DJI Releases Innovative and Affordable SDR Video Transmission System

The DJI SDR Transmission system is a clever new way to send wireless video to external displays using Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology that balances reliability and value. For the last few years, wireless video transmission systems have been strictly segmented into professional and consumer tiers. Pro options could get you latency-free video but cost thousands of dollars, while more budget-friendly options were often saddled with latency and a less stable feed. DJI is looking to bridge the gap with the DJI SDR Transmission system, using proprietary anti-interference SDR tech that should outperform similarly priced Wi-Fi based systems and be able to connect to a reportedly unlimited number of receivers.

The SDR Transmission system comes as a combo pack with a transmitter or a receiver, as well as standalone transmitter and receiver packs. That receiver is essential if you want the best quality signal, and features SDI, HDMI, and USB-C outputs for compatibility with on-camera monitors, field monitors, smartphones, and tablets. Phone and Tablet Holder Kits are available to help you easily mount the receiver. The transmitter can use Wi-Fi to send video straight to a tablet or phone without the receiver, but the signal won't be as strong and you'll be limited to two connections per transmitter.

The SDR connection between the transmitter and receiver is the real star of the show here, with DJI confirming that it can send 1080p video up to 60fps at a max bitrate of 20 Mb/s. There are three bandwidth options in play when using SDR: 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). The transmitter can seamlessly jump between them to avoid interference and keep the signal clean, with the 5.8 GHz frequencies particularly useful in high-density situations like live events, press conferences, and houses of worship. With ideal weather conditions, DJI says the system should be able to transmit thousands of feet.

The transmitter has three modes: Control for maximum transmission range and gimbal control, Broadcast for multiple receivers at a closer distance, and Wi-Fi for phone and tablet use with no receiver. It remains to be seen whether latency will be low enough to use the system for focus pulling (the Achilles heel of most affordable video transmission systems), but speed and quality should be more than sufficient for a director's monitor, client monitors, or integrating feeds into a livestream. SDR technology has been in development at the company for over a decade, and they're confident this can be an ideal solution for smaller and medium-sized crews not yet needing the full DJI Transmission system.

As you'd expect from DJI, there's deep compatibility with their gimbals, namely the DJI RS4, RS4 Pro, and RS3 Pro. The gimbals can power the SDR transmitter, as well as enable Force Mobile, a virtual joystick, gimbal recentering, partial camera control, and more from any smart device connected to the receiver. If you're not using one of those three gimbals, the system takes NP-F style batteries and is super lightweight, ideal for mounting on mirrorless camera rigs. By having the software-based SDR tech do the bulk of the processing, onboard components in the transmitter and receiver are smaller than comparable models, and the antennas even fold down for easy transport.

For more information about the new SDR Transmission system, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we'll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.