Why is everything SDI-related so darned expensive?

I'm playing with a computer-based capture system for the HD-SDI output of my JVC GY-HD250. Two channels of audio are embedded out of the camera and I'd like to embed another two channels into the SDI stream before capture to streamline the editing process by not having to manually sync the extra two channels in the editor. Seems like a good idea, but audio embedders are pricey. I haven't found anything under $1000.

So, the question becomes, is there anything out there that comes in closer to the $500 price point? And if not, why? What makes SDI hardwae so freaking expensive?

Happy New Year!

You're asking for a fairly esoteric device.

Sony or Panasonic sell a zillion consumer products a year. They also sell a good amount of industrial and broadcast product.

But the companies that sell these widgets just don't sell a lot of 'em--relatively speaking. So they have comparatively high R&D costs.

Plus, there is the 'broadcast' tax--anytime you use that word, add 50% to the total!