One of the main benefits of using a SMPTE fiber connection is to connect to the control room or
broadcast truck in a traditional live broadcast environment. Most modern sporting stadiums
already have optic fiber cables installed between camera positions and the control room or
broadcast truck, so this means you can plug directly into these systems.
The optic fiber cable used to connect to an existing fiber system, or to connect the two
Blackmaic fiber converters together, is a SMPTE 311 hybrid fiber optic cable with SMPTE 304
connectors.
Protecting SMPTE Connectors
It is very important that the SMPTE fiber cable's connectors are always protected by their
rubber caps. This is because minute dust particles can collect very quickly on the polished
ends of the glass fiber tubes which can interrupt signal flow. The best practice is to immediately
replace the rubber cap as soon as a connector is exposed. For example, immediately prior to
connection, and immediately after disconnection.
It's also a good idea to connect the rubber cap from each end of the SMPTE fiber cable into the
rubber cap on the converters whilst in use, to prevent any dust or debris from entering the caps.
Plugging in Power
Power from the studio unit is sent through the fiber cable to the camera unit, therefore the first
step to connecting power is to power the studio unit.
Powering the Studio Fiber Converter
Plug a standard IEC power cable into the power connector on the studio unit's rear panel.
Connect power to your studio fiber converter via a standard IEC power cable
To turn the unit on, set the power switch on the front control panel to the 'on' position.
TIP
Connect the rubber cap from each end of the SMPTE fiber cable into the rubber
cap on each converter to prevent any dust or debris from entering the caps.
RETURN IN
1
2
3
OUT
OUT
IN
1
2
3
4
AC IN
PTZ
AUDIO ANALOG OUT
INTERCOM / TALLY
ETHERNET
12G DIGITAL I/O
OPTICAL I/O
REF
MENU
SET
138
Getting Started with Blackmagic Fiber Converters
