Migrating from SDI to IP: A No‑Nonsense Checklist

The move from SDI to IP is no longer experimental. Many broadcasters are in the middle of migration or have already completed it. Success depends on careful planning and methodical execution. Here’s a no‑nonsense checklist for teams making the switch.

Assess Current Infrastructure

Start by mapping your facility: how many SDI endpoints exist, what resolutions are in use, and where growth is expected. This forms the baseline for capacity planning. Don’t underestimate hidden connections like monitoring feeds or intercom paths.

Plan the Network

IP plants rely on robust switching fabrics. Choose switches that support multicast, PTP, and QoS. Design dual networks for redundancy, and document multicast ranges carefully. Engage IT staff early — they’ll be critical to success.

Timing and Synchronization

PTP replaces genlock. Deploy at least two grandmasters with boundary or transparent clocks in your switches. Test failover scenarios to ensure stability under stress.

Training and Culture

Engineers comfortable with SDI must learn networking concepts. Provide training, labs, and time to experiment. Cultural change is as important as technical change; staff must trust the new system before launch.

Testing and Staging

Never roll out IP cold. Build a staging environment, validate interoperability between vendors, and test workflows end‑to‑end. Capture lessons learned before scaling.

Cutover Strategy

Choose a phased approach. Many facilities run hybrid systems for years, bridging SDI and IP until the full transition is viable. Define clear rollback procedures in case of failure.

SDI to IP migration is a journey, not a single event. Teams that plan, test, and train thoroughly avoid surprises and deliver reliable operations.