Teradek has announced Ranger, which is being touted as the world’s first zero-delay (< 1 ms) wireless video system to transmit uncompressed 4K HDR video up to 5,000 ft. (1,524m) line of sight.
With outside broadcast acquisition already heavily investing in 4K, there will be a growing need for sending 4K video over a large distance. This is where Ranger comes in.
Ranger is being directly targeted at the broadcast market, although there is no reason why you couldn’t use it for other forms of production.
Transmission
Ranger can work reliably in challenging RF conditions and it has a wide operating range from 4.9 GHz to 6.0 GHz. Ranger utilizes Teradek’s patented Joint Source Channel Coding (JSCC) technology, which features MIMO and OFDM. This enables it to transmit uncompressed 10-bit, 4:2:2 video with less than 1 millisecond of delay.
Ranger’s RF design is UNII-5 ready and utilizes 40 MHz / 20 MHz channels with far greater efficiency than H.264 / HEVC encoding solutions.
As far as protecting your images, Ranger uses AES-256 encryption and RSA 1024 key pairing. Combined, these two technologies ensure nobody can decrypt your wireless feed or connect another receiver to your system without explicit authorization.
Tearadek is owned by Vitec, and Vitec also owns Amimon, who are the only company in the industry that is able to offer 4K wireless video transmission as they own the patents. This is the primary reason you haven’t seen other wireless video transmission companies offer any 4K solutions.
Inputs & Outputs
Ranger features a 12G SDI input and a 12G SDI looping output. There is also an HDMI 2.0 input and a 6-28V DC power input.
Ranger is designed to be used between a camera body and the battery. You can choose between V-Mount or AB Gold Mount plates.
App Control
Teradek also allows you to wirelessly control Ranger’s workflow from the palm of your hand with the Launchpad app for iOS and Android. With the app you can pair transmitters and receivers, monitor channel interference, set operating frequencies, and control your cameras directly from the app.
What is the difference between Ranger and Bolt?
Ranger and Bolt utilize the same underlying zero delay technology, however, Ranger provides a number of enhancements for live productions:
• Expanded frequency range from 4.9 GHz to 6.0 GHz
• Licensed band operation
• H+V antennas, providing better image quality over longer ranges
• N-type connectors on Ranger TX
• Finer manual frequency control
Price & Availability
Ranger is available in two different versions. The first version is HD only and has a range of up to 1,500 ft. Ranger HD is $6,990.00 USD.
The Ranger 4K supports signals of up to 4K 60p and it has a range of up to 5,000 ft. (1,524m) line of sight. Ranger 4K is $14,990 USD.
