If you’re in the tech world, you know that cables can be expensive—especially video cables, which can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 per foot. If you’re on a tight budget or running a large number of cables, this can quickly add up. But the good news is that you can make your own SDI cables for a fraction of the cost. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make SDI cables, what tools you need, and why SDI is the preferred choice for professional setups.
If you want to skip the article and watch the YouTube tutorial instead, scroll to the bottom. ⬇️
Understanding SDI Cable Quality
Before we dive into making your own cables, let’s talk about the different SDI cable types:
- 3G SDI – Supports up to 1080p resolution and is ideal for most streaming setups (Facebook Live, YouTube Live, etc.).
- 6G SDI – Supports 4K at 30fps.
- 12G SDI – Supports 4K at 60fps.
- 24G SDI – Designed for 8K video setups.
For most applications, you only need 3G SDI cables unless you’re running 4K to main monitors. Using 3G SDI instead of 6G or 12G can save you a significant amount of money.
What You Need to Make SDI Cables
To make your own SDI cables, you’ll need the following:
- SDI (RG6) cable – You can find this for about $0.20–$0.25 per foot. (See on Amazon)
- BNC connectors – These cost about $1 each. (See on Amazon)
- Klein Tools BNC crimper – Highly recommended for durability and reliability. (See on Amazon)
- RG6 cable stripper – Helps prepare the cable for connectors. (See on Amazon)
How to Make an SDI Cable
Strip the Cable
• Use your RG6 cable stripper to cut through the sheath, plastic layer, and expose the bare copper.
• Twist the stripper around the cable and pull it straight off.
Attach the BNC Connector
• Slide the BNC connector onto the exposed copper and sheath.
• Make sure it is properly seated before crimping.
Crimp the Connector
• Use your Klein Tools BNC crimper to secure the connector.
• Adjust the crimper settings so you don’t over-punch and bend the connector.
• Squeeze the crimper to compress the connector tightly around the cable sheath.
That’s it! You’ve made your own SDI cable, saving a significant amount compared to buying pre-made cables.
Choosing the Right Cable Color
I have been in situations where white SDI cables were best because blend well with white baseboards and walls. This is useful when cables need to be visible, such as in balcony setups where hiding them inside walls isn’t an option.
Why SDI Over HDMI?
If you’re debating between SDI and HDMI, here’s why SDI is often the better choice for professional setups:
- Locking Mechanism – SDI cables lock into place, preventing accidental disconnections.
- Reliability – HDMI cables can easily jiggle loose, especially in high-motion environments.
- Better for Long Runs – For anything over 10 feet, SDI is the way to go. HDMI is fine for shorter distances but can lose signal quality over longer runs.
As a rule of thumb, I would stay away from running a HDMI cable in a wall or in a ceiling.
Using Converters for SDI and HDMI
Not all equipment supports SDI natively, so you may need an SDI-to-HDMI converter. I recommend using the Blackmagic Bi-Directional SDI to HDMI Converter, which allows signals to flow both ways.
- It also has a loop feature, so you can daisy-chain multiple monitors off a single feed.
- Some converters don’t come with power supplies, so be sure to purchase the correct USB power adapter (Micro USB or USB-C) in advance.
Final Thoughts
Making your own SDI cables can save you a lot of time, frustration, and money. Whether you're setting up a professional video production or just improving your live stream setup, SDI cables provide a secure, reliable connection that HDMI can’t match.
If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing to the newsletter for more tech tutorials. Leave a comment below if you have any questions, and be sure to share this with a friend who might find it useful. Happy cable-making!
Affiliates: This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.
Scriptures: All Scripture references and quotes are sourced from the King James Version of the Bible.
