SDI BNC cable quality matters?

P

Polaroid22

Well-known member
Hello,

I want to use a atomos samurai blade(waiting on delivery) on my ursa mini pro. But I still need to buy a SDI BNC cable. Does quality matter? As I just need 1m. And there is a lot of price difference from 2€ to 100€. Is a cheap 2€ one fine? Or do I have to look at something particular? Also does anybody know what BNC connectors I need (male/female), I can check when the atomos gets here, but if anybody already know, then I can already order it.

Thanks!
 
Quality does matter; very much so for high frequency rates of SDI. But that doesn't mean you have to pay exorbitant prices for the cable, especially for 1m. You want a cable with the male pin on both ends, similar to this link. Canari has a good reputation and this is moderately priced. You can go cheaper with Laird, but I'd stay away from the cables priced below $10. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._12g_sdi_4k_uhd_single_channel_bnc_cable.html
 
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Note that the difference between thin and thick cables is simply application. The thicker cables are the standard for robustness. The thinner ones have advantages, but are not as robust. Either one will work fine for your application; its a matter of preference.
 
Good question. Yes, the quality of BNC cables matters a lot...Mostly, in my experience in terms of how much interference they generate for other equipment on location/set. See Bern's link for more.

And IMOm "cable quality" has two components. The quality of the actual cable material, and the quality of construction. In my experience, poorly-made or damaged cables mainly cause problems (intermittent signal and/or spurious RF interference) at the cable-connector junction.

The cable Paul links to is probably fine. If you want a second source, check out Markertek's offerings:
http://www.markertek.com/category/bnc-cables

And buy two cables. As Paul shows, good ones aren't that expensive. And a spare will keep you covered in case you happen to get a bad one (rather unlikely) or if your cable gets damaged during use (unlikely, but less unlikely).
 
Cables have mechanical standards and electrical ones. If the electrical ones match the spec, and the mechanical ones mean the cable is made properly, then neither let you (assuming the BNC connectors are also decent ones. Most broadcasters in the UK have an account with Canford - and if they need a ready made one, they will order from there because the quality will be fine. Very few of us have the test gear to measure cable, so the sellers get away with exorbitant pricing on quite basic products. However - buying the cable and learning to solder or crimp properly isn't hard - plus you can get BNC gaiters that give the ends extra protection. If a cable lets in interference (as they cannot generate anything) it's a fault - either a real one or damage induced. As an example - this two metre one is only 15 UKP = their own brand cable with BNC protection, and the BBC buy lots of this stuff. You do NOT have to buy expensive cable! Just decent cable. http://www.canford.co.uk/Products/20367/38-982_CANFORD-CABLE-BNC-BNC-SDV-L-2m-Turquoise
 
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