use scrambler not 8b10b

As Kaz indicates, there is no requirement that 8/10B encoding be used.

You can use a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) to generate sufficient transitions for the CDR to lock to the data.

The Altera Embedded IP Users Guide has information on their pattern generator and pattern checker components. I believe there is an example design either in that guide, or perhaps with one of the transceiver webinars, that tests a link with the PRBS, but not 8/10B encoding.

The PRBS patterns used by the generator/checker components might match the scrambler polynomial used by SDI. If they do, then if you can scramble zero valued data at your SDI source, you can run the Altera checker at the destination and make sure the link operates correctly. If that does, then you will be able to capture and descramble your SDI packets just fine.

Cheers,

Dave