Free Engineer Tool

SDI Signal Chain Builder

Answer a few quick questions about your cameras, cable runs, and what you're feeding — and get a correct signal chain with a real bill of materials. Built by a broadcast engineer who's had to make this work on air, not a catalog.

Any gear already in play?

Tell me what you (or the client) are already bringing to the table so I only spec what's actually missing — no double-buying.

Starting freshNo gear yet — spec the whole chain
I have some gearList what you've got below
Client is providing gearList what they're supplying below

What are you shooting / switching?

This sets the whole chain's bandwidth. Most live worship, council, and event work is 1080p — don't pay for 4K glue you'll never use.

1080p (HD)1080p50/60 — the workhorse for live streaming & IMAG
1080i / 720pLegacy HD broadcast feeds
4K / UHD 30 (6G-SDI)Single-link 4Kp30 over 6G-SDI
4K / UHD 60 (12G-SDI)4Kp60 — needs 12G-SDI end to end

How many camera sources?

Count every SDI source that hits your switcher — cameras, a playback machine, a graphics/slides feed all count.

sources

What kind of cameras?

Camera type changes the connection, the transport, and the accessories you'll need — a broadcast camera on triax is a different build than a cinema camera or a PTZ.

Broadcast camerasSystem/studio cams w/ CCU — often triax or fiber camera cable
Cinema camerasFX / Alexa / Venice-class — SDI out, often needs monitoring/power rigging
Robotic / PTZRemote-operated cams — need control (VISCA/IP) + SDI or NDI
A mixMore than one type in the same show
Something elseTell us below

Longest cable run?

Your longest single camera-to-switcher run — this decides copper vs. fiber.

What are you feeding?

Select everything that applies — most real shows do more than one at once (records + stream + IMAG is common).

LivestreamYouTube / Facebook / a CDN
Record / ISOProgram + iso feed capture
IMAG / ProjectionFeed screens/projectors in the room
Broadcast / feed outHand off to a truck, TX, or another facility

Tap all that apply.

Do you need to split feeds?

Sending the same signal to more than one place at once (e.g. switcher + a confidence monitor + a recorder) needs a distribution amplifier or a router.

Yes — split to multiple destinationsProgram to screens + record + stream, etc.
No — single pathOne source, one destination
Not sureI'll flag it in the results

What's the priority on spend?

This changes which gear I recommend — the cheapest box that works vs. the one that'll survive a touring road case and years of daily use. No wrong answer.

Do it for cheapLowest cost that gets the job done — tight budget
BalancedSolid, reliable gear at a fair price — the sweet spot
Quality & durability matterBuilt to last, road-worthy, best-in-class — spend where it counts
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Your signal chain is ready.

Enter your email and I'll unlock your recommended chain + bill of materials right here — and send you a copy. No spam, just the specs (and I'm happy to answer questions).

By submitting you agree to be contacted by SHTS LLC about your project. We never sell your info.