DJI has launched SDR Transmission, a new video transmission system that makes advanced software-defined radio (SDR) technology available. Essentially, it is an affordable W-Fi based wireless video system with a long operating range and a claimed latency of just 35ms.
Designed for small and medium-sized film crews, it is claimed to offer increased stability, strong immunity to interference and robust penetration capabilities. It also supports direct streaming to smartphones or tablets via Wi-Fi.
Key properties
- Complete receiver/transmitter system
- Tri-Bandwidth SDR technology
- DFS, 2.4 and 5.8 GHz with automatic hopping
- Resolution up to 1080p60
- Range up to 1.9 miles
- Broadcast and control modes
- Compatible with Ronin
- HDMI, SDI and USB-C connections
- High transfer speed up to 20 Mb/s
- Low latency of 35ms
“From the beginning, we intended our DJI PRO line to be a comprehensive and reliable ecosystem of drones, cameras and creator tools for both professional filmmakers in the industry, content creators and aspiring storytellers. We listen carefully to user feedback and constantly expand our offering of creative camera technology with careful attention to what is needed. Our new DJI SDR transmission delivers the same film and TV-level image transmission quality, but at a more affordable price for other filmmakers.”
Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI
Traffic 3 km / 1.8 miles Range
With SDR technology, DJI SDR Transmission is claimed to ensure stable video transmission even in complex shooting environments. On the monitors, filmmakers will see a live broadcast of 1080p/60fps with a data rate of up to 20 Mbps and a delay of only 35 milliseconds.
Videos can be transmitted up to a distance of 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). Coupled with excellent penetration capabilities, live video feeds remain stable even in complex shooting environments.
When faced with interference on a channel, it automatically jumps through the 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and DFS frequency bands to find the most optimal channel.
Different monitoring methods
The DJI SDR transmission supports the simultaneous output of three SDR signals and two Wi-Fi signals, enabling various monitoring options:
1. Supports output to monitors via SDI/HDMI for monitoring.
2. Supports connecting the transmitter to smartphones/tablets directly via Wi-Fi for monitoring.
3. Supports connecting the receiver to a smartphone/tablet via USB-C cable for monitoring.
In broadcast mode, it can connect to an unlimited number of receivers, providing a high-quality monitoring experience for multiple collaborators.
The receiver can be connected to monitors via SDI/HDMI and smartphones and tablets via USB-C or Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi option enables cost-effective two-channel viewing without an additional receiver.
In SDR mode, the control mode enables remote stabilizer control, smooth automatic frequency hopping and stronger anti-jamming functions. When the number of connected receivers does not exceed two, it is recommended to use the control mode and turn off the broadcast mode.
In SDR mode, broadcast mode supports an unlimited number of receivers, but reduces the transmission range and transmission speed compared to Control mode. It is suitable for scenarios such as TVC shooting where a short distance connection to multiple receivers is needed for monitoring.
Wi-Fi mode allows direct Wi-Fi connection without the need for a receiver (after downloading the Ronin app). It is suitable for temporary monitoring with up to two terminals connected at the same time.
DJI SDR Transmission also enables one-to-one real-time communication between the receiver and transmitter, enabling a seamless conversation between the cameraman and the director or client at any time.
Inputs and outputs
| Video I/O | Transmitter: 1x HDMI input (Unspecified signal). Transmitter: 1x BNC (Unspecified SDI) input Transmitter: 1x USB-C (Unspecified Signal) input Receiver: 1x HDMI output (Unspecified signal). Receiver: 1x BNC output (Unspecified SDI). Receiver: 1x USB-C output (Unspecified Signal). |
| Audio I/O | Transmitter/receiver: 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm output |
Remote camera control
The DJI SDR Gearbox, which is used with the DJI RS series stabilizers, supports Force Mobile, virtual joystick and gimbal centering. When paired with a camera, it can support PTP control, display and set aperture, shutter, ISO, and even trigger the camera’s photo-taking and video-recording functions via the app. It can also support CEC control of Sony cameras to bring the Mirror Control mode into play.
When connected with devices such as the RS 4 Pro, RS 4 and RS 3 Pro, DJI SDR Transmission can be powered via the gimbal and enables Force Mobile, virtual joystick, gimbal centering and other functions. Please note that when the DJI SDR Transmitter is connected to the gimbal, the multi-camera control cable from the gimbal combo must be used and ActiveTrack will not be available. Additionally, when the DJI SDR Transmitter is connected to the stabilizer via the adapter board, the native vertical scan setting is not supported.
Thanks to the integrated power supply design, when used with DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4 or DJI RS 3 Pro, the transmitter can be mounted on the gimbal and powered directly, eliminating the need for a separate battery.
You can adjust parameters such as aperture, shutter and ISO via the shutter cable (depending on the camera system with a response time of around 0.5 to 1 second), as well as the trigger record. In addition, you can access the Mirror Control mode with an HDMI cable.
Collaboration across DJI PRO
DJI SDR Transmission can transmit metadata, facilitating collaboration during filming. When DJI SDR Transmission is connected to the DJI Ronin app in broadcast mode, users can seamlessly switch between camera indexes within the app. Mainstream cinema cameras such as ARRI and RED can be edited with SDI, giving directors, cinematographers and DIT teams real-time access to detailed shooting information.
The app supports local recording and the recorded content can be checked on the playback page.
The application also has monitoring assistance tools such as LUT, peaks, waveforms and false colors,
Versatile power options
DJI SDR Transmission uses a standard PD protocol charger with a USB-C input. It can also be powered directly from the DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4 or DJI RS 3 Pro when mounted and used together, eliminating the need for a separate battery. Both the transmitter and receiver separately support industry standard NP-F batteries.
Size & Weight
The DJI SDR Gearbox is designed for traveling with a crew on the go. Thanks to the lightweight design, a single transmitter or receiver weighs only 145 g (5.1 oz). The antenna is collapsible for easy portability and storage.
Price & Availability
DJI SDR Transmission and accessories are available for purchase starting today at store.dji.com, DJI Stores, DJI Authorized Retailers and other stores.
- DJI SDR Combo Gearbox: $549
- DJI SDR Transmitter: $309
- DJI SDR Broadcast Receiver: $309
- DJI SDR Phone Holder Kit: $49
- DJI SDR Tablet Mount Kit: $49
- RX to Phone Cable (USB-C to USB-C, 22cm): $10
Specifications
Thoughts
DJI SDR Transmission looks like a very feature-rich system with long range, relatively low latency, and an affordable price.
It has to put a lot of pressure on companies making compressed wireless video transmission systems with a much shorter operating range.