6G-SDI is a digital video interface (SMPTE ST-2081) carrying ~6 Gbit/s — enough for uncompressed 4K/UHD at 30p over a single coaxial BNC cable.
6G-SDI (6 Gigabit Serial Digital Interface) is a high-performance digital transmission standard developed for the lossless transmission of high-definition video signals in professional film and television productions. With a transmission rate of 6 gigabits per second, 6G-SDI enables the transmission of 4K Ultra HD signals (3840×2160 pixels) at up to 30 frames per second, as well as 2K/Full HD material at higher frame rates.
The standard uses standard 75-ohm coaxial cables and can transmit signals over distances of up to 100 meters without signal amplifiers. 6G-SDI supports uncompressed and lightly compressed video data streams and, in addition to the image signal, transmits embedded audio signals as well as metadata such as timecode and camera settings.
In the German film and television landscape, 6G-SDI has established itself as a bridging standard between Full HD and 4K productions. Modern cinema cameras such as the RED Epic or ARRI Alexa Mini use 6G-SDI outputs to forward the signal to external recorders, monitors, or video villages. In live productions, the standard enables real-time transmission of high-definition images for vision mixing and monitoring.
6G-SDI operates with a pixel clock frequency of up to 297 MHz and supports various color subsampling formats such as 4:2:2 and 4:4:4. The interface is backward compatible with HD-SDI (1.5 Gbit/s) and 3G-SDI (3 Gbit/s), allowing for flexible workflow integration.
As a cinematographer, I appreciate 6G-SDI for the reliable transmission of my 4K footage to the external monitor without any loss of quality. The robust coaxial connection is absolutely dependable even in adverse shooting conditions, allowing me precise focusing and exposure control in real-time.
For me, 6G-SDI means the ability to judge high-resolution images immediately at video village and make creative decisions right on set. The lag-free transmission allows me to communicate with the cinematographer in real-time about composition and visual execution.
6G-SDI helps me control production costs because the standard is compatible with existing infrastructure and doesn't require complex fiber optic installations. The reliability of the transmission minimizes costly re-shoots and optimizes the workflow between camera and post-production.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „6G-SDI"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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