Looking for a way to capture HDMI video on a Raspberry Pi without using a USB capture card? The Waveshare HDMI to CSI Adapter (B) offers a compact and cost-effective solution that converts HDMI signals into a MIPI CSI-2 camera stream, enabling powerful video capture, computer vision, AI, and streaming applications. It supports HDMI video input up to 4K at 30fps and is compatible with Raspberry Pi and several Linux-based development boards. [waveshare.com]

What Is the Waveshare HDMI to CSI Adapter (B)?

The Waveshare HDMI to CSI Adapter (B) is built around the RK628H video bridge chip, converting an HDMI source into a CSI camera input that can be processed directly by Raspberry Pi and compatible Linux SBCs. Unlike conventional HDMI capture devices that rely on USB bandwidth, this adapter connects through the CSI interface, making it an attractive option for low-latency and embedded video applications. [waveshare.com]

Whether you are building an AI-powered camera system, a game streaming setup, or an industrial monitoring solution, this adapter provides a flexible bridge between HDMI devices and CSI-enabled hardware.

Key Features

4K HDMI Input Support

The adapter supports HDMI 2.0 input up to 3840 × 2160 resolution at 30fps, making it suitable for high-definition video sources including cameras, PCs, gaming consoles, and media players. [waveshare.com]

MIPI CSI-2 Video Output

Video is output through 2-lane or 4-lane MIPI CSI-2, allowing direct integration with supported development boards. [waveshare.com]

HDMI Audio Extraction

In addition to video capture, the device can extract audio from HDMI and output it via I2S audio, supporting LPCM audio streams. [waveshare.com]

Video Downscaling Support

The onboard RK628H processor supports video downsampling, enabling users to adjust output resolutions based on performance requirements and hardware limitations. [waveshare.com]

Linux Compatibility

The adapter supports Linux and comes with driver support for compatible Raspberry Pi and Luckfox development boards. [waveshare.com]

Technical Specifications

 [waveshare.com]

Best Use Cases for the HDMI to CSI Adapter

1. Raspberry Pi HDMI Capture Projects

This is one of the most popular use cases. The adapter allows Raspberry Pi systems to capture video from:

• Gaming consoles
• DSLR and mirrorless cameras
• Desktop computers
• Laptops
• Media players

This makes it ideal for custom video recorders, streamers, and surveillance systems.

2. AI and Computer Vision Applications

Developers working with OpenCV, TensorFlow, YOLO, or other machine-learning frameworks can use HDMI video sources as camera feeds for:

• Object detection
• Face recognition
• License plate recognition
• Edge AI processing
• Smart monitoring systems

Since the source appears as a CSI camera input, integration into existing vision workflows is simplified.

3. Industrial Inspection Systems

Factories and industrial facilities can use the adapter to monitor HDMI-equipped instruments, testing systems, and production equipment for:

• Automated inspection
• Process control
• Quality assurance
• Remote diagnostics

4. Streaming and Content Creation

Content creators can build custom low-cost streaming devices using Raspberry Pi to capture camera or console outputs for:

• YouTube streaming
• Educational demonstrations
• Live broadcasting
• Video archiving

Installation Guide

Setting up the Waveshare HDMI to CSI Adapter is straightforward:

1. Connect your HDMI source to the adapter.
2. Connect the adapter to the Raspberry Pi CSI port using the supplied FFC cable.
3. Install the required Linux drivers.
4. Enable and configure the video capture interface.
5. Verify the HDMI source is recognized by the system. [waveshare.com]

For audio support, Waveshare notes that the reserved solder pads must be connected to the Raspberry Pi I2S pins. [waveshare.com]

Package Contents

The package includes:

• HDMI to CSI Adapter (B)
• 22-pin 0.5mm pitch FFC cable (200mm) [waveshare.com]

Advantages

✅ Supports 4K HDMI input at 30fps
✅ Compact and lightweight design
✅ Direct CSI integration for Raspberry Pi projects
✅ HDMI audio extraction via I2S
✅ Suitable for AI and machine vision applications
✅ Linux driver support available
✅ Affordable alternative to specialized capture hardware

Final Verdict

The Waveshare HDMI to CSI Adapter (B) is an excellent choice for makers, developers, educators, and engineers who need to bring HDMI video into a Raspberry Pi or embedded Linux environment. With support for 4K HDMI input, MIPI CSI-2 output, and audio extraction, it opens the door to advanced projects ranging from AI vision systems and robotics to live streaming and industrial monitoring. [waveshare.com]

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HDMI to CSI Adapter type B, 4K at 30fps support, compatible with Raspberry Pi series boards and multiple Luckfox Linux Boards

HDMI to CSI Adapter

Compatible with Raspberry Pi Series Boards

The HDMI to CSI Adapter (B) is an adapter based on the Rockchip RK628H chip, designed to convert HDMI input signal into MIPI CSI video and I2S audio signals. Supports HDMI input with up to 4K at 30fps resolution and MIPI CSI output with up to 4K at 30fps resolution. Supports HDMI video downsampling, with adjustable output resolution to meet different requirements. Suitable for video capture from HDMI sources such as PCs, game consoles, and cameras, and compatible with all Raspberry Pi boards and multiple Luckfox Linux boards.

Specifications

Device & System Support

Raspberry Pi

Supports Raspberry Pi OS and comes with drivers

Luckfox Pico Zero

Supports Linux and comes with drivers, up to 3840 × 2160 at 15fps input resolution

Luckfox Aura

Supports Linux and comes with drivers, up to 3840 × 2160 at 30fps input resolution

Luckfox Omni3576

Supports Linux and comes with drivers, up to 3840 × 2160 at 30fps input resolution

how to use

* Note: it is required to connect the reserved solder pad to the I2S pin
of Raspberry Pi for audio output

Connecting with camera and display

* for reference only, please refer to the package content for the detailed part list.

connecting with Raspberry Pi / Luckfox Aura

Connects to Raspberry Pi 5

Connects to Luckfox Aura

* for reference only, the boards and hosts are NOT included in the package.
The FPC Cable is required for Raspberry Pi 4B, supports up to 1080P at 30fps.

Outline dimensions

Resources & Services

Wiki: docs.waveshare.com/HDMI_to_CSI_Adapter_B