What the thread found

• The G4 upgrade replaces transceiver boards with new hardware operating on different frequencies to reduce interference on crowded 2.4 GHz bands, costing $450 per wireless component.
• G4 boards are not backward-compatible with older components, requiring a complete system upgrade and preventing mixing old and new devices.
• The upgrade applies to HU3 handsets, MDR2, Radio Microforce, F/I handset, and V/F receiver, but older HU2 handsets cannot be upgraded.
• HU3 handsets report experiencing intermittent interference and iris control transients in some locations despite the G4 upgrade being designed to reduce these issues.
• HU2 handsets operated reliably on 2.4 GHz with some users reporting fewer problems than newer HU3 units in busy RF environments.
• Microforce units received a separate firmware upgrade enabling programmable soft stops and feathering curves for smoother zoom endpoints.
• Some locations with high RF activity showed reduced range performance with newer handsets even with antenna modifications.
• Battery life on G4-equipped handsets returned to levels comparable with older HU2 units after the upgrade.

Depends on

• Users experienced problems at specific locations like Paramount Studios and Universal, but causes remain unclear and may relate to local RF interference rather than the devices themselves.
• Reliability experiences with HU3 units vary widely between users, with some reporting no issues while others report persistent interference problems.
• The discussion involves unresolved disagreements about whether HU3 design or local RF environments caused reported problems.
• Limited information on whether G4 boards truly deliver the promised improved range and reliability across different shooting environments.
• No confirmation on pricing strategy or whether G4 adoption rates will eventually lead to cost reductions.

Gear in this thread

FI+Z, HU3, MDR

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