Teradek, based in California, is probably the best-known manufacturer of professional wireless video solutions. They just introduced two new models, the Ranger Micro for HD, and the Ranger Mk II for 4K, both with 6GHz and supposedly zero-delay wireless video transmission for live production. So far, we don’t have any information about availability or the price range. But let’s have a closer look!
Ranger Micro 750 3G-SDI/HDMI Wireless Transmitter/Receiver Kit (Gold Mount)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
At last year’s IBC, Teradek released the Teradek Bolt 6 lineup of wireless video transmitters and receivers. The Bolt 6 series was the first product to transmit and receive over the new U-NII 5 bandwidth, also known as the 6 GHz frequency band. If you are not familiar with this family of Teradek products, please check out our IBC 2022 coverage here.
Teradek Ranger Series – overview
The new Ranger comes in two different models, the Ranger Micro for HD transmission up to 1080p60 and the Ranger Mk II for up to 4K60p in HDR. Both are available in three different ranges: 229m/750ft, 762m/2500ft, or 1524m/5000ft (line of sight), with a V-Mount and a Gold-Mount option for the receiver.
Zero-delay wireless video for live production
Teradek claims that all models have almost zero delay, with an estimated transmission time of only 0,001 seconds, and visually lossless picture quality with AES-256 encryption between the transmitter and the receiver. Compared to the average latency time of 30,8ms for RF-based wireless video transmission, this would be a big step forward, especially for live events like TV sports broadcasts. As always, this has to be tested in real-world conditions first to see if there is really no delay at all.
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6 GHz bandwidth
With the Teradek Ranger, you have the option to operate in the 5 GHz band for general use, but the series also supports the new 6 GHz (U-NII 5) bandwidth, and you can gain access to 12 newly-opened RF channels to operate without interference. Just make sure that the 6 GHz (U-NII 5) band is supported in your part of the world. Teradek is providing some information about the support by region here.
Teradek Ranger Micro – features
The smaller Ranger Micro model is limited to an HD signal up to 1080p60 via HDMI or 3G-SDI and is available in three different transmission ranges: 229m/750ft, 762m/2500ft, or 1524m/5000ft. However, only the 1524m/5000ft model offers the broadcast mode for Point-to-Multipoint and Multicast-Mode workflow. The transmitter has a small LCD screen on the side with a joystick for menu control, and the receiver has either a V-Mount or Gold-Mount battery plate.
Ranger Micro – key features
- Transmitter + Gold-Mount or V-Mount Receiver Set
- Supports 4.9 to 6.4 GHz Frequency Bands
- Transmit Video up to 229m/750ft or 762m/2500ft or 1524m/5000ft (Line of Sight)
- 3G-SDI and HDMI Input/Output
- Lossless Transmission with Zero Delay
- 1080p60 10-Bit 4:2:2 HDR Support
- Supports Transmission to up to 6x RXs
- Pairs with all Ranger Series Devices
- AES-256 Encryption, 2 x Antennas
- Launchpad App, Spectrum Analyzer
Teradek Ranger Mk II – features
The larger Ranger Mk II model transmits a 4K 10-bit HDR signal and comes in three different transmission ranges: 229m/750ft or 762m/2500ft or 1524m/5000ft. Again, only the 1524m/5000ft model offers the broadcast mode for Point-to-Multipoint and Multicast-Mode workflow. The transmitter has a small LCD screen on the side with a joystick for menu control. The receiver can be ordered either with a V-Mount or Gold-Mount battery plate.
Ranger Mk II – key features
- Transmitter + Gold-Mount or V-Mount Receiver Set
- Supports 4.9 to 6.4 GHz Frequency Bands
- Transmit Video up to 229m/750ft or 762m/2500ft or 1524m/5000ft (Line of Sight)
- 12G-SDI and HDMI Input/Output
- Lossless Transmission with Zero Delay
- 4K60p 10-Bit 4:2:2 HDR Support
- Supports Transmission to up to 6x RXs
- Pairs with all Ranger Series Devices
- AES-256 Encryption
- Launchpad App, Spectrum Analyzer
Ranger Series – comparison
 Ranger Micro |  Ranger Mk II | |
| HDMI / SDI 1080p60 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI/SDI 4K60 |  | |
| 10-bit HDR | | |
| Input / Output Scaler | | |
| Range (in feet) | 750, 2500, 5000 | 750, 2500, 5000 |
| Broadcast Mode | 5000ft Models Only | 5000ft Models Only |
| Frequencies Supported | Licensed 4.850-5.150 GHz 5.350-5.470 GHz 5.850-5.925 GHz Unlicensed 5.150-5.250 GHz (Non-DFS) 5.250-5.350 GHz (DFS) 5.470-5.725 GHz (DFS) 5.725-5.850 GHz (Non-DFS) 5.925-6.425 GHz (U-NII-5) | Licensed 4.850-5.150 GHz 5.350-5.470 GHz 5.850-5.925 GHz Unlicensed 5.150-5.250 GHz (Non-DFS) 5.250-5.350 GHz (DFS) 5.470-5.725 GHz (DFS) 5.725-5.850 GHz (Non-DFS) 5.925-6.425 GHz (U-NII-5) |
| AES-256 Encryption | | |
| RF Power | 21 dbm EIRP | 21 dbm EIRP |
| Multicast | 1:6 | 1:6 |
| Suggested Form Factor | Prosumer Cameras Gimbals Rigging Drones | Camera-Back |
| Battery Mount Options | Gold Mount (RX) V-Lock Mount (RX) | Gold Mount (TX / RX) V-Lock Mount (TX / RX) |
Cross compatibility
The new Ranger series is designed to pair with any combination of Ranger TX and RX, regardless of the model, so you can scale up your production to any required size.
Different workflows
There are basically three different ways Ranger can be used in video applications:
- First, you can transmit from the source to the receiver in HD or 4K wireless video transmission.
- Second, transmit from a source to multiple receivers, and use broadcast mode to transmit your stream to multiple destinations (only available on Ranger Micro 5.000ft and Mk II 5.000ft models).
- Finally, connect Ranger to Ranger and transmit to 6 receivers simultaneously in multi-cast mode or to unlimited receivers with broadcast mode. The Broadcast Mode is only available on Micro and Mk II 5.000ft models.
Teradek Launchpad App
Additionally, you can configure Ranger from your phone and command your wireless workflow. Pair the transmitters and receivers, and then measure and analyze the frequency and amplitude of a signal. You can also view the strength of a live channel for licensed and unlicensed bands and monitor your live RF spectrum bandwidth. The Teradek Launchpad App is available for iPad and at Google Play.
Pricing and availability
So far, we don’t have any information about price and availability of these products. For further information about the Rangers series, 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!
