DJI has announced a new wireless video system, SDR Transmission, capable of sending 1080P 60fps video wirelessly up to 3km/1.8 miles with a delay as low as 35ms.
This system uses software-defined radio (SDR) technology, enabling the transmitter and receiver set to transfer camera controls and metadata, and it supports both HDMI and SDI connections. Targeted at smaller crews, the lightweight system can be powered by an NP-F battery, USB-C, or a compatible DJI gimbal.
Background
DJI has a history of implementing long-range video transmission technology in its drones. Two years ago, DJI introduced the standalone DJI Transmission product with a high-bright monitor set. Last summer, they released a standalone DJI Transmission TX-RX kit. Now, DJI launches a more affordable wireless video transmission system for smaller crews with the new SDR Transmission.
SDR Technology Explained
DJI’s SDR technology represents a new concept and architecture for wireless communication. According to DJI, SDR offers better range and reliability than Wi-Fi-based systems while maintaining a high cost-performance ratio. The SDR technology provides higher resolution and bitrate with improved range and penetration compared to Wi-Fi systems and is less susceptible to interference. Additionally, SDR supports unlimited receiver devices in broadcast mode.
Features of DJI SDR Transmission
The DJI SDR Transmission system can send FullHD 1080P 60fps video with a bitrate of 20Mbps up to 3km/1.8 miles with a delay as low as 35 milliseconds under ideal conditions. It performs well even in areas with interference, automatically switching across 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and DFS frequency bands to find the best channel. The system also supports simultaneous Wi-Fi transmission for temporary monitoring.
The transmitter has SDI and HDMI inputs and can output three SDR signals and two Wi-Fi signals simultaneously. In Broadcast mode, it connects to unlimited receivers. The receiver can connect to monitors via SDI and HDMI outputs and to smartphones and tablets via USB-C or Wi-Fi for a cost-effective, dual-channel monitoring experience.
Controls and Metadata Transfer
The DJI SDR Transmission supports remote camera controls, including Force Mobile, virtual joystick, and gimbal recentering functions when used with DJI RS series gimbals. It supports PTP control, aperture, shutter, ISO adjustments, and camera photo and video functions through the app. Additionally, the system can transmit metadata from cinema cameras adapted via SDI, and users can switch between camera indexes within the DJI Ronin App in Broadcast mode.
Power and Physical Specifications
The SDR Transmission can be powered via a USB-C PD connector, a built-in Sony NP-F-style battery plate, or directly by DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4, or DJI RS 3 Pro gimbals. Each transmitter or receiver unit weighs 145g/5.1oz and features fold-down antennas for compact transport.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI SDR Transmission is available now and can be purchased separately or as a TX-RX kit. The pricing is as follows:
- DJI SDR Transmission combo: $549/€519
- DJI SDR Transmission transmitter: $309/€285
- DJI SDR Transmission receiver: $309/€285
- DJI SDR Transmission phone holder kit: $49/€45
- DJI SDR Transmission tablet holder kit: $49/€45
- RX to Phone connection cable (USB-C to USB-C, 22cm): $10/€8
DJI’s new SDR Transmission system aims to provide an affordable, reliable solution for smaller video production crews.
About DJI
DJI, or Da-Jiang Innovations, is a leading Chinese technology company founded in 2006 by Frank Wang. Headquartered in Shenzhen, DJI is renowned for its development and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, along with camera technology, flight control systems, and camera stabilizers.
News source: DJI
