Freefly Wave is a wireless video transmission system by Freefly Systems with HDMI/SDI connectivity that supports up to four simultaneous receivers.
The Wave supports HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 at 60fps. The device weighs 295 grams and measures 10.2 × 7.6 × 3.8 cm. Transmission is via proprietary wireless technology with automatic frequency selection to avoid interference. The system can operate up to four receivers simultaneously and features an integrated antenna as well as an external antenna port for extended range. The housings are made of CNC-machined aluminum and offer IP54 standard protection.
Freefly Systems introduced the Wave at NAB in 2019 as a response to the growing demand for reliable wireless video solutions for gimbal setups. The company, known for its MoVI gimbals, developed the system primarily for use with its own stabilization systems. In 2021, the Wave Plus followed with improved range and additional streaming features. The current generation has also supported 4K transmission since 2022 at a reduced range.
The Wave is mainly used for gimbal shots where cable connections are impractical. During the filming of "The Mandalorian," the team used Freefly Waves for live monitoring of MoVI setups during complex camera movements. The system is particularly suitable for Steadicam work, crane shots, and remote head operation. The low latency enables real-time focus pulling, while the simultaneous multi-output function serves the script supervisor, director, and video assist simultaneously.
In contrast to Teradek Bolt systems, the Wave relies on a closed ecosystem with proprietary receivers. SmallHD and Atomos offer integrated wireless receivers that are compatible with the Wave. The DJI Transmission offers higher resolution, but with greater weight and higher power consumption. Hollyland Mars systems cost less but do not achieve the range and reliability of the Wave. For studio-based productions, SDI cables remain the most stable option, while the Wave plays to its strengths in mobile setups.
Die Wave löst mein größtes Problem bei Gimbal-Arbeiten – endlich kann ich den Monitor frei positionieren, ohne dass Kabel die Balance stören. Die 5ms Latenz ist tatsächlich so gering, dass ich präzises Focus-Pulling in Echtzeit machen kann, selbst bei schnellen Schwenks. Allerdings merke ich bei komplexen Sets mit viel Funk-Traffic durchaus Verbindungsabbrüche.
Mit der Wave kann ich endlich wieder nah am Geschehen sein, auch wenn die Kamera auf einem 20-Meter-Kran hängt oder der Steadicam-Operator durch enge Gänge läuft. Das verändert meine Arbeitsweise komplett – ich muss nicht mehr raten, was im Bild passiert, sondern kann in Echtzeit Anweisungen geben. Bei emotionalen Szenen ist dieser direkte Draht zu dem, was die Kamera sieht, unbezahlbar.
4.500 Euro für Sender plus 2.200 Euro pro Empfänger sind erstmal happig, aber die gesparte Zeit beim Rigging amortisiert sich schnell. Ein Wave-Set ersetzt praktisch einen ganzen Kabeltechniker bei mobilen Drehs. Allerdings muss ich Backup-Systeme einkalkulieren – wenn das Signal abbricht, steht die komplette Überwachung still, und das kann teuer werden.
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