TI introduces the industry's first cable driver to support 4K video based on Serial Digital Interface (SDI) and Internet Protocol (IP)

     Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced the industry's first cable driver LMH1218 that supports 4K video based on Serial Digital Interface (SDI) and Internet Protocol (IP). The products are compatible with Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) protocols and also support uncompressed 4K Ultra-high definition (UHD) video transmission. The LMH1218 enables designers to flexibly design video infrastructure devices for SDI or Internet Protocol (IP) formats from a single component.

     The LMH1218 features an integrated retimer that supports uncompressed video transmission over coaxial and fiber media both inside buildings and over long distance transmission networks. This device saves up to 40% of board space compared to competing solutions, and this high level of integration simplifies the design of applications such as broadcast video routers and switches, digital signage, test and measurement equipment, medical imaging, and security and monitoring equipment.

     Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, said: "As broadcast and media companies and video professionals tend to use 60p frame rates and produce more 4K resolution content, it is especially necessary to upgrade the SDI infrastructure to enable a single cable data transfer rate of 12Gbps to enable 4K uncompressed video transmission." The integrated performance of TI's LMH1218 cable drivers is helping us quickly design and improve our 12Gbps SDI products, and I can't wait to see what's new. Achieving 12Gbps SDI data throughput will enable broadcasters to create an efficient 4K workflow to handle 60p frame rates, especially as broadcasters and media companies begin to embrace and use 60p frame rates."