Wireless HDMI output for monitor - is it possible?

Simon Mallin · Jul 24, 2015

Can't find the answer to this on the forum so hoping some of you can help.

I have two RCs with my Inspire but want to hook up a third monitor using the HDMI port for the director to use on a shoot. Ideally this wants to be wireless but I'm not familiar with the technology so don't know whether it's possible or not. I'm wondering if an HDMI transmitter / receiver kit exists that is suitable for use with a compatible monitor.

I suspect there may be power issues but would be pleased to hear from anyone that has cracked it or knows the answer.

Alternatively is it possible to connect a third RC+tablet for video viewing only?

Sndguy1 · Jul 24, 2015

I'm using a Paralinx Arrow Plus system. It takes the HDMI out out of my RC and transmits 720P to a receiver that can then connect to your Director's monitor. www.paralinx.net

I think the system I use has been replaced by a newer version called the Arrow X. It can transmit full 1080p/60 and has a longer range but since the Lightbridge only outputs 720p... I'm content to stay with what I've got. You can find the "older" systems like mine for sale on EBay from time to time.

Simon Mallin · Jul 25, 2015

Thanks for this - I've had a quick look and it's good to know that there is a solution. After a bit more research I've found this IDX system which looks very neat as a dongle slots into the RC HDMI port, however it also needs a USB power supply.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/908055-REG/idx_cw_1_wireless_hdmi_transmitter.html

Some mixed reviews so I'll investigate further.

Sndguy1 · Jul 25, 2015

Wow... hadn't seen this item. It could be promising especially for the price. It's amazing how frighteningly similar the design appears to be compared to the Paralinx! I could be wrong but I don't think it'll plug directly into your HDMI output with the dongle transmitter without adapting down to the smaller HDMI connector on the RC. Not a big deal really but worth mentioning. As for USB power, I use some very affordable power packs made by Anker.

Good luck!

jon b · Jul 25, 2015

And this won't compete with your transmitters to the bird in any way?

Run a piece of cable and call it a day?

Sndguy1 · Jul 25, 2015

Jon

For me... I'm often somewhere away from the client so that I can stay within sight of the bird so the wireless part is helpful. It also allows them to sit in the shade while I'm in the sun! As for interference... the unit I use hasn't caused any issues BUT I don't plug the video transmitter directly into the RC either. I run a cable from the RC to the video transmitter which I have on a small pouch attached to me which allows for some distance from the RC antennae and also helps keep it close to the small USB power supply I keep in my pocket to run the video transmitter.

Simon Mallin · Jul 26, 2015

Good point. I was thinking it's a neat solution to have the transmitter on a stick but having the transmitter and power source in a pocket makes a lot of sense and minimises the risk of interference.

Kilrah · Jul 26, 2015

You can get a 3rd remote and use its HDMI out (or a tablet). Note that range is limited to <50m or so from the pilot's controller.

Simon Mallin · Jul 26, 2015

Thanks for confirming this Kilrah as I wasn't sure if the Inspire is limited to two RCs. Do you know if there could be any deterioration of the video signal by having a second slave?

Also, with two slaves connected would they both have camera control capability or is that limited to just one of them?

Sunshinegirls · Aug 26, 2015

I got HDMI transmitter / receiver and USB power supply from HDgenius. It is a one-stop HD video solutions store. It is convenient for my purchasing related items. The goods is also ok. I recommend it. Maybe it is helpful!

The Editor · Aug 27, 2015

Sunshinegirls said:
I got HDMI transmitter / receiver and USB power supply from HDgenius. It is a one-stop HD video solutions store. It is convenient for my purchasing related items. The goods is also ok. I recommend it. Maybe it is helpful!

And you are from HD(not so)Genius and therefore you are now banned!

dopeytree · Oct 30, 2015

Kilrah said:
You can get a 3rd remote and use its HDMI out (or a tablet). Note that range is limited to <50m or so from the pilot's controller.

Anyone tried this with a third remote? I'm interested purely as a wireless video receiver - I'm temped to buy one and build a box for it so client can't mess up the camera.

One other thing I wonder if the lightbridge 2 controllers work with the inspire? then you'd gain sdi output.

dopeytree · Oct 30, 2015

[inspire faq] No more than 6 slave remote controllers (3 for Japan version) can be connected at the same time. The primary slave remote controller will be able to change the camera settings, as well as the tilt and yaw of the gimbal. The other slave remote controllers can only be used to change the parameters of the camera.

dopeytree · Oct 30, 2015

Next question is can you pick up the OSMO feed with these?

bluethundr · Oct 30, 2015

Kilrah said:
You can get a 3rd remote and use its HDMI out (or a tablet). Note that range is limited to <50m or so from the pilot's controller.

Unless you place the antenna on the "outside" of the remote via a SMA connector. I did this and I have a magnetic mount 5.8 antenna that i can place on-top of a car or a trailer to get the long range if needed.

dopeytree · Oct 31, 2015

bluethundr said:
Unless you place the antenna on the "outside" of the remote via a SMA connector. I did this and I have a magnetic mount 5.8 antenna that i can place on-top of a car or a trailer to get the long range if needed.

I was thinking just put the whole controller in a kind of box on top with a long hdmi to inside. On the controller is the 5.8 an internal antenna?

The Editor · Oct 31, 2015

dopeytree said:
Anyone tried this with a third remote? I'm interested purely as a wireless video receiver - I'm temped to buy one and build a box for it so client can't mess up the camera.

One other thing I wonder if the lightbridge 2 controllers work with the inspire? then you'd gain sdi output.

They are not currently compatible with the Lightbridge in the Inspire.
What would the advantage of SDI o/p be on a highly compressed video stream? (Other than lockable connectors). You would not even get HD-SDI 3G SMPTE 424MM at 2.97 gbs quality.

dopeytree · Oct 31, 2015

The Editor said:
They are not currently compatible with the Lightbridge in the Inspire.
What would the advantage of SDI o/p be on a highly compressed video stream? (Other than lockable connectors). You would not even get HD-SDI 3G SMPTE 424MM at 2.97 gbs quality.

Ha very true - hadn't thought that far ahead.

Out of curiosity any idea what the specs are of the inspire lightbridge? I thought I read somewhere 720 res at some kind of adaptable rate?

Simon Mallin · Oct 31, 2015

dopeytree said:
[inspire faq] No more than 6 slave remote controllers (3 for Japan version) can be connected at the same time. The primary slave remote controller will be able to change the camera settings, as well as the tilt and yaw of the gimbal. The other slave remote controllers can only be used to change the parameters of the camera.

Does anybody know if it's possible to selectively disable the camera controls on a third remote? So in other words it's simply used as a monitor.