Introducing the Bolt 1000 & 3000

[Mike Gailing]

Hi Guys,

 

We've introduced two new Bolt systems today: the Bolt 1000 and 3000. The website sums up what the new capabilities are (and how the specs compare to our current systems), but the short story is:

 

Longer Range

Now up to 3000ft (1000ft for the Bolt 1000)

 

20MHz Channels

Available only on the 3000, 20MHz channels allow you to operate more than twice as many Bolts at one location (provided RF conditions permit). It also allows you to avoid heavy interference since these channels use less bandwidth. The drawback is that the PSF, interlaced, and 1080p60/50 are not currently supported in this mode - we are working on a software fix for it.

 

2 New DFS Channels

Even more spectrum to transmit over in the USA and Europe

 

20% Smaller Chassis

The TX is lighter and a good deal smaller than the current systems. The RX is the same size and a little lighter.

 

Bolt Identity

The TX and RX now have colored caps that can be swapped in and out, allowing you to more easily identity which units are paired together while on set.

 

Rapid Reconnection

Reconnect times have been greatly improved - nearly instantaneous once you come back into range. This goes hand in hand with all of the work we've done to the firmware to make the system rock solid.

 

Built-in HDMI to SDI converter

You can connect both your on-camera monitor and your video source via the Bolt TX (HDMI in, SDI Loop Out to monitor). This was not possible on previous versions of Bolt.

 

New Firmware

We've spent a lot of time refining how our software works to ensure these units hit their full range right out of the box. The wireless link has been greatly improved so it should be much more resilient in tougher conditions.

 

Metadata

All of the features found on our current systems is also be available on these new models.

 

New Bolt models come in SDI only and Dual (HDMI + 3G-SDI) varieties. Pricing starts at $9490 for Bolt 3000 SDI and $5490 for Bolt 1000 SDI.

 

Shipping now.

 

Let me know if you guys have any questions.

[Shawn Wang]

is there a group buy someone can arrange?

[James Davis]

Is the sidekick still compatible with these?

[Mike Gailing]

Is the sidekick still compatible with these?

Hey James, because of the difference in radios on the 1000 and 3000, the current Sidekick will not be compatible. However, we are exploring options for a new version.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Mike, so its a complete rebuy?! You're killing us!

[Brad Smith]

Mike, so its a complete rebuy?! You're killing us!

Hopefully they'll offer a upgrade/ buyback path for existing owners?,,,,

Second sidekick at half price for existing owners?

Edited August 2, 2016 by Brad Smith

[Mike Gailing]

Mike, so its a complete rebuy?! You're killing us!

 

Gah im sorry! This is definitely a worthwhile update, especially with the 20MHz channels on the 3000. That, I think, is going to be a big lifesaver when you're in a pinch.

 

Hopefully they'll offer a upgrade/ buyback path for existing owners?,,,,

Second sidekick at half price for existing owners?

 

Hey Brad, unfortunately there is no upgrade path this time around.

 

We're still evaluating our options for the new Sidekick. Details will follow as soon as I learn more.

[Philip J. Martinez SOC]

Yea I bought a bolt 2000 in June 2016. I asked if anything new was going to come out this year and was told no. I really wish there was something for us loyal customers that started with the original bolt pro and upgraded with in this company.

[Mike Gailing]

Yea I bought a bolt 2000 in June 2016. I asked if anything new was going to come out this year and was told no. I really wish there was something for us loyal customers that started with the original bolt pro and upgraded with in this company.

 

Hey Philip, since you bought in June you might still be within the return window. Feel free to email Kyle@teradek.com if you want to discuss.

 

For the last two Bolt releases, lots of people have asked us for an upgrade program. Could you guys let me know what other companies in this industry do such a thing? I'd like to take a look at how they conduct the process so we can evaluate whether or not we can pull it off in the future.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Mike, most companies don't offer upgrades as far as I know, but they also don't keep coming out with new products that destroy the value of the old ones in such a short period of time. I bought a second full size 2000 receiver less than a years ago for a show because the Side Kick wasn't ready yet and Production insisted on having two. Then I got the Side Kick cause... Well, hell, it was my idea.... and it's mighty useful. End results is something like $15K for that system? And now, knowing the way shows are today, they will insist on a 3000. But there is no Sidekick ready yet so that means buying two full size receivers. And then the Sidekick 2 in 6 months. And then the Teradek 5000 in a year? Sorry, I know you want us to be excited but right now I'm longing for the days of a Modulas 3000 that lasted me a decade plus. More likely, I'll sell everything and get out of the transmitter game.

[Mike Gailing]

Hey Alec,

 

Thanks for the feedback. It really helps us get a better understanding of our end users and their needs.

 

Unfortunately, I dont have control over the development cycle, but I am sure you understand where we are coming from on a business level.

 

If we don't constantly innovate, somebody else will and that will certainly put us out of business at some point down the line. The reason why I am active on this forum is to turn feedback into real products, just like we did with the Sidekick. Just look at how far we've come from the very first Bolt Pro!

 

Not many companies can say they design, manufacture, and assemble their entire product line here in Southern California. Not only that, but we try to stay engaged with all of you to ensure we're giving you the tools you need to be successful. Yes, the product turnover is going to be much quicker than what it was like in the past, but im looking to you guys to help us figure out a model that will work for everyone.

 

I can't promise we can implement every idea, but its certainly worth exploring.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Mike,

 

I know you guys take feedback very seriously which is why I posted and why I've bought your products all along. The 3000 looks amazing and I congratulate you on it. I certainly don't want you guys to give up on innovation, but I do have reservations on the ROI. If my 2000 had not been on a major series, I might have lost my shirt on this (time will tell, lets see what the market does....) True, the 2000 still does what it does very well and I could adopt an iPhone attitude (buy every other generation) but the difference is that I don't have people renting my phone who want the latest and greatest! Smaller markets will still be happy with less, I suspect.

 

I do wish you guys would design products with upgrades in mind. I.e. board that can be swapped.... I'd much rather pay an upgrade fee than sell all my stuff and start over. Its also much better for the enviromennt. That said, one MAJOR note regarding the 3000 is the lack of Sidekick. A Sidekick is a must even if not compatible with other models. A smaller, lighter, cheaper receiver (without antennae sticking out) is needed for handheld monitors or even the 1st AC's monitor). As I said, on my 2000, I had to buy two full size receivers before the Sidekick was ready. Very expensive and now worth much less with the intro of 3000. For me to even consider upgrading, I'd need a Sidekick (as I'm not willing to buy two full size receivers again) and frankly, if that takes six months to come out, I'd be tempted to skip this generation and wait for the next since you guys are constantly changing the lineup. When you guys develop, you should be designing a Sidekick right out of the gate so it can be released at the same time. My two cents.

[Dan Kanes]

Mike - give me a call any time, would be happy to share with you how I made it make a ton of business for us in the past. :) Red Digital Cinema, another homegrown southern California manufacturer, was a huge inspiration on making this a practicality.

 

best,

Dan

 

 

...Could you guys let me know what other companies in this industry do such a thing? I'd like to take a look at how they conduct the process so we can evaluate whether or not we can pull it off in the future...

[Jon Beattie]

Mike has always been great to do business with. Thanks again.

 

My Teradek products have always worked well and when service was needed the work was done quickly and well.

 

I've owned 2 of the original Bolt Pro setups with multiple receivers 2 Gen1 Bolt 2k's and 3 Gen2 2k setups. Unfortunately I was told that my Gen1 2k systems could be traded for the Gen2's when they were announced. Then when they released the Gen2 2k I was then told that in fact they were not upgrade eligible.

 

3-5 years is a good lifecycle for a product like this. Coming out with the 3k now and not having them compatible with our current systems stings. How are your customers supposed to make a return on investment when every 6-18 months you cut the legs out from under the previous model/product? The only real competition teradek has is from another vitec brand?

 

Advancements are great but if you keep this pace up your new products are destined to fail as the industry can't keep scrapping and flipping to new every 18 months.

 

Maybe you guys should just come out with a housing that you commit to and offer upgraded boards etc rather then this current model.

[Justin Besser]

When is the bolt 1000 going to get the SDI flags sorted? I've had mine for a while and it's a constant source of frustration that it's not transmitting the record flags for remote recorders such as the pix..