Supporting up to 12G-SDI data rates with intelligent heat dissipation, and offering multiple audio input connections and an Ethernet control and PoE port, the Teranex Mini Audio to SDI 12G Converter, from Blackmagic Design, is a highly improved solution for rack-mount as well as cable duct and desktop installations. Connect any SDI signal in up to Full 4K DCI 4096x2160p resolution via a 12G-SDI input, and embed audio into the signal from a diverse set of audio connections. Embed two channels of analog audio or up to four channels of AES/EBU digital audio via full-size, professional, balanced XLR ports, two channels of unbalanced analog line-level audio via RCA connectors, or optical S/PDIF audio via a TOSLINK input. Then output the combined signal via a 12G-SDI output. Output 4096x2160p signals approximately 21 meters using 6G-SDI cables, and run lower-resolution signals, such as 3G-SDI or HD-SDI, for much longer than standard lengths. When 12G-SDI cables will be available on the market, you'll be able to run 4096x2160p signals for over 76 meters.
The compact size of the Teranex Mini makes it very useful for portable racks at live events or in broadcast trucks. The professional XLR connections are switchable between balanced analog and AES/EBU digital audio. The Ethernet port on the rear will allow you to manage the Teranex Mini remotely or can alternatively be used for power over Ethernet. If you don't want to use power over Ethernet, you won't have to deal with cumbersome power supplies, as the Teranex Mini features a built-in 90-240V power supply, and all you'll need is a standard IEC power cable, sold separately.
A major benefit of the Teranex Mini is that the standard front panel can be replaced with an optional Smart Panel that features a spin knob, color LCD, and six control buttons, including a menu button. The substantially large LCD will show you the video conversion in progress and will also let you monitor audio levels as well as verify timecode and the video standard being converted. The standard front panel simply comes off and the Smart Panel easily attaches in its place. When you're using the standard front panel, you'll have access to an array of mini switches that will let you change settings instantly in correspondence with a diagram printed on the converter. If you swap in the optional Smart Panel, you'll instead be able to use simple on-screen menus as well as see exactly what you're converting. If you're in a larger facility using numerous converters, you can manage all of them over Ethernet from a Mac or Windows computer using the included Converter Utility software.
What enables the Teranex Mini to dissipate heat so effectively and prevent overheating is a smart thermal design with crossflow cooling that achieves the optimal heat dissipation even when you have units rack-mounted side-by-side one another. An intelligent thermal subsystem and internal heat pipe assist with cooling and keep the air flowing at all times while minimizing noise. Moreover, if the Teranex Mini gets too hot, you'll instantly receive a notification through the remote control Ethernet utility and on the front panel. When multiple units are rack-mounted side by side, each Teranex Mini works together to pull air through the rack, keeping all units cool and providing redundancy for each one.
