Wireless transmission systems and transceiving monitors are getting an upgrade in 2022. With DJI releasing its transmission system in the summer of 2022, offering filmmakers a better quality and more affordable transmission system, Hollyland is stepping up to the plate with its new Mars 4K wireless video transmission system and Mars M1 wireless monitor. Seems like Elon Musk isn't the first to deliver us Mars.
Hollyland has just announced its new Mars 4K wireless video transmission system and the new Mars M1 transceiving monitor at IBC 2022 in Amsterdam. The simplification of the transmission and transceiver promises an upgraded experience at an affordable price that Hollyland is well known for.
We have seen a ton of affordable wireless video systems with similar feature sets and capabilities come to the market over the last few years. So what makes Hollyland stand apart from the rest? Let’s find out.
What Can the Hollyland Mars 4K Do?
Hollyland’s Mars 4K is one of the first affordable 2.4GHz wireless video transmitters that is capable of sending a UHD signal at 30fps. The upgraded dual-core codec chips are capable of a data rate ranging from 8Mbps to 20Mbps, with 12Mbps being the system’s default setting.
The system claims to have a latency of 60milliseconds from a range of 450ft/150m line-of-sight, meaning you will get reliable high-resolution images for any setting. With smart scanning, the Mars 4K can find interference-free channels to provide a stable connection upon startup by determining which ones are occupied and selectable.
The Mars 4K supports decimal-point frame rates input from SDI, such as 23.98, 29.97, and 59.94 fps. It also outputs from the receiver’s HDMI and SDI outport. Its HDMI can support up to 3840x2160 30p and is compatible with 1080p and 720p formats.
Credit: Hollyland
Pairing the Mars M1 Monitor with the Mars 4K
The Mars M1 is an all-in-one transmitter, receiver, and low-latency monitor solution. It has a bright 5.5-inch touch LCD screen that allows you to quickly make configurations and status checks. You can also access the menu and make changes using the rocker-styled button on the transmitter.
Mars M1Credit: Hollyland
The Mars 4K can send images from the TX to the RX unit, but you can also view the images on the Hollyland HollyView App. There are three easy ways that the Mars 4K TX can transmit images:
- Mars 4K TX can transmit to two RX units at the same time
- Mars 4K TX can transmit to one RX unit and two devices running the HollyView App
- Mars TX can transmit to four devices running the HollyView App as long as you aren’t transmitting to an RX unit.
The build quality of the Mars 4K is solid, with an exterior casing designed to withstand any work condition, even surviving a fall if you accidentally drop it. Hollyland states that the “Mars 4K features superior corrosion and wear resistance for outstanding durability,” meaning it is built to last.
Hollyland's Mars M1 MonitorCredit: Courtesy of Hollyland
Putting the Mars 4K to the Test
The Mars 4K RX and TX are not tiny, but they are not too big either, both weighing in at 223g or 7.86oz without the antennas and falling in around a similar size to other comparable SDI and HDMI systems.
While this may make the Mars 4K a bit too bulky for really tiny cameras, the system works well for small to mid-sized digital cinema cameras and larger-sized mirrorless hybrids like the Canon C70.
Just the right size for any cameraCredit: Hollyland
Hollyland gives you three ways of powering the device and has a well-made battery plate that doesn’t move or wobble around. It is a system that is virtually plug-and-play. All you have to do is power up the TX unit, input a video source, and then power up the RX and hook it up to a monitor.
The TX and RX both have a built-in fan that only makes minimal noise. If you have it too close to an onboard microphone, you may pick up a little hum. Hollyland prepared for this by giving you an option that changes the fan from auto to quiet in the menu, which allows the unit to run almost silently without overheating.
Hollyland's Mars 4K wireless transmission systemCredit: News Shooter
The latency of the Mars 4K is also on par with the competition. Hollyland claims that the Mars 4K has a latency as low as 60ms, but News Shooter discovered that the Mars 4K latency was around 164.33ms. However, the app viewing latency is slightly closer to Hollyland’s claim, coming in at 64.66ms. While that might seems like a lot, anything between 60ms to 100ms is perfectly usable in most production situations.
What Do You Get?
Here is what you get with the Mars 4K bundle:
- Mars 4K Transmitter
- Mars 4K Receiver
- 4x Antennas
- A Cold Shoe Mount
- A USB Type-C OTG Converter
- 2x DC Adapter
- An Expansion Accessory
- Quick Start Guide
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
The M1 monitor bundle includes:
- Mars M1 Monitor
- 2x Capsule Antennas
- A Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- An OTG Adapter
- A D-Tap to DC Cable
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
Final Thoughts
The Hollyland Mars 4K is one the highest quality wireless transmission system or monitors in this price range, and it gets pretty dang close to the industry standards for being a budget alternative. The Mars 4K 1TX and 1RX start at $699, which is a steal. The Mars M1 monitor is sold separately and is priced at $549.
We highly recommend these tools to filmmakers who are looking for a reliable option that still delivers a high-quality image. While the latency is a little high when compared to industry standards, it is something we can look past when we see how great of a deal the Mars 4K and Mars M1 are.
Have you used the Mars 4K? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Source: Hollyland
