Teradek has launched the Bolt 7, a zero-delay unified wireless and data system that is claimed to be the most significant update to the Bolt series since the original Bolt launched way back in 2013.
The Bolt 7 is much more than a simple wireless video transmission system. It is an amalgamation of several different products that were designed to increase versatility and usability.
900MHz RF
The Bolt 7 introduces an all-new 900MHz RF pipeline that works alongside the zero-delay video signal. Operating as a wireless Ethernet and USB cable replacement, it enables wireless camera control, color management, and telemetry without requiring a Wi-Fi network. Wireless Ethernet workflows enabled by this new feature include native wireless camera control (directly to a remote SmallHD monitor, CTRL.5, or manufacturer app), live wireless color management to push LUTs and CDLs via apps like Pomfort Live Grade and more. USB-serial support will also enable direct connection to cameras like the RED KOMODO via a 9-pin port.
Unfortunately, you can’t use 900MHz radio with a blended set such as a Bolt 7 transmitter and a Bolt 6 receiver. Both the transmitter and receiver unit need to be from the Bolt 7 series.
Bolt 7 lineup
The Bolt 7 lineup consists of the 750, 1500, and MAX TX and RX models, each with an integrated 900MHz radio that runs in parallel with a zero-delay 4K video signal. This combination greatly simplifies Ethernet workflows by eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or additional on-camera hardware. The new Bolt 7 Series also features a 20% smaller TX as compared to the Bolt 6 XT models and an all-new color OLED display for faster pairing, control, and diagnostics.
“The original Bolt replaced long SDI cable runs with a wireless zero-delay video system crews could trust. Bolt 7 takes the next step with an all-new 900MHz RF pipeline that works in tandem with your zero-delay video signal and acts as a wireless Ethernet or USB cable replacement, enabling wireless camera control, color management, telemetry, and more without a Wi-Fi network.”
Colin McDonald, Product Manager at Teradek
Workflows
The Bolt 7 sends camera control and zero-delay video over a single connection. As the Bolt 7 TX connects directly to the camera, it eliminates the need to set up or manage a dedicated Wi-Fi network on set. Because Bolt 7 uses dedicated RF pathways outside standard Wi-Fi frequencies, productions can reduce interference and simplify their wireless environment.
Camera control can be sent directly to a remote SmallHD monitor (with optional camera control license), CTRL.5, laptop, or iPad using supported manufacturer or third-party camera control apps. Beyond camera control, Bolt 7’s dual video-and-data pipeline opens the door to wireless color management, audio communication, and other workflows previously dependent on wired connections or additional hardware. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Native Wireless Camera Control: Control your camera directly from a remote SmallHD monitor, CTRL.5, or manufacturer app without extra hardware on camera. A separate SmallHD camera control license is needed to do camera control from the monitor.
- Wireless Monitor Control: Remotely control multiple SmallHD monitors with a single Bolt.
- Wireless Color Management: Send LUTs and CDLs directly from tools like Pomfort Live Grade.
- Telemetry & Shading: Pass data straight to your RCP for broadcast workflows.
- One-Way Comms: Plug a USB-C headset into the TX and talk straight to the RX.
Camera Control
Control your camera with third-party apps; no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth required. Bolt 7’s dedicated 900 MHz channel means more dependable remote camera control.
Shading & Telemetry
Bolt 7 sends shading and telemetry data alongside your video feed, giving you live control without a dedicated wired data connection, built for multi-camera broadcast setups.
Live Color Management
Monitor zero-delay video while sending live color grading adjustments back to the camera, all handled through a single Bolt 7 system.
Live Workflows
For live production, Bolt 7 unifies camera telemetry, video shading, and zero-delay wireless video into one connection, reducing the complexity of multi-device setups. Crews can send zero-delay video to a switcher while delivering telemetry data to a Sony or Cyanview RCP in an OB truck or control room without managing separate systems. While there are other solutions that offer video and data, Bolt 7 is the only one that has zero-delay performance, which is required in professional live environments.
The Bolt 7 TX features a USB-C port that supports single-cable, zero-delay video and communication. It supports DP-Alt Mode (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) to input or output high-quality video, audio, and comms over a single USB-C cable. The Bolt 7 TX can connect to DP-Alt-enabled cameras, such as the Blackmagic PYXIS or iPhone, to transmit video and comms. The Bolt 7 RXs can output DP-Alt Mode to compatible monitors. Note: The USB-C port only transfers data and video. Both the TX and RX still require external power sources.
Pairing is also completely redesigned, featuring multiple fast options, including single-cable pairing with a 5-Pin to USB-C cable. Additionally, Bolt 7’s new 900MHz radio first establishes a data link, so you can pair your zero-delay video radio without touching the transmitter. This is helpful when it’s on the move on a gimbal or inaccessible on a crane.
The USB-C port on Bolt 7 supports DP-Alt Mode (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) to input or output high-quality video, audio, and comms over a single USB-C cable. The Bolt 7 transmitter can connect to DP-Alt-enabled cameras and devices, such as the Blackmagic PYXIS or iPhone, to transmit video and comms. The Bolt 7 receivers can output DP-Alt Mode to compatible monitors. Please note that the USB-C port only transfers data and video. Both the transmitter and receiver still require external power sources.
One new transmitter & two new receivers
Bolt 7 introduces one new transmitter and two new receivers to the Bolt product family. Each comes with 900MHz Radio, a color OLED display with a simplified interface, optional single-cable pairing, and new battery plate cradles for faster battery plate swaps. Automated RF management in PageOS and the Bolt App streamlines TX and RX pairing to ensure reliable performance even in the most challenging RF conditions.
- Bolt 7 TX is available in 750, 1500, and MAX models. Boasting a 20% smaller footprint than the Bolt 6 XT, it is Teradek’s most compact 12G-SDI transmitter to date.
- Bolt 7 RX is available in 750 and 1500 models.
- Bolt 7 RX MAX enables encoding to an SD card. When paired with a Link AX or other Wi-Fi router via Ethernet, productions can receive zero-delay video while also sending a low-latency feed to iPads on set through the Teradek TV app.
No Bolt 7 LT models are available at this time. Teradek is encouraging people to continue using the Bolt 6 LT models
Support for up to 4K60 10-bit 422 HDR video over 12G-SDI
TX 
RX 
MAX RX 
Bolt 7 TX and RX units support up to 4K60 10-bit 422 HDR video over 12G-SDI and are fully compatible across Bolt 4K (5GHz) and Bolt 6 (5GHz and 6GHz) wireless ecosystems. The new 900MHz wireless data functionality is available exclusively between Bolt 7 units.
Larger, high-resolution OLED
Teradek is using a larger, high-resolution OLED screen. The Bolt 7 also features automated RF management, which constantly optimizes your signal behind the scenes. This is done to ensure that you get the most rock-solid link, even in bad RF environments. Additionally, the OLED screen shows you the frequency analyser.
Backward Compatible with older Bolt Systems
As I just mentioned, Bolt 7 is backward compatible with all BB3 Bolts, including Bolt 4K, Bolt 6, and current-generation Ace models such as the Ace 750, for wireless video in 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies (6GHz is not available on Bolt 4K models) where available. Bolt 7 is not compatible with older-generation BB2 Bolts such as the Bolt 500, 1000, and 3000.
If you need expanded frequencies, Teradek’s optional Advanced Spectrum License unlocks 4.9GHz public safety bands and ultra-narrow 5MHz bandwidth channels to help you operate in crowded airwaves. It is important to note that there are some legalities to this, and generally these licenses are reserved for public safety usage. The user is responsible for checking and understanding who is allowed to use this and for what.
Flexible Battery Plate Cradles
The Bolt 7 battery cradles are reversible and fit either the TX or RX. They are available in:
- Gold Mount 14V
- Gold Mount 26V
- V-Mount
Thanks to pogo pins on the bottom, swapping between V-Mount, Gold Mount, 14V, or 26V plates is easy. This means you can use the cradle with the TX or RX in horizontal or vertical positions.
Pricing & Availability
The Bolt 7 750 starts at $5,990 USD. The Bolt 7 1500 starts at $8,990 USD, and the Bolt 7 MAX starts at $13,990 USD. These prices do mean that they are being squarely targeted at a specific segment of the market.
