DJI Unveils SDR Transmission II With 4K 60 fps HDR and 2.5-Mile Range
DJI's SDR Transmission II sends 4K 60 fps HDR video up to 2.5 miles, targeting professional multi-camera shoots.
In transmitter mode, the SDR Transmission II sends 4K 60 fps HDR video at 50 Mbps to transceivers in receiver mode, Engadget reported. SDR stands for software defined radio. The range is 2.5 miles, or 4 kilometers, compared with 1.8 miles, or 3 kilometers, for the first-generation system. DJI said the link can be established in environments ranging from open stadiums to dense mountain forests, and through car-to-car shots or challenging FPV drone work, according to the report.
The system also expands multi-camera control. A single transceiver can connect to up to eight others, and each connection supports remote control. DJI said this lets directors, producers and set personnel monitor feeds while allowing camera operators and focus pullers to adjust settings and control the camera remotely. For larger productions, the system supports up to five transmitters and 40 receivers working simultaneously.
Engadget reported that operators can switch between camera feeds by tapping, without the rebooting, disconnecting and searching that the process normally requires. Latency can be as low as 35 milliseconds, which DJI says makes commands for focus pulling and gimbal movement more responsive. The system also supports smartphone monitoring and assist tools including LUTs, focus peaking and waveforms. It supports PTP control for changing capture, aperture, shutter speed and ISO on compatible cameras.
The transmission technology is professionally oriented but shares a foundation with DJI's OcuSync wireless system used in its drones. Engadget said it would be useful if DJI also raised OcuSync transmission to 4K 60p, because that would offer a better backup if on-board drone memory runs into problems. DJI has not announced such an update.
Pricing starts at €349 or £309 for the SDR Transmission II transceivers, with a Combo two-pack at €629, or £559, according to Engadget. There is no U.S. availability yet. Engadget said the absence is likely due to a ban on certain DJI products in the United States.