2007Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Wireless broadcast video transmission systems for multi-camera studio and field production
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Wireless triax systems from manufacturers like Gigawave, Link Research, and Thomson/Grass Valley are the standard broadcast-quality options and are typically integrated into broadcast trucks or available for rental.
- Digital microwave link systems such as Cam-Wave and the-boxx offer affordable stable connections but introduce approximately 12 frame delay, making them unsuitable for multi-camera live mixing without audio delay compensation.
- Gigawave manufactures a wireless dockable triax back compatible with Sony broadcast cameras that connects the triax cable from the CCU to a wireless antenna, eliminating the need for physical cable runs.
- Wireless triax systems have become increasingly practical for Steadicam and mobile camera work as antenna sizes shrink, camera weights decrease, and range increases while line-of-sight requirements become less critical.
- Frame delay, battery consumption, and equipment weight are practical considerations when deploying wireless broadcast systems in the field.
Depends on
- Information is from 2007 and reflects technology available at that time.
- Gigawave wireless triax systems rental costs were approximately 1000 dollars per day as of this discussion period.
- Specific compatibility information provided only for Sony D30, D35, and D50 camera models.
- Digital microwave systems require matching audio delay using separate equipment to synchronize with video.
- Wireless triax systems are described as expensive to purchase and typically provided by broadcasters or rental companies rather than individual operators.