Advertisement

SWIT CREW Released – Video Transmission System with a Range of up to 3km

SWIT CREW Released - Video Transmission System with a Range of up to 3km

The new SWIT CREW wireless video system promises low-latency (32ms) 1080p 60fps video signal transmission to a maximum distance of 3km/1.9 miles (with a large panel Rx unit) or up to 1.2km/0.7 miles with a compact receiver. Featuring multi-cast (1Tx sends signal to up to 4Rx), AES-256 encryption, KUWI 2.0 Pro chipset, operating in the 5.1–5.9GHz frequency band (DFS compliant), and a flexible video connectivity (3G-SDI, HDMI, and USB-C), the SWIT CREW sets start at $2,899.

In general, wireless video transmission systems have become more affordable in recent years. What used to be a premium segment ruled by the likes of Teradek is getting β€œdemocratized” with many offerings from companies such as DJI, Accsoon, Hollyland, etc. Sure, for high-end productions and for extremely low latency for focus pulling, you still need to invest a decent amount into a capable system, but there are now reliable, affordable solutions out there, such as the Accsoon CineView Master 4K system, which my colleague Marcel reviewed a few months ago.

The Chinese company SWIT is mostly known in the industry for their battery packs and monitors, such as the recently announced SWIT FM-U245HDR 23.8” 1000-nit production monitor. Today, SWIT releases a long-range video transmission system. Let’s take a look at the details.

SWIT CREW-V. Source: SWIT

SWIT CREW – up to 3km transmission of 1080p60 video signal

First, the SWIT CREW wireless video transmission system features a KUWI 2.0 Pro chipset, operating in the 5.1–5.9GHz frequency band (DFS compliant). With dedicated RF protocol and signal feedback from receiver (Rx) to transmitter (Tx), it ensures real-time channel management, bitrate/power adjustments, and stability even in congested environments, according to SWIT.

As the company further states, the transmission latency is as low as 32ms (2 frames). There are selectable modes for low-latency and wall-crossing.

The transmitted video signal is supported up to 1080p 60fps in H.265 encoding with a bitrate of 26.8Mbps.

The CREW system is available in four different configurations based on the maximum range and battery type support.

  • CREW kit features a compact Tx and Rx units with a range of up to 1.2km/0.7 miles (unobstructed line of sight). Both units feature an NP-F battery plate.
  • CREW-V kit features compact Tx and Rx units with a range of up to 1.2km/0.7 miles (unobstructed line of sight). Each unit features a dual V-Mount battery plate.
  • CREW MAX kit features a compact Tx unit and a large panel Rx unit with a range of up to 3km/1.9 miles (unobstructed line of sight). The TX unit features an NP-F battery plate, and the panel Rx unit has a V-Mount battery plate.
  • CREW-V MAX kit features a compact Tx unit and a large panel Rx unit with a range of up to 3km/1.9 miles (unobstructed line of sight). The Tx unit features a dual V-Mount battery plate, and the panel Rx unit has a V-Mount battery plate, too.
SWIT CREW MAX. Source: SWIT

Multicast, connectivity

Each system supports multicast, so one transmitter can send a video signal to up to four receivers. As SWIT says, any transmitter and any receiver in the CREW Series (regardless of battery mount or form factor) are fully compatible and interchangeable.

SWIT CREW multicast feature. Source: SWIT

In terms of connectivity, each transmitter includes: 3G-SDI input & loop, and HDMI input. Each receiver unit features: two 3G-SDI outputs, HDMI output, and a USB-C (UVC) output for plug-and-play livestreaming on PC/Mac or mobile.

SWIT CREW connectivity. Source: SWIT

Metadata, encryption, UI, power

CREW systems fully transmit embedded SDI camera metadata, timecode, and support trigger recording start/stop sync from Tx to Rx. According to the manufacturer, using AES-256 encryption and SWIT’s private RF protocol, CREW systems are secure against signal interception or unintended access.

SWIT CREW. Source: SWIT

On-screen UI shows signal, channel, format, fan speed, battery, and temperature on the unit’s OLED screen. The cooling fan supports two modes:

  • Auto mode, which adjusts speed based on temperature
  • Silent mode, which allows manual shutdown for noise-sensitive environments. Overheat protection is automatically triggered at 120Β°C/248Β°F.
SWIT CREW-V MAX. Source: SWIT

When it comes to power delivery, both Tx and Rx units are available either with an NP-F mount or a V-Mount battery plate. Additionally, all units support USB-C power input (5V/2A) and 2-pin LEMO DC (7–17V).

SWIT CREW specs. Source: SWIT
SWIT CREW. Source: SWIT

Price and availability

The new SWIT CREW video transmission system is now available for pre-order. According to the company, shipping starts in Q3 2025, which is now, so I expect the system to be shipping very soon.

Pricing starts at $1,749 per unit (CREW Rx or CREW-V Rx), and there are a handful of pre-configured kits available:

  • CREW 1Tx + 1Rx kit costs $2,899 (€2,499 plus VAT in Europe)
  • CREW-V 1Tx + 1Rx kit costs $2,899 (€2,499 plus VAT in Europe)
  • CREW 1Tx+2Rx kit costs $4,399 (€3,749 plus VAT in Europe)
  • CREW-V 1Tx+2Rx kit costs $4,399 (€3,749 plus VAT in Europe)
  • CREW MAX 1Tx+1Rx kit costs $5,799 (€4,999 plus VAT in Europe)
  • CREW-V MAX 1Tx+1Rx kit costs $5,799 (€4,999 plus VAT in Europe)

Which wireless video transmission system do you use for your productions? What do you think about the SWIT CREW? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.

Leave a reply

Filter:
all
Sort by:
latest
Filter:
all
Sort by:
latest