Troubleshooting intermittent video signal loss when using Teradek wireless systems with AJA I/O devices

When using AJA I/O devices (e.g., AJA Io X3, AJA Io 4K Plus, or AJA Kona cards) with wireless camera systems such as Teradek Bolt, you may experience intermittent video signal loss, especially during:

  • Camera repositioning or reorientation
  • Wireless signal dropouts or interference
  • Power cycling of the camera or transmitter

These brief disruptions typically occur while the camera is moving on set or during battery changes and may cause the AJA device to lose the video input entirely.

Cause#

  • Teradek wireless systems (such as the Bolt series) may change or momentarily drop their output signal format in response to signal interruptions from the transmitter.
  • AJA I/O devices do not support processing two or more different video formats simultaneously.

To prevent intermittent signal interruptions when using Teradek wireless systems with AJA video I/O devices, set a fixed video format directly on the AJA device.

In Reeltime, open the devices settings and go to Video I/O Configuration. Instead of using automatic format detection, manually select a fixed video format that matches your production format, for example 1080p24.

Refer to the article Setting up AJA video I/O devices for further details.

Alternative solution (receiver-based workaround)#

To prevent these signal interruptions from affecting your AJA device, configure the Teradek receiver to output a fixed, continuous video format, regardless of the input status.

Note: Enabling this setting can introduce additional latency. For this reason, the preferred solution is to set a fixed video format directly on the AJA device instead.

For Bolt 6 and newer receivers:

  • Enable the setting: “Continuous Output”
  • Quote from the Teradek Bolt 6 user guide: “Continuous Output – Video signal output stays constant when using a monitor or recorder that is sensitive to video signal changes.”

For older Bolt receivers:

  • Go to: “SDI Out Format”
  • Set a fixed video format (e.g. “1080p24”) instead of the device’s default setting “Same as Input”

This solution ensures the receiver always outputs a stable, constant SDI signal, even if the transmitter temporarily loses video from the camera. For detailed instructions, please refer to the user manual or configuration interface for your Teradek product.

Last updated: June 20, 2025