Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI Wireless Video System Announced

Wireless Video News

by Jakub HanOctober 16^th, 2020

The new Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI has just been released. It is similar to the original Vaxis ATOM 500 but adds SDI connectivity. The image transmission is possible up to 1080p 60fps to a distance of 500′ line of sight with a delay of 80ms. The units can be powered via a USB-C connector or NPF batteries.

The Chinese company Vaxis first introduced the ATOM 500 affordable wireless video transmission system back in January 2020. The original Vaxis ATOM 500 only offered HDMI connection, so the company decided to add SDI connectivity as well. Say hello to the new Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI.

Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI

As the name implies, the Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI has a maximum reach of 500 feet (roughly 152m) line of sight. Vaxis says the system has less than 80ms (0.08s) latency. In the case of a 60fps signal that can be roughly up to four frames delay. In an environment with interference, the reach decreases and the delay can be up to 120ms (0.12s, up to seven frames with 60fps signal).

Both the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) units now offer HDMI and SDI connectivity with a built-in signal cross & converter. Vaxis did not specify this, but I suppose it is a 3G-SDI as it only supports up to FHD resolution. The body size and weight are identical for both TX and RX – 113 x 63.5 x 20mm, 170g per unit. The units are grey, but there are five custom skins to choose from.

Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI – Formats

Vaxis Atom 500 SDI can transmit video signals up to 1080p 60fps.

For HDMI, the following video formats are available:

• 720P@50/60Hz
• 1280*1024@60Hz
• 1080I@50/60Hz
• 1080P@24/25/30/50/60Hz

For SDI, the following video formats are available:

• 720P@50/60Hz
• 1080I@50/59.94/60Hz
• [email protected]/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60Hz
• 1080PSF23.98/24//25/29.97/30Hz

For power, the Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI accepts 5V DC (power consumption less than 6.5W). It can be powered either from the USB-C connector or the built-in NPF battery slot. Vaxis claims they have reworked the battery slot – there is now a stainless steel sprung clip to hold the battery firmly in place and prevent it from falling off accidentally.

Just like with the original Vaxis ATOM 500, the antenna is internal. The device supports 13 channels and passcode protection. Both TX and RX also have OLED display for settings and status check. Vaxis claims that audio and video are 100% in sync with this system. There is an image prior/latency prior switch to choose between image quality and latency.

The new Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI supports monitoring via the Vaxis Vision app. For easier phone connection, the device can display QR code. Currently, the app is only available for iOS, Android version is coming soon according to Vaxis.

Price and Availability

The Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI will cost $459 and shipping should start soon (check the links to B&H and CVP below).

The original Vaxis ATOM 500 kit with HDMI connection currently retails for $399 and we see that retailers are starting a clearing sale, so the SDI version (which also features HDMI) will likely replace it.

What do you think about the new Vaxis ATOM 500 SDI? Do you have experience with the original Vaxis ATOM 500? Which brand do you prefer when it comes to wireless video transmission?