Magewell Pro Convert HDMI Plus Module

About this product

Most of the sources in a lecture theatre, church or corporate studio are HD and HDMI: cameras, laptops, media players. To use them in an NDI production, each needs an HDMI to NDI converter. The Pro Convert HDMI Plus Module is the rack-mounted answer for AV teams who want those encoders in one place instead of scattered behind desks. It is an NDI encoder that converts an HD HDMI input into NDI High Bandwidth, which any NDI-capable software or hardware on the network can pick up, and passes the original signal on through a loop-through socket. It slides into the Magewell Modator 2U chassis, which makes it a tidy way to bring many HDMI sources onto NDI from one rack.

What goes in

• HDMI input. An HDMI 1.4 socket. The input and loop-through accept up to 4096×2160 at 30 frames per second in 4:4:4 or 4:2:2, or at 60 frames per second in 4:2:0.
• Loop-through. A second HDMI 1.4 socket passes the incoming signal on to a local monitor or another device, so the lectern display or confidence monitor stays live while you encode.
• Audio. 8 channels of audio embedded in the HDMI signal, which saves a separate audio connection.

What comes out

• NDI High Bandwidth. This is the full-quality, lightly compressed form of NDI, sometimes called Full NDI. The stream is 4:2:2, 8-bit.
• Encoding. Up to 2048×2160 at 120 frames per second, 4:2:2, 8-bit.
• Frame rate. The output frame rate can be the same as the input, or a half, a third or a quarter of it, which lets you send a lighter stream where full frame rate is more than the job needs.
• Audio. 8 channels embedded in the NDI stream, so sound arrives with the picture.
• NDI version. NDI 6.2 is supported.
• Delay. Latency is very low.

HD or 4K?

This is the HD converter in the range, and it is the one we recommend for HD cameras, laptops and media players. Its input also accepts 4K signals, which is a useful convenience when a source is set to 4K. NDI encoding is up to 2048 pixels wide, so for a 4K NDI stream choose the Pro Convert HDMI 4K Plus Module, which encodes at up to 4096×2160 at 60 frames per second. Ask us to confirm the encoding resolution for your source if you are unsure which module fits.

Choosing the right module

• Built for NDI High Bandwidth. This module earns its place where you want full-quality NDI on the local network. For SRT, RTMP or NDI HX streaming, choose an Ultra Encode module such as the Ultra Encode HDMI Plus Module.

How it fits in the chassis

• Powered by the chassis. The module slides into a slot of the Modator 2U chassis, which holds up to ten modules and supplies their power, so you can add channels without adding power adapters. Order the chassis with it if you are starting a new rack.
• Hot-swappable. It connects to the chassis through its Modator interface and can be swapped while the rack is running, so the rest of your sources stay up.
• Its own network socket. The module has its own Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45), as well as a USB Type-C port for configuration.
• Power and size. It draws at most 6.2 W, inside the chassis limit of 20 W per slot. It measures 184.4 × 30.0 × 81.5 mm and weighs about 295 g.

Setting it up

• At the rack, use the touch screen on the Modator chassis. From your desk, use the Web GUI in a browser. For a larger estate, Magewell Control Hub lets you manage many devices from one place.
• HTTP-based APIs are provided for custom integration, so you can tie the module into a control system.

Where it sits in the range

The same specification is also available in a standalone form. If one or two channels are all you need, see the standalone Pro Convert HDMI Plus. The other modules are listed on the Modator range page.