Choosing an SDI Distribution Amplifier

At first, the selection may seem difficult: Which amplifier is right? Equalizing and reclocking, or equalizing only? RossGear or GearLite? SDI or HD/Multi-Def? Well, the choice can be made quite simply when the application is understood. Here are some helpful guidelines:

Equalizing or Reclocking?
An Equalizing amplifier compensates for signal loss due to cable length, but does not "clean-up" the signal. A Reclocking amplifier first equalizes, then extracts a clock from the signal and cleans up the eye pattern.

If the DA is being used with a short input cable, and is not going through DA after DA after DA, then a simple Equalizing-Only DA will work fine. Cascading of Equalizing-Only DA's will tend to accummulate excessive jitter quickly, and is not recommended. Some engineers strictly avoid using Equalizing-Only DA's, just as a precaution. Note that going through an SDI router is essentially the same as an equalizing-only DA (most routers do not reclock).

The SEA-8003 EQ Amp and DSA-8004 EQ Amp are ideal for these Equalizing-Only applications offering 1:8 and 1:4 + 1:3 distribution for all SD signals from 143Mb to 360Mb/s.

If the input signal comes in over a long cable (>100m in SD or >40m in HD), or will be cascaded through several DA's, then a Reclocking DA is your best bet to keep the SDI signal clean. The practical number of successive DA's that a 270Mb/s signal can run through is around 4 to 6, and is influenced by the length of cables, quality of BNC's, etc. The SRA-8001A SDI Auto-Reclocking Equalizing Amplifier is our best SDI Reclocking DA.

Absolutely the Lowest Cost
For Equalizing-only applications, the DSA-8004 Dual SDI EQ Amp is our lowest cost per channel SDI distribution amplifier, at a cost of under $200 USD per channel. The two separate DA channels have 4 and 3 outputs respectively, which is often enough outputs for general distribution needs.

DVB/ASI Distribution
If you are looking to distribute a 143Mb/s DVB/ASI signal (SMPTE 310), then the SEA-8008 Equalizing Amplifier - Non-iverting fits the bill. This 8-output equalizing DA does not invert the polarity of the SDI signal, which is a requirement for the correct distribution of ASI signals.

Portability, Zero-Footprint, or Lowest Cost
Of course, GearLite is ideal when either portability, footprint, or cost is the prime consideration. We have both Equalizing-Only and Reclocking amplifiers in our GearLite lineup: SRA-9001 SDI EQ Reclocking Amp and SEA-9003 SDI EQ Amp are the amplifiers of choice.

Distribution with added Functional
We offer many RossGear and GearLite products which provide both reclocked outputs, as well as other functions such as conversion and monitoring. If you are distributing to a small number of destinations, you may find that a RossGear or GearLite product can be used as a DA as well as a converter, saving you some costs and simplifying your system design.

High-Definition, Multi-Definition, and Future Proofing
As we move forward with more and more HD and MD products, the Ross lineup of Multi-Definition amplifiers are your solutions to all SDI distribution needs. Since the cost for HD and MD products goes up considerably (about 3x), they will likely fit well in all HD or MD installations and with all SynergyMD/MD-X systems.

Our SRA-9201 MD SDI EQ Reclocking Amp and SEA-9203 MD SDI EQ Amp DA's are the lowest cost HD DA's on the market!

SDI distribution options available from Ross:

RossGear
SRA-8001A $350 SDI Auto-Reclocking Equalizing Amplifier
SEA-8003 $239 SDI Equalizing Amplifier
DSA-8004 $395 SDI Dual Serial Equalizing Amplifier
SEA-8008 $425 SDI Equalizing Amplifier - Non Inverting

GearLite
SRA-9001 $340 SDI Auto-Reclocking Amplifier
SEA-9003 $275 SDI Equalizing Amplifier

GearLiteMD
SRA-9201 $995 Multi-Def SDI Auto-Reclocking Amplifier
SEA-9203 $829 Multi-Def SDI Equalizing Amplifier