Teradek Bolt 6 Series Introduced – 6GHz Zero-Delay Wireless Video System

by Jeff LochSeptember 10^th, 2022

Teradek has just released a new lineup of wireless video transmitters and receivers: the Teradek Bolt 6. As its name suggests, the Bolt 6 series transmits and receives over the newly-available 6GHz frequency band. However, a Bolt 6 unit can still communicate with a Bolt 4K unit using the industry-standard 5GHz. So let’s take a closer look at all these new zero-delay units from Teradek!

Regarding wireless video systems, the industry standard on most film sets worldwide is Teradek. Indeed, the company has been manufacturing zero-delay systems for years, including their Teradek Bolt 4K series.

At IBC 2022, the company introduced a new series of transmitters, receivers, and monitors using the new 6GHz frequency band: the Teradek Bolt 6.

6GHz wireless video bandwidth

The Teradek Bolt 6 is the first wireless video system to use the new U-NII 5 bandwidth, also known as 6GHz. This new bandwidth is backward compatible with the 5GHz bandwidth, which means Bolt 6 transmitters/receivers can communicate with other Teradek Bolt 4K units using the 5GHz band.

The main advantage of the new 6GHz bandwidth is that it opens 12 new “free” channels – from 5.925 to 6.425GHz – to access a clear radio frequency environment. In short, it means that you should have less interference in crowded spaces and the ability for more wireless links to coexist in a single area.

Bolt 6 LT, Bolt 6 XT, and Bolt 6 monitor modules

The Bolt 6 family has been redesigned and is now smaller, lighter, cooler, and up to 50% quieter than its Bolt 4K counterpart. The Teradek Bolt 6 series consists of several different models:

• The Bolt 6 LT HDMI. As its name suggests, these are HDMI-only units, with a maximum range of 750ft/150m.
• The Bolt 6 LT has both HDMI and SDI input/output ports. The maximum SDI resolution is 1080p60, and 4K UHD at 30p if you’re using the HDMI port.
• The top-of-the-line Bolt 6 XT with a maximum SDI and HDMI resolution of 4K DCI at 60p.
• Monitor modules that integrate seamlessly into SmallHD Smart 7 Series monitors like their Bolt 4K counterparts.

Also, multiple versions of the Bolt 6 LT and XT are available with transmission ranges up to 5000+ feet. As we mentioned, the Bolt 6 can connect to Bolt 4K units, and one Bolt 6 transmitter can connect to up to 6 receivers.

Furthermore, Bolt 6 gives you color-accurate 4K HDR clarity without compromises, including a 10-bit 4:2:2 color output in Rec.2020 color space. Lastly, the Bolt 6 LT HDMI and Bolt 6 XT – it is optional on the Bolt 6 LT – feature a control port compatible with SmallHD wireless camera control.

Pricing and availability

The Bolt 6 LT HDMI kit starts at $1.990, the Bolt 6 LT kit starts at $3.290, and the Bolt 6 XT kit starts at $6.490. Also, you can purchase the transmitters, receivers, and monitor modules separately if you want to slowly start upgrading your gear to this new 6GHz ecosystem. All products should start shipping at the end of October 2022.

For more information, please visit Teradek’s website here.

What do you think about these new 6GHz wireless video units? Do you think the upgrade is worth it? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!