We've recently talked quite a bit about the Teradek Cube's unique combination of capabilities -- but if zero-latency, "mission critical" wireless HD monitoring is needed, the Bolt is Teradek's purpose-built solution. Offering both HDMI and HD-SDI pairs, the Bolt is capable of completing a wireless follow-focus package or rough-and-ready director's monitor. When paired with Convergent Design's monitor/recorder Odyssey7Q, twin Bolt receivers allow the 7Q to monitor not one but two camera feeds wirelessly. This, in addition to the two-thousand foot range of the upcoming Bolt Pro 2000 unit, may present some exciting monitoring options for the future.
Here's a sneak-peak from Mitch Gross, Director of Communications at Convergent Design, showing off something very intriguing. Not only are two Bolt receivers mounted to the Odyssey7Q, but each is providing a separate camera feed into the unit for simultaneous viewing via its quad-split mode. He also teases both Anton Bauer and Sony L-Series battery plate options, rounding out the self-contained set-up. "Look mom, no hands" indeed! Check it out, with thanks to Cinescopophilia for the find:
The multiple inputs of the Odyssey7Q can be configured and routed into the unit for many implementations of both recording and monitoring. There's no doubt, especially with the accessories Mr. Gross demonstrates above, that the Odyssey7Q is going to be one handy little unit.
As if that weren't interesting enough, Teradek has also released some teaser material for upcoming product. Apparently not satisfied with the traditional Bolt's 300 foot range line-of-sight (adequate for a number of applications), the company has recently introduced the Bolt Pro 2000, visible above. And, just as it sounds, this beefier unit seeks to extend the range of the family's wireless monitoring abilities -- to the magnitude of two-thousand feet. Check the video below for a field demonstration:
According to Teradek's preview page for the Bolt Pro 2000:
At less than 1ms latency, Bolt Pro 2000 can transmit 1080p60 4:2:2 video at up to 2000ft line of sight over the unlicensed 5GHz band. With an upcoming free firmware upgrade, all Bolt Pro 2000s will be multicast capable up to 4 receivers. The Bolt Pro 2000 offers 3G-SDI video connections and multiple RP-SMA connectors for external antennas. To power both units, Bolt Pro 2000 ships with a Lemo to PTap cable and your choice of V- or AB-mount plates for the receiver.
In addition to the multicast ability, the most obvious feature to write home about is the Pro 2000's incredible range. I wrote recently about the unit's cousin the Cube, and why its ability to tie into expansible WiFi infrastructure made it potentially less susceptible to range and interference problems than a point-to-point unit pair such as the Bolt. Granted, the range is pretty contingent on line-of-sight, but the option to maintain functionality at two-thousand feet is pretty undeniable. Those added antennas and potential throw may very well make the difference in punching through obstacles like walls where the original Bolt could have problems.
The Bolt receivers in the Convergent Design video appear to be current-generation units, but I wouldn't rule out any future mounting options for the Pro 2000 Rx's. With the Odyssey7Q's multi-view option and wireless video's constantly improving prospects, new productions big and small may enjoy the conveniences of wireless monitoring soon enough!
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