IDX CAM-WAVE HD

IDX, maker of battery systems and portable chargers, introduces a new low-cost, high-definition version of its CAM-WAVE wireless transmission system at that sends uncompressed signals up to 150 feet in line-of-sight shooting, or 100 feet through walls.

Unlike other wireless camera system systems that make use of MPEG-2 or wavelet compression to send signals further that 150 feet, the CW-5HD transmits wireless full-bandwidth uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI images over short distance, with very little latency (they say less than 1 millisecond delay). It supports all ATSC HD video formats with two channels of embedded audio.

The idea was to keep the new HD wireless system small and lightweight, hence the elimination of an internal encoder like those found on other HD warless systems. No compression also means no signal delay, which also plagues other wireless systems. This allows productions to seamlessly intercut cameras using CAM-WAVE HD systems with other wired cameras and avoid lip-sync errors.

The system would seem to be ideal for motion-picture shoots where signal quality captured from an unusual location maybe inside a car) is of the utmost importance. It could also be used in breaking news events where using a cable would be problematic. Users can't send SDI signals generated with the CAM-WAVE HD system over a limited-bandwidth microwave system (today they use asynchronous serial interface signals), so news crews would then send the signal back to the ENG truck, where it would be compressed and sent back to the station for airing of live pictures from the scene. The resulting compressed images would still look better than if they were originally compressed, according to Tony Iwaqmoto, vice president of marketing at IDX. (The unit was developed in IDX's Japan facility.

Designed to operate in the 5.1-5.8 GHz frequencies (meaning no special FCC license is required), the CW-5HD system uses very little power (11w) while sending encrypted MIMO/OFDM signals and weighs 1.7 pounds, with no visible antennas. It will ship with an IDX V-mount, enabling a direct attachment to an IDX battery (with two-hour run time) for rear mounting on a camera. It can also be powered directly by DC.

Key Advantages
• Supports HD-SDI/SD-SDI input and output
• Transmitting HD video (1080i, 1080p, 720p), SD video (525i, 635i) with SDI embedded audio (CH1 and CH2)
• Latency delay in transmission of only 1 millisecond maximum
• Adoption of MIMO technology, multiplexing wireless signals via multiple antennas in one channel to achieve HD
• Both automatic and manual selection of transmission frequencies (4 CH) allowing multiple systems in same area
• Maximum range up to 150 ft in line of sight (actual production may vary)
• Signal protection using 256-bit AES encryption (in Unicast mode)
• Choice of transmission output power selection in either high or low level
• Power supplied by V-Mount Lithium Ion batteries or by DC input via XLR 4-pin connector
• Lightweight with thin profile weighing just 1.5 lbs, no visible antenna array and only 11W power consumption
• Operates between 5.1—5.8 GHz band radio frequency and there is no FCC license requirement
• TX features loop-through capability; RX outputs dual simultaneous signal
• Multicast link mode function permits multiple receivers to display signals from a single transmitter (non-encrypted)
• Back-up power function auto-switches to connected battery if external DC power is disconnected
• Conforms to major international engineering standards including FCC, CE and RoHS specifications

CW-5HD TX Specifications:
Frequency: 5.18GHz – 5.86GHz
Tuning Range / Frequency selection: 4 Selectable Channels or Auto select
Transmit Power: 89mW maximum
Transmit Antenna: Internal 2dBi gain
Transmit Method: MIMO
Modulation: OFDM
Latency: Less than 1ms
Video Input: HD-SDI-SMPTE 292M
SD-SDI-SMPTE 259M-C
Supported Video Profiles: HD – 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50,
1080p/29.97, 1080p/23.98
720p/59.94, 720p/50
SD – 525i/59.94,
625i/50
Audio Input: 2 Channel SDI embedded
Power Requirement: 10 – 17 VDC via battery plate or 4 pin XLR connector
Power Consumption: 11W approx.
Dimension (WxDxH): 158mm x 62mm x 188mm (6.23” x 2.44” x 7.41” )
Weight: Approx. 650g (1.5lbs)
Operating Range: 0~60°C (32~140°F)

CW-5HD RX Specifications:
Frequency: 5.18GHz – 5.86GHz
Tuning Range / Frequency selection: 4 Selectable Channels or Auto select
Receiving Antenna: Internal 2dBi gain
Receive Method: MIMO
Modulation: OFDM
Latency: Less than 1ms
Video Output: HD-SDI-SMPTE 292M
SD-SDI-SMPTE 259M-C
Supported Video Profiles: HD – 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50,
1080p/29.97, 1080p/23.98
720p/59.94, 720p/50
SD – 525i/59.94,
625i/50
Audio Output: 2 Channel SDI embedded
Power Requirement: 10 – 17 VDC via battery plate or 4 pin XLR connector
Power Consumption: 11W approx.
Dimension (WxDxH): 158mm x 62mm x 188mm (6.23” x 2.44” x 7.41” )
Weight: Approx. 650g (1.5lbs)
Operating Range: 0~60°C (32~140°F)

Optional Accessories
Model CW-OPT 1F - Factory-installed compact three-stud mount—female version
Model CW-OPT 1M - Factory-installed compact three-stud mount—male version
Option must be ordered at the same time as the CW-5HD to be eligible for full two-year system warranty