What Is The Difference Between SDI, AV, and VGA Converters?

by admin Tech

If you work in tech, audio-visual, live sound, or any number of other industries, you should familiarize yourself with the types of converters that are found on many common types of equipment, including SDI, AV, and VGA.

Knowing the difference between these converters will inevitably save you time and consternation as you fluidly pack up and set up these types of equipment. Whether you are a professional who needs to know the difference between common converters or just someone curious about these differences, this guide can help you differentiate between them.

What Is The Difference Between SDI, AV, and VGA Converters?

SDI Converters

SDI Converters are used for the transmission of uncompressed and unencrypted digital video signals. Consequently, these types of converters are used widely and can be used to connect many different types of equipment. Some of the pieces of equipment that can be connected using an SDI Converters include the following:

  • Monitors
  • PCs
  • Recorders
  • Vision Mixers

SDI converters are often paired with HDMI interfaces and can be used to connect professional video equipment to monitors and the like. These types of converters are often used in the following situations as well:

  • Post-production
  • TV studios
  • Digital cinema
  • Surveillance systems

AV Converters

There are many different types of AV converters and just as many situations where they can be employed. Some of the commonly used AV converters include the following types:

  • H.264 Converter: These converters are often used to connect digital signage in bars, restaurants, and churches. They are also frequently used in corporate AV signage situations.
  • SDvoE Converters: These converters are very versatile and can be employed in many different situations. For example, some common situations include multi-monitor broadcasts, distributed video matrix systems, and distributed video wall systems.

VGA Converters

VGA Converters are an older type of adapter that used to be the sole method of connecting many different disparate AV equipment. However, this type of converter is still used quite commonly in many different scenarios. Some of the common scenarios where VGA converters are still utilized include:

  • Gaming
  • Connecting older displays
  • Using older projectors
  • Video editing

VGA stands for video graphics array and was initially created to help connect devices that used graphics cards. One disadvantage of this type of converter is that it is not “hot-pluggable,” which means that it cannot be plugged and unplugged in live situations.

One of the main advantages of a VGA adapter is its ability to connect disparate devices of various types. Although this type of converter is somewhat dated, you can likely still use it in many different situations.

What Type Should I Be Using?

Whichever type of converter you use will be highly dependent on the exact type of project that you are using, as well as the exact types of equipment that you are attempting to connect. Getting to know your specific situation with regard to these tech specs will help expedite your process of acquiring suitable converters.

VGA converters are quite common and can be found in many household situations and devices. Especially if you are a gamer, familiarizing yourself with these converters will be worthwhile in the long run.

SDI converters are most commonly found in professional settings due to their ability to support the connection between complex devices. Video and television professionals seek out these types of converters to keep their equipment functioning.

Depending on the type of equipment in use, various types of AV connectors are employed under different circumstances for different reasons. You should talk to a professional with the exact specifications of your equipment, project, and purpose to determine which type of AV adapter might be best suited for your purpose.

Occasionally, you may find that you will have uses for all of the above in terms of employing converters. Again, describing your situation to a tech specialist will give you the information you need to move forward confidently.

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Kanex Pro has a wide range of professional-grade audio-visual equipment that is perfect for both personal and professional projects. If you are interested in coming in and discussing what kind of equipment might be best for you, feel free to contact us to discuss your options.