With the release of Teradek’s Bolt 4K system, you may think that the main difference is the ability to transmit 4K video wirelessly.
But with the new processing methods, the new Bolt 4K units can also transmit a sharper, cleaner HD image thanks to the new chipset design.
Teradek claims that unlike traditional compression engines, the Bolt 4K’s processing ensures all information is delivered to the receiver, rather than a sending a compressed HEVC/H.264 image. This means a visually lossless image, comparable to running an SDI cable.
A comparison tool has been published that allows you to compare the visual differences between an SDI cabled, HD signal compared to a Bolt 4K wireless transmission.
Compare two HD video feeds, one through an SDI cable directly into a recorder (on the left) and one transmitted through a Bolt 4K, in HD, with the SDI output recorded on the receiver side (on the right). Both comparison images utilize identical 1920×1080 Apple ProRes 422 HQ source material. The % allows you to magnify the image for a more detailed look.
While viewing subtracted differences, black indicates no difference in color information. Any color seen on the subtracted difference screen represents a difference between the two views.
There are three Bolt 4K models which increase in range. They start at $5,490 USD.
The Teradek Bolt 4K 750 kit which has a range of 750′ is currently on sale for $3,990, saving $1,500.
