Multibridge is more than just a converter. When you connect the PCI Express connection to a host computer, it’s transformed into the world's highest quality editing system. Learn more about PCI Express below.

Why is PCI Express different
to current PCI?

PCI Express is the a new standard that’s much simpler and faster that current PCI slots. Unlike current PCI slots, PCI Express uses serial links and not a wide parallel bus. Parallel busses as uses on current PCI require dozens of electrical connections, so computer motherboards are very complex to design. Faster PCI-X 133 MHz 64 bit slots need to connect directly from the slot to the computers bridge chip. This adds to complexity and cost when you need more PCI-X 133 slots on the computer and is why PCI-X motherboards are more expensive. PCI Express condenses all those connections into single high speed serial connections called “lanes”. That allows high speed slots even on the lowest cost computers. PCI Express is not compatible with current PCI slots or cards as it uses a different connection.

Lower Cost than other Interfaces

PCI Express is lower cost than other interfaces, such as custom tether cables because it’s already built into PC motherboards available today. This means even the lowest cost computers can connect to Multibridge for high bandwidth data transfer for SD, HD or higher. With a PCI Express connection, Multibridge can be a stand alone converter or instantly transform into the world's highest quality editing or design system. This eliminates custom hardware that increases cost, so you get more connections and functionality for a lower cost.

PCI Express is Very Fast

With the need for higher speed connections to the computer when handling uncompressed video in HD and film resolutions, PCI Express is available in 1, 4, 8 and 16 lane variants, so the speed can be scaled depending on the speed needed.

Multibridge uses the faster, 4-lane, PCI Express connection which provides plenty of bandwidth for the demands of uncompressed 10 bit RGB 4:4:4 video and even 2K film. At an amazing 10 Gb/s, 4 lane PCI Express is 25 times faster than FireWire and doesn't suffer from annoying latency issues.

Perfect Connection
or External Equipment

By using PCI Express to keep all electronics external to the host computer, it’s much easer to eliminate noise from delicate analog electronics. It’s also becoming harder to fit connectors to the rear of PCI cards, so using a simple high speed connection to an external converter such as Multibridge, allows loads of space for all kinds of video and audio connections. PCI Express is the perfect external connection for high speed digital video and will become the standard of the future for desktop and portable computers.

Better Editing Experience

PCI Express connects direct to the computer's motherboard bridge chip, and unlike FireWire it doesn't suffer from latency, so it provides a fast-acting fluid editing experience. There is plenty of bandwidth for effects and other processing tasks and because all connectors are on the external box, there are no complex break-out cables to connect. You won’t need to obsolete Multibridge if your editing needs change as you can always disconnect the PCI Express cable and use it as an independent converter again.