As we transition back from virtual living to in-person interactions, the demand for live production has only increased. We know now that hybrid environments of virtual and physical space are more desirable to audience members and event coordinators alike, because they maximize the number of people you can reach. But with these types of events comes a host of issues, whether that be from connectivity to video quality—remotely and with on-site displays. A notable name in the wireless transmission sphere, Teradek has proven itself to be a valuable tool on feature film sets, among other applications. When it comes to navigating the issues commonly associated with streaming and conducting live events, Teradek has a wide assortment of transmission and monitoring solutions to maximize communication at every step of your production.
Spark 4K Wireless Transmission System
When covering a live event, your camera operators already have enough cables and connections to think about, let alone configuring a wireless transmitter. That’s where the Spark 4K steps up. Internal antennas yield an ultra-portable device with minimal cable runs. Its plug-and-play interface means all you need to do is switch the components on and you are ready to transmit up to 4K video to the receiver from up to 500' away. The transmission is AES-128 encrypted for extra security and operates over a 5 GHz wireless frequency. Ultra-low latency of less than 0.01 milliseconds eliminates device delays for maximum accuracy. You can purchase additional transmitters and receivers separately for an ecosystem that grows with your production. The Spark 4K is ideal for sports events or concerts at which your camera operator might be moving around to catch the action. No need to worry about transmitting in a crowded arena, since the system uses smart frequency hopping to find a clear channel.
Bolt 6 Series
If you’re looking to upgrade your preexisting transmission system with new and improved technology, look no further than the Bolt 6 Series. This system is outfitted with the new 6 GHz frequency band, which strengthens your signal hopping while allowing for cross compatibility with previous Bolt devices. Workflow-specific models are available to expand your connectivity to HDMI, increase your transmission distance from 750' to 5000', or utilize Gold-mount or V-mount batteries. Additionally, transmitter or receiver Monitor Modules connect to SmallHD Cine 7 on-camera monitors to transmit the video directly from the monitor itself. 6 GHz is a game-changer for live production, especially in sports arena applications where there are high-traffic RF frequencies. While coaches communicate to their athletes via headset and event staff organize over radios, you can keep your production on track without risk of interference.
Wave Smart Streaming Monitor and Encoder
Planning a broadcast for your next festival programmed presentation or Q&A? Monitor your camera and video sources while streaming to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch with the Teradek Wave. There is no need to bring two separate devices, thanks to this dual-function monitor and encoder, making the Wave a space-saving solution for your production. The monitor can support and encode HDMI video up to 1080p60 and is visible even in bright daylight, for outdoor events, thanks to its 1000-nit screen. It boasts various forms of connectivity to ensure your stream remains stable. From Wi-Fi 6 to Gigabit Ethernet and even LTE mobile hotspots using the USB Type-A port, the Wave circumvents any connectivity issues you might experience at your concert venue or outdoor stage.
Stream to multiple social media platforms with an optional subscription to Teradek’s CORE service. You can even create a redundant signal by bonding cellular and network connections. If one connection becomes unreliable, the Wave will balance across the other connections to avoid choppy streams. The 7" touchscreen display with FlowOS allows you to configure event-specific setups in advance and save those settings for future events. This means you can return to the same venue easily and shoot a similar event with minimal set-up time. Livestreamed concerts have become a popularized post-pandemic phenomenon and the Wave is perfect for broadcasting to multiple platforms without risk of your signal dropping out.
Serv Micro and Serv 4K Wireless Transmitters
In slightly larger production applications where you might have a director or producer monitoring multiple cameras, the Serv Micro streamlines communication between departments on set or remotely. Capable of connecting to up to 10 devices, the transmitter can distribute 1080p30 streams of a four-camera setup to remote and in-person participants. When connected to a local network, expand the ecosystem to up to 20 devices using the VUER app. Unlock streaming to social media platforms with a subscription to Teradek's CORE service. No longer is communication between your broadcast director and event coordinator restricted to one monitor; stream a live feed of the event as it happens to multiple monitors in the studio and green room to keep your production staff and talent in the loop. The whole stream is 256-bit encrypted for secure sharing. Record the footage to an SD card for review after the event. Collaboration extends into post-production when you’re creating social-media cuts of the broadcast. Share your editor’s workflow with high color accuracy for input from the rest of the team. Live messaging and voice chat makes it easy to communicate notes back and forth.
Want something with 4K video support and more connectivity? Look no further than the Serv 4K, which can receive HDMI and 12G-SDI inputs up to DCI 4K at 60p. The Serv 4K features a lot of the same characteristics as the Micro—up to 20 connected devices locally, 256-bit encryption, SD card recording—but the biggest difference is its ability to integrate with Frame.io camera to cloud software. This delivers your footage automatically to an unlimited number of devices while simultaneously streaming the event. The 4K’s 12G-SDI output is compatible with SDI specific systems, as opposed to the Micro with its HDMI output.
Smartphone App Control Ecosystems
Teradek further proves it understands the importance of streamlined communication by equipping its products with smartphone-app control capabilities. Each device, from the Spark 4K to the Wave to the Serv Micro and Serv 4K, has its own respective iOS- and Android-compatible app for controlling and monitoring its performance. Maintain your wireless connection, turn devices on and off, and configure your system all from your phone. For the Serv Micro, Serv 4K, and Spark 4K, which only have small onboard screens and limited onboard controls, these apps work to display your signal quality and adjust more advanced settings from one place. You are also able to monitor and control your systems even when you step away from production.
What issues do you encounter in your live productions? Let us know in the Comments section, below, how Teradek products help you circumvent those problems.
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