The Magewell Pro Convert SDI Plus is the flagship 3G-SDI NDI encoder in the Pro Convert family. It is 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.
It converts a single 3G-SDI source into a Full NDI High Bandwidth stream at up to 2048×1080 at 60fps. In addition, it bridges any existing SDI camera, router output or broadcast source into an NDI production network instantly. At the same time, it passes 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.
