Skip to content

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.

61XQr-kwhnL._AC_SL1200_

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.

Check price and availability on Amazon.CA
5146dDMeV6L._AC_SL1500_

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

Check price and availability on Amazon.CA