The Ace 500 HDMI wireless video transmitter and receiver set is the newest entry level wireless kit from Teradek. Priced at $899, the manufacturer promises a 500 foot (152 meter) range with this set for $300 less than the nearest Bolt 500 LT HDMI (priced at $1,200). For whom is the ACE 500, and what is exchanged for that $300 discount? What is gained? Let’s review the ACE 500 and find out. Teradek ACE 500. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon Over the course of 14 consecutive shoot days in California and North Carolina, I put the ACE 500 duo through its paces. For monitoring, I used both the Bolt 703 and the newer FOCUS Bolt 500 RX monitor. Any of the integrated Bolt monitors and Bolt 500 XT/LT series also work with the ACE 500. Initial Impressions When you hold the ACE 500 HDMI TX/RX, its weight will reveal immediately that the chassis is not built from the milled aluminum you would recognize from the Bolt LT/XT series. It feels plasticky to the touch. As a longtime Bolt user myself I don’t think the ACE 500 would hold up over years of use in a rental environment. For high volume rentals, you’ll want the more rugged Bolt series. If you’re a careful owner/op though, then you’ll find the build quality of the ACE 500 adequate for longterm use. Like most of you, I’m not a fan of HDMI in general. It just isn’t as robust as SDI/BNC connectors, but we live in a...
Published By: CineD - Wednesday, 3 July, 2019