Cheapest Dependable Wireless HDMI? Teradek Spark 4k 🆚 Ace 500

Get the latest price on Spark 4k here - amzn.to/3rYOhWJ
Get the latest price on Ace 500 here - amzn.to/3I0n1wF
See my full review of the Teradek ACE 500 - • Teradek Ace 500 vs Vax...
See my tests of the Hollyland C1 - • Battle of the “Budget”...
0:00 - Teradek Spark 4k Review
0:59 - Latency Test
2:08 - Range Test
4:52 - Outdoor Test
5:40 - They glitched here
6:22 - Battery Life issues
9:20 - Build Quality
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[@RylandRussell]

Updating as of Dec. 28, 2022 - Using the ace 500 at the same time as the spark 4k caused some dropout issues. I purchased another ace 500 amzn.to/3jBnFcs and they work awesome together. Both units work amazing on theri=amzn.to/3jBnFcs

[@Jonswfc1]

I'm in the UK, is there an equivalent ?

[@crashingrhino]

So glad to see this. I have been waiting for a good review. I did buy the 4K, but returned it because we couldn’t get it to work. We love the Ace500.

[@ManueldelaSerna]

Some early units were shipped with missmatching firmware on them that were affecting the regular usage. Did you get in touch with support? It should have been an easy fix.

[@diamondpeakstudios2610]

Subscribed! thank you so much for the info! Just on the edge of dumping my last savings for the spark 4k - really hope it works out! God Bless!

[@RylandRussell]

I ended up buying one and so far so good.

[@The-Logician]

Good information Ryland. Thanks for making this video. I just received my Spark 4K the other day, and checking out some additional reviews particularly how much battery life folks are getting out of their Spark 4K's. I will be using mine on a camera rig for narrative film making where I use v-mount batteries to power the entire rig. I will be plugging the transmitter into the v-mount power distribution block. The V-mount wont deliver PD power to the transmitter, but I expect that it should extend the battery life to some extent. I need to start testing this. I also have the Hollyland Mars 400S pro. I can power the 400S pro off the v-mount battery indefinitely, but the latency is a killer and I cannot do remote focus pulling because of that latency. The Teradek Spark 4K is a really good option for prosumer level gear.

[@The-Logician]

I can confirm that by plugging the Spark 4K into the V-mount battery block that it can keep the unit running without any power drain to the internal battery even though the feed is not PD rated. This is perfect for my application.

[@computerjantje]

There is the catch. In the USA walls are like how we build sheds and walls for plays on stage. In our country walls are always stone or concrete. I guess the outcome will be way different :)

[@ZachBrownMedia]

Digging that pedal wall back there. You have a small acoustic rig that you use? Or ever pick up an EG on Sundays?

[@RylandRussell]

Thanks! I just use a LR baggs session for my acoustic. And ya I’ll play EG when necessary. I just use my old hd500x though typically as it’s just easier 😀

[@brashanphotography6334]

Where can i buy used transmitter and delivered to Uganda?

[@WILLY.OGANDO]

Great video Ryland, Do you have a recommendation for long lasting and low profile battery bank to use with the spark?

[@RylandRussell]

Thanks Willy! I’d probably try this one. amzn.to/3v0cnSI I wouldn’t think having this Velcrod to the spark would effect transmission but 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@creativityandthecreative9304]

Excellent, excellent video and thank you! I’ve been doing research tonight because I ran into a issue today on an actual production shoot using the bmpcc 4k and 6k with the ATEM ISO Pro. I was so looking forward to this day using the 4k on the iFootage Shark Mini Slider but I was using a hdmi cable to record with both cameras but the cord’s weight / pull wouldn’t allow the automation head to perform right. So I decided to see if a wireless hdmi device even existed? Thank God it does! BUT will the Spark 4K record to the ATEM with all the bells and whistles / options the ATEM ISO Pro provides?

[@RylandRussell]

Man, I don't think it allows transmission of camera controls from the ATEM if that's what you are wondering.

[@prettysimplemusic]

Ryland, I’ve also discovered there’s a noticeable difference in my Panasonic G7 and G85 HDMI output video footage vs footage recorded directly to the SD card. The mp4 footage saved directly to the camera’s SD Card is much sharper… Strangely, the GH4 HDMI output is on par with the in-body sd card mp4 footage…

[@RylandRussell]

Probably just depends on the recording device. G85 can output 4:2:2 8bit over hdmi so that should match the internal recordings. That’s interesting though!

[@jakedavis8776]

Thanks for the content man. This is super helpful. With the spark 4K are you transmitting in HD or 4K? We have SDI system in our church so we’d have to introduce a HDMI to SDI converter. I’m afraid it would add it’s own latency. Additionally, I’m curious. We have a Canon R5, can’t seem to get it to talk cleanly with the Teradek stuff. Do you think it could be as simple as the Micro HDMI cord I’m using?

[@RylandRussell]

I was doing 1080p at 29.97 so I could test both systems at once. I wouldn’t think a hdmi to sdi converter would add much latency if any. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHKqoWOAm7OinJo On my canon I just have to do “hdmi with clean output” in menus. Always good to try another cable I suppose.

[@faithhouse6111]

It may be the 4K DCI mode that's giving you trouble. Switch the R5 to traditional 4K (3840x 2160) and see if it communicates. I think I had to do that.

[@kidsworld1686]

Hello, I film weddings with 2 sony alpha 7/4, 1x with Hdmi 1x with Holyland Mars 300 pro on blackmagic atem mini pro, in the end I have a quality problem (the picture from both cameras is completely different) what recommendations do you have for me? Teradek Bolt 4K LT HDMI 750 TX/RX & 6G would be better. ask for your support Thanks

[@markkilby2012]

Can I shoot in 4k 60 & veiw back in 30fps?

[@ShawnSwander]

Hollyland c1 is a wireless audio system (headphones) was that what you meant to say at the end? 11:10 around there? It seemed like you were talking about video options.

[@RylandRussell]

Hollyland has dumb names for stuff. They have a c1 video too. amzn.to/3PvDbBx

[@iamgeorgeseders]

Hey Ryland, I have a question. When you purchase one of these, is it only for one camera? or is it a system and I would need to just get multiple recievers?

[@RylandRussell]

It’s for one hdmi feed. I believe the transmitter can send to multiple receivers but I don’t have a use case for that.

[@stevens2279]

@RylandRussell Have you tested the Spark with the Lumix s5iix? I recently purchased the camera and then found out about the HDMI latency issue.

[@RylandRussell]

I have not. Is the s5ii and iix worse than the gh line with latency?

[@stevens2279]

@@RylandRussell I have no idea because this is my first Panasonic camera.

[@tysongalland8681]

I know this would be more involved but to do a proper test you should do the test when you have a full congregation going. With music and everything. Cause then you have a room full of signals going all over the place and that will really test your signal strength.

[@RylandRussell]

We use it every week as you suggest. Solid as a rock.

[@DejaGruvBand]

Great video has your view changed about the Spark?

[@RylandRussell]

I still think it’s great. We’ve opted to stick with our ace 500 units for now. Selling this spark actually currently.

[@DejaGruvBand]

@@RylandRussell Really curious as to why? I see you wanted two of them working together

[@troyferguson5608]

I noticed you split your HDMI before going into the ATEM. When I've tried that, I don't get signal. What HDMI splitter are using that it is able to push that signal through?

[@RylandRussell]

amzn.to/3s9hYEN

[@luismedina8427]

Hi Ryland, Have you tried HDMI over Cat6 lattency?

[@RylandRussell]

I have not ever tried those baluns or whatev. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sandglobal3263]

Can I use this to bring video camera sources into Teradek Airmix?

[@RylandRussell]

Sorry, I've never messed with Airmix

[@jacobf88]

I bought the spark4k the first day they came out but had to return it due to terrible range. Bought a replacement and it seems to be working fine. The units do get very hot. I was powering mine through the USB-C port on the black magic cameras but it's not super reliable that way. On mine if the internal battery reads halfway on the screen it will not transmit. Powering with v-mount now.

[@RylandRussell]

Powering them from the usbc port of a cam is smart! When you say it isn’t reliable do you mean sometimes it charges them and sometimes it doesn’t?

[@jacobf88]

@@RylandRussell Yes, sometimes it would show that it's being charged and other times it wouldn't. The usb port on the camera is just enough to power an ssd and probably not enough for the spark4k. However I do use the usb port to power HDMI to SDI converters with no problems.

[@ManueldelaSerna]

Glad you got it fixed. Some early units were shipped with missmatching firmware on them that were affecting its regular usage. Did you get in touch with support? It should have been an easy fix.

[@retrogamestudios7649]

Does the atem mini have wifi streaming as an option

[@RylandRussell]

Nope

[@chrisj5643]

I got my last week and it was a faulty unit, it was cutting off after 30 ft, I sent it back to teradek to be repair but I’m not so sure if I want to keep it anymore, I like the 4K option though

[@ManueldelaSerna]

Spark uses the same technology as the Bolt (Oscar and Emmy technical awards winner). You could have gotten a lemon, but if you give us a chance we'll make sure to fix it and make you a happy and proud owner.

[@chrisj5643]

@@ManueldelaSerna I got my device back from teradek and it’s doing the same exact thing 🤦🏻‍♂️ I’m very disappointed

[@imaginezro]

These reviews are great, but please tell me, have you tried feeding it directly from a Ronin RS2/3, for more mobility?

[@RylandRussell]

Every week we have a roaming camera op who uses a rsc gimbal with transmitter on the side. Is that what you mean?

[@imaginezro]

@@RylandRussell Yes, but I'm more interested in knowing if I can use the usb-c port on the ronin rs3 as a power supply, which is intended for the Raveneye

[@RylandRussell]

@@imaginezro that’s smart. I had an rs3 for a minute but never tried it for that as I was using the raveneye for tracking.

[@jeepndave]

Ryland, Why does every KZbinr think that I want to listen to their music loudly when there is no dialog? I don't mind the music, you just don't need to turn it up when you are not talking.

[@kevinkanagy7955]

Would cheaper units work for the main projector in our church? We are considering a wireless for our small church. Do you use these for your main projector. I am concerned about reliability for the main. If we cant afford the $1k spark or ace, would cheaper options work in a permanent setup like a sanctuary, or are we asking for trouble down the road. I dont want problems cropping up mid service. Just running wire is much cheaper and is reliable, but our sanctuary is very high and wireless would make installation so much easier. But if its not reliable for years, its not worth it. What do you think? Can cheaper units work (under $500) or are they not worth the trouble?

[@RylandRussell]

I would never use wireless for a permanent install. You won’t regret running cable even if it’s a pain up front.

[@kevinkanagy7955]

Thanks for taking the time to reply and helping us avoid a bad decision. Keep up the good work! @@RylandRussell

[@kevinkanagy7955]

Is projector stacking a realistic option to increase lumens on a budget? We probably cant afford a projector over 7k lumens for our 240in screen we are looking at.

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾🙏🏾

[@shingles1465]

you should try hdmi over ethernet extenders

[@RylandRussell]

I prefer sdi but out of curiosity why do you prefer them? Cable cost?

[@shingles1465]

@@RylandRussell pretty much the cost in my opinion makes it worth it I ended up getting one of the none 4k wireless hdmi transmitter hooked it up to the hdmi extender over ethernet to extend its range better and it works pretty well

[@youtubelearning2990]

$1,575.00

[@PARISONFIRE]

teradek pls give us the ace 800 back i dont want to spend upper 3k for the same performance, please

[@RylandRussell]

I've never heard of the ace 800, was that a thing?

[@PARISONFIRE]

@@RylandRussell its like the 500 but with sdi ports

[@slappymcphee]

Holy crap....what a bait and switch on the title. I highly doubt that most would expect to click into the video only to find out you are talking about devices that run a grand and a half. lol. It's a great comprehensive showing of capabilities however that price tho.

[@RylandRussell]

Cheapest is different than cheap. These are the cheapest 0 latency, dependable units you can buy on the market currently. Please tell me if you know of something else.

[@ilivecreations664]

Neither of these units are worth the price. The hype about live-streaming and digital audio visual production is driving up the cost of related equipment

[@RylandRussell]

I agree they are overpriced. I paid $1k for our ace500 and I felt like that was closer to fair. The problem is they are still the cheapest, dependable, zero latency units.

[@ManueldelaSerna]

@@RylandRussell you forgot to mention 4K! :) PS: Chipset shortages are not helping driving the price down.

[@fabmartel]

never never zelo latency.... plz stop say zero latency. Why you dont do the real test... with the same target clock with milisecondes. and after say how many frame per seconde lose. ;-)

[@RylandRussell]

Actually yes zero latency. Here is another video with the ace 500 I did along with your request for milliseconds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJmaYWemr9SKZtE

[@ennis437]

I am fairly certain he is talking about the actual device being 0 latency all of us know that hdmi output has varying latency I dont think that is what we are talking about here The goal for most of us I would think is to have a device that will co exist in a WIRED enviorment WITHOUT introducing additional latency from the wireless unit so in that respect Yes it is 0 latency.

[@fabmartel]

@@ennis437 no zero latency.

[@mariomalmanza]

cheapest??? hell no!!!

[@RylandRussell]

Tell me another dependable ZERO LATENCY that is cheaper. Cheapest, yes. I don’t count units like the Nyrius pro as they are a major pain to use for cameras.