Stable and reliable video monitoring is essential to any film or video production. Today, DJI has introduced a new set of products aimed at keeping your production connected.
Communication is key when working with a film crew. Everyone from the director to the camera assistants needs to be on the same page with eyes on the final result. To this end, there are a litany of monitoring accessories on the market aimed at easing communication on set and facilitating cooperation among the many artists that make a film a reality.
Today, DJI, well known for their drones and gimbal technology, has introduced a new lightweight commercial video transmission system with advanced SDR technology designed for small to medium-sized crews, which they are presenting as a reliable, flexible, and efficient monitoring system for filmmakers everywhere.
SDR stands for “software defined radio.” The selling point of the new technology is stability in the company’s words. The technology is said to thrive in complex environments, ones where traditional Wi-Fi signals may get easily muddled. The SDR technology is specifically designed to combat signal interference, while also providing the ability to connect multiple devices with a single source feed to better incorporate more monitoring capabilities on set.
Video can be transmitted up to 1.8 miles away and is served up to 1080p/60fps at a bitrate of up to 20 Mbps and a latency as low as 35 milliseconds. The products automatically switch frequencies between 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and DFS to maintain optimal signal.
The product can output three SDR signals and two Wi-Fi signals simultaneously for mixed environments. In broadcast mode, it can connect to unlimited receivers. The receivers can connect to monitors via SDI/HDMI or mobile devices via USB-C and Wi-Fi.
If using it in conjunction with DJI RS series stabilizers, the devices work with multiple camera controls and support PTP control. The device can also be powered with any standard PD protocol charger via the USB-C input or powered directly from DJI’s line of gimbals. A single transmitter or receiver only weighs 145 grams. Also, the antennas fold down, making it ideal for travel use.
The products can be purchased in combos or sold separately.
It would be really useful if these systems included intercom support for RTS or Dante. I believe they do have intercom. I'll have to keep my ears open to hear more about that.
It's wild to know how amazing DJI's transmitters have been in the drone world and now see that same tech as a stand alone product used for video productions. I honestly haven't found myself on a high enough video shoot to need something like this but it does make me want one for all sorts of other broadcasting applications.
I need a wireless transmitter for the sideline camera. The hold up has been we need wireless intercom so we can direct the camera operator as well. No one wants a whip pan in their live broadcast. Hollyland makes a wireless intercom but I need something that integrates with the Studio Technologies Dante intercom system we use for the camera operators using tripods.