Storm 3G - SDI Out

[Rover]

The HDMI connector has come off my Storm 3G Board and to have it repaired is going to be either impossible or extremely expensive.

I am currently trying to connect my external TV Monitor to the board via an SDI to HDMI converter (BNC SDI Input and HDMI Output) - (Made by Synic)

I have connected this to the SDI Output Connector on the Storm Card (the monitor is conneced via HDMI cable) but I am not getting any signal

Both cables check out OK

Would be grateful for suggestions as to why this is not working


Edius Version is 7.51.55

[Jerry]

Did you make a new preset for SDI out?

[Rover]

No - I tried to modify existing Preview device Preset but not much seemed changeable .... clearly I am on the wrong track here

A few more pointers would be appreciated if possible

[Rover]

Device is actually called eSYNiC - not quite what I said. sorry

It can supposedly handle most formats from 480i up to 1080p including 1080p/50 and 1080p/60

The makers claim

Full HDMI 1080P supported with embedded audio, Synchronized output video and audio
Convert SDI device into hdmi output for HD Monitor 1080P display
Auto detect resolution of HD-SDI, SD-SDI and 3G-SDI for input
Support the industry's high-end 3G SDI signal and 1.485G SDI HD signal
Support PAL and NTSC with Auto Sensing


I have tried 1080/50i and 1080/50p without success

Before I decide that it might be faulty and return it , I want to be sure I am not doing something wrong, ( which I still think could well be the case)

I have been looking at the Preview Device Settings for the Storm 3G and for a start when I look at the Sync menu, ther are only 2 options for the "Sync Mode" pulldown

1) Ref Input Sync
2) Input Sync

Both indicate there is No Signal and No Sync (see attached screen shot)

[Rover]

Thanks for replies

Yes - price is low, and agree this raises questions about reliability but before I return I want to ensure I have done everything correctly !!

On video output only "VITC" is changeable, everything else greyed out

Screen shot attached

[Rover]

Thanks again

No indication from the LED - it just confirms power is on

The manual is a folded sheet which opens up to about 24 x 7 cms and is just Features and Specification

Will try 1080/60p and see what happens

Unfortunately neither of my PC Monitors has HDMI inputs

[Rover]

Yes - I'll try another TV - pretty sure the one I have as monitor is Ok but you are right in making sure that it isn't that

Have swapped HDMI leads and the BNC - BNC is new (only one I have), and checks through on simple low voltage DC continuity test

[Rover]

Well - tried with another TV - nothing, so I "slightly manhandled" the converter (ie hit it) and got sound ! (the very thing I thought might be an issue)

Then went back to my newer , normal monitor which also now has sound

As far as video goes 1080/50p. 1080/50i and 1080/60p doesn't produce a picture but the monitor says "Invalid Format", so a slight improvment !

Then tried an SD Project 720x576 PAL 50i and that works OK

Clearly something is still wrong and I am still scratching around trying to think what else I can change as the settings for the Storm 3G card seem to be limited

[Rover]

Further to above 1280x720 seems to be the highest setting I can achieve so far

Might hit it again

[Rover]

HDMI cable is, like me, pretty thick

I did just try a shorter one on the offchance the other was too long, but no difference.

Looks like I shall be returning it on Monday

Many thanks for your help

[Rover]

Well the first one is on its way back

The second one arrived today and .........

It seems to handle most HD formats, except the one that I use the most - 1080/50p

It won't handle any SD formats - it will though if I drop the clips into an HD project

Looks like this one will be going back as well.

[Claire]

Hi Rover,

sorry to read about your experience with the Storm3G and it's broken HDMI socket. The same thing happened to me a few months ago. I had purchased the card purely for it's 1080/50p ability and paid a premium at the time.

When the socket finally fell off, like you I also thought of using an SDI to HDMI converter but had doubts a cheap one would work so in the end I gave up on the card and replaced it with an Intensity Pro 4K.

Did you know that some (or many?) Storm 3g cards never had the HDMI fixing screw fitted at the manufacturers? I am certain this was the cause of the short life of my card. Such a lot of money for a short life.

You can see photos of that missing screw and my concerns about it here (page 3, post #30).

[Rover]

More4k - I was looking at Black Magic before I tried these eSynic units, so earlier today I went back to that idea - just trying to psyche myself up for a purchase. The Intensity Pro 4K card is what I am considering

Claire - I am (sadly) relieved to find out that I am not alone - I already had one changed under warranty, but even with care I didn't prevent the same thing happening again. The flange on my broken mini HDMI had a fixing hole but, as you say, this was not fixed to the case - that would have helped but the whole arrangement seemed so much of a poorly engineered job compared to the rest of the board. I am , so annoyed at the thought of £1000 or so's worth of kit being rendered useless as far as I am concerned, as that was only reason I splashed out on it.
Regrettably I bought it (and Edius) after your post and after I started frequenting this forum

Oh well - c'est la vie

[Rover]

4k - thanks

Only need monitoring, so the BM card should suffice.

[Rover]

Aha !!

- anyway , will see how it goes as I picked up a new BM card few hours ago