Wireless video transmitters for broadcast use: legality, power output, frequency selection, and antenna design considerations

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2004Video Assist and Video Accessories forum

22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

Transmitters operating on 1.2 GHz microwave frequency at 1.5 watts output are illegal in many countries but legal in others, requiring verification of local regulations before purchase and use.
Low power output between 10 milliwatts and 0.5 watts can deliver acceptable image quality at short ranges of 10 to 30 meters, while higher power is needed for longer unobstructed line-of-sight distances up to several kilometers.
Transmitter antenna design significantly affects signal strength, with a full-wavelength antenna producing approximately four times the output strength of a quarter-wavelength antenna.
A full-wavelength antenna at 2 GHz measures approximately 5.9 inches in length, making it compact enough for practical use without major inconvenience.
Low-quality transmitter output can cause electromagnetic interference with nearby electronic equipment such as monitors and recorders, preventable through high-quality shielded cables.
Receiver quality is more critical than transmitter output power in determining final image quality in wireless video systems.
Using antenna designs that exceed equipment specifications may render legal transmitters illegal even if power output remains within legal limits, potentially nullifying equipment certification.

Discussion references transmitters from unspecified manufacturers and countries with varying regulatory environments.
Antenna interference effects described as becoming more problematic at higher frequencies but specific conditions not detailed.
Legality of specific frequency and power combinations varies by jurisdiction and may change over time.
Claims about antenna design calculations and their effects are provided without detailed testing data or documentation.