Block cameras are now key components in embedded vision systems, video surveillance, audiovisual production, and industrial inspection. They are often preferred over bare image sensors because they are easier to integrate and natively embed image processing and automation features such as zoom or autofocus, while offering a compact form factor and controlled power consumption.
Compact, powerful, and often capable of capturing HD, Full HD, or even 4K video, these camera modules nevertheless do not provide a standard video output. Their raw video signal is generally transmitted via interfaces such as LVDS or TMDS. To be usable, these signals must be converted into universal video formats such as USB 3.0, HDMI, SDI, IP, or analog.
NATIVE OUTPUTS OF BLOCK CAMERAS: LVDS & TMDS
- LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling): Very common in HD and Full HD block cameras. It is a fast and reliable signal, but proprietary.
- TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling): Used for high-bandwidth digital video streams, often in 4K cameras. It is the protocol underlying HDMI and DVI, but here implemented in a non-standard form, making it unusable as-is.
Challenge: These signals cannot be directly used by most standard equipment (monitors, recorders, PCs, networks, etc.).
THE SOLUTION: A DEDICATED CONVERSION INTERFACE BOARD
Interface boards make it possible to convert the native video signals of block cameras into standard, usable formats. This conversion takes place both at the physical level (connectors) and at the protocol level (video format).
WHICH OUTPUT FORMATS CAN BE USED — AND FOR WHAT APPLICATIONS?
- USB 3.0 (UVC): Allows the camera to be connected directly to a PC or an embedded system. Easy to use, natively recognized without specific drivers, ideal for machine vision, telemedicine, or inspection.
- HDMI: A widely used format for displaying images on monitors or projectors. Supports high resolutions and is well suited for meetings, local distribution, or monitoring.
- SDI (3G, 6G, 12G depending on resolution): Designed for broadcast and professional production environments. Enables long-distance, reliable, low-latency transmission, used in live capture, professional drones, or remote inspection.
- Analog video (CVBS, YPbPr): For legacy or specific systems, offering very low latency. Useful for backward-compatible industrial systems, machine control, or military environments.
- IP (Ethernet streaming): Allows the camera to be directly integrated into a network infrastructure. Ideal for video surveillance, distributed systems, or remote monitoring and control.
WHY CHOOSING THE RIGHT OUTPUT MATTERS
Each protocol addresses specific requirements in terms of image quality, latency, robustness, compatibility, and ease of use. The right choice therefore depends on:
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Your receiving equipment (PC, display, recorder, IP network, etc.)
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Your quality requirements (latency, resolution, software processing)
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The application context (fixed, mobile, broadcast, industrial, field use)
REAL-WORLD USE CASES
Pipe inspection
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The camera captures Full HD video and outputs a raw LVDS signal.
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This signal is converted to 3G-SDI, enabling transmission over several tens of meters between the camera and the monitoring screen.
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The operator views the images in real time, with a reliable link and no perceptible latency.
Processing, artificial intelligence, and transmission
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The block camera system combined with an interface board outputs an LVDS (HD) or TMDS (4K) signal.
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This stream is transmitted via USB 3.0 to an embedded platform such as NVIDIA.
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The video feed is then used for embedded processing, including AI-based applications.
The full potential of block cameras can only be unlocked when their raw video signal is converted into a standard format compatible with the rest of your infrastructure.
Our interface boards adapt these signals (LVDS/TMDS) to the most widely used formats in professional environments: USB 3.0, HDMI, SDI, IP, or analog — depending on your requirements in terms of quality, distance, and compatibility.
Planning an integration project? Our team supports you in defining the most efficient and sustainable conversion solution, so your cameras can deliver their full performance.