Teradek Serv Micro Announced – HDMI Wireless Video Transmitter with Streaming Capabilities

Wireless Video

by Francesco AndreolaJune 10^th, 2022

Teradek has recently launched a new HDMI-only wireless video transmitter that supports live streaming of the camera’s feed to up to 10 local devices as well as countless cloud-connected remote collaborators. The device can also store copies of the footage onto a SD memory card.

At NAB 2022, Teradek launched the Serv 4K, a compact device that allows for real-time 4K HDR streaming of SDI/HDMI signals on location and to cloud-based platforms. However, considering its price ($2,799), the Serv 4K is probably out of reach for most productions on-a-budget.

For this reason, at Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, the company has recently introduced a more affordable model, the Serv Micro. Although it lacks some of the advanced features of its 4K sibling, this new device makes remote streaming and collaboration widely accessible. Let’s take a closer look.

Teradek Serv Micro: on-set and remote live streaming

Unlike the SDI-capable Serv 4K, the new Teradek Serv Micro is a HDMI-only wireless video transmitter. Hence, it is suitable for use with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The device integrates Wi-fi streaming capabilities to distribute image on set and to remote team members.

Indeed, the Serv Micro can stream the video signal to up to 10 local devices. These need to be equipped with Teradek’s Vuer app, which is compatible with iOS, Android, PC, and MacOS platforms. This particular configuration doesn’t require an internet connection to work.

On the other hand, remote clients and producers can watch the camera’s live feed by accessing the Teradek Core streaming platform from their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This cloud-based solution supports a virtually unlimited number of connected devices. Like the Serv 4K, this new model comes with a SD card slot, so that footage sill gets saved in case of an internet connection loss. Once connection is back, file upload is restored.

Design, power, and I/O

Overall, the design of the new Serv Micro resembles that of the Serv 4K. The device looks compact and lightweight (190g/6.7g). The unit can draw power from a built-in L-series battery plate on the back, while a small OLED screen on the side displays the most important information.

Also, the Serv Micro features HDMI loop-through, Ethernet and Wi-fi connectivity, an auxiliary audio input, and a USB Type-A port. According to the company, the latter allows connection to cellular bonding options.

Serv Micro vs Serv 4K

When compared to the high-end Serv 4K, the new Micro model lacks some of the most advanced features. First off, the maximum supported resolution and frame rate are limited to 1080p30. Moreover, the Serv Micro only supports 4:2:0 8-bit AVC encoding (HEVC + AVC on the Serv 4K), lacks support for HDR, and does not integrate with frame.io‘s Camera-to-Cloud workflow.

Price and availability

Despite these limitations, the Serv Micro should still represent a valid wireless streaming alternative for productions with a limited budget. Indeed, although the company hasn’t released any official information about the price and availability of the new Teradek Serv Micro, they claim it’s the most accessible device in their Serv lineup.

Finally, if you’d like to have a sneak peek of what this device can do, you can stop by the Creative Solutions booth (n.565) at Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles. The shows ends on June 11th.

Do often have to deal with remote collaborators? What do you think of the new Teradek Serv Micro? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!