DJI today has launched the DJI SDR Transmission 2, a new wireless video transmission system designed for professional film and video production. The system is built on an upgraded software-defined radio (SDR) platform, with support for DCI 4K at 60fps, 10-bit HDR video at up to 50Mbps and latency as low as 35ms.
Compared to the first-generation SDR Transmission, which supported up to 1080p60 video at 20Mbps, the new model significantly increases both resolution and bitrate while retaining the same 35ms low-latency target. The original system also supported DFS, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands with automatic frequency hopping, along with a transmission range of up to 1.9 miles, or roughly 3km.
For Multi-Camera Production
Unlike the first-generation system, the SDR Transmission 2 uses an integrated transmitter-receiver design, allowing each unit to switch between TX and RX modes depending on the production setup. This means users do not need to decide in advance how many transmitters and receivers they require.
Each transceiver weighs around 136g, allowing it to be mounted on handheld stabilisers as well as a range of cameras and cinema cameras. An optional expansion board adds SDI and HDMI connectivity alongside four USB-C ports, while also supporting SDI metadata pass-through for compatible cinema cameras.
For larger productions, one transmitter can connect to up to eight receivers, with each receiver supporting remote control. DJI says the system can also support up to five transmitters and 40 receivers operating simultaneously, allowing multiple camera feeds to be distributed around a set.
The SDR Transmission 2 also introduces Auto Channel 2.0, which can identify compatible units and automatically allocate frequency bands. According to the company, the system can scan for interference, identify channel conflicts and switch frequencies according to the surrounding environment, reducing the amount of manual frequency planning required on multi-camera sets.
4K Video And 4km Range
The upgraded SDR platform supports DCI 4K video at 60fps with 10-bit HDR and H.265 encoding at up to 50Mbps. DJI says this allows the system to retain more detail and smoother colour transitions across highlights, shadows and other demanding parts of a scene.
Transmission range has also increased to up to 4km, compared with the first-generation system’s stated range of up to 3km. The 35ms latency is retained, which allows monitoring and remote operations such as focus pulling and gimbal movement to remain responsive.
The system can output video to professional monitors through SDI, HDMI or DisplayPort, while USB-C connectivity allows a phone or tablet to be used for high-bitrate monitoring. The DJI Ronin app also provides tools such as LUTs, focus peaking, waveform and false colour.
Users can also switch between different camera feeds directly from an RX-mode transceiver or through the Ronin app without having to disconnect, reboot and manually pair to another frequency. Compatible cameras can additionally be controlled through PTP, including adjustments for aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as well as triggering photo and video capture.
Compatible With DJI Ronin
The SDR Transmission 2 is compatible with DJI’s professional stabilisation systems, including the RS 5, RS 4, RS 4 Pro, RS 3 Pro and Ronin 2, as well as the Master Wheels. When mounted directly to supported DJI gimbals, the transceiver can draw power from the gimbal without requiring a separate battery.
It can also run from standard NP-F batteries rated between 6.8V and 8.4V or through USB-C Power Delivery. The USB-C output supports up to 15V/3A, while an optional cage provides additional protection and mounting points for more demanding setups such as vehicle-mounted cameras.
Pricing And Availability
The DJI SDR Transmission 2 is now available in Malaysia through DJI’s official website, as well as its official stores on Shopee and Lazada. It is priced at RM1,329 for the standalone unit, while the DJI SDR Transmission 2 Combo costs RM2,349.
(Source: DJI Malaysia press release)