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XD-500 Overview and Use Cases

Siddhant
Updated

What Is the XD-500?

The OREI XD-500 is a 3G SDI to HDMI Converter designed to convert SDI video signals into HDMI output for use with HDMI displays.

It accepts SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI input through a BNC connector and converts the signal to HDMI output through an HDMI Type-A port. This allows professional SDI source devices, such as SDI cameras and broadcast equipment, to be connected to HDMI TVs, monitors, projectors, or displays.

The XD-500 supports SDI transmission rates up to 2.970 Gbit/s and 2.970/1.001 Gbit/s. It supports video resolutions from 480i and 576i up to 1080p60. The unit also supports SMPTE 425M, 424M, 292M, and 259M-C standards.

The XD-500 is useful for broadcast setups, camera monitoring, production environments, AV testing, live events, video studios, surveillance systems, and installations where an SDI source needs to be displayed on an HDMI monitor.

IMPORTANT — XD-500 Converts SDI to HDMI

The XD-500 is a one-way SDI to HDMI converter.

Function Support
SDI input Supported
HDMI output Supported
SD-SDI Supported
HD-SDI Supported
3G-SDI Supported
SDI to HDMI conversion Supported
HDMI to SDI conversion Not supported
HDMI input Not supported
SDI output Not listed

This product converts from SDI source devices to HDMI displays.

It does not convert HDMI sources to SDI.

IMPORTANT — Designed for Professional SDI Sources

The XD-500 is designed for SDI source devices.

Source Type Compatibility
SDI camera Supported
Broadcast camera Supported
Production switcher SDI output Supported
SDI video equipment Supported
HDMI source device Not supported directly

Use the SDI BNC input to connect the SDI source device.

Use a separate HDMI-to-SDI converter if the source device only has HDMI output.

IMPORTANT — Supports SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI

The XD-500 supports multiple SDI signal types.

SDI Format Support
SD-SDI Supported
HD-SDI Supported
3G-SDI Supported
3G-SDI Level B to A conversion Supported
1080p 10-bit format support Supported

This makes the converter useful for a range of professional SDI workflows.

IMPORTANT — Supports up to 1080p60

The XD-500 supports input and output resolutions up to 1080p60.

Resolution Type Support
480i Supported
576i Supported
720p@50 / 59.94 / 60 Supported
1080i@50 / 59.94 / 60 Supported
1080p@23.97 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 30 Supported
1080p@50 / 59.94 / 60 Supported
4K Not supported

This is not a 4K converter. The maximum listed resolution is 1080p60.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Display Must Support the Output Resolution

The HDMI output connects to an HDMI display.

HDMI Output Requirement Details
Output connector HDMI Type-A
Display type HDMI TV, monitor, projector, or display
Maximum resolution Up to 1080p60
Audio/video output HDMI output from converted SDI signal

If the HDMI display does not show video, confirm the display supports the SDI source resolution being converted.

 

IMPORTANT — SDI Transmission Rate Support

The XD-500 supports SDI transmission rates used in 3G-SDI workflows.

SDI Transmission Rate Support
2.970 Gbit/s Supported
2.970 / 1.001 Gbit/s Supported

This allows the XD-500 to support common SDI broadcast and production video formats.

IMPORTANT — SMPTE Standards Are Supported

The XD-500 supports multiple SMPTE SDI standards.

Standard Support
SMPTE 425M Supported
SMPTE 424M Supported
SMPTE 292M Supported
SMPTE 259M-C Supported

These standards cover common 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, and SD-SDI video formats.

 

IMPORTANT — 8-Channel Audio De-Embedding Is Listed

The manual lists 8-channel audio de-embedding as a feature.

Audio Feature Support
SDI embedded audio Supported
8-channel audio de-embedding Listed
HDMI audio output Supported through HDMI
Separate analog audio output Not listed
Separate optical audio output Not listed

The XD-500 converts SDI audio/video into HDMI output. It does not list separate analog or optical audio outputs.

 

IMPORTANT — External Power Is Required

The XD-500 requires DC power.

Power Feature Specification
Power input DC 5V–12V
Power supply included Yes
Power consumption 5W max
Power LED Red LED lights when powered on

Use the included power supply.

If the power LED does not turn on, check the power adapter, outlet, and DC input connection.

 

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / Indicator Function
SDI Connect SDI source device through BNC cable
Power LED Red LED lights when the device is powered on
5V–12V Connect DC 5V–12V power input
HDMI OUT Connect HDMI display device

 

Understanding the LED Indicator

LED Status Meaning
Power LED Red on Device is powered on
Power LED Off Device is not powered or power connection is not active

Use the power LED first when troubleshooting power or no-signal issues.

 

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Place the XD-500 near the SDI source and HDMI display.
  2. Connect the SDI source device to the SDI input on the XD-500 using a BNC SDI cable.

Examples include an SDI camera, broadcast camera, production switcher, SDI router, SDI recorder, or other SDI video equipment.

  1. Connect the HDMI OUT port on the XD-500 to an HDMI display.

Examples include a TV, monitor, projector, capture monitor, or HDMI display.

  1. Connect the included power supply to the 5V–12V DC input.
  2. Power on the SDI source device.
  3. Power on the HDMI display.
  4. Confirm the Power LED is red.
  5. Select the correct HDMI input on the display.
  6. Confirm the SDI source is outputting a supported resolution.
  7. Test video and audio output on the HDMI display.

 

SDI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use a proper SDI-rated coaxial cable with BNC connectors.

SDI Requirement Details
Connector BNC
Supported signal SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI
Transmission rate Up to 2.970 Gbit/s
Cable type SDI-rated coaxial cable recommended

Poor SDI cable quality may cause:

  • No signal
  • Flickering
  • Dropouts
  • Sparkles or noise
  • Unstable video
  • HDMI display not detecting signal
  • Loss of audio/video sync

Use professional SDI coax cable for reliable signal transmission.

 

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use a good-quality HDMI cable between the XD-500 and HDMI display.

HDMI Requirement Details
Output connector HDMI Type-A
Maximum output resolution Up to 1080p60
Display input HDMI input on TV, monitor, or projector

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

  • No picture
  • Flickering
  • Black screen
  • Wrong resolution
  • Display not detecting signal
  • Audio dropouts

For troubleshooting, test the HDMI display and HDMI cable with another HDMI source.

 

SDI Source Requirement — Critical

The SDI source must output a supported SDI format and resolution.

Source Requirement Details
Signal type SD-SDI, HD-SDI, or 3G-SDI
Connector BNC SDI output
Maximum resolution 1080p60
Unsupported source HDMI-only source without SDI converter

If there is no video:

  • Confirm the source has an SDI output.
  • Confirm the source is powered on.
  • Confirm the source resolution is supported.
  • Try setting the source to 1080p60 or lower.
  • Try another SDI cable.
  • Confirm the HDMI display supports the output format.

 

Power Requirement — Critical

The XD-500 requires DC 5V–12V power.

Power Detail Specification
Power input DC 5V–12V
Power adapter Included
Power consumption 5W max

If the unit does not power on:

  • Check the included power supply.
  • Confirm the outlet is working.
  • Check the DC input connection.
  • Confirm the Power LED turns red.
  • Try power cycling the unit.

Surge protection is recommended.

 

Understanding the Application Example

The application diagram shows an SDI camera connected to the XD-500 through the SDI input. The XD-500 is powered by the included power supply. The HDMI output connects to an HDTV.

This shows the main use case: an SDI camera signal is converted into HDMI so it can be viewed on a standard HDMI display.

 

Supported Technical Specifications

Specification Support
Product Type 3G SDI to HDMI Converter
Model XD-500
SDI Transmission Rates 2.970 Gbit/s and 2.970 / 1.001 Gbit/s
Supported SDI Standards SMPTE 425M, 424M, 292M, 259M-C
Input / Output Resolutions 480i, 576i, 720p@50 / 59.94 / 60, 1080i@50 / 59.94 / 60, 1080p@23.97 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 30 / 50 / 59.94 / 60
Input Port 1 x SDI BNC
Output Port 1 x HDMI Type-A, 19-pin female
Power Supply DC 5V–12V
Power Consumption 5W max
Housing Metal enclosure
Color Black
Dimensions 80mm x 41mm x 25mm / 3.15in x 1.61in x 0.98in
Weight 150g / 5.29oz
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C / 32°F to 104°F
Storage Temperature -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F
Operating Humidity 20%–80% RH, non-condensing
Storage Humidity 10%–90% RH, non-condensing
ESD Protection IEC 61000-4-2, ±8kV air-gap discharge, ±4kV contact discharge

 

Package Contents

Item Quantity
XD-500 1
Power Supply 1
User Manual 1

 

What Source Devices Is the XD-500 Compatible With?

The XD-500 can connect to SDI source devices such as:

  • SDI cameras
  • Broadcast cameras
  • Professional video cameras
  • Production switchers with SDI output
  • SDI routers
  • SDI recorders
  • SDI playback devices
  • SDI video processors
  • SDI monitoring equipment

The source must provide SD-SDI, HD-SDI, or 3G-SDI output through BNC.

 

What Displays Is the XD-500 Compatible With?

The XD-500 can connect to HDMI display devices such as:

  • HDMI TVs
  • HDMI monitors
  • HDMI projectors
  • HDTVs
  • Production monitors with HDMI input
  • Commercial displays
  • Field monitors with HDMI input

The display must support the converted HDMI output resolution.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the XD-500 used for? 
A: It is used to convert SDI video signals into HDMI output so SDI sources can be displayed on HDMI monitors, TVs, or projectors.

Q: Is the XD-500 an SDI to HDMI converter? 
A: Yes. It converts SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI input to HDMI output.

Q: Does it convert HDMI to SDI? 
A: No. It is a one-way SDI to HDMI converter.

Q: What input connector does it use? 
A: It uses one SDI BNC input.

Q: What output connector does it use? 
A: It uses one HDMI Type-A output.

Q: Does it support SD-SDI? 
A: Yes. SD-SDI is supported.

Q: Does it support HD-SDI? 
A: Yes. HD-SDI is supported.

Q: Does it support 3G-SDI? 
A: Yes. 3G-SDI is supported.

Q: What SDI transmission rates are supported? 
A: 2.970 Gbit/s and 2.970 / 1.001 Gbit/s are supported.

Q: What SMPTE standards are supported? 
A: SMPTE 425M, 424M, 292M, and 259M-C are listed.

Q: Does it support 1080p60? 
A: Yes. 1080p@50 / 59.94 / 60 is supported.

Q: Does it support 4K? 
A: No. 4K is not listed. The maximum listed resolution is 1080p60.

Q: Does it support 720p? 
A: Yes. 720p@50 / 59.94 / 60 is supported.

Q: Does it support 1080i? 
A: Yes. 1080i@50 / 59.94 / 60 is supported.

Q: Does it support 3G-SDI Level B to A conversion? 
A: Yes. The manual lists 3G-SDI Level B to A conversion with 1080p 10-bit format support.

Q: Does it support audio? 
A: Yes. The manual lists 8-channel audio de-embedding, and audio is output through HDMI when supported by the source and display.

Q: Does it have analog audio output? 
A: No separate analog audio output is listed.

Q: Does it have optical audio output? 
A: No optical audio output is listed.

Q: Does it have SDI loop-out? 
A: SDI loop-out is not listed in the manual.

Q: Can I use it with an SDI camera? 
A: Yes. The application example shows a camera connected through SDI and an HDTV connected through HDMI.

Q: Can I connect it to a standard HDMI TV? 
A: Yes. Connect the HDMI OUT port to an HDMI input on the TV.

Q: Why is there no picture? 
A: Check that the SDI source is powered, the BNC cable is connected, the source resolution is supported, the HDMI cable is connected, the TV is on the correct HDMI input, and the power LED is red.

Q: Why does my HDMI display say no signal? 
A: The SDI source may be outputting an unsupported resolution, the SDI cable may be weak, the HDMI display may not support the format, or the converter may not be powered.

Q: What cable should I use for SDI? 
A: Use an SDI-rated coaxial cable with BNC connectors.

Q: What cable should I use for HDMI output? 
A: Use a good-quality HDMI cable connected to the display.

Q: What power supply does it use? 
A: It uses DC 5V–12V power.

Q: Is the power supply included? 
A: Yes. The package includes one power supply.

Q: What is the power consumption? 
A: The manual lists power consumption as 5W max.

Q: What does the red LED mean? 
A: The red LED lights when the device is powered on.

Q: Does the XD-500 need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included power supply to the 5V–12V DC input.

 

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