What data rate does the original serial data interface (SDI) standard for standard definition TV (SDTV) support?

The original serial data interface (SDI) standard for standard definition television (SDTV) supports a data rate of 270 megabits per second (Mbps). This specification was established to accommodate the bandwidth requirements necessary for transmitting uncompressed digital video signals. SDI was developed to provide a reliable and high-quality transmission method for television signals in a digital format, which became crucial as the industry transitioned from analog to digital technology.

The choice of 270 Mbps is significant because it aligns well with the bandwidth needed for standard definition video content, ensuring that the signal retains the necessary quality without introducing latency or degradation that could occur at lower data rates. This standard paved the way for further developments in digital video transmission, leading to higher data rates for enhanced video formats in subsequent standards.