The development of serial digital studio interfaces (SDI) has reached a further evolution in order to meet the demands for higher uncompressed bit-rates needed for new higher resolution HDTV and 3D image formats. In fact, the development of SDI has continued from SDI for standard definition via HD-SDI and Dual-Links to the new 3Gbit/s 3G-SDI needed for 1080p/50-60 and other HDTV and 3D formats. 3G-SDI was recently standardised by the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers as SMPTE ST 425-1:2011. Unlike its predecessor HD-SDI, the 3G-SDI standards allows for several mappings of content (called Level A, B-DS and B-DL). Each of those mappings is beneficial and suitable for several broadcast applications. However, studio equipment does not always support all levels, so infrastructures require careful planning.
In order to raise awareness and inform EBU Members on the three flavours of 3G-SDI available, a subgroup of the EBU strategic programme HIPS, developed a Technical Report TR 002. The report provides a detailed guide for users in the media industry. The work was led by Andy Quested (Head of BBC HD), in close collaboration with industry partners such as Grass Valley, Sony, Panasonic, Gennum and others.
EBU TR 002 will assist EBU Members who are planning their next studio infrastructures and using the current standards for the right applications.
A Webinar on 3G-SDI technology is planned for the 27th July at 14:00 CEST. Registration is open here.