How To Keep Your SDI Output From Blowing Up

I've seen an epidemic of this issue on forums/Facebook groups etc, and I've boiled down the solution to one SIMPLE rule:

"REMOVE ALL SDI CABLES BEFORE PLUGGING/UNPLUGGING POWER"

If you don't do this, you are at risk of DESTROYING your SDI output on your camera which could lead to massive ramifications on set.

[shankvfx]

Cannot believe this is still a problem in 2021, mind blowing.

[AndyThirtover]

As an engineer this is so sad. It could be designed out for less than a dollar/euro/pound. You'd never get this issue with consumer grade products.

[wdigivideo]

This issue is actually prevalent specifically with 12G SDI not 3G and HD-SDI. This is a great video as we should always follow best practices! However a few things can mitigate the issue.. 12G SDI cables by Canare and Belden that are shielded, and LEMO 2 and 3 pin power cables that have a shield as well. The issue is specifically problematic with D-TAP (unshielded) and 3G unshielded SDI cable.. At our rental facility we have brought in a full stock of shielded SDI 12G and got them in bright RED so we can differentiate visually between those and the unshielded variant. As well we are configuring all our Komodo and other 12G cameras to use Lemo power cables where possible rather then d-tap.. just an added 2c.. great vid though!

[queefreak]

11 years using Canon C300, C300mkll and now C500mkll and I've never even heard of this dilemma. Been plugging, powering and unplugging SDI and power in every conceivable possibility with zero regard of these power spikes and never had any issues.

[michaelquack]

The problem is different. Many people power their systems with a single power source and power distributor plates. When one cable loses ground connection, the power for this might run over another device, frying this device because of the extra load. That happens with batteries as well, when everything runs from one V-lock battery.

[Dimidth_Petkovski]

I have a mantra

'cable in when power on'
'Cable out when power on'

Rule Does not apply when not powered by mains ac supply.

[James-wmtt]

This is the same thing with blackmagic cameras and their HDMI ports frying. Thank you for this!

[ratonstubey]

Thank you for making this. Two weeks ago I lost an SDI port on my Panasonic Varicam because I didn’t know this. It is very sad and will cost me $600 and about a week.

[cubul]

The SDI should be disconnected just at one end. Makes no sense to unplug both ends.

[studio_s]

Hi, there is a problem. I have a Sony FS700 in my hands, and it turns off periodically for reasons unknown to me (perhaps the batteries are to blame). When the SDI monitor is connected and the camera turns off and restarts during operation, is it really scary?

[EstebanRiveraCinematographer]

Hey man, quick random question - have you had any issues with the Tilta V-mount plate at all? Saw it come off at @1:18 I'm running the CORE SWX V-Mount Plate and it has lots of play, sometimes bricking the camera when bumped. Thinking of changing to a tilta one.

[pauldhadialla]

So basically power up your monitor and camera first - plug in SDI last. What if you're on batteries for both?

[stela_camera_girl]

Should the camera be On or just powered with the camera Off?
Thanks for this vital information!

[KienDLuu]

So every time you replace the battery on set, you have to remove SDI’s? That seems like a design flaw to me.

[elijahyourdad]

So should I turn on the camera before or after I plug in the Sdi cable?

[kidcoma]

What if I first plug the AC cable into the outlet and afterwards into the camera? Is that more secure?

[brandonsmith]

Appreciate you treating this with professionalism!!! I get my Komodo here soon and I loved how simple you made this! BEST

[jesseyules]

RED should fix this with breaker or fuse. That's quite a design flaw for such an expensive system.

[tylerstewartmedia]

Does this happen when connecting a battery or only AC power?

[gethinevans]

You can use a SDI galvanic isolator. They sell ones rated for 12G for around $500 cheap insurance.