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The MDL Communications Recommended Gear & Toolkit

As a technical solutions provider in the broadcast and pro-AV industry, we're often asked about the essential tools, accessories, and "glue" products that make an installation successful. While we specialize in high-end enterprise solutions, a truly great system relies on a solid foundation of quality cables, tools, and converters.

This page lists the gear our own technical team trusts and recommends for building, troubleshooting, and managing modern IP-based video and broadcast systems.

Disclosure: MDL Communications is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our ability to share technical resources. We only recommend products we trust.


 

The Engineer's Toolkit: Converters & Adapters

 

These are the "problem-solvers" we keep in our go-bag for every on-site job. They are essential for connecting disparate pieces of gear.

Blackmagic Design BiDirectional SDI to HDMI 3G video converter

Blackmagic Design Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G

Why we recommend it: This is the ultimate "problem-solver" and the single most valuable converter to have in your field kit. Unlike standard converters, this unit is bi-directional, meaning it can convert SDI to HDMI and HDMI to SDI at the same time.

This flexibility is invaluable on-site. You're essentially getting two converters in one, ensuring you're prepared for any signal flow you encounter. It features broadcast-quality 3G-SDI with re-clocking for stable video over long cable runs, and it's built into a rugged metal housing. This is the Swiss Army knife of converters.

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Elgato Cam Link 4K

Why we recommend it: This is the simplest, most reliable way to get a high-quality HDMI signal into a computer. We recommend this for clients who want to use a professional camera (like a DSLR, mirrorless, or pro camcorder) as a high-end webcam for streaming or mission-critical video conferences.

It's truly plug-and-play on both PC and Mac and appears as a standard webcam in apps like Teams, Zoom, and OBS. It's a massive quality leap from a built-in laptop camera and the standard for corporate "all-hands" streaming setups

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Osee GoStream Duet Multiple Camera SDI and HDMI Live Stream Video Mixer Switcher with SD Record and NDI upgradable

 

Why we recommend it: A versatile and cost-effective switcher for field production. Our team likes the mix of SDI/HDMI inputs and the NDI upgrade path, making it great for quick-setup corporate and house-of-worship live streams. It's a reliable "all-in-one" box for on-the-go streaming.


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Logitech Mevo Start 3-Pack Wireless Live Streaming Cameras

Logitech Mevo Start 3-Pack Wireless Live Streaming Cameras

Why we recommend it: The perfect solution for church volunteers and amateur sports leagues. This wire-free 3-camera kit lets you set up angles anywhere—from the sanctuary stage to the baseball dugout—without tripping hazards. We love that the app makes multi-camera switching easy enough for a single volunteer to run a professional-looking broadcast from an iPad.


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RØDE Wireless PRO Compact Wireless Microphone System

RØDE Wireless PRO Compact Wireless Microphone System

Why we recommend it: The ultimate safety net for dynamic sermons and conference speakers. We rely on the 32-bit float on-board recording, which prevents audio clipping even when a speaker shouts—saving your recording from distortion. The locking lavalier connectors are essential for active presenters, ensuring cables never get pulled out accidentally during a service or keynote.


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Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher

Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher

Why we recommend it: The industry standard for HDMI switching. We specifically recommend the "Pro" model over the base version for its **Multiview** feature—allowing you to see all 4 cameras on a single monitor. It also features a built-in hardware encoder, meaning you can stream directly to YouTube or Facebook via Ethernet, freeing up your computer for graphics or PowerPoint.


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