What is the Teradek Bolt?

The Teradek Bolt is a wireless zero delay transmitting system capable of sending 4:2:2, 1080p60 video at up to 300ft. 

What applications can Bolt be used for?

Bolt is a powerful tool for zero delay transmission system that can be used on cinema, television, and live production sets. The system can also be used for short range transmissions to ENG vans and for low altitude UAV shots.

Are there additional power accessories I can purchase for Bolt?

Teradek provides a number of additional power accessories, including XLR, flying leads, Lemo to Lemo, and others.

How does Bolt transmit at such low latency?

Bolt uses WSDI-Pro (TM), which utilizes both MIMO antenna design and OFDM modulation to achieve state of the art wireless connectivity. The transmitter uses multiple 40MHz channels in the 5GHz band and can automatically change channels to avoid interference from other RF devices. Since the transmission is so advanced, the video does not need to be compressed using traditional JPG/MPEG/H.264 or similar to achieve full HD. The video can be transmitted as soon as it's received without buffering.  

How is Bolt different from other wireless video transmitters ?

There are similar products in several flavors in consumer electronics, as well as high end professional wireless transmitters. Bolt is different than the consumer electronics flavors in several ways: higher RF bandwidth (by using more channels at a time), less susceptible to interference (by using a broader part of the spectrum, and more MIMO antennas), multicast compatible, etc...  Bolt also has superior construction and SDI connectivity, which is expected by pros. In fact, Bolt uses the same wireless technology as that used in high end professional transmitters costing 10x as much, and differ from them only in price and form factor.

How many Bolt systems can be used at one facility?

Teradek has successfully tested multiple pairs (4) simultaneously in one facility. To protect against cross-talk, we recommend placing each unit at least a few feet away from each other.

How many receivers does Bolt support simultaneously?

Bolt PRO can multicast up to 4 receivers simultaneously. 

How do I pair additional receivers?

Each receiver is paired with a Bolt transmitter at Teradek HQ. There is no way to change this on your own at this time.

How does Bolt perform with physical or radio interference?

Bolt will dynamically switch channels on the 5GHz spectrum as it detects radio interference. 

When transmitting through walls, Bolt's transmission distance will begin to degrade. We do not recommend attempting a transmission through solid objects (concrete, brick, etc..) as this will almost certainly cause the video to break up.

Does Bolt work with other Teradek products?

Bolt works with all Teradek products. Its output can be used as an input for Cube and Brik encoders.

How long does the internal battery last?

The Li-Ion battery on the Bolt Pro TX is rated for up to 60 minutes. No other Bolt TX or RX models or generations have an internal battery, only the 1st gen Bolt Pro TX.

Does Bolt transmit pixel by pixel video?

No.

What is the difference between Bolt and Cube?

Bolt is a point to point zero delay transmitter that utilizes RF over the 5GHz spectrum. It cannot stream to iPads, over IP networks, or to the Internet. 

Cube utilizes H.264 compression and transmits video over IP networks. Cube can stream to iOS devices, over the Internet, and directly to the Web using WiFi, Ethernet, or 3G/4G networks. Cube encoders are not zero delay; 7-8 frames latency to iOS devices, 3-4 frames to decoders.

Can I increase Bolt's transmission distance?

No, Bolt utilizes internal PCB antennas that cannot be modified.

What are the resolution and frame rate limitations? Can it transmit 4K?

Bolt supports all standard frame rates and resolutions from 1080p60 and below, but not 4k or higher.

Can I build my own power cables for Bolt?
Yes.

LEMO Connector

Teradek uses a 0B 302 series LEMO connector on our products. 

The actual part number for the cables sold by Teradek is FGG.0B.302.CLAD42 but the exact part number you need will depend on the type of wiring you use (larger collet for thicker wires).

Power Pinout

Pin 1 is GND, Pin 2 is +DC

(Pin 1 is at the top, closest to the red spot)

Voltage Range

The voltage range for both the Bolt Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX) are listed on our product overview ( http://www.teradek.com/pages/bolt#technical-specificationsother-products ) and also the FAQ ( http://www.teradek.com/products/bolt )

Custom Power Cables

Standard precautions apply when making your own power cable:

 * check to ensure the cable is properly grounded and that it doesn't have shorts

 * power on the device without video connected; if it powers on fully then the power cable should be good and you can connect video and power up again