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Connect Via SDI

This guide covers setting up Rise 4K with a 3G-SDI video output or a 12G-SDI video output.

📋What you need
  • 3G SDI cable (75-ohm BNC) or 12G SDI cable (75-ohm BNC)
  • 12V DC power supply (included) or PoE++ (802.3bt) switch or injector
  • A video switcher, capture card, or monitor with SDI input
  • Optional: Ethernet cable for network control
⚠️4K requires compatible equipment

Although 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI use the same BNC connector, your entire signal path must support 12G-SDI to output or receive 4K video. If any device in the chain only supports 3G-SDI, your workflow will be limited to HD resolutions or may not work at all.

Understanding 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI​

Both 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI use the same locking BNC connector and are designed for reliable, professional video transmission. The primary difference between them is the amount of video data they can carry.

  • 3G-SDI supports video resolutions up to 1080p at 60 fps, making it an excellent choice for HD productions and compatibility with a wide range of professional broadcast equipment.
  • 12G-SDI supports video resolutions up to 4K at 60 fps over a single BNC cable, making it ideal for higher-resolution production workflows.

If your production is limited to 1080p, either connection can deliver excellent image quality. Choose 12G-SDI when you need to capture or distribute 4K video and your switcher, monitor, recorder, or capture device supports 12G-SDI.

3G-SDI vs 12G-SDI Comparison​

Feature3G-SDI12G-SDI
Signal Type3G-SDI (Level-A or Level-B)12G-SDI (Level-A)
Maximum Resolution1080p604K60
ConnectorBNCBNC
Approximate Data Rate2.97 Gbps11.88 Gbps
Embedded Audio✅ Yes✅ Yes
Typical Cable LengthLonger: 200–330 ft (60–100 m)Shorter: 100–165 ft (30–50 m)
Best ForHD workflows4K workflows

Connect the 3G-SDI or 12G-SDI Cable​

  1. Connect a 75-ohm 3G-SDI cable (BNC) or a 12G-SDI cable (BNC) from the camera's SDI output to your video switcher, capture card, or monitor's SDI input.
📋Use proper SDI cables

Standard composite or component BNC cables will not carry an SDI signal reliably. Use a 3G 75-ohm-rated cable or a 12G 75-ohm-rated cable.

💡Can I use 12G-SDI for HD video?

Yes. A 12G-SDI connection can also carry lower-resolution video formats, including 1080p and 720p. If your production equipment supports 12G-SDI, you can use the same connection for both HD and 4K workflows.

Connect Power and Network​

Choose one of the following power methods:

Option A: 12V DC Power Supply

  1. Connect the included 12V DC power supply to the camera's DC input.
  2. Plug the power supply into a standard wall outlet.

Option B: Power over Ethernet PoE++ (802.3bt)

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from a PoE++ (802.3bt) switch or PoE++ (802.3bt) injector to the camera's LAN port.
  2. The camera will power on automatically.
⚠️Requirement

Ensure your switch or injector supports PoE++ (802.3bt), not just PoE (802.3af).

Wait for Startup Sequence​

When powered, the Rise 4K camera performs a startup sequence:

1️⃣
Self-calibration: During startup, the camera moves through its full range of motion while both the green (Standby) and blue (Power) LEDs are on. When self-calibration is complete, the camera returns to Preset 0
2️⃣
Ready: Once the camera stops moving and the green LED turns off, your camera is ready to use.

Control the Camera​

Use the following options to quickly verify control of the camera.

Option A: Network Control (Recommended)

If the Rise 4K camera is connected to your network, you can control it from the Horizon Web UI. To do this, you will first need to find the camera on your network:

  1. Open a browser and go to http://ptzoptics.local/
  2. Log in with username admin and set a password.
  3. Use the Horizon Web UI for full PTZ control, image settings, and preset management.

Option B: IR Remote (Simplest)

Use the included IR remote to pan, tilt, zoom, and save presets. Point the remote at the camera's front sensor.

ButtonAction
⬆️⬇️⬅️➡️ Arrow keysPan left/right and tilt up/down
Tele / WideZoom in and out
HomeReturn to Home Position
[PRESET] + [Number]Save a preset

Save Your First Preset​

Using the Web Interface​

  1. Move the camera to your desired position.
  2. Click Set in the Preset Control section.
  3. Enter a preset number and press Enter.
ℹ️What presets save

A preset saves both the camera position and all image settings. Calling a preset restores both.

Using a PTZ Joystick (e.g., SuperJoy)​

  1. Move the camera to your desired position.
  2. Press the Preset button on the joystick.
  3. Enter the preset number and confirm.
ℹ️What presets save

A preset saves both the camera position and all image settings. Calling a preset restores both.

Using the IR Remote​

Press [PRESET] then a number (e.g., [1]) to save. To recall, press the number again. For more information on using the IR remote, see the Using the IR Remote section.

3G-SDI Specifications​

FeatureSpecification
Max Resolution1080p @ 60fps (1920 × 1080)
Max Cable Length~200–328 ft (60–100 m) with quality cable
Audio✅ Yes
ConnectorsBNC (locking)
Signal Type3G-SDI (Level-A or Level-B)
⚠️No 4K over 3G-SDI

This camera's 3G-SDI output is limited to 1080p.

12G-SDI Specifications​

FeatureSpecification
Max Resolution4K @ 60fps (3840 × 2160)
Max Cable Length~100–164 ft (30–50 m) with quality cable
Audio✅ Yes
ConnectorsBNC (locking)
Signal Type12G-SDI (Level-A)
⚠️More Information on Camera Control

This camera can be controlled using various methods and joystick controllers. To learn more about camera control, see Control Options.

Next Steps​

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