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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Wireless HD on set monitoring

Eric Ulbrich

Eric Ulbrich

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Ive seen the cam waves. They are cool, but man waaaay too big and bulky. I want to see something thats no bigger than a small breakout box. I hear transvideo had something at NAB. Did anyone see it?
 
I used the camwave 2 weeks ago, the quality is unbelievable, you couldn't see the difference between wireless and with a cable... No delay at all.

But as mentionned, it's quite bulky (but not as heavy as it looks).

Not sure about the range, it worked for what we were doing but we didn't push it very much.
 
Haven't seen other options that are as solid as the Cam Wave at its price point. The boxx product looks more robust, but has external antennae and a couple thousand more I think. The IDX product is actually called the CW-5HD Transmission System. Might be able to find for a bit more than 5k for the transmitter and receiver. I demoed it live yesterday at REDucation. We may be using it in our upcoming handheld RED shoot. I think that anyone's opinion of if it is bulky or not is very subjective. It has a Sony V-mount that lets you put the transmitter in between your RED and the battery. It is lighter than it looks. The Transmitter and the Receiver are 1.6 lbs each. I walked with the receiver hooked to a small lcd screen across the room and outside the building before the signal broke up. After walking outside 10 feet from the closed door, it lost full signal. But this was at about 80-100 feet through the vendor hall where there was lots of other electronic gear running and REDs on sticks. I didn't see any signal degradation at all until about 70 feet, and then it was just the occasional thin horizontal line glitch through the screen. It went around a wall just fine at 50 feet. Take this info for what it's worth. I certainly didn't have the chance to demo it in a set environment with c-stands and lights. I may get that chance early next week and will post more info if I do.

http://www.idxtek.com/products/trans_sys.html

Benjamin Hopkins
 
We rent and sell the Cam Waves and they are very popular, especially for the RED. I've tested it beyond 150' and get regular 100' runs in the office where there are many walls, lots of electronics, etc.
 
Has there been no news about the Boxx system? I recall a thread where a couple of people were going to be testing them, but that was a while back.
 
During a Transvideo demo, few weeks ago, they told me they'll present a new lighter & cheaper system at IBC but I can't find any news in their web. I think we're still a bit away from a good light system that at least cover 100m at reasonable price point.
 
Spoke go boxx and transvideo yesterday. The transvideo system hasn't even been fully finished and manufactured yet, they apparently have only one unit and it's not even in the office. Boxx is a European company. I spoke to their USA rep. He said that they are trying to match growing demand in america. We should see some products in a couple of weeks. Trying to get a way to test em all and write something for the forum.
 
Mich, I heard/read that the IDX has issues in wide open spaces and performs better indoors and even across walls. Have you tested this?

I wonder if there is a particular product that performs better in open fields?
 
Interesting as that defies common conception. But I have not personally tested for the variance.
 
That's what i heard as well. Apparently, on the frequency they are using, multipath reflections of the signal means they get a better feed. Not sure if i make sense. But that's what i heard.

yean
 
jimhare said:
Hey Cail,

Definitely interested but only need it seven times a year. Will you be renting yours out if you get it?

Cheers,

Jim
Click to expand...

The idea is to build a video-split package using it for cine crews, but no doubt we would part it out as a dry-hire on its own... I'll be in touch if we pull the trigger.
 
I've seen both systems in action - I handled the Boxx system at NAB and we use IDX here daily.
-Both are easy to use, simple flip of switch. Its all auto.
-Boxx supports component. IDX Doesn't
-Boxx costs a little more. $5k versus $7500
-Boxx must be mounted with antennas but has short antenna versions and smaller footprint.
-Boxx offers an extended antenna that can reach farther than 250ft.
-IDX has shorter range than Boxx. I was able to walk from one side of RED Ballroom at NAB to the other side with no signal loss. IDX would have cut out.
-IDX works better in open range. I have never personally experienced a situation where walls actually "improved" the signal. I'm not sure I can believe that.

In the end, we use IDX and love them. Their customer service is top notch. But we are also looking forward to using Boxx. I think there is almost room for both, depending on your operation.
 
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