How Wireless Sony RCP, CyanView and SKAARHOJ Camera Control Work

Wireless RCP camera control replaces the physical cable between a remote control panel and a broadcast camera with a radio data link carrying the same bidirectional control and status data over the air. Sony RCP-1500 and RCP-3500 panels support both Ethernet IP control and legacy Sony 700 serial control, so depending on the control mode in use, either the Wavetek CC-LINK IP or CC-LINK S700 provides the wireless path. For IP-based panels including CyanView and SKAARHOJ, the CC-LINK IP provides a transparent wireless Ethernet bridge. No modification to the RCP or the camera is required with any of these systems.

A Professional Production Guide

This guide explains how wired RCP camera control works, the technical difference between Sony 700 serial protocol and IP-based control, and which Wavetek products carry each connection type wirelessly.

It covers practical broadcast use cases including outside broadcast, stadium sports, Steadicam, and live event production. It is written for broadcast engineers, vision engineers, camera supervisors, and production managers specifying wireless systems for professional broadcast productions.

How Does Wired RCP Camera Control Work?

What the cable carries

Remote control panels send camera commands to broadcast cameras over a physical cable. The RCP, whether a Sony RCP-1500, RCP-3500, a CyanView Cy-RCP, or a SKAARHOJ panel, sits at the shading position: at the production desk, in the OB truck, in a studio gallery, or at a vision mixing station. A control cable runs directly from the RCP to the camera or through the studio infrastructure patch.

That cable carries a continuous bidirectional data stream. The shader's adjustments (iris, gain, white balance, black level, paint controls) travel from the RCP to the camera in real time. Status data, tally, and in some configurations lens control data return from the camera to the RCP over the same connection.

The round-trip is effectively instantaneous at the cable lengths used in broadcast production.

When a cable is not an option

The problem arises when the camera cannot be cabled from the shading position:

• A Steadicam rig in continuous motion through a set
• A roving handheld ENG camera at a live event or sports venue
• A camera on a stadium gantry or in a remote position where a cable run is physically impractical
• A pitch-side or pitch-end camera at a sports broadcast where the OB truck is at the opposite end of the venue
• Studio cameras on long runs where the cable infrastructure has been reached or exceeded

In those situations, the traditional options are to accept the limitation and lose remote camera control for that camera, or to engineer a cable run that adds risk, creates trip hazards, or simply cannot be done safely. A wireless control link eliminates both constraints by replacing the cable with a radio path carrying the same data.

What Is the Difference Between Sony 700 Protocol and IP-Based Camera Control?

Not all RCP camera control connections are the same, and the type of connection determines which wireless solution is appropriate. The Sony RCP-1500 and RCP-3500 series support both connection types, so understanding which is in use on your production determines the correct Wavetek product.

What is Sony 700 protocol camera control?

Sony's 700 protocol is a proprietary serial camera-control standard used across Sony's broadcast camera ecosystem. On the RCP side, the connection uses Sony's 8-pin remote connector. On the camera side, it uses a different interface depending on the camera model.

Wavetek's CC-LINK S700 and FLEX S700 use a 6-pin LEMO connector on the wireless unit itself. Dedicated cables are provided that convert from this 6-pin LEMO to Sony's 8-pin RCP interface and to the camera's control connector. No modification to the RCP or the camera is required.

RCP panels and units that support Sony 700 serial control include:

• Sony RCP-1500 and RCP-1501
• Sony RCP-1530
• Sony RCP-3500, RCP-3501, and RCP-3100
• Sony RCP-1000 and RCP-1001
• Sony MSU-3000 and MSU-3500 master setup units

To make a Sony 700 serial connection wireless, the wireless link must carry the Sony serial protocol natively. A standard IP bridge cannot substitute for this, because the connection is not Ethernet-based and requires hardware specifically designed to transport the Sony 700 serial interface over radio.

What is IP-based camera control?

IP-based camera control uses standard Ethernet networking to carry control commands between the RCP and the camera over a standard RJ45 interface on both sides. Systems that use IP-based control include:

• CyanView: the Cy-RCP and CyanView's IP-based solutions use standard Ethernet control and support a range of compatible cameras via IP
• SKAARHOJ: panels including the RCP Pro and RCPv2 use Ethernet-based control and support multiple camera types via IP
• Sony RCP-1500 and RCP-3500 in IP mode: these panels support IP-based control via Ethernet in addition to the Sony 700 serial protocol, and which mode is active depends on the configuration and camera in use

To make an IP-based control connection wireless, the wireless link needs to carry standard Ethernet data transparently between the panel and the camera. No configuration changes are required on the control software or hardware at either end.

Which Wavetek Products Carry Each Type of Wireless Camera Control?

Wavetek's CC-LINK series and FLEX series cover both Sony 700 serial and IP-based wireless camera control. The products differ in what they carry alongside the camera control data.

CC-LINK S700: wireless Sony 700 serial camera control

The CC-LINK S700 is a dedicated wireless camera control system for Sony 700 protocol serial connections. The unit uses a 6-pin LEMO connector, with dedicated cables converting to Sony's 8-pin remote interface at the RCP end and to the appropriate camera control connector at the camera end. Installation is plug-and-play, with no hardware modification.

• Protocol: Sony 700 serial (native)
• RCP compatibility: Sony RCP-1500, RCP-3500 series (in Sony 700 serial mode)
• Range: up to 1 km line-of-sight
• Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz, using FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)
• Latency: typically under 10 ms
• Encryption: AES

It is the appropriate product for productions using Sony 700 serial protocol where wireless camera control only is required and no wireless video is needed on the same link.

CC-LINK IP: wireless IP data bridge

The CC-LINK IP provides a wireless Ethernet bridge between two RJ45 ports, carrying IP data transparently over a wireless link. It suits any IP-based camera control workflow: CyanView, SKAARHOJ, Sony RCP-1500 or RCP-3500 panels in IP control mode, or any other production application requiring wireless IP connectivity.

• Protocol: transparent IP bridge (any IP-based control system)
• Interface: RJ45 Ethernet (dual, at each end), plus RS-232 / RS-422 serial port
• Range: up to 2 km line-of-sight
• Frequency: 2.4 GHz, OFDM (802.11 b/g/n)
• Latency: typically under 10 ms, with data rates up to 150 Mbps
• Security: WPA2

Because the CC-LINK IP is a transparent Ethernet bridge, no configuration changes are required on the RCP or the camera. The control software on both sides operates as if a network cable connected the two endpoints.

CC-LINK Combo: Sony 700 serial control and IP data on one link

The CC-LINK Combo carries both Sony 700 serial camera control and IP data simultaneously on a single wireless link. The Sony control interface connects via the supplied adapter cables, and IP data connects via standard RJ45 at both ends.

• Protocol: Sony 700 serial + IP data simultaneously
• Ethernet: dual 10/100Base-T RJ45
• Range: up to 2 km line-of-sight
• Frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Latency: typically under 10 ms for control

The Combo suits productions requiring both a Sony serial control path and a concurrent IP data connection (for tally, production software, or network connectivity) from the same camera position, without two separate wireless systems.

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FLEX S700: HD video and Sony 700 camera control on one link

The FLEX S700 carries HD-SDI broadcast video and Sony 700 serial protocol camera control simultaneously on a single wireless link. The video link uses 5 GHz. The camera control link uses 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz. These are separate radio paths within the same unit, so the video frequency and the control frequency are independent of each other.

As with the CC-LINK S700, the unit uses a 6-pin LEMO connector for the camera control path, and dedicated adapter cables convert to Sony's 8-pin remote interface at the RCP and to the camera's control connector. No modification to the RCP or camera is required.

• Video: HD-SDI (3G-SDI), under 1 ms latency, 5.1-5.9 GHz, up to 600 m line-of-sight
• Camera control: Sony 700 serial protocol via RS-422
• Control frequency: 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz (independent of video), Advanced OFDM
• TX power: 11-30 dBm, with the control link up to 23 dBm
• Bandwidth: 40 MHz video, 25-400 kHz control
• Encryption: 128-bit AES on the control path
• RX video outputs: 2x HD-SDI + HDMI

The FLEX S700 is the product for productions that need both wireless HD video and wireless Sony camera control at the same camera position on one TX/RX pair, eliminating the need for two separate wireless systems.

FLEX IP: HD video and IP data on one link

The FLEX IP carries HD-SDI video and IP data simultaneously on a single wireless link. It is suitable for productions combining wireless broadcast video with IP-based camera control (CyanView, SKAARHOJ, or Sony cameras operating in IP control mode) or with any other production IP data requirement.

• Video: HD-SDI (3G-SDI), under 1 ms latency, 5.1-5.9 GHz, up to 600 m line-of-sight
• IP data: 2.4 GHz (independent of video), up to 150 Mbps
• Security: WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK
• Serial: RS-232 / RS-422
• RX video outputs: 2x HD-SDI + HDMI
• Timecode / Trigger: supported

FLEX Fusion: HD video, Sony camera control and IP data on one link

The FLEX Fusion is the most complete product in the Wavetek range for wireless broadcast. It carries HD-SDI video, Sony 700 serial camera control, and IP data simultaneously on a single TX/RX system.

• Video: HD-SDI (3G-SDI), under 1 ms latency, 5.1-5.9 GHz, up to 600 m line-of-sight
• Camera control: Sony 700 serial protocol, with a 6-pin LEMO connector and supplied adapter cables
• Control frequency: 2.4 GHz (independent of video)
• IP data: dual 10/100Base-T Ethernet
• TX power: 11-30 dBm, with the 2.4 GHz link up to 23 dBm
• RX video outputs: 2x HD-SDI + HDMI

The FLEX Fusion is for productions requiring all three capabilities from a single camera position (HD video for monitoring and replay, Sony RCP remote shading, and IP network data) on one system.

Why Does Frequency Matter for Wireless Camera Control?

The CC-LINK S700 and FLEX S700 operate on both 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz for the camera control path. This dual-band capability is a practical advantage in live broadcast environments.

The limits of 2.4 GHz

2.4 GHz is the standard operating band for wireless data systems. It provides sufficient range and data rate for camera control applications.

However, in a busy broadcast venue such as a major stadium or a large live event, the 2.4 GHz band carries significant competing traffic from production Wi-Fi, IEM systems, wireless cameras, and crew devices.

The advantage of 900 MHz

900 MHz offers better propagation characteristics than 2.4 GHz: lower path loss over distance, and better penetration through the structural steel and concrete typical of a stadium. In an RF-congested environment, a control link on 900 MHz is less exposed to interference from the dense 2.4 GHz activity in the same space.

For the camera control path specifically, link reliability is critical because a dropped connection means the shader loses camera control mid-broadcast. The 900 MHz option provides an additional layer of resilience.

Independent control and video frequencies

The camera control frequency (2.4 GHz or 900 MHz) and the video frequency (5 GHz) on FLEX systems operate entirely independently. The RF coordinator can select the most appropriate control band without affecting the video link.

Practical Use Cases for Wireless Camera Control

Wireless RCP control on a Steadicam rig

A Steadicam camera cannot be cabled to an RCP during a take. The operator moves continuously, and a camera-control cable is not compatible with Steadicam operation.

With a CC-LINK S700 (for Sony 700 serial cameras) or CC-LINK IP (for IP-controlled cameras) installed at the rig, the shader retains full real-time control throughout the take. The CC-LINK S700's 1 km range and CC-LINK IP's 2 km range comfortably cover any realistic Steadicam operating distance on a production set.

Wireless camera control for outside broadcast

On a live OB, camera positions are frequently at distances where cable runs are operationally impractical or create safety hazards. A CC-LINK S700 provides the Sony 700 serial control path wirelessly for Sony broadcast cameras in Sony 700 serial mode.

A CC-LINK IP covers the same cameras when operating in IP control mode, as well as productions with CyanView or SKAARHOJ panels. In either case, the production retains remote camera shading capability without a physical cable run.

Stadium sports broadcast

Sports broadcasts at major venues require camera positions at distances that frequently exceed 300 m from the OB compound, with structural obstructions between camera and truck.

The 900 MHz operating option on the CC-LINK S700 and FLEX S700 provides propagation resilience in the steel and concrete structure of a stadium. For Premier League, Six Nations, or test cricket grounds, the dual-frequency architecture is directly relevant to the operational RF environment.

Live events with mixed camera types and control protocols

Productions using SKAARHOJ or CyanView panels alongside Sony cameras in Sony 700 serial mode may have both IP-based and Sony 700 serial control requirements across different cameras. The CC-LINK IP covers the SKAARHOJ and CyanView IP control paths, and the CC-LINK S700 covers Sony 700 serial cameras.

Where both are needed from one camera position, the CC-LINK Combo or FLEX Fusion covers both on one link. Contact Our Team to confirm specific camera and controller compatibility before specifying for mixed-protocol productions.

Studio productions with remote camera positions

Studio productions with cameras in elevated gantry positions, on remote tracks, or in positions that cannot be cabled from the gallery benefit from wireless camera control in the same way as OB productions.

The CC-LINK S700 or FLEX S700 provides the remote shading path for Sony cameras in Sony 700 serial mode without a physical cable run into the position.

Combining Wireless Video and Wireless Camera Control

Productions requiring both wireless video and wireless camera control have two approaches available within the Wavetek range.

Option 1: FLEX series (integrated)

The FLEX S700 or FLEX Fusion carries both video (5 GHz) and camera control (2.4 GHz or 900 MHz) on a single TX/RX pair. One system handles both requirements per camera position.

The video and control frequencies are independent radio links within the same unit, so the RF coordinator still manages separate frequency assignments for each path. The hardware footprint per camera position is one TX/RX system rather than two.

Option 2: separate systems (CC-LINK plus standalone video)

A CC-LINK S700 or CC-LINK IP handles camera control on its own dedicated link, while a separate wireless video system handles the video feed. This gives the RF coordinator fully independent management of the video and control paths, and may be appropriate where the two links need fully separate frequency management.

For the video side, see our wireless broadcast system comparison.

Choosing the right approach

The right approach depends on the production's RF environment, the venue, the cameras and control systems in use, and the RF coordinator's preference. Wavetek's engineering team can advise on system configuration for specific production requirements.

Browse all of our wireless camera control systems to compare the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Sony RCP-1500 or RCP-3500 be controlled wirelessly using Wavetek equipment?

Yes. Both the Sony RCP-1500 and RCP-3500 support two control modes: Ethernet IP control and legacy Sony 700 serial control. For Sony 700 serial mode, the Wavetek CC-LINK S700 provides a wireless link using the Sony 700 protocol natively. The Wavetek unit connects via a 6-pin LEMO connector, with supplied adapter cables converting to Sony's 8-pin remote interface at the RCP and to the appropriate camera control connector. For IP control mode, the CC-LINK IP provides a transparent wireless Ethernet bridge between the RCP and camera. No modification to the RCP or camera is required with either system.

What Wavetek product is suitable for CyanView and SKAARHOJ wireless camera control?

CyanView and SKAARHOJ panels use IP-based Ethernet control. The Wavetek CC-LINK IP provides a transparent wireless Ethernet bridge, passing IP control data between the panel and the camera with no modification to the control software. The FLEX IP carries HD-SDI video alongside IP data for productions requiring both on one link. Confirm specific camera and controller compatibility with Wavetek before system specification.

What connectors do Wavetek CC-LINK S700 and FLEX S700 use for Sony camera control?

Wavetek's CC-LINK S700 and FLEX S700 units use a 6-pin LEMO connector on the Wavetek hardware itself. Dedicated cables are supplied that convert from this 6-pin LEMO connector to Sony's 8-pin remote interface at the RCP end, and to the appropriate camera control connector at the camera end. No modification to the RCP or the camera is required.

What is the video range of FLEX wireless systems, and what frequencies do they use?

The FLEX series (FLEX IP, FLEX S700, and FLEX Fusion) is rated to up to 600 m line-of-sight for the video link. The video link operates on 5.1-5.9 GHz. The camera control and IP data links operate independently on 2.4 GHz and, on the FLEX S700, optionally on 900 MHz. These are separate radio links within the same unit, so the video frequency and control frequency are managed independently.

What is the range of Wavetek's wireless camera control-only systems?

The CC-LINK S700 is rated to up to 1 km line-of-sight. The CC-LINK IP and CC-LINK Combo are rated to up to 2 km line-of-sight. All figures are manufacturer-stated maximums under open, unobstructed conditions. Real-world range varies with the RF environment, antenna placement, and site conditions.

Is wireless camera control reliable enough for live broadcast production?

Yes, when correctly specified and engineered for the location. Live broadcast environments have congested RF conditions, and the wireless camera control link must be planned as part of the overall RF coordination for the production. Wavetek's CC-LINK and FLEX systems include AES encryption on control paths and dual-frequency operation to support reliable performance in demanding broadcast environments. The RF environment at the specific venue should be assessed in advance for any major live production, with frequency assignments planned accordingly. Contact the Wavetek team to discuss the RF requirements for a specific production.