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.
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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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.
