HDMI vs. SDI: Which Video Signal Does Your Event Need?

Every LED display needs a video signal to show content, and the two most common ways to deliver that signal are HDMI and SDI. Astro Pixel's display systems accept either, but it helps to know the difference before you show up on event day.

HDMI: the familiar consumer standard

HDMI is the connection on the back of nearly every laptop, streaming device, and consumer camera. It's simple to work with and widely available, which makes it the default choice for smaller productions, laptop-driven presentations, or content played back from a consumer device.

Its main limitation is cable length—standard HDMI runs start to lose signal reliability over long distances without additional equipment like extenders or converters.

SDI: the broadcast and production standard

SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is the standard used throughout professional broadcast and live event production. It runs reliably over much longer cable distances than HDMI and is the more common choice when a production switcher, camera system, or broadcast feed is already part of the event.

Which one do you need?

• —Playing back from a laptop or consumer streaming device → HDMI is usually simplest.
• —Working with a professional switcher, camera package, or broadcast feed → SDI is likely already in use.
• —Long cable runs between the source and the screen → SDI holds up better over distance.
• —Not sure what your source outputs? Check the back of the device, or ask whoever is running your production.

The source format either way is 1920 x 1080. When you request a quote, let us know which connection you'll be providing—or select "not sure" and we'll help sort it out before the event.