Key takeaways
- AJA announced the OG-FiDO-4 openGear SDI/fiber conversion family on September 1, 2026.
- The line consists of nine four-channel cards: 12G-SDI single-mode, 3G-SDI single-mode, and 3G-SDI multimode versions, each available in transmit, receive, and 2 Tx/2 Rx configurations.
- Each card occupies two openGear slots; AJA’s 40-channel density figure corresponds to ten four-channel cards in a 20-slot frame.
- The cards provide independent SDI paths, LC fiber connections, automatic rate detection and reclocking, DashBoard monitoring, and local signal-status LEDs.
- AJA listed US MSRP at $2,295 for 3G single-mode models and $2,695 for 12G single-mode and 3G multimode models; the company said availability would begin soon through resellers.
A four-channel addition to AJA’s openGear fiber lineup
AJA Video Systems announced its OG-FiDO-4 family on September 1, 2026, expanding its openGear-compatible fiber-transport range with cards that handle four SDI-to-fiber conversion paths apiece. The products are intended for centralized rack installations in broadcast, live production, sports, campus AV, houses of worship and professional AV environments where multiple SDI signals must travel beyond practical coaxial-cable distances.
The central point for integrators is consolidation. Rather than deploying individual conversion modules for each camera, display, routing destination or return feed, an OG-FiDO-4 card groups four independent SDI paths behind one openGear card and associated rear I/O module. AJA says the cards are compatible with its current FIBERLC transmit and receive SFP modules and with OG-X-FR and OG-3-FR frames. ([aja.com](https://www.aja.com/news/story/2387-aja-debuts-og-fido-4-opengear-4-channel-sdifiber-conversion-cards?utm_source=openai))
Nine models divide by SDI rate, fiber type and direction
The nine configurations are divided into three groups. For 12G-SDI, AJA offers single-mode transmitter, receiver and mixed-direction cards: OG-FiDO-4T-12G, OG-FiDO-4R-12G and OG-FiDO-4X-12G. The mixed-direction model supplies two transmit paths and two receive paths.
For installations based on 3G-SDI, the family includes comparable single-mode models—OG-FiDO-4T, OG-FiDO-4R and OG-FiDO-4X—as well as 3G-SDI multimode models: OG-FiDO-4T-MM, OG-FiDO-4R-MM and OG-FiDO-4X-MM. This distinction matters during specification: the new range does not present 12G-SDI multimode models, so projects requiring 12G transport should plan around the single-mode versions and the appropriate optical modules. ([aja.com](https://www.aja.com/products/og-fido-4?utm_source=openai))
Rack density requires a frame-level capacity check
AJA states that an openGear frame can support up to 40 independent SDI/fiber channels when populated with OG-FiDO-4 cards. Each card uses two frame slots and carries four channels, so that maximum reflects ten cards in a 20-slot frame. Ross Video identifies its OG3-FR and OGX-FR platforms as 20-slot openGear frames, although the usable card count can be lower when physical, power or thermal constraints apply. ([aja.com](https://www.aja.com/products/og-fido-4?utm_source=openai))
That makes a frame and power-budget review essential before treating 40 channels as an installation guarantee. AJA specifies maximum consumption of 8 watts per card. Designers should account for the two-slot form factor, selected rear I/O, frame controller, redundant-power requirements and the aggregate heat load alongside the optical and video I/O plan.
Monitoring and signal handling features
AJA specifies four fully isolated SDI BNC connections per card. Supported rates can be carried concurrently on separate channels within the applicable model’s range, while automatic data-rate detection and reclocking are designed to support signal integrity. The product documentation also lists transparent carriage of SDI ancillary data, including HDR metadata, as well as ASI transport over fiber.
For operational visibility, the cards work with openGear DashBoard software and provide Input Present and SMPTE Lock LEDs on the hardware. In a centralized equipment room, that combination can help technicians distinguish between loss of an incoming SDI source, lack of optical reception and a loss of SDI lock without relying solely on remote management. DashBoard is a frame-based control environment for monitoring compatible openGear cards over Ethernet. ([aja.com](https://www.aja.com/products/og-fido-4?utm_source=openai))
Availability and procurement considerations
AJA said the OG-FiDO-4 family would be available soon through its reseller network following the September 1 announcement. The company listed 3G-SDI single-mode models at $2,295 US MSRP and listed the 12G-SDI single-mode and 3G-SDI multimode models at $2,695 US MSRP. Those figures are manufacturer suggested retail prices, not an installed-system cost or a confirmation of reseller stock.
Before ordering, integrators should match the card’s directionality to the actual link design, verify whether single-mode or multimode fiber is already installed, confirm the required SFP arrangement, and reserve two adjacent openGear slots for every card. They should also identify whether a project needs four feeds in one direction or a two-by-two split for simultaneous send and return paths. AJA plans to demonstrate the family at IBC in Amsterdam from September 11 through September 14, 2026. ([aja.com](https://www.aja.com/news/story/2387-aja-debuts-og-fido-4-opengear-4-channel-sdifiber-conversion-cards?utm_source=openai))