Another sign that DJI is looking to expand its portfolio to include all kinds of high-performance technology is the DJI SDR Gearbox.
DJI, the Chinese tech giant that was once synonymous exclusively with drones, has been aggressively expanding its product line lately. Earlier this year, we received two portable power plants called the DJI Power 1000 and DJI Power 500, which are useful for practical applications where you might need power on the go, such as camping. DJI has tapped influencers with social media-friendly cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It’s tapped into serious Hollywood production with products like the DJI Video Receiver and DJI Transmission.
And this month, DJI announced an expansion into this world of commercial video with the launch of even more advanced SDR technology. DJI launched the DJI SDR Transmission in July 2024. With it comes a theoretically more reliable and efficient solution for filmmakers to monitor and transmit video on set.
The $549 transmission kit (or $309 for the transmitter only) offers 1080p/60fps live streaming with up to 20 Mbps data rate and just 35 milliseconds latency. From there, videos can be transmitted up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away.
Advantages of DJI SDR Transmission
What is the point of using DJI SDR Transmission? In short, expect better stability and resistance to interference. Here are some key benefits of DJI SDR Transmission:
- It can simultaneously output three SDR signals and two Wi-Fi signals
- An unlimited number of receivers can be connected in broadcast mode
- The receiver can connect to monitors via SDI/HDMI, or it can connect to smartphones and tablets via USB-C or Wi-Fi
- The Wi-Fi option enables two-channel monitoring without an additional receiver
- Supports Force Mobile, virtual joystick and gimbal centering functions when used with DJI RS series stabilizers
- When paired with a camera, it can support PTP control, display and adjust aperture, shutter, ISO
- Supports CEC control of Sony cameras with Mirror Control mode
- It can transfer metadata during filming
- Enables switching between camera indexes within the app when connected to the DJI Ronin app in broadcast mode
What about size and performance? Here are some of the DJI SDR specifications:
- It uses a standard PD protocol charger with a USB-C input
- It can also be powered directly from the DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4 or DJI RS 3 Pro when mounted and used together (eliminating the need for a separate battery)
- Standard NP-F battery holders
- Folding antenna
- weight 145 grams
Who is DJI SDR Transmission best for?
DJI SDR Transmission is best used by small to medium-sized film crews. It would be best used in the following use cases:
- Filmmakers shooting in challenging environments or environments requiring long distance transmission.
- Broadcasters covering live events or doing remote reporting where signal stability is paramount.
- Corporate video producers involved in presentations or product launches.
However, it must be noted that this system is at an additional cost. For casual or budget users, the added cost and complexity may outweigh the benefits. Additionally, while SDR technology is impressive, it is not a magic bullet. Interference can still occur and users should have realistic expectations.
If you primarily shoot in a controlled environment with minimal interference, this whole DJI SDR Transmission system may be overkill.
Are you ready to get hands on? How much it costs:
Why does DJI rely on filmmaking products?
DJI has long targeted professional filmmakers – including those who have never used a drone. His line of stable Ronin cams brought the same silky-smooth, flighty aesthetic to footage shot on the ground. Since the success of the Ronin, DJI has expanded into other products that utilize DJI’s cutting-edge drone technology, such as transfer units.
And now it includes DJI SDR transmission.
“From the beginning, we intended our DJI PRO line to be a comprehensive and reliable ecosystem of drones, cameras and creator tools for both professional filmmakers in the industry, content creators and aspiring storytellers,” said DJI Product Line Manager Paul Pan. prepared statement. “Our new DJI SDR Transmission provides the same film and TV-level image transmission quality, but at a more affordable price for other filmmakers.”
But that’s not necessarily the whole story. With data security concerns and potential bans looming over DJI’s drone operations, particularly in the United States, this product diversification is increasingly important.
After all, proposals like the Countering CCP Drones Act seek to ban DJI drones. In fact, the Countering CCP Drones Act has already passed the House of Representatives in a narrow vote. Note, however, that this certainly does not mean that it is the law. And in fact, it seems unlikely that this version of the Countering CCP Drones Act will pass anyway. After all, it has to pass the Senate before receiving presidential approval. Other proposals, such as the First Responders Drone Act, would create a 30% tariff on drones made in China. That could hurt DJI’s drone sales quite a bit – but it wouldn’t do anything for DJI’s other non-drone products like this DJI SDR Gearbox.