What’s New in Bolt 7? Teradek’s Zero-Delay 4K Wireless System is Here

Introducing the New Bolt 7 Lineup

Set to include a range of models including 750, 1500, and MAX TX and RX options, the new Bolt 7 lineup is here, with each model set to feature an integrated 900MHz radio that will be able to run in parallel with a zero-delay 4K video signal.

“The original Bolt replaced long SDI cable runs with a wireless zero-delay video system crews could trust. Bolt 7 takes the next step with an all-new 900MHz RF pipeline that works in tandem with your zero-delay video signal and acts as a wireless Ethernet or USB cable replacement, enabling wireless camera control, color management, telemetry, and more without a Wi-Fi network.” - Colin McDonald, Product Manager at Teradek.

With these new models, your Ethernet workflows will also be simplified by eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or additional on-camera hardware. The new models will also be more compact and versatile, featuring a 20% smaller TX than the Bolt 6 XT models and an all-new color OLED display for faster pairing, control, and diagnostics.

Cine and Live Workflows

For those using the new Bolt 7 models across a wide range of projects, the lineup is well suited to cine and live workflows. For cine workflows in particular, the Bolt 7 can send camera control and zero-delay video over a single connection.

The Bolt 7 TX in particular will be able to connect directly to your camera and eliminate the need to set up or manage a dedicated Wi-Fi network on set. Plus, because the Bolt 7 uses dedicated RF pathways outside standard Wi-Fi frequencies, your productions can reduce interference and simplify their wireless environment.

For live productions, the Bolt 7 will similarly thrive by unifying camera telemetry, video shading, and zero-delay wireless video into one connection, reducing the complexity of multi-device setups.

Your crews will also thank you, as they’ll be able to send zero-delay video to a switcher while delivering telemetry data to a Sony or Cyanview RCP in an OB truck or control room without managing separate systems.

4K60 10-Bit 422 HDR Video Over 12G-SDI

The other big news here is that Bolt 7 TX and RX units will be able to provide some top-end video specs and capabilities, as they will be able to support up to 4K60 10-bit 422 HDR video over 12G-SDI and will be fully compatible across Bolt 4K (5GHz) and Bolt 6 (5GHz and 6GHz) wireless ecosystems.

“Whether you’re on a feature, commercial, or live broadcast, the goal is the same: fewer boxes, fewer cables, fewer complications. Bolt 7 enhances the zero-delay wireless video productions rely on with a dedicated data pipeline for the control and production tools of tomorrow, and we can’t wait to see how our users invent new ways to use it.” - Colin McDonald, Product Manager at Teradek.

It’s worth noting, too, that this new 900MHz wireless data functionality is available exclusively between Bolt 7 units. So if you’re looking for top-of-the-line data transmission, this will be your best bet.

The new Bolt 7 also stands out against its competitors simply because it’s able to transmit such high-quality uninterrupted video at near zero-delay, even if crews are adding up to six additional receivers. For more info on the difference between zero-delay and WiFi-based wireless video, check out this in-depth article on Teradek’s website here.

If size and maneuverability are important factors for you, we should also point out that this new model is pretty small compared to the old Bolt 6 XT TX. There are also some great battery cradle options which are pretty cool, including a horizontal and vertical one in GM and VM which users can put either a TX or RX in it in either direction.

All great stuff that should further help cement the company as a trusted brand used by filmmakers on the biggest of projects, as Bolt has won both an Emmy and an Oscar for its contributions to the cinema industry.

Price and Availability

Overall, this new Bolt 7 lineup represents a major step forward for the company and a bold new future for unified wireless video—whatever your needs may be.

The new Bolt 7 series also introduces one new transmitter and two new receivers to the Bolt product family, each with a 900 MHz radio, a color OLED display with a simplified interface, optional single-cable pairing, and new battery plate cradles for faster battery plate swaps.

Here are the different options for the new Bolt 7 lineup.

• Bolt 7 TX is available in 750, 1500, and MAX models. Boasting a 20% smaller footprint than the Bolt 6 XT, it is Teradek’s most compact 12G-SDI transmitter to date.
• Bolt 7 RX is available in 750 and 1500 models.
• Bolt 7 RX MAX enables encoding to an SD card. When paired with a Link AX or other Wi-Fi router via Ethernet, productions can receive zero-delay video while also sending a low-latency feed to iPads on set through the Teradek TV app.

You can find full info on pricing and availability on the company’s website here.