Convergent Design is now shipping the HD-Connect MI HDMI > HD-SDI video converter, which we believe to be the first such converter to market.

The HD-Connect MI converter accepts uncompressed HD/SD video (and digital audio) from an unencrypted HDMI source, retrieves the time-code from the 1394 connection, and multiplexes the video + audio + time-code into an HD/SD-SDI stream (at 1080i50/60, 720p50/60, or 486i/576i resolution). This versatile product also features RS-422 to 1394 deck-control translation which has been extensively tested on Avid, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Quantel and Media100 systems. This deck control translation allows offline / online batch capture to an NLE.

This looks like a very interesting option for those in need of full 4:2:2 colorspace directly off the camcorder imager, obviously greenscreen and VFX applications spring to mind. HD-Connect MI is currently priced at $695. More info at www.convergent-design.com