Wireless HD video transmission system for on-set live monitoring — sends the camera signal to external monitors with zero latency.
Technical Details
Paralinx systems operate in the 5.1-5.8 GHz ISM band with COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation. The transmitter weighs 340g and measures 140x90x30mm, the receiver 450g at 165x110x45mm. The systems support 1080i/p up to 60fps as well as 4K signals via 3G-SDI, HDMI, and composite outputs. Paralinx Arrow and Tomahawk offer up to eight simultaneous receiver channels per transmitter with 14-bit color depth. The batteries provide 2.5 hours of operating time, external power is supplied via 12-30V DC.
History & Development
Paralinx was founded in 2009 by former Teradek engineers in California. The first Arrow system was launched in 2011 and established itself as the standard for Steadicam and gimbal operations due to its extremely low latency. In 2014, the more compact Tomahawk system followed for smaller productions. In 2018, Teradek acquired Paralinx technology but continued to integrate it as a separate product line. The current generation Arrow-X (2020) offers 4K60p transmission with under 1ms latency.
Practical Use in Film
Paralinx systems allow the cinematographer to directly monitor the image during Steadicam shots, while the director and script supervisor simultaneously follow the live feed. In "1917" (2019), cinematographer Roger Deakins used Paralinx for the continuous sequences to permanently involve the focus puller and director Sam Mendes in the action. The systems prove their worth in drone shots, where conventional cables are impossible, as well as in car rigs and hard-to-reach camera positions. The disadvantage lies in the dependence on radio frequencies, which can be overloaded in urban areas.
Comparison & Alternatives
Paralinx primarily competes with Teradek Bolt, Hollyland, and SmallHD systems. While Teradek Bolt focuses on robustness and range, Paralinx excels with minimal latency. Hollyland systems are more affordable but do not achieve the transmission quality of Paralinx. For budget productions, DJI Transmission or Accsoon systems are suitable; professional high-end shoots continue to rely on Paralinx or Preston Light Ranger. The choice depends on budget, required range, and latency requirements.