CS-12G-SDI — SD/HD/3G/6G/12G-SDI optical converter, Ultra HD 4K up to 2160p60, SFP
OPTOKON CS-12G-SDI — a compact professional optical video converter for bidirectional transmission of SDI over optical fiber. The device simultaneously converts an electrical SDI signal to an optical signal and an optical signal back to SDI, providing full video transmission in both directions simultaneously.
CS-12G-SDI supports a wide range of professional video formats — from standard SD to HD, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI. The maximum supported resolution is Ultra HD 2160p60. Thanks to its Multi-Rate architecture, a single compact device can be used with different generations of professional SDI equipment.
Optical connectivity is provided by an SFP slot, which accepts a standard optical SDI SFP module for 3G, 6G or 12G-SDI. This allows the optical transceiver to be selected according to the required data rate, fiber type and transmission distance.
A key feature of the CS-12G-SDI is its ability to operate bidirectionally at the same time. In this mode, the video formats in the forward and reverse directions can differ. For example, an Ultra HD signal can be transmitted in one direction and HD-SDI in the other.
Key benefits of the CS-12G-SDI
- Bidirectional SDI ↔ Optical Fiber conversion in a single compact device.
- Simultaneous transmission in both directions.
- Different video formats in each direction can be transmitted simultaneously.
- Multi-Rate SDI — support for SD, HD, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI.
- Ultra HD up to 2160p60.
- Support for Level A and Level B.
- 1 × SD/HD/12G-SDI electrical video input.
- 1 × optical input.
- SMPTE Optical Fiber SFP socket.
- Compatible with standard 3G, 6G or 12G-SDI SFP.
- Automatic format detection SD, HD or 12G-SDI.
- Reclocking SDI signal.
- 10-bit SD/HD/12G-SDI.
- 16 channels of embedded audio over an optical link.
- Audio 48 kHz / 24 bit.
- Video sampling support 4:2:2 and 4:4:4.
- Color space support YUV and RGB.
- ASI support.
- Support for professional SMPTE standards.
Simultaneous SDI ↔ Fiber conversion
CS-12G-SDI operates simultaneously in both directions:
SDI → CS-12G-SDI → Optical Fiber
Optical Fiber → CS-12G-SDI → SDI
This allows a single optical link to provide a bidirectional professional video channel between two remote locations.
The signals in the two directions do not have to use the same format. This is particularly useful for television studios, mobile broadcast units, sports broadcasts and other systems that require transmission of both the main and return video signals.
Support for SD, HD, 3G, 6G and 12G-SDI
The Multi-Rate interfaces of CS-12G-SDI ensure compatibility with different generations of professional SDI equipment.
| Format | Support |
|---|---|
| SD-SDI | Yes |
| HD-SDI | Yes |
| 3G-SDI | Yes, Level A / Level B |
| 6G-SDI | Yes |
| 12G-SDI | Yes |
| Ultra HD | Up to 2160p60 |
This eliminates the need for separate converters for SD, HD and Ultra HD systems — a single CS-12G-SDI can handle all supported formats.
Ultra HD 4K up to 2160p60
CS-12G-SDI supports professional Ultra HD video transmission at resolutions up to 2160p60. The 12G-SDI interface allows an Ultra HD signal to be transmitted over a single SDI channel without the need for multiple parallel 3G-SDI connections.
Supported Ultra HD formats:
- 2160p23.98;
- 2160p24;
- 2160p25;
- 2160p29.97;
- 2160p30;
- 2160p50;
- 2160p59.94;
- 2160p60.
4K DCI support
In addition to Ultra HD, the device supports professional formats 4K DCI, making it suitable for the film industry, post-production and professional AV systems.
- 4K DCI 23.98p;
- 4K DCI 24p;
- 4K DCI 25p.
2K DCI support
- 2K DCI 23.98p;
- 2K DCI 24p;
- 2K DCI 25p;
- 2K DCI 23.98PsF;
- 2K DCI 24PsF;
- 2K DCI 25PsF.
Supported HD formats
CS-12G-SDI supports a wide range of professional HD formats:
- 720p50;
- 720p59.94;
- 720p60;
- 1080p23.98;
- 1080p24;
- 1080p25;
- 1080p29.97;
- 1080p30;
- 1080p50;
- 1080p59.94;
- 1080p60;
- 1080PsF23.98;
- 1080PsF24;
- 1080PsF25;
- 1080PsF29.97;
- 1080PsF30;
- 1080i50;
- 1080i59.94;
- 1080i60.
SD PAL and NTSC support
Backward compatibility also allows CS-12G-SDI to be used in systems with standard-definition SD-SDI video.
| NTSC | 525i59.94 |
| PAL | 625i50 |
Automatic SDI format detection
CS-12G-SDI automatically detects the input signal type and supports SD, HD, Level A/B 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI.
This simplifies integration into professional video systems that may use cameras, video switchers, monitors and other equipment from different generations.
SDI signal reclocking
The built-in function Reclocking restores the clock timing of the digital SDI signal before further transmission.
This helps ensure stable operation of the professional video signal chain and reduces the impact of signal distortion that can accumulate during transmission over coaxial connections.
Replaceable optical SFP module
CS-12G-SDI is equipped with an SMPTE Optical Fiber SFP socket. The optical SFP module is selected separately according to the required transmission standard and optical link parameters.
Standard optical SFP modules can be used for:
- 3G-SDI;
- 6G-SDI;
- 12G-SDI.
The modular architecture allows the optical interface parameters to be adapted to a specific project without replacing the converter itself.
The SFP module is supplied separately.
SDI transmission over standard optical fiber
The SFP architecture enables professional SDI signals to be transmitted over optical fiber widely used in telecommunications and computer networks.
Optical transmission is particularly effective when it is necessary to:
- transmit SDI over long distances;
- connect different buildings or rooms;
- avoid the effects of electromagnetic interference;
- provide galvanic isolation between equipment;
- use existing fiber-optic cabling infrastructure.
16 channels of embedded audio
Along with the video signal, CS-12G-SDI supports transmission of up to 16 channels of embedded audio over the optical link.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Embedded Audio | 16 channels |
| Sampling rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
This allows professional multichannel audio to be transmitted together with video without the need for separate audio lines.
10-bit professional video
The optical video interface supports 10-bit SD/HD/12G-SDI, making CS-12G-SDI suitable for professional broadcast, studio and post-production systems.
4:2:2 and 4:4:4 video sampling
CS-12G-SDI supports:
- 4:2:2;
- 4:4:4.
Supported color spaces include YUV and RGB, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of professional video equipment.
ASI support
CS-12G-SDI supports ASI, expanding the device's applications in professional television and broadcast systems.
Supported standards
| Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SMPTE 259M | SD-SDI |
| SMPTE 292M | HD-SDI |
| SMPTE 296M | HD video formats |
| SMPTE 424M | 3G-SDI |
| SMPTE 425M | 3G-SDI Level A / Level B |
| SMPTE ST-2081 | 6G-SDI |
| SMPTE 297M | SDI over optical fiber |
| ITU-R BT.656 | Digital video |
| ITU-R BT.601 | Digital component video |
CS-12G-SDI technical specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | CS-12G-SDI |
| Device type | Bidirectional optical SDI video converter |
| Operating principle | SDI → Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber → SDI simultaneously |
| SDI video input | 1 × SD/HD/12G-SDI |
| Optical video input | 1 × Optical Fiber |
| SDI video output | Automatically matches the SD, HD or 12G-SDI signal received over optical fiber |
| Optical video output | Automatically matches the incoming SD, HD or 12G-SDI signal |
| Optical interface | 1 × SMPTE Optical Fiber SFP socket |
| SFP module | Optional, supplied separately |
| Supported SFPs | 3G-SDI / 6G-SDI / 12G-SDI |
| Multi-Rate | Yes |
| Automatic detection | SD / HD / 3G-SDI Level A/B / 6G-SDI / 12G-SDI |
| Maximum video format | Ultra HD 2160p60 |
| Optical video signal | 10-bit SD/HD/12G-SDI |
| Reclocking | Yes |
| Embedded Audio | 16 channels |
| Audio sampling | 48 kHz / 24 bit |
| Video sampling | 4:2:2 / 4:4:4 |
| Color space | YUV / RGB |
| ASI | Yes |
| SD standards | 525i59.94 NTSC; 625i50 PAL |
| HD standards | 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60; 1080p23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60; 1080PsF23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30; 1080i50, 59.94, 60 |
| 2K DCI | 23.98p, 24p, 25p; 23.98PsF, 24PsF, 25PsF |
| 4K DCI | 23.98p, 24p, 25p |
| Ultra HD | 2160p23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 |
| SDI standards | SMPTE 259M, 292M, 296M, 424M, 425M, ST-2081; ITU-R BT.656, BT.601; SMPTE 297M |
Television Studios and Broadcasting
CS-12G-SDI is primarily designed for professional video transmission systems that require SDI signals to be transmitted over long distances via optical fiber.
Typical applications:
- television studios;
- equipment rooms and control rooms;
- studio cameras;
- central machine rooms;
- links between the studio and equipment room;
- return video;
- broadcast infrastructure.
Mobile television production units
The compact form factor and bidirectional transmission make CS-12G-SDI convenient for OB vans and mobile television production units.
Optical fiber enables long-distance links between cameras, the stage, a mobile control room and other system components.
Sports broadcasting
- connecting remote cameras;
- stadiums and sports arenas;
- replay systems;
- scoreboards and large screens;
- tunnels and locker rooms;
- connectivity between different areas of a sports complex.
Concerts and Live Events
CS-12G-SDI can be used to transmit professional video between the stage, FOH, video switchers, LED screens and other components of concert AV infrastructure.
- concerts;
- festivals;
- conferences;
- large LED screens;
- stage cameras;
- video switchers;
- remote production control consoles.
Film and post-production
Support for 2K DCI, 4K DCI, 10-bit video, 4:2:2, 4:4:4, YUV and RGB allows CS-12G-SDI to be used in professional video production and processing systems.
- film sets;
- Video Village;
- director's monitors;
- DIT workstations;
- editing suites;
- Color Grading;
- post-production studios;
- equipment rooms.
Corporate AV systems
- conference rooms;
- corporate studios;
- Town Hall broadcasts;
- large presentation halls;
- video links between buildings;
- campus AV networks.
Education
- Lecture Capture;
- distance learning;
- video links between classrooms;
- university studios;
- campus fiber-optic links;
- educational television facilities.
Medical Systems
Professional video transmission over optical fiber can be used in the AV infrastructure of medical and educational institutions.
- operating rooms;
- teaching operating rooms;
- medical laboratories;
- lecture rooms;
- recording and broadcasting systems.
Esports and Gaming Arenas
- commentator feeds;
- gaming areas;
- large screens;
- video switchers;
- central control rooms;
- professional video signal distribution throughout the arena.
Theaters, Museums and Exhibition Centers
- projection systems;
- stage video;
- backstage monitoring;
- exhibition displays;
- projection rooms;
- remote AV nodes.
Government and Specialized Facilities
- operations centers;
- situational awareness centers;
- briefing rooms;
- training centers;
- professional video surveillance systems;
- remote AV systems.
Rental & Staging
CS-12G-SDI is suitable for temporary professional installations where a long-distance SDI link over optical fiber needs to be set up quickly.
- exhibitions;
- concerts;
- festivals;
- trade shows;
- sporting events;
- mobile television production units.
Ultra HD transmission between buildings
Optical fiber enables CS-12G-SDI to transmit professional UHD signals between remote rooms and buildings where long coaxial SDI links are impractical.
Primary and backup video channels
In mission-critical professional systems, CS-12G-SDI can be used to establish primary and backup optical paths for SDI signal transmission.
When to choose CS-12G-SDI
CS-12G-SDI is suitable when:
- professional SDI signals need to be transmitted over optical fiber;
- support for SD, HD, 3G, 6G and 12G-SDI is required;
- Ultra HD transmission up to 2160p60 is required;
- simultaneous bidirectional SDI ↔ Fiber transmission is required;
- different video formats may be used in the two directions;
- a replaceable SFP is needed to select the optical link parameters;
- transmission of up to 16 embedded audio channels is required;
- 10-bit video support is required;
- 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 is used;
- YUV and RGB support is required;
- SDI Reclocking is required;
- the system is used for Broadcast, Live Events, Sports, Cinema or professional AV.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
What does CS-12G-SDI do?
CS-12G-SDI converts a professional SDI signal into an optical signal while simultaneously converting a signal received over optical fiber back into SDI.
Does transmission work simultaneously in both directions?
Yes. The device supports simultaneous bidirectional SDI ↔ Optical Fiber conversion.
Do the video formats in both directions have to be the same?
No. CS-12G-SDI allows simultaneous transmission of different video standards in each direction.
Does CS-12G-SDI support 4K?
Yes. The device supports Ultra HD up to 2160p60, as well as professional 4K DCI formats.
Is 12G-SDI supported?
Yes. The device supports SD, HD, 3G-SDI Level A/B, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI.
Can the device be used with older HD-SDI equipment?
Yes. With Multi-Rate support, CS-12G-SDI is compatible not only with 12G-SDI equipment, but also with SD-SDI, HD-SDI and 3G-SDI equipment.
Is the format detected automatically?
Yes. The device automatically detects the input SDI signal format.
Is Reclocking supported?
Yes. CS-12G-SDI features SDI Reclocking.
How many audio channels can be transmitted?
The optical link supports up to 16 channels of embedded audio at 48 kHz / 24 bits.
Is an optical SFP included?
No. The optical SFP module is optional and supplied separately.
Which SFP modules can be used?
CS-12G-SDI accepts standard optical SFP modules for 3G, 6G or 12G-SDI.
Is ASI supported?
Yes. The manufacturer specifies support for ASI.
Is 4:4:4 supported?
Yes. Supported sampling formats include 4:2:2 and 4:4:4, as well as YUV and RGB color spaces.
Configuration selection
OPTOKON CS-12G-SDI — a versatile, compact optical converter for professional SDI video transmission over fiber-optic links. Support for SD, HD, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI allows a single device to be used with equipment from different generations — from traditional SD/HD systems to modern Ultra HD 2160p60.
Simultaneous bidirectional transmission, the ability to use different video formats in each direction, a replaceable SDI SFP, Reclocking, 10-bit video, 4:2:2/4:4:4 and transmission of 16 channels of embedded audio make CS-12G-SDI an effective solution for television studios, sports broadcasts, concerts, mobile television production units, the film industry, post-production and professional AV systems.
Contact us:
info@optokon.es
