Teradek Bolt 6 vs Bolt 4K vs Ace 750 in India: Which Wireless Video System to Buy

If you shoot HDMI cameras and need a simple wireless link, the Teradek Ace 750 is the starting point. If your camera or switcher outputs SDI, or you need AES-256 security and more range, step up to the Bolt 4K LT. If you want the newest 6GHz platform and the longest range options, choose Bolt 6 LT. All three send video with under 0.001 sec delay, and they can work together.

This guide compares the Teradek wireless video systems we list, using the maker's published specifications, so you can match the system to your camera and your set.

Teradek Bolt 6 vs Bolt 4K vs Ace 750 at a glance

The maker lists the Ace 750 as cross-compatible with Bolt 4K and Bolt 6. The Bolt 6 LT transmits to all ranges of Bolt 4K XT and Bolt 4K LT receivers, so you can add a newer unit without replacing the old ones.

Teradek Ace 750: the simple HDMI kit

The Teradek Ace 750 set is a transmitter and a receiver, each 187 g. It takes HDMI in and gives HDMI out, passes 4Kp30 at 10-bit 4:2:2, and reaches 750 ft (230 m) line of sight. It scans 5GHz and 6GHz and picks the channel for you.

One transmitter can send to up to 6 receivers using the Bolt Manager app on iOS or Android. That is useful when a director, a focus puller and a client monitor all need the picture.

Who should skip it: if your camera only gives SDI, the Ace 750 has no SDI port. It also uses AES-128, where the Bolt systems use AES-256, and it has no internal battery, so you power it from a 7 to 28 V source.

Teradek Bolt 4K LT: SDI and HDMI with a longer reach

The Bolt 4K LT 3G-SDI transmitter takes both 3G-SDI and HDMI and gives you a 3G-SDI loop out. The Bolt 4K LT receiver outputs 3G-SDI and HDMI together, so one receiver can feed a monitor and a switcher at the same time. The transmitter we list is the 1500 ft model, and the receiver is rated 750 ft, so confirm the range of the pair you buy.

Both use AES-256 with RSA-1024 key exchange, which matters on commercial and broadcast jobs. The transmitter weighs 206 g and the receiver 292 g.

If you already have a SmallHD Smart 7, the Bolt 4K Monitor Module RX 750 fits into it with a V-Mount battery plate and avoids a separate receiver on the monitor.

Teradek Bolt 6 LT: the 6GHz platform with range options

The Bolt 6 LT transmitter and receiver set keeps the same SDI and HDMI connections as the Bolt 4K LT and adds 6GHz alongside 5GHz. That gives the system more channels to choose from on a busy set. Range comes in 750 ft, 1500 ft and MAX versions, and the maker rates MAX up to 5000 ft with the Array Antenna and Broadcast Mode.

You can also buy the receiver alone, the Bolt 6 LT RX, to add to a Bolt 4K or Bolt 6 transmitter. For SmallHD Cine 7, 702 Touch and Indie 7 monitors, there is the Bolt 6 Monitor Module RX 750.

Which one should you buy?

• HDMI camera, one or two monitors, tight budget: Ace 750.
• SDI camera or a switcher in the chain, or client work that needs AES-256: Bolt 4K LT.
• Bigger sets, more channels, or range beyond 1500 ft: Bolt 6 LT, in the MAX version for the longest range.
• Already own a SmallHD monitor: choose the matching monitor module so the receiver sits inside the monitor.

Things to check before you order

• Camera output: HDMI or SDI, and the resolution you need. All three systems carry 4K over HDMI at up to 30p, and 1080p up to 60p.
• Power: the units need a 6 to 28 V supply. Plan a battery plate or a power source for each one.
• Range is line of sight. Walls, crowds and metal reduce it.
• Availability: stock on these products changes, so ask before you plan a shoot around a specific model.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Teradek Ace 750 support 4K?

Yes. The Ace 750 carries 4Kp23.98 to 30 over HDMI, plus 1080p up to 60 fps, with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.

Can the Ace 750 work with Bolt systems?

Yes. The maker lists the Ace 750 as cross-compatible with Bolt 4K and Bolt 6 products.

Is Bolt 6 better than Bolt 4K?

Bolt 6 adds 6GHz and more range options. For 4K over HDMI, both top out at 4Kp30, and both have under 0.001 sec delay. If you do not need 6GHz or the longer range, the Bolt 4K LT does the same core job.

How far can Teradek Bolt reach?

Bolt 4K LT is rated up to 1500 ft on the transmitter we list. Bolt 6 LT comes in 750 ft, 1500 ft and MAX versions, with MAX rated up to 5000 ft using the Array Antenna and Broadcast Mode. All ranges are line of sight.

How many monitors can one transmitter feed?

Up to 6 receivers per transmitter on Ace 750, Bolt 4K LT and Bolt 6 LT. Bolt 6 MAX models with Broadcast Mode are rated unlimited.

See the full Teradek range, or read our guide to official and grey market camera gear in India before you buy.