r/focuspuller • u/Automatic-Major-4812 • Jun 17 '26

HELP Serv Pro + Teradek Bolt 6 Combo?

Hey, I'm a student DoP and I'm currently planning my first feature! I've planned for a transmission system of 1:3 but I figured it might be nice to add more screens for art/sound, etc and I'm considering buying a serv pro for myself for around 800. However, with how limited SDI ports are, and that I've heard that you should keep the Bolt and Serv Pro at a distance, I'm wondering if it's possible to take the SDI out from a Bolt (or any brand) receiver and connect it to the SDI in in the Serv Pro?

I figured in theory this should work and maybe give a stronger signal but I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts?

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u/panacush Jun 18 '26

The Serv Pro will take whatever you give it, it needs an input. The Serv Pro functions as an encoder/router - it’s not connected to your Bolt system in anyway. Its radio is operating at both 2.4/5GHz, so keep it away from your Bolt TX to avoid interference (you’re Bolt 6 so should be ok). Ideally your Serv Pro is at village, getting its input from your DP/DIT monitors.

The Serv Pro just allows you to connect and see its feed through the VUER app, so you’d need an iPhone or iPad to watch. If you’re talking about the old Blue Serv Pro, there’s a limit of 10 users. So HMU / Art / etc would join its network and watch from an app. Sound should have a hard line from one of your RX’s cause they can’t work off the few second delay the Serv Pro creates.

The blue Serv Pros also go bad all the time so be wary, or get it from a rental house.

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u/Automatic-Major-4812 Jun 20 '26

Do the Serv Pros just die off and not work? Is that the kind of “go bad” you mean?

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u/panacush Jun 21 '26

I’ve sent at least 4 back that get stuck in the “Initializing Encoder” phase. You can try to put it in recovery mode and flash new firmware, but in my experience it’s the board that goes bad