Is an SDI cable just a coax cable with BNC connectors?

yep.

Thanks much. That'll save me a few bucks.

hold on a second here

makes sure of a couple things before proceeding with this ;)

most off the shelf BNC coaxial cables are 50-ohm, second most are RG59 or less

to have a reliable and top ntch SDI cable you need to make sure that the cable is 75-ohm from tip to tip including the BNC connecors, personally I would also make sure the cable is quad shield RG6, this guarantees no dropouts or other issues that come from crappy cables

many online stores sell Belden 1694a with Canare 75-ohm gold BNC connectors, quite literally the best SDI cable in the world bar none, the price for the cable is under 30$, why mess with anything else ? ;)

-Gary

Gary... Thanks. I found only a couple of listings on the internet for places selling "SDI" cable at what seemed like inflated prices. I asked the question after reading about the Belden 1694A coax on the Blue Jean Cable site and wondering if I could just order a coax cable with the BNC connectors. Thanks for the confirmation.

All CCTV (security camera) BNC cables are 75ohm, and will work every bit as good as any "high end" cable.

--Dan

All CCTV (security camera) BNC cables are 75ohm, and will work every bit as good as any "high end" cable.

--Dan

RG59 is also fine for 25 feet or less.

Cha-Ching... Thanks guys for the info.

order the blue jeans and be done

Glimmie, the VP50pro needs a quad shield RG6 SDI cable for any length, even a foot, anything less causes issues

-Gary

order the blue jeans and be done...I'll get right on it. ;)

order the blue jeans and be done

Glimmie, the VP50pro needs a quad shield RG6 SDI cable for any length, even a foot, anything less causes issues

-Gary


Well then it has a pretty crappy SDI implementation. Doesn't suprise me when consumer electronics manufactures play with professional standards. Key Digital also comes to mind. I have been designing SDI equipment on the broadcast side since 1992. HDSDI since 1999. Plus my 1982 EE course studies were heavy in RF theory. I know a little about it!

Any major difference between the 1694 and 1695 cable?

http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/audio-cables/digital-audio-s-pdif-cable/bba/prodBBA.html

http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video//plenum-rca-bnc-and-f-cables/bbp/prodBBP.html

From the Blue Jean Cable site:

Coaxial Digital Audio Cable: Belden 1694A
Our favorite cable for coaxial digital audio use (many others are available; see below) is Belden 1694A "Brilliance" precision digital video coaxial cable, a 75 ohm coax engineered for low signal loss over long runs. These cables are exceptionally well shielded to keep outside electromagnetic interference from entering and polluting the signal; the shielding consists of three layers, two of foil bound together with polyester tape, and one of a dense tinned copper braid, for the best protection both against EMI and RFI.

Belden 1695A Coax:
Belden 1695A is a Teflon-dielectric version of 1694A and carries a plenum fire-safety rating; its performance is essentially identical to that of 1694A.

Thanks Don......