DJI SDR Transmission signals further move beyond just UAVs for Chinese drone giant

Posted by Dronerator

In another sign that DJI is seeking to expand its portfolio into all sorts of high-powered tech comes the DJI SDR Transmission.

DJI, the Chinese tech giant once synonymous solely with drones, has been aggressively expanding its product line as of late. Earlier this year, we got two portable power stations called 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 capitalized on influencers, with social media-friendly cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It’s tapped into serious Hollywood productions with products like the DJI Video Receiver and DJI Transmission.

And this month, DJI announced an expansion into that world of commercial video with the launch of even more advanced SDR technology. DJI in July 2024 launched DJI SDR Transmission. 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 just the transmitter) offers 1080p/60fps live feeds with a bitrate of up to 20Mbps and a delay as low as 35 milliseconds. From there, videos can be transmitted up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away. 

DJI SDR Transmission
(Image courtesy of DJI)

The benefits of DJI SDR Transmission

What’s the point of using DJI SDR Transmission? In short, expect better stability and interference resistance. Here are some key benefits of DJI SDR Transmission:

  • Can output three SDR signals and two Wi-Fi signals simultaneously
  • Can connect to unlimited receivers in broadcast mode
  • Receiver can connect to monitors via SDI/HDMI, or it can connect to smartphones and tablets via USB-C or Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi option allows for dual-channel monitoring without another receiver
  • Supports Force Mobile, virtual joystick, and gimbal recentering functions when used with the DJI RS Series Stabilizers
  • Can support PTP control, displaying and adjusting aperture, shutter, ISO when paired with a camera
  • Supports CEC control of Sony cameras with Mirror Control mode
  • Can transmit metadata throughout filming
  • Allows switching between camera indexes within the app when connected to the DJI Ronin app in Broadcast mode

And what about size and power? Here are some DJI SDR specs:

  • Uses a standard PD protocol charger with a USB-C power input
  • Can also be powered directly by DJI RS 4 Pro, DJI RS 4, or DJI RS 3 Pro when mounted and used together (eliminating the need for a separate battery)
  • Supports industry-standard NP-F batteries
  • Foldable antenna
  • 145 grams weight
DJI SDR Transmission
(Image courtesy of DJI)

Who is DJI SDR Transmission best for?

DJI SDR Transmission is best used among small- and medium-sized film crews. It would be best used in the following use cases:

  • Filmmakers shooting in challenging environments or those requiring long-range transmission.
  • Broadcasters covering live events or conducting remote reporting where signal stability is paramount.
  • Corporate video producers working in high-stakes presentations or product launches.

However, it’s essential to note that this system comes at a premium. For casual users or those on a tight budget, the added cost and complexity might outweigh the benefits. Additionally, while the SDR technology is impressive, it’s not a magic bullet. Interference can still occur, and users should have realistic expectations.

If you primarily shoot in controlled environments with minimal interference, this whole DJI SDR Transmission system might be overkill.

Ready to get your hands on one? Here’s how much it costs:

DJI SDR Transmission
(Image courtesy of DJI)

Why is DJI leaning into filmmaking products?

For what it’s worth, DJI has long targeted professional filmmakers — including those who don’t ever use drones. Its Ronin line of steady-cams has brought that same, silky-smooth, flying aesthetic to footage shot on the ground. Since the Ronin’s success, DJI has broken out into other products that use DJI’s top-tier drone technology, like transmission units.

And now, that includes DJI SDR Transmission.

“Since 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 and content creators to aspiring storytellers,” said DJI’s product line manager Paul Pan in a prepared statement. “Our new DJI SDR Transmission delivers the same film and television-level image transmission quality but at a more accessible price point for more upcoming filmmakers.”

But that’s not necessarily the whole story. As concerns about data security and potential bans loom over DJI’s drone operations, particularly in the United States, these product diversifications are increasingly crucial.

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. Though, note that this definitely does not mean it’s law. And in fact, it seems unlikely this version of the Countering CCP Drones Act will actually pass anyway. After all, it must pass the Senate before getting get presidential approval. Other proposals like the Drones First Responders Act would create a 30% tariff on drones made in China. That could go a long way in harming sales of DJI drones — but it wouldn’t do anything to other, non-drone DJI products, like this DJI SDR Transmission.

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