CAME-TV has launched the WAERO Pro, a new full-duplex wireless intercom headset system addressing typical communication challenges faced by film production crews working in all kinds of environments.
The CAME-TV WAERO Pro headsets aim to simplify on-set communication without requiring a central hub to connect the headsets and bring some significant upgrades compared to the existing WAERO system.
CAME-TV WAERO Pro System avoids congested 2.4GHz frequencies
This new system operates on the 1.9GHz DECT band, avoiding the congested 2.4GHz frequency range used by numerous wireless devices on set. This frequency selection provides a dedicated communication channel insulated from interference that often plagues production environments. What’s nice is that the WAERO Pro supports auto frequency hopping when encountering interference, in order to provide a more stable connection.
Maximum range, sets, and battery life
The system provides an operating range of up to 518 meters (over 1,700 feet) in open environments, decreasing in locations with significant physical obstacles. For productions requiring expanded coverage, the system supports connecting up to 9 headsets in a single network. There are various WAERO Pro systems available, but the classic one includes five pre-paired headsets, eliminating the frustrating setup process accompanying many comparable systems.
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Battery performance delivers up to 15 hours of use on a single charge, which can get you through an entire shooting day. This operational time addresses a common pain point in production—the need for reliable headsets that sustain through long shooting days without requiring frequent battery swaps. The master headset will last for 5-10 hours, so you should carry a replacement battery for it. A battery will be fully charged in 2.5 hours and has a capacity of 1100mAh.
Noise cancellation and AEC are also implemented, which is essential in headsets to filter out disturbing background noise in calls. CAME-TV claims “zero latency” for real-time communication, another plus.
Grouping and all-call function for team leaders
The system supports establishing separate groups within a network, but it can be easily switched between the groups at any time.
The CAME-TV WAERO Pro comes with a so-called “all-call function” for team leaders using the master headset. That function allows them to communicate both with the A and B groups simultaneously by pressing the MF button on the master headset. This is, of course, super useful when everyone on set needs to be summoned for a meeting, lunch break, or whatever will affect the whole team, without having to repeat the same message in both groups.
Compatibility with other CAME-TV products
The system is also fully compatible with all other CAME-TV intercom systems, including Kuminik8, Came-Nano, and WAERO.
Editorial perspective
When I first heard about CAME-TV many, many years ago, I came to love their Boltzen Fresnel lights, and I use them as kicker lights for many interviews to this day. The company has since entered many other areas, including wireless intercom, and its further expansion into production communication technology represents a logical progression. The WAERO Pro addresses several pain points in production communication—weight, battery life, and frequency interference—that challenge filmmaking teams.
However, the audio quality and durability remain to be tested against industry-leading communication systems that have undergone years of field testing. The true test of any communication system comes from extended use in challenging production conditions.
As production crews seek streamlined equipment solutions that reduce setup time and increase reliability, the WAERO Pro appears to be a promising addition to the ecosystem of tools facilitating the increasingly complex communication needs of modern film production.
Market position, pricing, and availability
Priced at $555 for the 5-headset package, the WAERO Pro sits in the budget range of production communication tools, yet it’s very competitive for what it delivers – typically, full-duplex systems will cost considerably more. This pricing places it also below premium systems from established manufacturers like Clear-Com and others.
In general, pricing is quite simple: Essentially, every individual headset costs $111, and as you can pair up to nine of them, the largest set containing these 9 headsets costs $999.
If you’re looking to invest in such a model, then now might be a good time as CAME-TV is running a sale on their wireless intercom series, including the CAME-NANO and CAME-KUMINIK8.
The system is currently available through CAME-TV’s webshop and select professional video equipment retailers.
