PTZ Cameras add amazing functionality to live productions, whether it’s a sermon, a concert, a conference, or a meeting, not having an operator at every station lets production staff adjust cameras, follow talent, and get creative with shots. But PTZ cameras are only one (important) facet of the picture. Controllers, support, POE infrastructure, and now wireless and AI talent tracking are all worth considering as part of your production workflow.
Let’s start with support:
PTZ Camera Support
Waterbird Motorized Flexible Sliders
While appropriate for a wide range of cameras like cinema, DSLR, or POV cameras, PTZ cameras on Waterbird’s motorized sliders like the MS XL give the production team not just pan tilt and zoom control but a linear axis which can be straight or curved to move your PTZ along. Floor, Tripod, or ceiling mounted tracks gives your PTZ cameras the ability to be anywhere or moving to create amazing dynamic moving shots. https://usbroadcast.co/brand/waterbird/
PTZCam Vibration Reduction Mounts
When zoomed in PTZ cameras can be susceptible to all kinds of vibrations, evidenced in the shot by seeing the camera shake. PTZCam’s Vibration Reduction Mount aims to alleviate this for high frequency noise like bass, air conditioner vibration, and road noise. Available in bracket and plate plate (for mounting to tripods or ceilings) the VR mount insulates the camera on a specialized rubber like standoff with special characteristics to dissipate high frequency vibration. We would like to note that this does not solve low frequency vibration, like someone kicking a tripod or the quintessential PTZ camera mounted to a balcony where people stomp by in the middle of a production. https://usbroadcast.co/brand/ptzcam/page/3/
AI Tracking for PTZ Cameras
Mark Roberts Polymotion Chat
Using limb and face detection software Polymotion Chat tracks subject movements and provides stable and natural-looking content. The camera agnostic automated subject tracking system is available for multiple broadcast and capture scenarios with 3 different solutions available.
Available as software or as a hardware solution and optionally with cameras Polymotion Chat automates studio, lecture, worship, and conference applications of PTZs freeing your TDs to spend time elsewhere like on graphics, switching, or the pool.
Wireless for PTZ?
Electrum Wireless with Ethernet and Intercom
Wireless and PTZ control isn’t always something thought of in the same sentence. But what if it could be? What kind of workflows could you enable by being able to control a PTZ camera up to 5000 feet away with return video and intercom? PTZCam’s Electrum gives you that and more. Need to go farther? Around a corner? There’s a relay unit for that. Need to control two or more cameras? Just add a POE switch. Need to switch between those cameras? Just add an IP controlled switcher, ethernet isn’t limited to PTZ control. https://usbroadcast.co/product/electrum-wifi-5000-wireless-3g-sdi-hdmi-h-264-transmitter-reciever/
PTZ Controllers
The Be All And End All Of Controllers
Skaarhoj’s controllers (pronounced scar-hoy) are immediately noticeable in any production environment because of their anodized blue enclosures but that’s not all that makes them special. Far more than a keyboard, each of their units is a standalone computer that speaks the native language of not just PTZ cameras, but switchers, routers, and other production equipment. Each button can be programmed to your liking.
Need your camera selector to put that camera on an Aux bus going to your multiviewer? Need to start a prerecorded camera movement when taking that camera? Available in many sizes and configurations powerful workflows are just the beginning when it comes to Skaarhoj controllers and PTZ cameras.
Stream in 4K
PTZCam UV401 4K NDI
PTZCam’s UV401 brings 4K to HD prices. Featuring a 12x optical zoom and a 1/2.5 Inch SONY CMOS Sensor the UV401 connects to your production via POE powered ethernet with NDI, by HDMI 2.0, or USB3 to integrate to conference systems. Featuring brushless motors the UV401 can increment an extremely slow pan between presets to create compelling camera movement. Stylish enough for the studio or the conference room the UV401 PTZ camera can be controlled by web UI, remote control, Skaarhoj controllers, and PTZCam’s own line of PTZ controllers.
https://usbroadcast.co/product/ptzcam-uv401-4kp60-ptz-camera/
Professional USB PTZs
PTZCam USB Elite
Perfect for your next zoom meeting or plugged into your vMix production system the USB Elite PTZ Camera features USB3 and HDMI output a1/2.8 Inch progressive Sony sensor and fine motor stepping found in higher end cameras.
POE Networking
POE Texas Switches
Powering all your POE devices shouldn’t be left to just any switch. Switches from POE Texas designed for the high throughput NDI and Dante require with management to separate them onto vLans is well within it’s wheelhouse. Available in 8, 16, and 24 port configurations as well higher power models for driving POE++ devices POE Texas has it all.
Can I have a controller with that?
PTZCam 3 Camera Bundle
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better when you buy 3 PTZCam UV510a with SDI, NDI, and HDMI you get a controller with built in screen free. Easily control all your cameras and see which camera you are controlling without having to guess because the camera you are controlling is showing on the video display. And it’s free! Applicable to 20X and 30X zoom models only.