DJI Transmission launched in summer 2022 (and was made available in fall of that year) as a way to combine reception, monitoring, control, and recording in one. That marked DJI’s first independent wireless video solution. And now today with the launch of the DJI Video Receiver, DJI has introduced a new stand-alone receiver unit — as well as offer a kit that comes with both the receiver and transmission units called the DJI Transmission (Standard Combo).
The standalone product that DJI today released is called the DJI Video Receiver. And when used in tandem with the DJI Transmission, it makes for a high-end wireless transmission system that sets a new standard for extended-range stability and low-latency transmission.
What is DJI Transmission – and who is it for?
DJI Transmission, which was announced in summer 2022, is a cinematic-grade video transmission system used when shooting anything from Hollywood films to reality shows to sporting events, and it was especially designed to be used with production monitors and targets customers within the professional film industry. With wireless video transmitters and receivers — like what DJI now offers — filmmakers can move the camera where they want rather than relying on the constraints of the set (which is largely just where the nearest outlet is).
For otherwise advanced film sets, the system makes things a lot simpler and safer. It provides long-range video and audio transmission with ultra-low latency, as well as independent recording and playback. More practically, there are fewer wires to deal with (thus less tripping hazard), and simply less stuff on set.
Now, the DJI Transmission System has gotten a greater improvement that means more flexibility for filmmakers. When the DJI Transmission launched last year, it was largely sold in a $2,500 DJI Transmission Combo that included a high-bright monitor and wireless receiver capable of transmitting up to 1080p60 video using O3 Pro transmission technology via Wi-Fi 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies.
Now, DJI is selling what’s called the DJI Transmission (Standard Combo) with DJI Video Receiver, as well as the standalone receiver. While before you could only receive video using that High-Bright Monitor featuring an integrated receiver unit, today there’s the option for a standalone receiver unit. This new DJI Video Receiver is better for people using with third-party monitors. Additionally, the DJI Video Receiver can directly output video signals through HDMI or SDI ports without extra expansion modules. Throw in the fact that it supports metadata transmission and video output at fractional frame rates, and this might be an ideal option for professional production crews.
The system could prove to be a solid competitor to Teradek, which is headquartered in Irvine, California and designs and manufactures high performance video solutions for broadcast and cinema.
Everything to know about the DJI Transmission (Standard Combo)
Here’s what it’s all about:
Some key DJI Video Receiver specs
- 20,000ft 1080p/60fps Transmission
- Unlimited Number of Receivers
- Seamless Auto Frequency Hopping
- End-to-End Ultra-Low Latency
- Transmits Metadata via SDI
The new DJI Video Receiver is equipped with a few types of ports to support various connectivity options, which are:
- Dual 3G-SDI Output Ports to support the output of 1080p/60fps videos
- HDMI 1.4 Type-A Output Ports to enable the output of 1080p/60fps videos.
Transmission of Metadata
New with the DJI Video Receiver comes support for camera metadata transmission via SDI, offering compatibility with mainstream cinema cameras such as ARRI and RED.
That means the receiver can transmit detailed shooting information (e.g. file name, timecode, recording trigger, camera settings, and lens information) to monitors and video assist software such as QTAKE.
Options for multiple receivers
Like the original DJI Transmission, the new DJI Transmission (Standard Combo) supports the use of multiple receivers alongside one transmitter — which is useful for gathering video and audio feeds in two transmission modes.
- In Broadcast Mode, an unlimited number of receivers can simultaneously output real-time feeds, which you might use for large crews or sets with multiple teams. The process is augmented through fairly easy camera index switching and real-time display of bitrate and video codecs.
- Control Mode is more advanced and is designed to integrate with other control devices such as DJI Master Wheels. When in use, users have remote control of Ronin 2, RS 3 Pro, and camera focus on up to two receiving ends, without affecting other devices connected via Broadcast Mode. The DJI Video Receiver also supports voice calls in this mode — which might be used in scenarios such as one-on-one, ultra-long-distance communication between the cinematographer and the director.
Those are the same two transmission modes supported in the original combo.
How to get your hands on the new transmission system combo
This comes in a few combos, all of which are available for purchase today through DJI’s website and other major retailers. And yes, you can use the DJI Video Receiver and the DJI High-Bright Remote Monitor at the same time.
DJI Transmission (Standard Combo)
This new DJI Transmission (Standard Combo) retails for $2,500 and includes:
- DJI Video Transmitter
- DJI Video Receiver
- Installation Toolkit
- 2 WB37 Intelligent Batteries
- WB37 Battery Charging Hub
- Various cables and battery adapters
Get the DJI Transmission Standard Combo now from B&H Photo.
DJI Video Receiver (standalone)
If you just want the new DJI Video Receiver (no DJI Transmission), then you might choose to purchase the standalone DJI Video Receiver, which retails on its own for $1,699.
One note: if you already have the DJI Transmission (High-Bright Monitor Combo), you’ll need to upgrade the Video Transmitter and High-Bright Remote Monitor to the firmware version 01.05.05.00 before connecting with the new DJI Video Transmitter and DJI Video Receiver in the DJI Transmission (Standard Combo).
Get the DJI Receiver now from B&H Photo.
What about the High-Bright Monitor Combo?
With today’s launch comes two options of combos: either the High-Bright Monitor Combo or the Standard Combo. With the High-Bright Monitor Combo (which has already been on the market for about a year), you’re looking at reception, monitoring, recording, and control integrates into one solution. New today is the Standard Combo, which additionally supports metadata transmissions via SDI and the output of fractional frame rates and is designed for use with production monitors.
The High-Bright Monitor Combo also retails for $2,500 and includes
- DJI Video Transmitter
- High-Bright Remote Monitor
- Installation Toolkit
- 2 WB37 Intelligent Batteries
- WB37 Battery Charging Hub
- Various cables and battery adapters
Why the DJI Video Receiver launch comes at a critical time for DJI
DJI has launched a number of new products lately — most notably the DJI Air 3 drone.
Alas, the DJI Transmission System is very much not a drone. But that might very well be a smart move for the company, which has been plagued by concerns recently around its drones being exported outside of the country, coupled with concerns primarily from U.S. politicians around its drones being used by the U.S. government.
On July 31, China imposed restrictions on exports of long-range civilian drones, which could make it impossible for the company to export some of its commercial drones. That move was a response to Russia’s war in Ukraine to address concerns that drones made in China might be used for military purposes.
And separately, the U.S. government has been increasingly considering banning Chinese-made drones for use by government agencies. Examples of such legislation include the American Security Drone Act, a bill proposed in February 2023 by Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida that would prohibit most federal agencies from using drones manufactured in China (which includes DJI drones).
Related read: Advocacy group forms to fight bans on certain drone companies — with one key player
By leaning into non-drone products (the company also this month released a new version of its action camera, the Osmo Action 4), DJI is diversifying its portfolio, enabling the company to lean on other verticals should drones prove challenging to sell.
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