The Best Wireless Video Systems For Live Production (2021)
This is a list of the best wireless video transmission systems I recommend and use for video production.
But first...
What Do They Do?
Wireless video transmission systems transmit a video signal wirelessly from one location to another.
They always...
- Have at least one transmitter that:
- Accepts a wired video signal (usually HDMI and/or SDI)
- Converts the wired video signal to either an uncompressed or a compressed wireless signal
- Transmits/sends the wireless signal out over a wireless frequency through antenna(s)
- Have at least one receiver that:
- Accepts the wireless signal from the transmitter
- Converts the wireless signal back to uncompressed video
- Transmits/sends the uncompressed video signal out over wired connections (usually HDMI and/or SDI)
- Can be powered in multiple ways
They sometimes...
- Transmit embedded audio
- Transmit embedded ancillary data (timecode, record triggers, etc.)
- Have user selectable frequencies (to allow multiple systems in the same vicinity or to coordinate within RF congested areas)
- Multicast - transmit one signal to multiple receivers
I Recommend Them For:
- Situations where cables will be a potential hazard
- Handheld cameras
- Gimbal/stabilizer cameras
- Cable cameras
- POV cameras attached to moving objects
- On-set monitoring
- Situations where running a cable is physically impossible
- Testing and adjustment purposes
I Do Not Recommend Them For:
- Situations where you don't feel like running a cable
- Sending signals to main projection or displays
- Distribution to closed circuit destinations (lobbies, overflow venues, digital signage, classrooms, etc.)
I always recommend wired over wireless whenever possible.
Considerations
Here are some important things to know before purchasing a wireless system:
- Wireless uncompressed video is exponentially more difficult to do well compared to audio or data.
- You get what you pay for.
- If you want reliability, consistency, and low latency then $1,000 USD is the bare minimum budget I recommend to achieve all of that.
- Many wireless systems are designed for film and on-set monitoring, not live production.
- Systems designed specifically for live broadcast production can easily cost $10,000 or more (see my last pick).
- Wireless will always have some amount of latency (delay). Even 1 millisecond of latency means a delay of one video frame at the receiving end.
- Latency can vary depending on many settings and conditions.
- Maximum distances claimed by manufacturers are only possible in perfect conditions. Expect reliable transmission distances to be about half of what manufacturers claim.
- Transmitting through walls and/or ceilings will cut the reliable transmission distance substantially, often by more than 75%.
- For best results, always place the receiver as close as possible to the transmitter, and within line-of-sight if possible.
- If a manufacturer offers upgraded external antennas for the unit you choose, definitely invest in them.
- Battery plates are often an added cost. Many systems only have standard DC power ports.
- Batteries are almost always an added cost. I recommend sticking with reputable brands like Anton Bauer, Sony, Canon, Core SWX, or IDX.
- Wireless frequencies and wireless laws will vary by country. Be sure to get wireless systems that are approved for your location.
IMAG & Live Production
If you plan on using any of these systems for live production (especially IMAG), then I highly recommend only using Teradek.
They have the lowest and most consistent latency out of all the other comparably-priced brands I've seen.
In the 100+ situations where I've used or seen wireless used in live production, Teradek performs the best by far.
Let's get started...
Wireless Video Transmission Systems
Teradek Ace
Get Latest Price on AmazonTeradek has been a trusted manufacturer of quality wireless video gear in both the film and TV industries for many years.
When you want a solid bang for the buck wireless system with low latency, look no further.
The lowest latency in the price range, multicasting, HDMI and SDI options, and decent transmission distances make the Ace series hard to beat.
Transmitter Inputs: HDMI (Ace 500) or 3G-SDI (Ace 800)
Receiver Outputs: HDMI (Ace 500 & Ace 800) or 3G-SDI (Ace 800)
Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
Maximum Transmission Distance: 500' (Ace 500) or 800' (Ace 800)
Transmitter Power: Optional Sony L-Series, Canon LP-E6, Canon BP-U, and Canon BP-9 plates
Receiver Power: AC (optional Gold or V-mount plates)
Minimum Latency: <1 ms
Multicasting: Yes (up to 4 receivers)
My Favorite Feature: Lowest latency for the price
Hollyland Mars 300 PRO
Get Latest Price on AmazonHollyland is one of the newest players in the wireless video market.
Designed more for film and on-set monitoring, their systems tend to have more latency compared to other options.
If you only need HDMI, are not worried about latency or mission-critical reliability, and are using the system within line-of-sight, then this can be a decent low-cost option.
IMPORTANT: This system has quite a bit of latency. I do not recommend it for IMAG or syncing with other wired cameras.
IMPORTANT: While the transmitter can receive frame rates of 23.98, 29.97, and 59.94, the receiver can only output the nearest rounded whole number (24, 30, or 60). This can be an issue when sending the receiver's output to a video production switcher or other gear that needs to have matching (or broadcast) frame rates.
Transmitter Inputs: HDMI
Receiver Outputs: HDMI
Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
Maximum Transmission Distance: 300'
Transmitter Power: Sony L-Series or USB-C (5-12V wide voltage power supply)
Receiver Power: Sony L-Series or USB-C (5-12V wide voltage power supply)
Minimum Latency: 80ms
Multicasting: No (1 transmitter to 1 receiver only)
My Favorite Feature: Monitoring through smartphone/tablet apps
CINEGEARS Ghost-Eye 300m
Get Latest Price on AmazonA somewhat newer manufacturer, Cinegears provides all kinds of wireless motion control and wireless video transmission for the film and broadcast industries.
Their Ghost-Eye line is a popular option, and offers a ton of value for the price.
Transmitter Inputs: HDMI and 3G-SDI
Receiver Outputs: HDMI and 3G-SDI
Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps (HDMI or SDI)
Maximum Transmission Distance: 2295' (984' line-of-sight ensured)
Transmitter Power: 2-Pin LEMO connector 7-36V DC
Receiver Power: 2-Pin LEMO connector 7-36V DC
Minimum Latency: <1 ms
Multicasting: Yes (up to 4 receivers)
My Favorite Feature: Transmission distances
Teradek Bolt 4K LT
Get Latest Price on Amazon (750') Get Latest Price on Amazon (1500')When you need professional features, reliability, greater transmission distances and low latency, the Bolt series has been a no-brainer for a long time.
One of the most popular wireless systems used on film sets today.
Capable of transmitting uncompressed DCI 4K up to 30 fps or 1080p up to 60 fps.
Two transmission distance options - 750' or 1500'.
Transmitter Inputs: HDMI and 3G-SDI
Receiver Outputs: HDMI and 3G-SDI
Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 4096 x 2160 at 30 fps (HDMI only) or up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps (HDMI or SDI)
Maximum Transmission Distance: 750' or 1500'
Transmitter Power: 2-Pin circular locking connector 6-28 VDC (optional Sony L-Series or Canon dual battery plates)
Receiver Power: 2-Pin circular locking connector 6-28 VDC (optional Gold or V-mount battery plates)
Minimum Latency: <1 ms
Multicasting: Yes (up to 6 receivers)
My Favorite Feature: 4K capability
Teradek Ranger
Get Latest Price on Amazon (HD) Get Latest Price on Amazon (4K)When you want bang for the buck quality and reliability to rival the high end RF systems, look no further.
Just about the best signal strength, frequency selection, transmission distance, and full feature support you can find in an off-the-shelf consumer solution.
It even operates on many unlicensed frequencies, so a license is not always required.
Transmitter Inputs: HDMI (HD and 4K versions), 3G-SDI (HD version), or 12G-SDI (4K version)
Receiver Outputs: HDMI (HD and 4K versions), 3G-SDI (HD version), or 12G-SDI (4K version)
Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps (4K version) or up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps (HD and 4K versions)
Maximum Transmission Distance: 3000' (5000' with included panel antenna)
Transmitter Power: 1 x 2-Pin LEMO (7 to 28 VDC) Input
Receiver Power: 1 x 2-Pin LEMO (6 to 28 VDC) Input
Minimum Latency: <1 ms
Multicasting: Yes (up to 6 receivers)
My Favorite Feature: Everything