Blackmagic Design Teranex Express

Blackmagic Design Teranex Express

The Blackmagic Design Teranex Express is a real-time broadcast standards converter featuring 12G-SDI. It is designed for high-end television and post-production facilities that require mathematically precise conversions between SD, HD, and Ultra HD standards.

Key Conversion Capabilities

• 1,089 Conversions: Performs a massive array of up, down, cross, and standards conversions in full 10-bit quality.

• Patented PixelMotion De-interlacing: Uses proprietary algorithms to create perfect progressive frames from interlaced sources by adjusting the aperture on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

• Cadence Detection & Removal: Automatically detects and corrects broken cadences (like 3:2 pulldown) from edited masters, allowing for the creation of clean 24fps progressive files.

• Ancillary Data Preservation: Maintains 16 channels of embedded audio, timecode (VITC/ATC), and closed captioning (608/708) throughout the conversion process.

Blackmagic Design Teranex AV

The Blackmagic Design Teranex AV is a specialized version of the Teranex processor tailored for live events and professional staging. While it shares the same 12G-SDI processing as the Express, it adds features specifically requested by AV professionals for use in concerts, conferences, and stadiums.

Live Staging Features

• Low Latency Mode: Operates with latency as low as 67 milliseconds (approx. 2 frames), making it ideal for IMAG (Image Magnification) where lip-sync on large screens is critical.

• HDMI 2.0 Integration: Includes HDMI input, loop-through, and output. This allows for direct conversion of laptop signals or consumer cameras to professional SDI without external adapters.

• Still Store: Features non-volatile internal memory to capture and hold a video frame. This allows you to display a logo or "Please Stand By" graphic even if the primary video source is disconnected.

• Live Freeze Frame: Enables the operator to freeze the current output while switching sources or adjusting settings in the background, ensuring a seamless experience for the audience.

Technical Comparison

Operational Insight

The Teranex Express is the better choice for a Broadcast Machine Room where the primary goal is re-mastering content or standardizing high volumes of SDI feeds for a central router.

The Teranex AV is the superior choice for Rental & Staging. Its inclusion of RCA and XLR inputs allows you to embed professional audio directly into the video stream during the conversion, and the rear "protection brackets" prevent expensive cables and BNC connectors from being sheared off during the rough conditions of a live event load-in.