Magewell Pro Convert HDMI 4K Plus Module

About this product

If you run an NDI production and your sources are HDMI cameras, computers or media players, each one needs an NDI encoder before your software can see it. The Pro Convert HDMI 4K Plus Module is that encoder in rack form, for integrators and production teams who have several sources to convert in one place. It converts a 4K 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 is a slide-in module for 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. Up to 4096×2160 at 60 frames per second, 4:4:4, 8-bit, which suits 4K cameras and computer outputs alike.
• Loop-through. A second HDMI socket passes the incoming signal on to a local monitor or another device, at up to the same resolution. The presenter's screen or operator's monitor carries on working while you encode, so the room keeps its picture.
• Audio. 8 channels of audio embedded in the HDMI signal arrive on the same cable as the picture, so there is no separate audio feed to wire.

What comes out

• NDI High Bandwidth. This is the full-quality, lightly compressed form of NDI, sometimes called Full NDI. The module encodes up to 4096×2160 at 60 frames per second, or up to 1920×1080 at 240 frames per second for high-frame-rate sources.
• Colour. The NDI stream is 4:2:2, 8-bit. The HDMI input and loop-through carry 4:4:4, so a local monitor on the loop-through sees the source at full colour resolution.
• Audio. 8 channels embedded in the NDI stream, which saves running a separate audio feed.
• NDI version. NDI 6.2 is supported.
• Delay. Latency is very low.

Choosing the right module

• Built for NDI High Bandwidth. Pick this module when picture quality on the local network is the priority. For SRT, RTMP or NDI HX streaming, choose an Ultra Encode module such as the Ultra Encode HDMI Plus Module.
• Plan the network. A 4Kp60 NDI High Bandwidth stream is large, so allow network capacity for each channel. Ask us if you would like help sizing it.

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. That saves you a shelf of separate boxes and 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 other modules keep working.
• 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 7 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

• Configure it whichever way suits where you are standing: the touch screen on the Modator chassis, the Web GUI in a browser, or Magewell Control Hub for managing many devices from one place.
• HTTP-based APIs are provided for custom integration, so you can tie it 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 4K Plus. The other modules are listed on the Modator range page.