DJI SDR Transmission: Explained!

[@KrisKhunachak]

Was not prepared for the VHS editing 4th wall break ahahah

[@TenfoldProduction]

Rob with the epic video! Thanks for such a thorough breakdown, so simple and clean! Digging this new system!

[@BenEllingson]

Just grabbed one via your link. Nice overview!

[@robchado]

@@BenEllingson Thanks Ben!!

[@joshbowlin9040]

Great video . Always good stuff rob

[@DCPiFilmServices]

Just an FYI, Teradek zero-latency wireless transmits in the same spectrum as WiFi (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc.) but they are explicitly not packet based systems so it is not accurate to describe them as "WiFi based". Teradek does have products that do video over IP standards, like the CUBE or SERV, but not the Bolt or Ace line. Also, those antennas you have on the Bolt 3000 at 1:09 are not meant to be used with these kinds of wireless systems! They massively decrease range and impact picture quality.

[@4sightfilmsLLC]

Somebody has stock In Teradek it seems. Lol. Caaaaaaaalm down man. He shared his experiences which mimic others who use the system. No need to act like his video is an anomaly. Lol. You know these connection issues occur with Teradek. Its not a perfect system. Come on bro. Lol.

[@cinematographical-g1e]

@@4sightfilmsLLC I think somebody just wants accurate info out in the world. I love @Robchado videos because he's practical and technical. But as far as I understand Teradek 6GHz is NOT the same as WiFi transmission like this DJI system and others like Hollyland. Nothing is ever perfect but I'd appreciate clearing up misinformation.

[@robchado]

Thank you for the clarification. I should have made a better comparison to other systems that use WiFi specifically. That Teradek pictured isn't mine, but I'll relay the message.

[@4sightfilmsLLC]

@@cinematographical-g1e I’m not trying to be condescending, but if somebody wants accuracy we also need to be patient, so we can comprehend what is being shared. It takes time, money and effort to produce these videos, and try to release them in a time that is most beneficial to the community. When a person or company is solid like FF I tend to show them some grace. The video and its specifications for this DJI SDR unit indicate it operates with a “Software Defined Radio” technology and *wifi. So DJI is not just like other WIFI specific wireless units, it can switch between two different radios technologies. As for Teradek, they use “Amimon” which is a “frame based” wireless transmission, over “Wifi” which is packet based. And they use this frame based technology in the 5Ghz and now 6 Ghz space. Although Terdek provides less than 1 millisecond of delay, its seems they are not as stable as systems like DJI. And they are prone to replacing their units and removing support for them quickly as well. So there are pro and cons for going with both systems, but if played to their strengths there are use cases for Teredek and DJI respectfully.

[@cinematographical-g1e]

@@4sightfilmsLLC actually I think your statement "As for Teradek, they use “Amimon” which is a “frame based” wireless transmission, over “Wifi” which is packet based" mixes up what the blog says... "As an alternative to packet-based WiFi systems, the Amimon frame-based system, the one found in the Teradek Ace 750 and Bolt Series, is built around a unique patented chipset that uses the entire available channel capacity, removing the need for a buffer and delivering less than 1 millisecond of latency, or zero frame delay. It transmits and receives virtually lossless, uncompressed video at a high bandwidth over 5GHz and 6GHz U-NII channels for the most robust signal in any production environment." Frame-based is an alternative to packet-based wifi. Which is what makes Teradek have less than 1ms delay. So that's why the DJI and Hollyland systems, which use WiFi, have 35ms+

[@TheRyanMackfall]

what a great review, this has sold it for me! Thanks a lot dude!

[@eddieyan3017]

Great video and 100% on point with Teradek, seriously!

[@InboundAutomotive]

Awesome video ! I just want to check that you can 100% use this to control a camera, I have an a7siii and a a7siv, I was originally going to go for the full transmission system but this is much more cost effective

[@corey1022]

Great review! Just ordered a transmitter. I needed a small solution for my ronin to work along side my two Dji transmission combo kits that I brought last year. I put the now OG transmitter (but still fantastic) on my ronin all the time but it was always a little too big. Now my OG transmitters can run on my Fx9’s and this SDR with my iPad mini can run ronin. All i need now is DJI to update these SDR transmitters in a few months so they can give be used like a teradek vue and maybe release a link so that way multiple transmitters coming from different cameras can be seen on 1 mobile device in a dual or quad spit screen like the Teradek VUE system which was great most of the time but the Reliability when shooting in areas with lots of power cables and home WiFi’s surrounding would cripple it. I shoot reality so I’m always in regular environments with lots of surrounding wifi, power lines and producers who need to be a couple rooms away from the action sometimes.

[@robchado]

It would be awesome if DJI did something similar to the Serv. I’ve used it a few times on multicam jobs and it was super helpful.

[@earthlevel4569]

this was helpful thanks. I never understood why a $10K Teradek system drops out at only 30' but a cheap DJI drone could transmit flawless video over many miles. I am very interested in trying this out.

[@MrAndrewClaycomb]

Never count on DJI giving you a functionality update via firmware. They’re far more likely to release an updated model. With that said, there are a lot of things I want to hate about this kit, but at that price, it’s nearly disposable compared to all of the industry standards. I have a Bolt and a Tomahawk that are honestly less reliable for strong signal transmission, but they have great latency so I’ve been sticking with them for focus pullers. Something like this kit would be a really cheap way to get an additional signal to clients, producers, HMU, etc…

[@robchado]

Nothing wrong with sticking with a system that already works! These have been great for quickly handing an image off to art dept or dolly grips.

[@LucaHalma]

Could you make a video on that iPad setup? It seems so nice, I have an Accsoon cage on my 11 inch iPad but would love some handles and a strap

[@avx111]

I'd love to see a census of all the 1st ACs to know how much latency is acceptable for the job. Can you reallt tell when using a Hollyland/DJI instead of a Teradek?

[@nigel_the_director]

seems like a great secondary addition for video village for client monitoring via iPads, phones etc. ...... the latency bothers me immensely ...

[@Powersfilms]

Are these new DJI SDR units compatible with the original DJI Transmission RX/TX gear? If so, that would be amazing.

[@belosport]

Hello. Excellent explanation of how it works. I have a question for you: many devices with these characteristics only work in P (progressive) did you test if it works in I (interlaced) I need it to work in 1920 x 1080 50 I

[@Reedith]

Curious as to why you need interlaced?

[@belosport]

@@Reedith I work in 50 I ( 1920 x 1080) transmission live race cars in Argentina

[@Skytechaerials]

Great video! Would this work with an action camera to pull its feed for live streaming ?

[@HysteriaProds]

Looks great! Thanks for all the work and time you are putting in to create such detailed reviews. 🙏🏽 I’m just 1 question away before investing in such system… would you recommend it for pulling focus?

[@robchado]

It’s usable for most situations and I’ve used it plenty of times for focus in the past but Teradek is still a better option for lower latency.

[@HysteriaProds]

@@robchado thank you 🙏🏽

[@NIX-Film]

Quck question: Can I use my DJI High Bright Monitor with the SDR transmitter?

[@CineDailies]

Unfortunately no

[@patrickdeteliga7309]

@@CineDailies this is so frustrating…

[@vinniefallico]

How is this not possible? haha

[@danielvilliers612]

THe only thing that will blow everything out of the water at this price point is a system with nearly zero latency, we have already seen 10x models like this.

[@robchado]

I agree; DJI generally sacrifices latency for reliability but I haven't seen another system at this price point with similar performance.

[@rip_fpv]

The problem is having high bit rate and resolution. You can get systems down to 10ms latency but you’ll be capped at 540p. Also the camera and monitor themselves add latency so combining everything you’ll have close to 110-130ms of latency using this or any other HD system. Still plenty fast imo. If I can fly a drone through a doorway at 40mph with 30ms of latency, you should be able to pull focus with 130ms

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

No you havent, SDR transmission is way more reliable than the other wifi systems

[@rip_fpv]

@@definingslawek4731 the O3 FPV system has the highest latency out of the other systems. But it also transfers a lot less data than would come from a cine cam. Those FPV cameras are tiny and they are streaming at 100fps

[@Samskihero]

The biggest shame is the app/software is still extremely mediocre when you want to use iPads, there is no reason why the DJI apps could not be as amazing and flexible as SmallHD's page OS systems but sadly DJI still doesn't support its own anamorphic de-squeeze options so depending on your camera it leaves lots to be desired on that front, also no HDMI loop out is a mega pain in the bum for smaller cameras as you still need a DIY HDMI splitter solution.

[@robchado]

@@Samskihero Yes! No loop out on the TX end is a big bummer. But also given the price, not a huge deal.

[@human_support]

The biggest annoyance is that you can't control the focus on the FX-3 camera via HDMI from the DJI Ronin app. Or maybe I'm doing something wrong, as far as I understand you need to buy the Focus pro kit(

[@TheUnMarketingGroup]

You mention that it can replace the Raveneye. If you do, do you maintain the ability to connect to the DJI app for gimbal control, setting tracking, etc.?

[@AANasseh]

Great review! Can you trigger record remotely? I want to see if I can use it to trigger record on my FX3 using only my iPhone at about 50 meters (beyond Sony's normal WiFi range). Thanks in advance for your answer! :)

[@robchado]

Yes, you can map an assignable button to the virtual D-pad and trigger recording.

[@AANasseh]

@@robchado 🙏ordered through your link!

[@myerssamuel1057]

I think you missed a critical shortcoming in functionality: SDR cannot remotely trigger ActiveTrack. Did you put that in the video or leave it out, because the prior transmitter, Raveneye, could transmit and enable the user to remotely trigger ActiveTrack.

[@OliKember]

Thanks for this! Do we know if the app can be set to automatically record proxies of each take? And if so would they also store the audio? Cheers!

[@robchado]

@@OliKember The app records audio, but I didn’t see an option to auto record!

[@jtserrao43]

Thoughts vs hollyland Mars 4K?

[@djresqvideomix]

Yes thoughts

[@KittyGuerrillaFilms]

got the sdr tranmission - but the fan noise is insanely loud on the TX - is yours?

[@xavierstapleton9780]

how is the video quality with 20mbs ? i just bought the atomos sumo 19se

[@moncharle9534]

Rob do you know if this is going to be compatible with their existing system through broadcast? Would love to grab if I can use their Receiver alongside my current TX/High-Bright kit

[@robchado]

@@moncharle9534 I don’t believe this system is compatible with the original Transmission. Might be something DJI could implement in the future given the nature of SDR technology?

[@rogrdotnet]

Yeah I’d pick up a couple receivers to go with my transmission system if it worked.

[@BenRodVisuals]

How did you mount in on your camera rig? I can't tell if it's a specific piece or just a magic arm, but it looks very flush with the rig and rigid. That's exactly how I want it!

[@robchado]

ARRI NATO rail clamp for the Sony Burano.

[@Reedith]

I would pay double or triple if they just made their exact lineup but in a 4K variant 4K60 or 4K30.

[@redrockweddingfilms]

Is there a way to use this system on an FX3 while still having an on camera HDMI monitor? Looks like no, but maybe I'm missing something..? Thanks!

[@robchado]

Not unless your monitor has an HDMI/SDI out!

[@simoz78]

Can it be somehow used with a single (or even multiple) receiver to monitor and control multiple cameras on a single monitor?

[@Whaever_1981]

So pulling focus is not an option on these right?

[@EliasManuel-oy9oo]

I need to know this like can I do a live stream with this like I use a 4k camera bur in you the transmission in youtube is in full hd

[@Jwashh]

Is it compatible with the dji monitor ? Or would the receiver need to plug in ?

[@crackkanr6017]

What is the mount that he is using on his for SDR?

[@MaxStahl_142]

hello, They say you have full camera control. Does this also mean that I can touch the autofocus via my cell phone or tablet? Thank you

[@saulbarran]

👋Does the Receiver support camera metadata transmission via SDI like the DJI Transmission RX?

[@robchado]

@@saulbarran It says metadata is supported but I haven’t tested it!

[@Joka.3000]

This SDR in compatable whit DJI RSC 2?

[@definingslawek4731]

Can you have the 2 recievers in control mode, and still have a couple ipads/ phones connected to the wifi? Or is there no wifi in control mode?

[@robchado]

Yes, I believe WiFi should be available in Control Mode.

[@wardonwords]

Can I get just the transmitter so I can have a really reliable monitor on my phone for self-filming? The Sony apps have incredibly finicky connections, which is super frustrating when I’m filming myself outside.

[@robchado]

Totally, with the added benefit of camera control as well. You’ll have to scan the QR code and reconnect every time you power cycle.

[@wardonwords]

@@robchado Super helpful! Thank you!

[@markhepi7791]

Does the embedded audio transmit clean?

[@vhauser416]

Considering using SDR with my Burano for car-to-car. Do you know how much, if any, camera control is available for the Burano?

[@robchado]

@@vhauser416 Not much as far as I can tell. I think the CEC-HDMI protocol is only available for the Alpha series.

[@vhauser416]

@@robchado that’s disappointing. Have you come across any solid remote camera control solutions for the Burano? Sony’s RM-30BP works, but I also don’t want to pay a grand for a glorified TV remote.

[@markelyzerchavez]

Can this be use on Facebook Live Streaming?

[@crystalballoonstudio]

In China, Combo is about $420 with tax. I just got one.

[@tiberiuarsene]

Can you also use WiFi while in control mode? 2 receivers are enough most of the time (one for focus pulling and one for an assist), but I would like to have the option to use wifi on my phone or tablet to check the camera.

[@ttafricanvibesmedia2304]

How can we livestream the signal coming from the transmitter into OBS?

[@theflyinggrip]

Does your WiFi enable when you have a rx on and connected. Mine only turns on when no rx’s are on. Is this correct? Is the WiFi suppose to work at same time as control mode with rx? When I try and enable WiFi in a control mode connection situation it always say channel in use by sdr or unavailable. Have tried in all the different modes. Thx!

[@avdpost]

Did the latency impact focus pulling with any of your ac's or are you typically pulling you own focus anyway?

[@joelmulder]

You can pull focus with much much more latency than this. 35ms is less than a frame of delay at 25fps. That’s negligible. Of course that does come on top of whatever latency your monitor has.

[@avdpost]

@@joelmulder True. I just so used to Teradek with the ac's ive worked with. So no idea how any added latency might make things harder.

[@robchado]

It's noticeable IMO- but it's also exaggerated since I'm often doing extremely shallow macro work. Still usable in most applications.

[@avdpost]

@@robchado good to know. also more VHS please, that is all

[@joelmulder]

@@avdpost Gotta keep in mind that human reaction time is around 250ms. You can notice a delay of several frames, but you can’t really act on it. Now, the counter to that is that as an experienced focus puller, you’re less reacting to what you see and more preempting what’s likely gonna happen based on experience and muscle memory, but there it’s just a case of getting used to the different latency. I’ve pulled reliable focus with much, much worse setups than this, and I’m not even a professional 1st AC. Just a DP that sometimes does other stuff too.

[@mattlevin-gold6449]

Could I potentially use a USB C to D tap cable to power the transmitter/receiver? Or does it need to be a power regulated cable?

[@robchado]

It needs to have the 9v 2A PD protocol. Regular USB’s won’t have enough power.

[@diegofjedi]

Robert how do you connect that virtual joystick for the sony cameras?

[@robchado]

Just plug in an HDMI cable and enable CTRL FOR HDMI and make sure the info display is enabled.

[@skatealotkid7]

Is it possible to go USB C - Lightning for older Iphones ?

[@robchado]

Yes, the combo includes a Lighting cable.

[@PDMokry]

FIRST! Finally made it!

[@joeyparma5193]

Is there a lightning to usb C cables for receiver to connect to iPad… no cable offered on dji website? Can anyone help? 😊

[@GerfriedGuggi]

Are you able to control a R2 like with the DJI Transmission? can you move focus area or start tracking on Sony FX3? thanks

[@robchado]

I'm not sure about R2 control. I believe you can move the focus area around if the assignable buttons are set up correctly but I don't think you can touch track.

[@GerfriedGuggi]

@@robchado DJI just lists the RS gimbals atm

[@geraldjones1509]

How does this compare to the Hollyland Mars M1 Enhanced?

[@robchado]

Similar latency with far less range. Mars M1 has the advantage of doubling as a monitor so there's less gack on the camera.

[@ГеоргийКалошин-ц6ъ]

Is the og version has better latency?

[@4sightfilmsLLC]

70 ms vs 80 ms on the new SDR Transmission system.

[@unquestionabletv]

I’m trying to livestream concerts with three zve10s. Low budget. Will this work?

[@robchado]

It should with an adapter cable. Ultimately depends on the RF environment. I think it's recommended to use them in Broadcast mode and manually pick channels that are not next to each other.

[@unquestionabletv]

@@robchado what do you mean with an adapter cable? I would just plug an HDMI directly into transmitter, then an HDMI DIRECTLY FROM receiver into capture card into powered T4 hub into M1 Max MacBook Pro. Just want to be sure the latency will be okay for having lips sync to sound being fed from PA via XLR into RØDEcaster into the MacBook Pro

[@kyleranney]

This thing doesn't work out of the box and I can't get it to work with DJI's update app. I think they released it too soon.

[@human_support]

DJI sdr transmission not work with atomos ninja v(((

[@Andyzhuang666]

Hi got a question, I am looking to purchase this system, I currently use an A7Siii and an A7IV, I use a alien hydra rig ( I do a lot of car cinematography) My main question is, can I connect my cameras to a Apple tablet and have all the camera functions on the tablet ? Just like the OG DJI transmission ? Main reason I really need this to be honest, for focus leaking and monitoring of meters. If anyone can help I’d really appreciate it Thanks

[@CodyStoner20]

Does anyone know if this system is cross compatible with DJIs higher end system? For example if you already have the other one could you pair some of these receivers with the higher end transmitter?

[@jakesouthard9175]

i've cross posted this on a couple videos, but does anybody know why i'm getting 9mbs instead of 20mbs in control mode? Broadcast is turned off. But i'm only getting 9-10mbs

[@robchado]

@@jakesouthard9175 Maybe try manually selecting a different channel?

[@asnavaro]

Robert, will this sync to existing dji high bright mons/rx?

[@robchado]

Not currently. I'm hoping that's a feature that can be added in the future.

[@TommyMacTube]

someone lives in vegas 😅

[@The_Mano]

3:50 the dude is staring into nothingness, the monitor isn't connected to any source XD

[@robertovivancosdp]

Can you pair a SDR TX with the DJI high bright ?

[@MarcDeAcetis]

This is my biggest question too about this!

[@robchado]

Not currently.

[@_FrontFootFilms_]

Creative Solutions hahaha

[@lucabortolami]

On the website DJI claims 35ms for 1080p60, so it's not 80ms the fastest!

[@kwa42]

I am sick of youtubers selling bs to people. This is not blowing anything out of the water as long as it can’t compete with teradek’s zero latency. Pro focus pullers will not even blink an eye at this

[@peakfilm3465]

The latency renders this system unusable for the professional.. Be warned!.. Watch out for the "unpaid" (keeping the review gear doesn't count!) reviews...

[@robchado]

@@peakfilm3465 You’re right, I didn’t actually get paid for any of the jobs in this video. 🚩

[@definingslawek4731]

What's the current bar for good latency for 24/25/30 fps? At 30 fps the minimum possible latency is 33.3ms.