The brand new SWIT CREW wi-fi video system guarantees low-latency (32ms) 1080p 60fps video sign transmission to a most distance of 3km/1.9 miles (with a big panel Rx unit) or as much as 1.2km/0.7 miles with a compact receiver. That includes multi-cast (1Tx sends sign to as much as 4Rx), AES-256 encryption, KUWI 2.0 Professional chipset, working within the 5.1–5.9GHz frequency band (DFS compliant), and a versatile video connectivity (3G-SDI, HDMI, and USB-C), the SWIT CREW units begin at $2,899.
Generally, wi-fi video transmission methods have develop into extra reasonably priced lately. What was once a premium phase dominated by the likes of Teradek is getting “democratized” with many choices from firms resembling DJI, Accsoon, Hollyland, and so forth. Certain, for high-end productions and for terribly low latency for focus pulling, you continue to want to speculate an honest quantity right into a succesful system, however there are actually dependable, reasonably priced options on the market, such because the Accsoon CineView Grasp 4K system, which my colleague Marcel reviewed just a few months in the past.
The Chinese language firm SWIT is usually identified within the trade for his or her battery packs and screens, such because the lately introduced SWIT FM-U245HDR 23.8” 1000-nit manufacturing monitor. At present, SWIT releases a long-range video transmission system. Let’s check out the small print.
SWIT CREW-V. Supply: SWIT
SWIT CREW – as much as 3km transmission of 1080p60 video sign
First, the SWIT CREW wi-fi video transmission system contains a KUWI 2.0 Professional chipset, working within the 5.1–5.9GHz frequency band (DFS compliant). With devoted RF protocol and sign suggestions from receiver (Rx) to transmitter (Tx), it ensures real-time channel administration, bitrate/energy changes, and stability even in congested environments, in line with SWIT.
As the corporate additional states, the transmission latency is as little as 32ms (2 frames). There are selectable modes for low-latency and wall-crossing.
The transmitted video sign is supported as much as 1080p 60fps in H.265 encoding with a bitrate of 26.8Mbps.
The CREW system is out there in 4 totally different configurations based mostly on the utmost vary and battery sort help.
- CREW equipment contains a compact Tx and Rx items with a spread of as much as 1.2km/0.7 miles (unobstructed line of sight). Each items characteristic an NP-F battery plate.
- CREW-V equipment options compact Tx and Rx items with a spread of as much as 1.2km/0.7 miles (unobstructed line of sight). Every unit contains a twin V-Mount battery plate.
- CREW MAX equipment contains a compact Tx unit and a big panel Rx unit with a spread of as much as 3km/1.9 miles (unobstructed line of sight). The TX unit options an NP-F battery plate, and the panel Rx unit has a V-Mount battery plate.
- CREW-V MAX equipment contains a compact Tx unit and a big panel Rx unit with a spread of as much as 3km/1.9 miles (unobstructed line of sight). The Tx unit contains a twin V-Mount battery plate, and the panel Rx unit has a V-Mount battery plate, too.
SWIT CREW MAX. Supply: SWIT
Multicast, connectivity
Every system helps multicast, so one transmitter can ship a video sign to as much as 4 receivers. As SWIT says, any transmitter and any receiver within the CREW Collection (no matter battery mount or kind issue) are totally suitable and interchangeable.
SWIT CREW multicast characteristic. Supply: SWIT
By way of connectivity, every transmitter contains: 3G-SDI enter & loop, and HDMI enter. Every receiver unit options: two 3G-SDI outputs, HDMI output, and a USB-C (UVC) output for plug-and-play livestreaming on PC/Mac or cell.
SWIT CREW connectivity. Supply: SWIT
CREW methods totally transmit embedded SDI digital camera metadata, timecode, and help set off recording begin/cease sync from Tx to Rx. In accordance with the producer, utilizing AES-256 encryption and SWIT’s non-public RF protocol, CREW methods are safe in opposition to sign interception or unintended entry.
SWIT CREW. Supply: SWIT
On-screen UI exhibits sign, channel, format, fan velocity, battery, and temperature on the unit’s OLED display. The cooling fan helps two modes:
- Auto mode, which adjusts velocity based mostly on temperature
- Silent mode, which permits guide shutdown for noise-sensitive environments. Overheat safety is mechanically triggered at 120°C/248°F.
SWIT CREW-V MAX. Supply: SWIT
With regards to energy supply, each Tx and Rx items can be found both with an NP-F mount or a V-Mount battery plate. Moreover, all items help USB-C energy enter (5V/2A) and 2-pin LEMO DC (7–17V).
SWIT CREW specs. Supply: SWITSWIT CREW. Supply: SWIT
Value and availability
The brand new SWIT CREW video transmission system is now out there for pre-order. In accordance with the corporate, transport begins in Q3 2025, which is now, so I count on the system to be transport very quickly.
Pricing begins at $1,749 per unit (CREW Rx or CREW-V Rx), and there are a handful of pre-configured kits out there:
- CREW 1Tx + 1Rx equipment prices $2,899 (€2,499 plus VAT in Europe)
- CREW-V 1Tx + 1Rx equipment prices $2,899 (€2,499 plus VAT in Europe)
- CREW 1Tx+2Rx equipment prices $4,399 (€3,749 plus VAT in Europe)
- CREW-V 1Tx+2Rx equipment prices $4,399 (€3,749 plus VAT in Europe)
- CREW MAX 1Tx+1Rx equipment prices $5,799 (€4,999 plus VAT in Europe)
- CREW-V MAX 1Tx+1Rx equipment prices $5,799 (€4,999 plus VAT in Europe)
Which wi-fi video transmission system do you employ in your productions? What do you consider the SWIT CREW? Tell us your ideas within the feedback part beneath the article.