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Solutions for new, reliable, affordable transmitter/receiver systems


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Hi Everyone,

My name is Katy Most I’m a Camera Operator/DP and just recently started to fly Steadicam. I love this wonderful tool, since it adds so much flexibility and creativity to your work!

Recently, I had to shoot a campaign for a clothing collection for a client of mine. I had an old Flyer with a Canon 5D available for the shoot, but it didn’t have any transmitter in place. I was in need of providing a monitor for the client and the director.

 

So, I started my search for the best available option. My research led me to so many interesting discoveries. There are many options in the market nowadays and most of these professional’s solutions are very expensive.

 

I looked at products like IDX CW-5HD Cam Wave HD Wireless Transmitter / Receiver System and Paralinx Arrow HD Wireless Kit and Teradek Bolt Pro TX+RX Wireless HD-SDI Video Transmitter... and AbelCine Wireless Video Solution :: Wireless Transmitters :: Studio on the low cost side.

 

But, the power solution with my Flyer and Canon 5D wasn’t the easiest to figure out. Anyway, The Steadicam guys from Tiffen who are always amazing, suggested to me that I look up the IDX new CW-1 Wireless HDMI Type Video Transmission System. This was good advice since it is a reliable, compact and affordable, option. I decided to follow their advice and check the system out. I own IDX batteries and chargers and I love them, so this company was already familiar to me.

 

Anyway, cut to the chase, this IDX CW-1 transmitter and receiver system delivers crystal clear images between 30-328ft and transmits uncompressed full HD 1920x1080type.

 

I found this system to be vey reliable. We were shooting in numerous locations near Marina Del Ray and on a yacht and this system worked perfectly. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that it takes around 1 min. to catch the signal again if you turn it off.

 

Here is a fast overview of how I used this system on set with my particular setup:

1. We didn’t have a Blackmagic downconverter and since Canon 5D doesn’t output two signals simultaneously while recording we used this system as a fast and reliable playback right after we finished the shot. I was operating and it gave me flexibility to review the shot before moving forward.

2. Mini HDMI cable went from the camera to regular HDMI to the transmitter (it was unplugged during the shot). The receiver through HDMI cable was connected to the Director’s monitor, which received the signal from the camera.

 

There are many options that you could choose from while using this system. For example, you can use a Blackmagic downconverter. From there, one BNC cable to the sled and one HDMI cable to the the CW-1 transmitter, is a configuration you can choose.

 

If you have an HD monitor on your sled, you can set up your transmitter on there and you wouldn’t need the Blackmagic downconverter. You can just run the cable from Canon 5D to the sled and from your Sled’s HD monitor run the HDMI cable to the transmitter.

 

Also, if you have cameras that output multiple signals then this system is very affordable and easy to use.

 

Anyway, I would like to hear your stories about your set ups and what transmitters you used etc. As well, maybe I wasn’t familiar with other options that I could use in that situation. I would like to hear about your choices, too.

 

I hope the expereince I have described here in this article will be useful to other DP/Operators and we can dig deeper into the issues and find helpful solutions for each other.

 

 

 

post-13153-0-11247100-1374605441_thumb.jpgpost-13153-0-29965200-1374605477_thumb.jpgpost-13153-0-31686800-1374605460_thumb.jpg

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The time is quickly approaching for IDX and Paralinx and anyone else selling this thing to actually explain, and SHOW, how their product is different from this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Nyrius-Wireless-Transmitter-Receiver-NPCS550/dp/B0092T3E3A/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374606140&sr=1-2&keywords=Nyrius

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Hi Steadicam Operators,

I want to clear up some confusion on the HDMI uncompressed wireless video transmitters and compare our CW-1 to other look-a-likes.

The IDX CW-1 utilizes a pro-chip manufactured by AMIMON. Other consumer look-a-likes use the AMIMON consumer chip.
The consumer chip units are developed for consumer level applications (home theater, gaming, PC to TV, etc.). They have less transmission range and are highly susceptible to noise when in motion.

The pro-chip is geared more towards pro-sumer/professional applications (video assist, wireless follow focus, sports, jumbo screen, etc.). The pro-chip offers greater range and signal stability when in motion.
There are other manufactures that claim to use the pro-chip; however, IDX’s CW-1 outperforms them. This is because IDX has the ability to fine tune our proprietary firmware; this results in greater overall performance. Here is a video that compares the CW-1 and other transmitters that claim to use the same pro-chip:

(if the producer of this video wants to chime in, that would be great ^_^ )
As you can see, the CW-1 outperforms its aspirants.
In addition to better performance, IDX offers power options, a 2 year warranty, and global support.
Here are Sony battery, and JVC battery power options for the CW-1. You can also power the CW-1 directly off of our new DUO-95 and DUO-150 Li-Ion V-Mount batteries via USB power port.

For support, you can reach us at:
US, Canada, and South America: Service.usa@idx.tv
EU: idx.europe@idx.tv , idx.germany@idx.tv
Asia and Oceanic regions: idx.japan@idx.tv, asia.sales@idx.tv

For more detailed specifications on the CW-1, here is a link to the CW-1 Datasheet

To keep up with whats going on at IDX, like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks!!

IDX Edited by IDX System Technology
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I have to interject here.

 

If you want the

 

First

Best

Original

 

Transmitter of this type.

 

The first to offer the Amimon Pro Chipset to the market, and the first to offer the Multi Receiver Pro Chipset.

 

Also, the only system offered by a Los Angeles, CA based pair of IATSE local 600 film technicians, innovators, and brethren...

 

Then there is no other choice to consider but Paralinx.

 

Clones and imitators are simply uncivilized.

 

Not sure what went wrong with Gaylen's test, however we consistently are able able to transmit to a maximum of 328'

 

Who else would offer a full value trade in when we introduced a Multi receiver ARROW+ ?

 

Not sure what's up with some of the bogus claims from others out there, however - I can tell you Paralinx doesn't sleep - we have been hitting it hard, our Crossbow HD-SDi module will be available soon, another innovation that offers unparalleled power at an unheard of original price.

 

Why did I start working on the Paralinx project five years ago? Because other products available at the time were a complete failure on actual film sets, and what I would consider to be overpriced for what they accomplished. Not even sending 30 feet away in 90% of real world Hollywood film set conditions. The bane of camera people everywhere.

 

We set out to provide an affordable, usable, professional product to the industry and succeeded at being the first. We will continue to stay first, and we will offer a competitive advantage to anyone who is considering a lame imitation.

 

Paralinx, located in Burbank, CA - the friendly neighborhood affordable HD option from pros who work in the industry just like you.

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Hi Steadicam Operators,

 

I want to clear up some confusion on the HDMI uncompressed wireless video transmitters and compare our CW-1 to other look-a-likes.

 

 

 

Let us know if you have any questions.

 

Thanks!!

 

IDX

 

 

Thanks for chiming in to clear our confusion, but could you please use a name, so that we know who it is we are speaking to, like Dan Kanes has.

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Hello Dan, any news on a likely release date for the paralinx Tomahawk, very keen to see what it can do.

Also are you looking for UK beta-testers at all?

If so I would be very interested in putting it through it's paces in a variety of test environments.

 

Please get in touch if you'd like to chat.

 

All the best

 

James

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Hi James - please shoot us an email - to info@paralinx.net - Tomahawk is not far away, it will be quite different than anything else that has come before, way different than Arrow and Arrow+ , same near-zero latency. Metric Tons of Range potential, and Razor Sharp. The unparalleled service and support of Paralinx is also a key ingredient. It's closer than anyone thinks, but I don't want to lock a date quite yet for you... Press release will be ready when it's time.

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In my own experience, I have no regret going with Paralinx. Dan has been amazing in helping me troubleshooting my issues while on set through text and email (both times the issue was not the Arrow, first time the Hyperdeck was dead and needed to be sent back to black magic and the second time the Epic was not outputting in 720p which did not worked with the monitor even with a cable).

Being able to let the DP know that i have the founder of the company on direct contact helped a lot.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

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Hi Sanjay and everyone,

 

Zack here from IDX.

 

Here’s some IDX history. IDX has been doing wireless video since 2005. We started with our analog transmitters VW-5 and CW-5. We then introduced the CW-5HD uncompressed HD wireless system to the market in 2008. We now offer the CW-1(HDMI) and CW-7(HD-SDI). We’ve been doing wireless video for a while and will continue to expand our product line to meet the demands of users around the world.

 

To make things clear, there is nothing wrong with Gaylen’s test. There is nothing wrong with the products he tested either. The CW-1 simply outperforms its competition. The video says one thing- CW-1 works the best. I’m not saying the competition is doing it wrong, we just do it better.

 

As for the 60 second link time on the CW-1… anyone who is knowledgeable about FCC regulations is aware that devices that use Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channels require a 60 second scan time. Innovation isn’t just developing something sleek; it’s also doing things right by following the law. Why did IDX choose to use DFS channels? Certain European and Asian countries restrict outdoor use of 5GHz transmitters unless they have the DFS function. We want users around the world to use our products anywhere they would like while having piece of mind that laws and regulations are not being broken. Also, DFS channels are less crowded than the 5.2 and 5.8GHz channels. This translates to less interference and better performance.

 

Keep an eye out for the next addition to the Cam~Wave family. I’ll post updates soon!

 

Thanks!

-Zack

Edited by IDX System Technology
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Just to set the record straight , Paralinx follows RF regulations by engaging DFS bands 60 seconds after boot time, we just don't EXCLUSIVELY use DFS bands, and so you can use the Arrow and Arrow+ almost immediately. Expanded DFS bands open after 60 seconds.

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Hello all!

 

Full disclosure!!! NEBTEK is a dealer for all of these products except the Nyrius.

http://www.nebtek.com/categories/Transmitters/

 

 

I am a DIT and Video Assist operator and I have used all of these on set at one time or another.

For all of these you really have to plan to keep the RX mobile so you can get it next to the TX in a hurry in case you loose the picture.

 

This video was made after repeatedly testing my results. There are some very important things to point out here. These all have their own distinct advantages.

They all transmit video and for just keeping the cables off the steadicam or dolly they all do the job.

 

Teredek bolt has a great design in a small package with all professional connectors and does multiple receivers it is very popular, SDI BNC in and SDI BNC Looping out, Professional Lemo connectors on both TX ad RX supplied with Anton Bauer P-tap to TX cable as well as a wall wart for tx power and rx power via 2 pin LEMO. CONS: The RX seems to be work best only when it is oriented in a certain way. I have been given a new updated unit but that has not made a difference for me in range. No remote.

 

(note) I have happy Teredek bolt customers! I hear some folks getting 300 ft on a bolt. It's just that neither my first unit, first unit with upgrade or replacement unit performed any different from what you see in these demos.

 

Paralinx has good range, great service and they are a great team. Boots in 10 seconds. Available paired to multiple receivers. Paralinx sells with an Anton Bauer p-tap to 5V USB cable and small remote to make some adjustments. CONS: HDMI only. 5 Volt power via mini USB.

 

IDX - CW-1 has the best range. Comes with a really great kit that includes a camera mounted battery holder with 5 V USB out to power the unit and the TX holder protects the fragile HDMI connector. Mounts to 1/4-20 or shoe mount. A separate battery holder provides usb power to the RX. CONS: Takes a full 60 seconds to connect. HDMI only. Only available paired to one RX. 5 Volt power via mini USB. No remote.

 

 

Nyrius This is cheap but it will transmit full HD good for up close handheld monitor when director is following the Steadicam comes with a remote. CONS: It has the worst range and dropped the signal often. HDMI only. Only available paired to one RX. 5 Volt power via mini USB.

 

Note: I will not ever try to use Nyrius on set again!! Bad day long story!

 

All of these devices were including the Nyrius are built on the same circuit card. According to Dan at Paralinx and Zach at IDX their versions are built using the Amimon Pro Chip.

Amimon has set up "Amimon pro" They have set aside the pro chip and it is price much higher then the consumer chip. They are doing all they can to stop their customers from building anything for video/film production and selling them without a larger markup for our industry.

The Teradek bolt uses the exact same board as all of these other ones only in their own chassis.

I did not include the Nyrius in my video because it really is just built on the consumer chipset. The Nyrius does transmit HD video about as far as the Teradek bolt but gets snowy a bit sooner and seem to drop more.

 

I also did a direct line sight test. Here are my findings:

 

Nyrius-- not tested for LOS

 

Teradek bolt 95 ft.

http://youtu.be/841on6omhq4

 

 

Paralinx 230 ft

http://youtu.be/S8EjPNxfSzY

 

 

Idx cw-1 305 ft

This one is not edited I just uploaded the entire clip - sorry!

http://youtu.be/rIJfD_ZEvmk

 

 

 

 

Gaylen Nebeker
C.E.O.
DIT
3D/HD Video Assist
HD Wireless Service

 

WWW.NEBTEK.com

Edited by GAYLEN NEBEKER
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