Wireless Transition HDMI vs HD-SDI?

[Frank Weeks]

We are in the process of purchasing a wireless transmitter system for use with the Epic and steadicam. We’re leaning toward the Paralinx Arrow+. We want the option to transmit to multiple locations. We're also leaning toward the HDMI version over HD-SDI.

My question’s to those in the know.

1. What advantages or disadvantages might we encounter by choosing the HDMI version?

2. Any issues with Paralinx Arrow+ that we should know about (other than their backlog)?

3. If delivery can’t be achieved by mid November, what alternative would you recommend?

 

[Bob Gundu]

I just noticed this other alternative to Paralinx.
http://www.camotionllc.com/radian-a-106.html

 

[Filip Vandoorne]

hdmi is the fastest.
if you use the sdi out of the camera, the wireless transmitter will probably internally convert the sdi to hdmi, then transmit it to a hdmi receiver, that sometimes also has a hdmi-sdi out convertor, both sdi-conversions add extra delay - as in visible delay in frames- to the signal. Test it and you will see it.
The best for the epic are hdmi transmitter and receivers = less delay.
also buy the versions with multiple receivers. you will thank me later for that.
The only reason why you would choose for the sdi versions, is that you have a +1 monitor module, so you loose the hdmi.

 

[Ted Parkes]

There was mention of this wireless system in another post. Its cheaper but looks to have about 1/2 the range. 160' vs 300' and we all know those numbers are usually very optimistic.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...reless_hd.html

 

[Björn Benckert]

My advice,
You need the +1 module sooner or later. That collide with using the HDMI.
HDMI is a consumer connector, not really suited for professional use, the connectors are easly broken, can unplug, etc. BNC connectors on the other hand are very reliable and have been in use for long time by professionals. For steady cam use I think even more so as the camera then gets tossed around quite a bit and cables will come out if possible.

We got a teradek bolt. Can strongly recommend it.just love it. It has SDI in out, so you are not loosing your SDI out. close to zero lag. Comes with two receivers and works like a charm. Normally it sits on the camera with velcro and is feed power from the +1.

Would love if red made a cooperation with teradek and made a bolt module, so the thing could be seated properly like the 1+ and get power from the camera without any cables nd have a similar connector to the SDI out as the +1 has for the HDMI out. Kind of like a small box to fit the bolt in with module connectors thats all. It would solve pretty much the whole meizler case.

 

[Bob Gundu]

I have this one and it's about a 100 foot range.

There was mention of this wireless system in another post. Its cheaper but looks to have about 1/2 the range. 160' vs 300' and we all know those numbers are usually very optimistic.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...reless_hd.html

 

[Ted Parkes]

Bob.. that particular unit is much less then some of the others and 100' is usually more then enough. How is the build quality and has it been reliable?

 

[Christopher Barrett]

I also grabbed one of those Nyrius. I just intended to use it with my laptop to send images to a client monitor when shooting stills. It worked out pretty well for my MōVi rig as well, receiving both signal and power from a little DP4 monitor on the gimbal. It's been rock solid so far. Doesn't do multi-rx like Paralinx and range is just ok.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Bob.. that particular unit is much less then some of the others and 100' is usually more then enough. How is the build quality and has it been reliable?

I bought it over a year ago. Works great. Take it out for a spin if you like.

 

[Ted Parkes]

Bob .. I might just take you up on that. I am shooting all next week so I'll be in touch.

 

[Dan Kanes]

Paralinx Crossbow allows you to choose hdmi or HD-SDI input to your Arrow or Arrow+

http://www.paralinx.net/store/paralinx-crossbow

We are the first and best in affordable wireless HD.

No one offers the level of service and support that we do.

ask Richard Greb - he's a customer of ours.

 

[Frank Weeks]

I just noticed this other alternative to Paralinx.
http://www.camotionllc.com/radian-a-106.html

Very interesting Bob. That's one I missed. Does it work at different frame rates?

both sdi-conversions add extra delay - as in visible delay in frames- to the signal. Test it and you will see it.

I'm being schooled here. Thanks Flip

There was mention of this wireless system in another post. Its cheaper but looks to have about 1/2 the range. 160' vs 300' and we all know those numbers are usually very optimistic.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...reless_hd.html

This one I saw. Concerns: Broadcasting to multiple receivers, Does it work at multiple Frame rates, must have 60fps ?

HDMI is a consumer connector, not really suited for professional use

You are absolutely right Bjorn. My problem is a strict budget. With new Mac Pro on the way I have to keep the price down but I totally agree with you.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in.

 

[Frank Weeks]

Paralinx Crossbow allows you to choose hdmi or HD-SDI input to your Arrow or Arrow+

http://www.paralinx.net/store/paralinx-crossbow

We are the first and best in affordable wireless HD.

No one offers the level of service and support that we do.

ask Richard Greb - he's a customer of ours.

Thanks Dan. I've wanted the Paralinx since I spoke to you at NAB. My concern... when will you be shiping Arrow plus? Time is a bit critical.

 

[Björn Benckert]

You are absolutely right Bjorn. My problem is a strict budget. With new Mac Pro on the way I have to keep the price down but I totally agree with you.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in.

Then I would say rent instead. We tested a few low cost alternatives and all of them pretty much cause more hassle than they do good. The prices for the working ones will fall quite rapidly so waiting a little before buying is probably the smartest thing to do.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Rich is a customer? Hmmm... should I read between the lines?

Paralinx Crossbow allows you to choose hdmi or HD-SDI input to your Arrow or Arrow+

http://www.paralinx.net/store/paralinx-crossbow

We are the first and best in affordable wireless HD.

No one offers the level of service and support that we do.

ask Richard Greb - he's a customer of ours.

 

[Steve Das]

I just noticed this other alternative to Paralinx.
http://www.camotionllc.com/radian-a-106.html

And here is yet another...

http://rebotnix.com/?page_id=2673
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...Or you can go straight to the well from which all the water flows..

http://cv-hd.com/index.asp

http://cv-hd.en.alibaba.com/
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hdmi is the fastest.
if you use the sdi out of the camera, the wireless transmitter will probably internally convert the sdi to hdmi, then transmit it to a hdmi receiver, that sometimes also has a hdmi-sdi out convertor, both sdi-conversions add extra delay - as in visible delay in frames- to the signal. Test it and you will see it.
The best for the epic are hdmi transmitter and receivers = less delay.

Yes..seems like you pay in speed for the more Pro connection.
If everyone uses the same HDMI chips..then the only difference is
the SDI systems have simply slower built-in internal SDI-HDMI convertors.

As for Nyrius...someone at this discussion claims the home version has more range than both the regular Nyrius Prime and the Nyrius Pro version.

The Pro device is the same as the Prime, the only difference seems to be the IR unit which is conveniently missing it's transmitter bulb but present on the circuit board. I haven't found any difference in range between the two. The one that is different is the "Home". I have gotten much better range with that unit, the actual output milliwatts seem to be higher.

http://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3706#p39156

 

[Bob Gundu]

As the MOVI's become popular, I expect to also see a slew of the these type of units hit the floor.

 

[JanneJansson]

Teradek Bolt is very good, but $2500 is with good marginal. You can just combine encoder, transmitter, reciver, decoder.. and build yourself and it's far less then $200 for a long range (more then 1km) full 1080 hd link with just 10-15 frames lag. Here is one we used recetly on a multirotor that weight was 50g.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_dUUK8adNo

 

[Frank Weeks]

And here is yet another...

They're popping up everywhere. Good catch Steve.

Can anyone comment on whether frame rate has any effect on the ability to transmit and receive? Paralinx lists except-able frame rates. Up tp 60P I believe. None of the others mention it. I don't want to find out that I can only shoot at 30fps.

 

[Frank Weeks]

Teradek Bolt is very good, but $2500 is with good marginal. You can just combine encoder, transmitter, reciver, decoder.. and build yourself and it's far less then $200 for a long range (more then 1km) full 1080 hd link with just 10-15 frames lag. Here is one we used recetly on a multirotor that weight was 50g.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_dUUK8adNo

Love that shot and multi rotor. Great. Wish I was better at building stuff.