Video transmission
Also known as: live feed, OcuSync, O4, downlink
The wireless system that sends a live video feed from a drone to the controller or goggles. Range, latency and image quality depend on it.
Updated
What it means
A drone sends a live preview of its camera to the pilot over a radio link. Consumer drones use proprietary digital systems, such as DJI OcuSync and its later O-series generations, which also carry control signals and telemetry. FPV drones use analog or digital FPV systems optimized for low delay.
Transmission quality affects how well you can frame shots, judge focus and avoid obstacles. Range, latency, resolution of the live feed and resistance to interference all vary between systems and environments.
The live feed is a lower-quality copy. The full-quality video is recorded on the drone card.
How it works in practice
Keep the antennas pointed correctly, usually with their flat sides facing the drone, and avoid placing your body or obstacles between controller and drone. Open areas give the best range, while trees, hills and buildings block the signal.
Urban areas and events with many wireless devices create interference, and restricted zones around airports and stadiums may limit flying anyway. Fly closer, avoid crowded frequency bands if your system allows choosing, and be ready for a weaker feed.
For FPV, choose a system with low latency for racing and freestyle, and accept slightly lower image quality on the goggles in exchange. For cinematic flying, a sharper preview helps you judge framing and exposure.
What to watch out for
A choppy or lagging feed can hide obstacles and make precise flying dangerous. If the feed breaks up, turn back and regain a strong signal.
Long advertised ranges apply in ideal conditions and often exceed legal limits for visual line of sight. Flying near the edge of transmission range is risky and often against the rules.
Do not judge final footage from the live feed. Compression artifacts in the preview are not in the recording, and the recording may have issues the preview hides. Review clips on a proper screen.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip works with the full-quality files recorded on the drone card, not the live feed. Copy the clips after landing, upload them with your other footage, and the AI builds your highlight.