Camera to NDI: Convert SDI studio cameras, ENG cameras and rooftop dish feeds to NDI at source — with loop-through maintaining the existing SDI router connection and tally keeping camera operators informed of live status throughout.
- Houses of Worship — Permanent Camera Positions: Install at each fixed SDI camera position to convert to NDI over the existing network — loop-through feeds local confidence monitors, tally lights indicate live status and PoE eliminates the need for mains power at each camera point.
- Live Events & IMAG: Convert fixed-position SDI cameras at venue locations to NDI over the venue network — with loop-through feeding local monitors at each camera position and PTZ control enabling remote camera operation from the production area.
- Corporate AV — SDI Infrastructure Upgrade: Bring existing SDI cameras and presentation equipment in auditoriums, boardrooms and conference facilities into a modern NDI distribution infrastructure — without replacing installed SDI cabling or cameras.
- Education & Lecture Capture: Convert installed SDI lecture theatre cameras to NDI for lecture capture, streaming and hybrid delivery — with loop-through maintaining local display output and tally confirming active capture status to presenters.
- Medical & Surgical: Encode SDI output from surgical cameras, endoscopes and diagnostic equipment as NDI — loop-through feeds the operating theatre display while the NDI stream routes to recording, telemedicine and consultation room distribution systems.
Magewell Part Number: 64040. Full technical specifications are available on the Specifications tab above. NDI® is a trademark of Vizrt NDI AB. SDI loop-through and tally light included. Modator module version available separately.
