DJI has launched SDR Transmission, a new video transmission system designed to make advanced software defined radio (SDR) technology more accessible. At its core, it’s an affordable Wi-Fi-based wireless video system with a long operating range and a claimed latency of just 35ms.
It is designed for small and medium film crews and it is said to provide enhanced stability, strong interference resistance and robust penetration capabilities. It also supports direct transmission to smartphones or tablets via Wi-Fi.
Most important features
- Complete receiver/transmitter system
- SDR Tri-Bandwidth 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
- Ronin compatible
- HDMI, SDI and USB-C connections
- High bit rate up to 20 Mb/s
- 35ms low latency
“From the beginning, we wanted our DJI PRO line to be a comprehensive and reliable ecosystem of drones, cameras, and tools for creators, both for professional filmmakers in the industry and for content creators and aspiring storytellers. By listening closely to user feedback, we continue to expand our offering of creative camera technologies with careful attention to what’s needed. Our new DJI SDR Transmission delivers the same film- and television-level image quality, but at a more accessible price point for more emerging filmmakers.”
Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI
3KM / 1.8 miles in operation Reach
With SDR technology, the DJI SDR Transmission is said to guarantee stable video transmissions even in complex shooting environments. On the monitors, filmmakers see 1080p/60fps live feeds with a bitrate of up to 20Mbps and a latency of only 35 milliseconds.
Video can be transmitted up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). Combined with superior penetration capabilities, live video feeds remain stable even in complex recording environments.
When interference occurs on a channel, the device automatically switches to the 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and DFS frequency bands to find the most optimal channel.
Various monitoring methods
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 directly connecting the transmitter to smartphones/tablets via Wi-Fi for monitoring.
3. Supports connecting the receiver to a smartphone/tablet via a USB-C cable for monitoring.
In broadcast mode, the device can connect to an unlimited number of receivers, allowing multiple participants to collaborate for a high-quality monitoring experience.
The receiver can connect to monitors via SDI/HDMI and smartphones and tablets via USB-C or Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi option provides a cost-effective, dual-channel monitoring experience without the need for another receiver.
In SDR mode, Control mode provides remote stabilizer control, seamless automatic frequency hopping, and stronger anti-interference capability. When the number of connected receivers is not more than two, it is recommended to use Control mode and turn off Broadcast mode.
In SDR mode, Broadcast mode supports unlimited receivers, but it compromises the transmission range and bit rate compared to Control mode. It is suitable for scenarios such as TVC recording, where a short-range connection with multiple receivers is needed for monitoring.
The Wi-Fi mode allows direct connection via Wi-Fi 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 real-time one-to-one communication between the receiver and transmitter, allowing for seamless conversations between the camera operator and director or client at any time.
Inputs and outputs
| Video I/O | Transmitter: 1x HDMI (unspecified signal) input Transmitter: 1x BNC (unspecified SDI) input Transmitter: 1x USB-C (unspecified signal) input Receiver: 1x HDMI (unspecified signal) Output Receiver: 1x BNC (unspecified SDI) output Receiver: 1x USB-C (unspecified signal) Output |
| Audio input/output | Transmitter/Receiver: 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm output |
Remote camera control
When paired with the DJI RS Series Stabilizers, the DJI SDR supports Transmission Force Mobile, virtual joystick, and gimbal centering functions. When paired with a camera, it can support PTP control, display and adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and even activate the camera’s photo and video recording functions through the app. It can also support CEC control of Sony cameras to bring Mirror Control mode into play.
When connected to devices such as RS 4 Pro, RS 4, and RS 3 Pro, DJI SDR Transmission can be powered through the gimbal, and Force Mobile, virtual joystick, gimbal re-centering, and more functions are enabled. Please note that when the DJI SDR Transmission Transmitter is connected to a stabilizer, the stabilizer combo multi-camera control cable must be used and ActiveTrack is unavailable. In addition, native vertical shooting setting is not supported when the DJI SDR Transmission Transmitter is connected to a stabilizer via the adapter plate.
The integrated power supply design allows the transmitter to be mounted on the gimbal when used with the DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4, or DJI RS 3 Pro and powered directly from the gimbal, eliminating the need for a separate battery.
You can adjust parameters such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO via a shutter release cable (depending on the camera system, with adjustment response times ranging from about 0.5 to 1 second), as well as trigger shooting. In addition, you can access a camera’s Mirror Control mode via an HDMI cable.
Collaboration within DJI PRO
DJI SDR Transmission can transmit metadata, making collaboration during filming easier. 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 adjusted via SDI, giving directors, cinematographers, and DIT teams real-time access to detailed shooting information.
The app supports local recording and you can watch the recorded content on the playback page.
The app also has monitoring tools such as LUT, peaking, waveform and false color.
Versatile feeding options
The DJI SDR Transmission uses a standard PD protocol charger with a USB-C power input. It can also be powered directly by DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4, or DJI RS 3 Pro when mounted and used together, eliminating the need for a separate battery. By themselves, both the transmitter and receiver support industry-standard NP-F batteries.
Dimensions and weight
The DJI SDR Transmission is designed to travel with a crew. With a lightweight design, a single transmitter or receiver weighs just 145 g (5.1 oz). The antenna is collapsible, making it easy to carry and store.
Price & Availability
The DJI SDR transmitter and accessories are available today through store.dji.com, DJI Stores, DJI authorized resellers and other retailers.
- DJI SDR Transmission Combo: $549 USD
- DJI SDR Transmission Transmitter: $309 USD
- DJI SDR Transmission Receiver: $309 USD
- DJI SDR Transmission Phone Holder Kit: $49 USD
- DJI SDR Transmission Tablet Holder Kit: $49 USD
- RX to Phone Connection Cable (USB-C to USB-C, 22cm): $10 USD
Specifications
Thoughts
The DJI SDR Transmission appears to be a feature-rich system with a long range, relatively low latency and an affordable price.
It will undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on companies that make compressed wireless video transmission systems with much shorter operating distances.