The growing needs to high quality video production give birth to various choices for video transmission, from simple wired system to advanced wireless systems. In most cases, a wireless one is of more popularity. Maybe you are not familiar with it. So today let's have a look at it.
Types of wireless video transmission
Although analog video is still transmitted somewhere, digital video becomes more and more widely used because its distortion-less image, high stability and security, while enhances the application of wireless transmission. There are three types including point-to-point, point-to multi-point and mesh in wireless networking. What are they?
Point-to-point network means wireless transmission of video signal between two independent nodes. Generally, personal video production mainly uses point-to-point transmission.
In Point-to-Multipoint networking, signals and data transmit and receive between a base node and two or more nodes, which is a kind of more practical and economical network to set up than cables network, especially on places with difficult terrains.
As for mesh networking, the stability of wireless video transmission could be more ensured, which is due to the connection way of nodes. In a large network, there are numbers of nodes among which the data move from one to the other until it reaches its destination. Therefore, the network can keep working normally even one or more nodes go something wrong, which makes the system increasingly be applied for video transmission in corporations and colleges.
How does it work?
Generally speaking, a wireless video transmission system builds a point-to-point signal transmission between a transmitter and receiver. During the process, the wireless transmitter collects audio and video from the input source, and delivers HDMI signals to the receiver by using low band frequencies without cables. The receiver decodes signals to devices with a usable output, usually camcorders, DSLR cameras, field monitors, etc.
Relying on Dynamic Frequency Selection, a technology that could positively identify and choose an available channel and optimal frequency with the minimum interference to signals, HDMI wireless transmitter for camera is able to transmit reliable and high quality HD or 4K signal within 1s latency.
Pros and Cons
Every coin has two coins. When you are using it, there are also some advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
No cable clutter. Using wireless video transmission system makes everything organized and clean, without cable mess whatever you install transmitter onto the camera or immerse yourself in video post-production.
HD image transmission. High definition is an important factor to consider when you choose a transmitter receiver kit. Some kits could deliver high-quality video up to 1080p60Hz, suitable for most of demanding shooting occasions such as sports event, live concert, etc.
Simple setup. The transmitter and receiver are usually built with mounting holes and easy to install onto your cameras for video transmission. Just simply connect them with your devices.
Flexibility. For some places with limited space like studio, office or conference room, wireless video HDMI is more flexible than HDMI cables. You could start interviewing, tutoring and conferencing anywhere you like.
Cons
Limited range. Most wireless video transmission systems tend to work in the distance that the description restricts, like 300ft or 400ft. Going beyond the range may affect transmission quality.
Signal interference. Although advanced technology is adopted to minimize interference, sometimes shooting at outdoors may be affected by environmental factors such as some frequencies, electronic devices, obstacles etc.
How to choose good wireless video transmission device?
Three basic aspects following deserve to be considered in terms of choosing wireless video transmission devices.
1. Decide connected equipment
First of all, it is necessary to figure out what video equipment you use as input source and output destination. Some kits have SDI or HDMI inputs outputs or both. You could choose one video transmission system with corresponding interfaces with your devices.
2. Consider transmission distance
Wireless video system has its own transmission distance which can be affected by actual shooting distance and obstructions. Thus, you may need to know the needed transmission distance of your video and how many obstacles may exist between the transmitter and receiver beforehand. The range of video transmission can be divided into line of sight and non line of sight. For one wireless video transmission system, it supports to transmit longer distance in line of sight than non line of sight because obstructions will shorten the transmission distance significantly. So have a whole analysis of the shooting environment before you get a wireless transmission device. For example, if you are going to send HDMI video to backstage or spectator seats, a mid-long-range HDMI transmission system could be an ideal partner.
3. Set acceptable delay time
The latency in wireless transmission of video may affect your work a lot. It is better to learn about how much latency the transmission system produce and predict how much effects it could make to your video. If the picture and audio are not in sync or other sync problems come up, the quality of video would be decreased a lot. The lower latency you desire, the higher-quality system you may need.
Conclusion
If you set about a project of video transmission, a wireless system could be a great problem solver. It captures both audio and video signals and transmit them over distance without using cables, which is friendly to beginners. Get one and try it. Soon you may find amazing in them.
