Description

Award-Winning 4K HDR Wireless Video Solution for Broadcast, Cinema, and Live Production

Professional productions require more than just a reliable wireless camera link. They demand uncompromising image quality, dependable connectivity, flexible deployment, and seamless integration of camera control, intercom, and production communications, all through a single wireless system.

The ABonAir AB4000 is an award-winning professional wireless video system designed for broadcasters, production companies, cinema professionals, and live event teams. It was recognized with the NAB Show 2022 Product of the Year Award in the Hardware Infrastructure category. The AB4000 delivers broadcast-quality 4K HDR video transmission and features a unique dual-purpose design, enabling the same unit to function as either a transmitter or a receiver.

Powered by ABonAir’s wireless-optimized H.265 codec and proprietary bi-directional radio technology, the AB4000 delivers reliable wireless performance. It supports essential production features such as HDR, tally, CCU, PTZ, lens control, integrated intercom, and loop-through connectivity.

Why Choose the ABonAir AB4000 Wireless System?

Wireless video systems are often chosen solely for their transmission range, but professional productions need much more. Camera operators require dependable mobility, engineers demand reliable camera control, directors expect error-free video transmission, and production crews benefit from minimizing the number of separate wireless systems used on set.

The AB4000 consolidates these capabilities into a single, portable platform, streamlining workflows and reducing equipment needs.

Its dual-purpose hardware can be configured as either a transmitter or receiver, simplifying equipment management and providing exceptional flexibility for rental companies, mobile production crews, broadcast facilities, and cinema productions. With integrated communications and camera-control capabilities, the AB4000 reduces complexity and enables production teams to maintain broadcast-quality wireless performance.

Key Features and Benefits

Award-Winning Wireless Technology

The AB4000 received the NAB Show 2022 Product of the Year Award in the Hardware Infrastructure category, recognizing its innovation and performance for professional broadcast and cinema production.

Built on ABonAir wireless technology that Tier-1 broadcasters and sports networks have used for more than a decade, the AB4000 combines proven reliability with advanced wireless capabilities for modern live production environments.

Dual-Purpose Transmitter and Receiver

Unlike many wireless systems that require dedicated transmitter and receiver hardware, the AB4000 can be switched between Transmit and Receive modes.

This flexibility streamlines inventory management, rental operations, field deployment, and backup planning by enabling the same hardware platform to serve as either a transmitter or receiver as production needs evolve.

Broadcast-Quality 4K HDR Video

The AB4000 supports professional 4K and HD workflows, including:

• 4K
• 1080p
• 1080i
• 720p
• HDR support includes:
• HDR10
• HDR10+
• 10-bit HDR

These features enable the system to support modern broadcast, cinema, sports, studio, and live event productions while preserving image quality across the wireless link.

Wireless-Optimized H.265 Codec

The AB4000 uses ABonAir’s wireless-optimized H.265 codec to deliver high picture quality, even under limited bandwidth conditions. This ensures efficient use of available wireless spectrum without compromising image fidelity.

Documentation specifies picture quality exceeding 52 dB PSNR, preserving fine image detail while maintaining reliable wireless performance.

Bi-Directional Radio with Per-Pixel Acknowledgment

The AB4000 incorporates ABonAir’s proprietary bi-directional radio architecture, enabling real-time feedback and improved data integrity.

Unlike one-way wireless systems, the transmitter and receiver exchange control information. Packet acknowledgments identify transmission errors, allowing corrupted data to be retransmitted before the video frame is displayed.

ABonAir’s approach ensures every pixel is acknowledged by the receiver, enhancing overall picture quality and link stability for truly reliable wireless transmission.

Wireless Coverage up to 300 Meters

The AB4000 provides wireless transmission over distances up to approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) with a clear line of sight, supporting most venue and location requirements.

Careful RF engineering and advanced MIMO technology help maintain a stable wireless link for demanding 4K HDR workflows. Actual operating distance may vary depending on environmental conditions, antenna placement, and RF interference.

MIMO Wireless Technology

The AB4000 utilizes Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology, which increases throughput and reliability by leveraging multiple antennas for simultaneous data streams.

MIMO uses multiple transmit and receive antennas to send and receive several data streams simultaneously over the same radio channel, leveraging multipath propagation. This enhances wireless reliability and overall system performance in professional production environments.

Camera Control Integration

The AB4000 supports professional camera control systems, enabling engineers and operators to maintain full camera functionality throughout wireless video transmission.

Supported capabilities include:

• CCU (Camera Control Unit) integration
• RCP (Remote Camera Panel) support
• CAN bus for camera-head control

Documentation identifies compatibility with major camera manufacturers, including Sony, Panasonic, Ikegami, Grass Valley, Blackmagic Design, Hitachi, Canon, and ARRI. Compatibility should be confirmed for each specific camera model and control system.

PTZ Camera Support

The AB4000 supports robotic PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera control, making it suitable for installations where wired connections are impractical or impossible.

This capability makes the system ideal for fixed or mobile remote camera installations across broadcast, sports, houses of worship, entertainment, and event productions.

Integrated Production Features

Beyond wireless video transmission, the AB4000 includes several production features operating over the same RF channel, such as:

• Tally (on-air indicator)
• CCU control
• PTZ control
• Lens control (L-Bus protocol)
• Integrated intercom
• Video loop-through (signal passthrough)

Integrating these functions into a single wireless system reduces equipment requirements and simplifies field deployment.

Flexible Camera Mounting

The AB4000 supports three mounting configurations for compatibility with various camera types:

• Hot Shoe mount
• Gold Mount (Anton/Bauer standard)
• V-Lock (V-Mount standard)

These options enable the system to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of professional broadcast and cinema camera platforms.

Unlicensed 5 GHz Operation

The AB4000 operates in the unlicensed 5 GHz spectrum, eliminating the need for dedicated licensed frequencies in most regions and simplifying regulatory compliance.

Operating in unlicensed spectrum allows productions of all sizes to deploy professional wireless video links while reducing operating costs. Regulatory requirements may vary by country and deployment.

Applications

The ABonAir AB4000 is designed for a variety of professional wireless video applications, including:

• Broadcast television
• Sports production
• Medium-sized stadiums
• Indoor arenas
• Television studios
• Reality television
• News production
• OB vans
• DSNG vehicles
• DENG vehicles
• Live concerts
• Street festivals
• Houses of worship
• Cinema production
• Commercial production
• Wireless monitoring

With broadcast-quality video, integrated communications, and flexible operating modes, the AB4000 is ideal for both permanent installations and portable production systems.

Why Buy the ABonAir AB4000 from VidOvation?

Professional wireless camera systems require thorough RF planning, optimal antenna selection, seamless camera integration, and careful workflow design to ensure dependable performance.

VidOvation assists broadcasters, sports organizations, production companies, and live event teams in deploying complete ABonAir wireless camera systems tailored to their specific production environments.

VidOvation can assist with:

• Wireless system design
• RF planning
• Camera compatibility
• CCU and RCP integration
• PTZ and lens-control workflows
• Intercom integration
• Broadcast truck installation
• Venue deployment
• System commissioning
• Operator training
• Technical support

As an ABonAir reseller and systems integrator, VidOvation helps customers build reliable wireless production workflows that extend far beyond basic hardware selection, providing comprehensive support and integration services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABonAir AB4000?

The AB4000 is a professional wireless video system supporting both 4K and HD production. It can operate as either a transmitter or receiver and supports multiple production features, including HDR, camera control, intercom, tally, and more.

Why is the AB4000 considered award-winning?

The AB4000 received the NAB Show 2022 Product of the Year Award in the Hardware Infrastructure category.

Can the AB4000 operate as both a transmitter and receiver?

Yes. The attached documentation describes the AB4000 as a dual-purpose system that can be switched between transmit and receive modes.

Does the AB4000 support 4K HDR?

Yes. It supports 4K video as well as HDR10, HDR10+, and 10-bit HDR workflows.

What wireless range does the AB4000 provide?

The documentation specifies a transmission range of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) under clear line-of-sight conditions.

Which camera manufacturers are supported?

The AB4000 supports CCU and RCP systems for cameras from Sony, Panasonic, Ikegami, Grass Valley, Blackmagic Design, Hitachi, Canon, and ARRI, according to the documentation.

Does the AB4000 support PTZ cameras?

Yes. It supports PTZ robotic camera control for remote camera installations.

What additional production features are included?

The AB4000 includes integrated tally, CCU, PTZ control, L-Bus lens control, intercom, and video loop-through—all operating over the same RF channel for maximum efficiency.

What frequency does the AB4000 use?

The attached documentation states that the AB4000 operates in the unlicensed 5 GHz spectrum. Local regulations may vary.

Who should use the AB4000?

The AB4000 is intended for broadcasters, sports producers, cinema professionals, live event companies, news organizations, houses of worship, and production teams who require professional wireless 4K or HD video transmission with integrated camera control and production communications.