SmallHD just announced two new production monitors that incorporate Teradek receivers, allowing for wireless video transmission. The two monitors, the 13” 1303 HDR Bolt Sidekick (also referred to as the 13RX) and the 17” 1703 P3X Bolt Sidekick (also referred to as the 17RX), are closely based on the 1300 and 1700 series of IPS LCD production monitors and have focused target markets.
Each of these monitors contains a built-in Teradek Sidekick II receiver that allows the display to pair with SmallHD TX monitors and Teradek Bolt 500, 1000, and 3000 transmitters. They also each have a Teradek Sidekick 5 antenna unit allowing for a range of up to 500’ line-of-sight. The transmission delay is < 1mSec, below human perception.
Teradek is an industry standard in wireless transmission and the monitors incorporate proven technology. In order to incorporate wireless transmission, only the HDMI input was removed from the wired version of each display.
The 13RX
The 17RX
Both displays feature SmallHD’s OS3 software. We played with both monitors a little bit and found that the user experience is intelligently designed, with a nice balance of buttons and presets. The ability to quickly toggle through user-defined preset pages will save time while on set. Experienced users know that well-designed software makes a huge difference in a monitor’s usefulness, especially on location.
The major difference between the two monitors is the display specs. However, there are also slight differences in other specs, like wireless (encryption) and input/output signal types and formats. Each monitor’s specs are listed in detail on the SmallHD website.
13RX Display
The 13RX most notably features a 1500 nit-bright, daylight viewable, LCD display and is aimed primarily at 1st ACs and DPs. In addition to wireless transmission and a robust display in a rugged form factor, this monitor is also compatible with Teradek RT wireless FIZ systems and display overlays. Now focus pullers can be completely wireless in an integrated, highly mobile system.
Tech Specs
Tech Specs: 17RX Display
The 17RX is geared more towards DITs with a reference grade display whose color reproduction, SmallHD says, compares to OLED technology. It is also capable of sending 3D LUT’s downstream. The 17RX incorporates a 1000 nit-bright, 1920x1080, true 10-bit LCD display that reproduces the entire DCI-P3 gamut.
Both displays present well and appear to be thoughtfully designed. We can’t wait to get our hands on them and test them out on location. SmallHD is clearly starting to focus on creating tightly integrated systems, rather than individual products.
Focus pullers, will you be jumping on the 13RX system, especially given the Teradek RT integration? DITs, is this a compelling package for a wireless P3 monitor? Let us know in the comments.
