Audio Effects introduces the Hollyland Mars family of professional products intended for wireless video monitoring. The Mars TX and RX sets are capable of transmitting a video signal in virtually real time, with a latency of 0.1 s, between a source, such as a video camera or mirrorless camera, and a monitoring system 300 or 400 ft away, about 90 to 120 m. HDMI (Mars 300 Pro Enhanced) and HDMI + SDI (Mars 400S Pro) ports allow connection to an external monitor for efficient collaboration between the operator (transmit side) and the director or director (receive side). If we add flexibility in power systems, multiple input/output ports for connecting multiple devices, and instant monitoring via cell phone or tablet, we have an even more complete picture of the possibilities offered by the Mars.
Wireless video transmission, the importance of relying on products of undisputed quality
The transmission of an HDMI signal normally takes place via cable. However, there are situations where the distance between the source and the monitor is greater than the classic 10 to 15 m, and using a cable would cause quite a few problems and an obvious loss of quality. These are the cases where a professional wireless transmission system such as Hollyland Mars 300 Pro Enhanced or Mars 400S Pro can make all the difference. To call these transceivers mere HDMI/SDI wireless extenders, however, would be reductive. In fact, Hollyland’s products boast features unique to the broadcast environment without having the cost. Just think of the transmission system, equipped with all the latest 5 GHz digital encoding, decoding and transmission technologies with intelligent channel scanning, based on OFDM modulation that supports all popular video resolutions – 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p at different frame rates – with a latency of only 0.1 s and a 20 MHz bandwidth. But also to the fan cooling system found in the Mars 400S Pro with three modes available, or the ability to use one transmitter and two receivers simultaneously.
Mars 300 Pro Enhanced
If Mars 300 was the first in a series of Hollyland products dedicated to full wireless, Mars 300 Pro Enhanced extends its features even further. It is a very compact wireless transmitter/receiver kit (110 x 61 x 21 mm for each individual unit) that sends video signals with virtually no loss of quality. The units are powered by a simple NP-F550 battery or via a USB Type C port to possibly use an external power bank. The transmitter mounts on the hot shoe of the camera, in a horizontal or vertical position of your choice, while the receiver connects it via HDMI to an external monitor, or, if we are without one, to a mobile phone/tablet in Wi-Fi via a special app. This app also allows firmware updating.
On the body is a small OLED display on the side that provides basic information (signal strength, battery status and channel number among the 8 available), with all functions manageable via thumbwheel switch, literally a thumbwheel switch.
The HDMI ports, as mentioned, are 2: one input and one loopOut.
The receiver is essentially identical, not including external antennas.
Strengths.
300 ft of transmission range (just over 90 m)
Latency of 0.1 s
Real-time monitoring app
HDMI in and LoopOut
Livestream via app (iOS)
OLED display
Mars 400S Pro
New design, 12 Mbps data throughput, HDMI and SDI inputs, 400 ft (120 m) range, uninterrupted video transmission, additional DC power supply options from 6 to 16 V-these are just a few of the features of the Mars 400S Pro system that move the bar even higher. With dual SDI + HDMI ports, you can choose one or the other for input and output without being forced to use the same type of ports. You can also send the video signal from the receiver to the SDI and HDMI ports at the same time, with 1080p and 720p resolutions in SDI.
Another important feature is the ability to use one transmitter with two receivers, meeting the needs of both small and large teams; with this system, even a large production or live streaming team can collaborate efficiently.
The already mentioned fan cooling system generates a maximum noise of 55 dB, so it is very low. One can decide to run it automatically, according to the temperature of the device, at a minimum or to turn it off completely.
Efficient channel scanning can be activated by pressing a single button: you can thus see, in the blink of an eye, which channels are occupied and select those without interference for connection.
Strengths.
400 ft transmission range (about 120 m)
HDMI and SDI in/out
0.1 s latency
Real-time monitoring app
Fan-forced cooling system
Direct video for livestreams
Free channel scanning
Triple power source
