Connect a PTZ Camera to ATEM Mini
Many churches already own PTZ cameras such as those from PTZOptics, which often use SDI (Serial Digital Interface) for sending high-quality video over long distances. But what happens when you add a Blackmagic ATEM Mini switcher — which only accepts HDMI inputs?
At first, it may look like these two pieces of gear simply can’t work together. Thankfully, the solution is simple: using an SDI-to-HDMI converter allows you to bridge the gap between your existing SDI camera system and your HDMI-only switcher. In this guide, we’ll walk through how that works and why you might need it in the first place.
Understanding the Connection Problem
SDI and HDMI are two different video standards.
- SDI is common in professional production gear because it can carry video signals hundreds of feet through a single coaxial cable without quality loss.
- HDMI, used in consumer gear like TVs and livestream switchers, is limited to shorter distances — usually around 25–50 feet before needing a signal booster.
If your church installed PTZ cameras before getting an ATEM Mini, you might face this problem:
The cameras output SDI, but the switcher only has HDMI inputs.
This doesn’t mean you need to replace your gear — just that you’ll need a converter between the two formats.
What You’ll Need
To connect your PTZOptics SDI cameras to a Blackmagic ATEM Mini, you’ll need:
- PTZ camera with SDI output (for example, PTZOptics 20X-SDI).
- SDI-to-HDMI converter, such as the Blackmagic Design Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G or the AJA Hi5-Plus 3G-SDI to HDMI.
- SDI cable from your camera to the converter (BNC connectors).
- HDMI cable from the converter to the ATEM Mini input.
- Power for the converter (USB or power supply, depending on the model).
How to Connect Everything
- Connect your camera’s SDI output to the SDI input on the converter using a standard SDI cable (with BNC ends).
- Connect the converter’s HDMI output to one of the HDMI inputs on your ATEM Mini.
- Power the converter — many use USB power from your switcher or wall outlet.
- Power on your camera and switcher.
- The video feed should now appear in the ATEM Mini input labeled for that channel.
💡 Tip: The ATEM Mini can accept 720p, 1080i, or 1080p sources and automatically convert them to the switcher’s 1080p standard. So even if your PTZ camera is set to 1080i, it will still work correctly.
If you’re not getting a signal, double-check that your camera’s output resolution matches one of these supported HD formats. The ATEM Mini cannot accept 4K signals.
Why SDI and HDMI Sometimes Don’t “Talk”
It’s common for volunteers to set up the gear correctly and still see a black screen. That usually happens because:
- The camera is outputting 4K or another unsupported format.
- The converter is directional — make sure you’re using SDI-to-HDMI, not HDMI-to-SDI.
- The power supply for the converter isn’t connected or is loose.
- The SDI cable or connector is damaged.
Ensure the camera is outputting a supported HD format (720p, 1080i, or 1080p — not 4K). If you still see a black screen, try 1080p59.94 or 1080p29.97, which are widely compatible with ATEM Mini switchers.
Optional: Sending the Signal Back to Screens
In some setups, you may also want to send video out of your ATEM Mini to projectors or TVs that use SDI. In that case, you can reverse the process using an HDMI-to-SDI converter such as the Blackmagic Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G. This lets you send the program output from your switcher back over long distances via SDI cables.
Recommended SDI-to-HDMI Converters for Churches
- Blackmagic Design Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G – Compact, affordable, USB-powered, supports up to 1080p60.
- AJA Hi5-Plus 3G-SDI to HDMI – Professional build quality with excellent color accuracy and audio support.
- Decimator MD-HX – A flexible converter/scaler that can handle both SDI ↔ HDMI conversions and resolution mismatches.
All three are reliable choices for churches, and the right one depends on your budget and need for advanced features.
Final Thoughts
If your church already owns SDI-based PTZ cameras, you don’t have to overhaul your system just to use an HDMI switcher like the ATEM Mini. With the right SDI-to-HDMI converters, you can easily integrate older professional cameras with modern, volunteer-friendly switchers.
This simple setup preserves your investment in cameras while giving you the benefits of the Blackmagic ATEM Mini, including its software control, smooth transitions, and built-in Fairlight audio mixing.
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