When stepping into the world of PTZ cameras, one of the crucial decisions to make is selecting the right optical zoom. At PTZOptics, we offer a range of options: 12X, 20X, and 30X. But which one is the right fit for your needs? Let’s delve into the specifics to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding Optical Zoom

Optical zoom refers to the camera’s ability to magnify the subject without compromising on image quality. The higher the optical zoom, the closer you can zoom into your subject. However, a higher zoom also means a narrower field of view. It’s essential to balance your need for close-ups with how much of the scene you want to capture. You can use our Optical Zoom Calculator on any of our product pages to learn more.

Consider Your Space

Small to Medium Spaces:

For rooms where the distance between the camera and the subject is relatively close, the 12X optical zoom might be your best bet. This lens can capture a head and shoulders view of a person from 25 feet away. Given its more expansive field of view and lower price point, it’s a perfect choice for tighter budgets and spaces.

Medium to Large Spaces:

If your venue is more expansive, such as a conference room or a mid-sized auditorium, the 20X optical zoom is a viable option. With the ability to achieve a head and shoulders view from 45 feet away, it strikes a balance between zoom capability and cost.

Large Venues: For more substantial spaces, like large auditoriums or outdoor areas, the 30X optical zoom is unbeatable. It can capture detailed shots from as far as 75 feet, ensuring even distant subjects are clear and prominent.

Price Considerations

Budget constraints are often a determining factor. While the 12X offers a broader field of view at a more affordable price, the 20X and 30X offer greater zoom capabilities, albeit at a higher cost. It’s crucial to weigh the importance of Zoom against your budget.

Consistency in Multi-Camera Productions

When running a multi-camera production, it’s beneficial to use the same lenses across all cameras. This ensures a consistent image quality and feel, making transitions between shots smoother and more professional.

Leveraging 4K Cameras for Enhanced Zoom

For those using 4K cameras, there’s an additional advantage. By outputting in 1080p, you can utilize up to 2X digital zoom without degrading the image quality. This feature effectively enhances the zoom capability of your camera, giving you even more flexibility in capturing your subject.

Conclusion

Choosing the right optical zoom is a blend of understanding your space, budget, and production needs. Whether you’re capturing a close-up in a large auditorium or filming a broader scene in a smaller room, PTZOptics has a solution tailored for you. Remember, it’s not just about zooming in; it’s about capturing your vision in its best light.

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Meet the Bundles

The Producer-SE Bundle: 1080p Excellence

• Move SE Cameras: Equipped with three award-winning 20X Move SE cameras, every shot captures the finest details, even from a distance.
• High-Definition Clarity: Enjoy 1080p resolution, ensuring lifelike quality in every frame.
• PTZ Control: The included PT-JOY-G4 IP/serial-connected joystick controller offers intuitive and efficient camera management.
• Versatility at its Best: Multiple outputs – SDI, HDMI, USB, and IP – make the Move SE cameras a perfect fit for any production setup.

The Producer-4K Bundle: Ultimate Precision

• 4K Brilliance: Dive deep into ultra-high-definition with three 20X Move 4K cameras.
• Advanced Features: Native support for NDI®|HX and the industry’s leading auto-tracking capabilities.
• Elevated Control: The SuperJoy joystick controller is a game-changer, offering superior features for professional demands.
• Future-Ready: 4K video clarity combined with the SuperJoy controller sets a new benchmark in video production.

Designed with Tomorrow in Mind

The Move 4K and SE cameras are more than just cameras; they are an intelligent video production system. Their updated web user interface and built-in auto-tracking capabilities make them stand out. With one-click firmware updates from the web UI, your investment remains future-proof, adapting to new advancements over time.

Seamless Integration

Whether you use OBS, Livestream Studio, Wirecast, vMix, mimoLive, or Tricaster, both Move SE and Move 4K cameras integrate effortlessly. Control them through the provided hardware joystick controllers, the PT-JOY-G4 or the SuperJoy, or live stream directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The choice is yours.

 

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Automated Lecture Capture

As these lectures become increasingly accessible online, the demand for high-quality lecture recordings continues to grow. One solution to this demand is the integration of hardware lecture capture solutions, such as the Epiphan Pearl, which seamlessly connects with systems like Panopto, Kaltura, and Yuja. This ensures that educators can concentrate on delivering their lectures, confident in the knowledge that the system will handle the recording and distribution.

One essential component of these systems is the auto-tracking camera. For instance, the PTZOptics Move SE can be managed remotely and requires no human intervention during operation. These cameras offer features like setting up custom presets for locking on to a specific presenter, ensuring that the recording is always of the highest quality.

PTZOptics offers auto-tracking capabilities both as built-in features and as software add-ons. However, the software-based auto-tracking can be cumbersome in an educational setup, given the need for a dedicated computer to run the software. This leads to the rise of cameras like the PTZOptics Move SE and 4K that come with built-in auto-tracking capabilities. Among the advancements in this realm, the introduction of dual-sensor auto-tracking cameras stands out.

Understanding Dual-Sensor Auto-Tracking Cameras

While PTZOptics cameras only feature a single sensor for auto-tracking, our sister company HuddleCamHD, has been hard at work on dual-sensor auto-tracking cameras. At its core, a dual-sensor camera combines two cameras into one intelligent system, vastly enhancing its capabilities. Typically, one camera sensor offers a wide-angle view, providing intelligence to the zoom camera lens. This dynamic allows the camera to make real-time adjustments based on the room’s activities, a feature not present in single-sensor cameras.

Auto-tracking Feature Comparison

• Smart Tracking: Both camera types can lock onto a single subject, ensuring a focused capture.
• Group Tracking: While both can track groups, dual-sensor cameras, with their wide-angle lens, are better suited to frame multiple individuals with the use of preset zones.
• Zone Tracking: Exclusive to dual-sensor cameras, this feature focuses on specific zones, offering more flexibility.
• Selected Tracking: Dual-sensor cameras, thanks to their wide-angle lens, are superior in stopping auto-tracking when it is not necessary to zoom into a specific area of the presentation space.
• Smart Blackboard Zones: A unique feature of dual-sensor cameras, it ensures clear visibility of blackboard content through the use of preset zones.
• Wide Angle Room View: Dual-sensor cameras capture a broader scene, invaluable in large spaces.
• Dynamic Framing: Dual-sensor cameras automatically adjust framing based on interactions, enhancing the viewing experience.

Use Cases

• Lecture Capture: Single-sensor cameras effectively track lecturers, but dual-sensor cameras offer a holistic classroom view and superior zone tracking.
• Conferences: Dual-sensor cameras capture both speakers and the audience, creating an immersive experience.
• Sports: While single-sensor cameras focus on individual players, dual-sensor cameras give a comprehensive field view.
• Live Performances: Dual-sensor cameras capture the entire stage along with individual performers, offering a richer viewing experience.

In Conclusion

While single-sensor cameras are adept at tracking, dual-sensor cameras provide unmatched flexibility and performance. Their ability to focus on specific zones, frame groups effectively, and make real-time frame adjustments sets them apart. When choosing between the two, it’s vital to assess your specific needs and consider which features will most elevate your viewers’ experience. Reach out to our team to learn more at partners@ptzoptics.com.

The post The Evolution of Auto-Tracking Cameras: Single-sensor vs. Dual-sensor Systems appeared first on PTZOptics.

1. Dynamic Scene Changes: You can mount the Studio Pro on an overhead mount to capture a bird’s-eye view of the entire stage. This perspective can provide a comprehensive look at the proceedings, be it a concert, theatrical performance, or church service. Use the 12X optical zoom to quickly shift to a close-up view of a specific area or individual, adding a dramatic touch to your content and keeping your viewers engaged.

• Use Case: Capturing a band performance, specifically focusing on the drummer’s technique.
• Mounting Location: Above the drummer’s area.
• Mount Type: Overhead mount. This perspective can provide a comprehensive look at the drummer’s performance. The 12X optical zoom allows for quick shifts to close-ups of the drummer’s actions, adding a dramatic touch to the stream and keeping viewers engaged.

2. Enhanced Audience Interaction: For interactive streams such as Q&As or interviews on stage, consider using a monitor top mount for the Studio Pro. This position allows the camera to capture facial expressions more clearly, thereby enhancing audience interaction. Use the 12X optical zoom to emphasize reactions or responses, creating a sense of intimacy and focus.

• Use Case: Interactive streams such as Q&As or interviews on stage.
• Mounting Location: On a confidence monitor on stage.
• Mount Type: Monitor top mount. This position allows the camera to capture facial expressions more clearly, thereby enhancing audience interaction. Use the 12X optical zoom to emphasize reactions or responses, creating a sense of intimacy and focus.

3. Creative Focus Play: Mount the Studio Pro on a monitor shelf or similar low-positioned mount when you want to play around with the focus creatively. From this angle, you can use the 12X optical zoom and the advanced focus settings to create a bokeh effect, adding a cinematic touch to your stream.

• Use Case: Capturing an intimate director’s chair, interview-style presentation.
• Mounting Location: Positioned to capture both the interviewer and interviewee from an engaging angle.
• Mount Type: Weighted-base stationary stand. By placing the Studio Pro on a stationary stand near the director’s chair, you can achieve a balance between close-up and wider shots. The 12X optical zoom allows for quick shifts between a close-up view of the speaker’s expressions and a broader view of the entire setup, adding depth and dynamism to your stream.

4. Versatile Positioning: For a unique viewpoint, consider using a wall mount for the Studio Pro. Positioned at the back of a church or a stage, this mount can offer a broad view of the scene. The 12X optical zoom allows you to capture close-ups without sacrificing video quality, opening opportunities for unique camera placements and angles.

• Use Case: Providing a broad view of a church service or a stage performance.
• Mounting Location: Multiple potential locations, such as at the back of the church or stage, at the entrance, or even off-stage for capturing behind-the-scenes footage.
• Mount Type: Wall mount, or any other mount type that can accommodate an Ethernet cable for the Studio Pro camera. The 12X optical zoom allows for capturing close-ups from these positions without sacrificing video quality, leading to unique camera placements and angles.

Remember, choosing the right mount for your Studio Pro camera can have a significant impact on the quality of your live stream. Each mount offers a different perspective and can help you maximize the benefits of the 12X optical zoom feature.

The Studio Pro’s range of output options, USB-powered lighting solution, and noise-canceling microphone array make it more than just a camera—it’s a comprehensive solution for high-quality video production​²​. With its compatibility with almost any video software, flexible power supply options, and a robust 5-year warranty, the Studio Pro is not only a practical choice for live streaming—it’s a solid investment. It’s not just us saying this—the Studio Pro won the best webcam award at the 2023 CES show!

In the world of live streaming, it’s not just about delivering content—it’s about creating an engaging and visually captivating experience. With the PTZOptics Studio Pro and its 12X optical zoom, the possibilities are boundless. Happy streaming!

The post Studio Pro: Using the 12X Optical Zoom w/ Various Mounts for Live Streaming appeared first on PTZOptics.

The PTZOptics Studio Pro is the latest PTZOptics camera designed with the needs of content creators, broadcasters, and video conferencing users in mind. This camera is a practical all-in-one solution that promises to deliver quality and versatility for a variety of video production needs.

The Studio Pro is equipped high-quality real-glass 12X lens that provides 12X optical zoom and a 72.5° Field of View. The Studio Pro 12X lens provides a happy medium between wide angle views when subjects are close to the camera and optical zoom when subjects are farther away. For example, the Studio Pro can capture a head and shoulders view of a subject up to 25 feet away (7.6 meters).

The Studio Pro also offers both portrait and landscape modes, giving users the flexibility to connect with their audiences in a format that suits their content. The time-of-flight sensor enables quick focus, and the advanced focus settings provide the option for a bokeh effect, adding a creative touch to your video content.

A key feature of the Studio Pro is its range of output options. It supports HDMI, USB, and IP outputs simultaneously, which means it can adapt to different setups and requirements. The camera is also native with NDI®|HX3, which simplifies network access to the camera with the latest low-latency IP video production solution that will work immediately with OBS, Wirecast, vMix and many more live streaming software solutions.

More than just a camera, it has a light!

The PTZOptics Studio Pro goes beyond providing just a camera; it includes a USB-powered lighting solution as part of the package. Good lighting is an essential component of any high-quality video production. It not only illuminates the subject but also helps control the perception of the video’s mood, tone, and atmosphere. With the Studio Pro’s adjustable lighting solution, which offers temperature settings from a soft white 3000k to a crisp daylight 6000k, creators can easily manipulate their scene’s lighting conditions to match their creative vision or meeting requirements. This helps eliminate shadows, reduce glare, and highlight the subject, resulting in a more professional and visually pleasing video.

The Studio Pro package includes an IR remote, a USB-powered lighting solution with adjustable temperature settings, and a noise-canceling microphone array. For power supply, it can use Power over Ethernet (PoE), USB, or a standard 12VDC power supply, giving users flexibility in deployment.

In terms of software, the Studio Pro is compatible with almost any video software because it offers USB plug-and-play connectivity and NDI for IP connections. If you are using an HDMI-based video switcher like an ATEM Mini the Studio Pro has you covered. If you are managing multiple PTZOptics cameras you can use the Camera Management Platform (CMP) for camera control along with the desktop and mobile control apps, and plugins for platforms like OBS and Twitch.

PTZOptics offers a 5-year warranty for the Studio Pro, demonstrating our commitment to the quality of their products and the satisfaction of our customers.

In summary, the PTZOptics Studio Pro is a practical choice for those who need a reliable, flexible, and quality camera for content creation, live streaming, and video conferencing. Its range of features, software compatibility, and robust warranty make it a solid investment for your video production needs. By the way, at the 2023 CES show, the Studio Pro won best webcam from VideoMaker.

The post PTZOptics Studio Pro: High-Quality Video Made Simple appeared first on PTZOptics.

In this blog post, outlines a detailed summary of the PTZOptics Move 4K camera review by John Mahoney from Streaming Alchemy. The Move 4K is a new camera from PTZOptics that offers 4K at 60fps, auto-tracking, and a range of IP and physical connections for easy integration into your studio setup.

The Streaming Alchemy YouTube channel is one of the best resources for detailed live streaming and video production content. We highly recommend that you subscribe here.

I/O Capabilities:

• 3G SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections for video (and audio if embedded)
• Network connection for control signals, NDI HX output, RTMP output, and SRT output
• USB 2.0 connection for webcam use
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) for single cable connection
• RS-232 and RS-485 for traditional PTZ camera control
• Line in and line out for audio

Camera Optics:

• Sony CMOS sensor (half-inch) with 8.5 million effective pixels
• 6.25mm to 125mm lens (20x version); also available in 12x and 30x versions
• Aperture size: around f7.5 to f19 in full frame equivalent
• Resolution: 4K at 60fps, 59.94fps, and 50fps (HDMI); 1080p60 and lower frame rates (SDI); 1080p at 60, 59.94, and 50fps; 720p at 60fps and 59.94fps
• Digital zoom: up to 16x, but recommended to stay within optical zoom range or the Hybrid Zoom mode in 1080p
• Gain an extra 2x zoom without resolution loss when using the camera at 1080p
• Field of view: 60.7 degrees horizontal and 34 degrees vertical
• Shutter speed: 1/30 to 1/10,000 of a second

IP Streaming Capabilities:

• Codecs: H.264, H.265 (HEVC), MJPEG, NDI HX2, NDI HX3, RTMP, RTSP, and SRT
• SRT support allows remote streaming in 4K

In summary, the PTZOptics Move 4K camera offers a comprehensive range of I/O capabilities, impressive optics, and versatile IP streaming options, making it an ideal choice for various studio setups and remote productions.

In this second part of our review, we delve deeper into the different flavors of NDI supported by the Move 4K camera and the camera’s ability to perform motion tracking under real-world conditions. Additionally, we discuss how well the camera integrates with other cameras, its resolution quality, and some of its other notable features.

NDI Options:

The Move 4K camera supports two types of NDI: HX2 and HX3. HX2 is a lower bandwidth version with higher latency, while HX3 is a compromise between full bandwidth NDI and HX2, offering low latency and better image quality. It is worth noting that HX2 supports up to 4K, while HX3 is currently limited to 1080p in the camera’s firmware.

Motion Tracking

The Move 4K performed well in various motion tracking tests, including single and multiple subjects, even when subjects momentarily moved behind others or were partially off-screen. The camera can easily switch targets using the included remote, allowing for smooth transitions between subjects.

Integration with Other Cameras

We found that the Move 4K could be easily matched with other cameras, such as the SimpleTrack Light, Gen 2, and Sony FX 30. The colors, especially flesh tones, were quite similar between the Move 4K and the Sony, likely due to both using Sony sensors.

Resolution Quality

While it’s difficult to gauge the true resolution quality through an online video, we compared the Move 4K to the SimpleTrack Light and Gen 2 camera. All three cameras were fed over NDI HX2, and the Move 4K showed promising resolution quality.

Additional Features

1. Hide Camera Moves: This setting freezes the video output during camera movement, effectively creating a cut between presets and hiding unwanted camera moves in a live stream.
2. HTTP Commands: The Move 4K can receive HTTP commands to toggle tracking on and off, which can be useful for switching between manual and auto tracking during an event.
3. Built-in Tally Light: A subtle but valuable feature, the built-in tally light indicates when the camera is live in a program (red), in preview (green), or not in either (off).

Improvement Ideas

There are two features we would like to see improved in the camera’s firmware:

1. 1. Improved auto tracking to allow for user-defined framing of the shot.
   2. More HTTP support for auto-tracking commands, such as changing subjects, toggling bounding boxes, and separate RTMP/RTSP feeds.

Despite these suggested improvements, the Move 4K camera’s capabilities, signal quality, and auto-tracking performance are impressive. We hope you find this overview helpful, and please feel free to ask questions in the comments section.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PTZOptics Move 4K camera is an impressive piece of equipment that offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it an excellent choice for live streaming and production environments. Its high-quality image output, motion tracking capabilities, and versatile NDI protocol support make it a strong contender in its market segment.

The Move 4K’s ability to handle various real-world situations, such as single and multiple subject tracking, reacquiring target subjects, and integrating with other cameras, demonstrates its potential to be a valuable addition to any production setup. The built-in tally light and HTTP command support for auto-tracking further enhance its usability and efficiency.

However, there is room for improvement in the camera’s firmware, particularly concerning auto-tracking framing and expanded HTTP command support. Addressing these concerns in future firmware updates would make the Move 4K even more versatile and user-friendly. With the include 5-year warranty and the team’s dedication to improving the camera firmware, this product is a solid choice.

Overall, the PTZOptics Move 4K camera stands out as a reliable and high-performing option for those looking to upgrade or expand their production equipment. Its robust features, solid performance, and potential for improvement make it a worthy investment for professionals in the streaming and production industry.

The post PTZOptics Move 4K Camera: A Comprehensive Review appeared first on PTZOptics.

The PTZOptics Move PTZ camera series has already made waves in the live streaming market with its 4K camera models, which are now shipping and have replaced the popular PTZOptics Gen 2 camera models. Building on this success, PTZOptics recently announced the SE “Standard Edition” Move series at NAB, which brings the AI-based auto-tracking features of the Move 4K to a wider audience at a low starting price point of just $999.

The Move SE camera line boasts a range of versatile video outputs, including SDI, HDMI, and USB, to ensure seamless integration with a variety of live streaming systems. In addition, the cameras offer IP streaming technologies such as RTSP, RTMP, and SRT, allowing users to easily broadcast their content to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.

While the Move SE cameras may not offer the same 4K resolution as their Move 4K counterparts, they still deliver exceptional video quality with a maximum output of 1080p at 60 fps. This makes them perfect for capturing high-quality footage for live events, conferences, sports, and online content creation.

One of the standout features of the Move SE camera line is PTZOptics’ intelligent auto-tracking capabilities, which use advanced AI algorithms to lock on to specific people during broadcasts. This technology enables presenters, performers, or athletes to move freely within the camera’s field of view, while the camera smoothly and automatically follows them. The result is a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience for the audience, without the need for a dedicated camera operator.

In addition to the auto-tracking features, the Move SE cameras offer a full range of PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) capabilities, with a wide field of view and powerful zoom options to capture even distant subjects with clarity. The cameras also come equipped with presets and remote control options, allowing users to easily switch between multiple camera angles and scenes during a live broadcast.

PTZOptics has made the Move SE camera line available in various colors and configurations to suit different aesthetic and functional requirements. With their affordable price point, versatile output options, and advanced auto-tracking capabilities, the Move SE cameras are poised to revolutionize the live streaming landscape by making professional-quality broadcasts accessible to a broader range of users.

For more information on the PTZOptics Move SE camera series, visit the PTZOptics website, or catch them in action at the NAB conference this year. You can also email partners@ptzoptics.com to connect with our team.

The post The Move SE Camera Line Brings Auto-Tracking Capabilities to a Broader Audience at an Affordable Price Point appeared first on PTZOptics.

The PTZOptics SuperJoy is a pan, tilt, and zoom camera controller capable of sending custom commands to PTZ to perform unique features such as turning the auto-tracking of a PTZOptics Move camera on and off. PTZOptics Move cameras feature the ability to automatically track a specific subject. 

 

On :   http://<camera ip address>/cgi-bin/ptzctrl.cgi?post_image_value&autotrack&2

Off :   http://<camera ip address>/cgi-bin/ptzctrl.cgi?post_image_value&autotrack&3

Example: http://192.168.1.21/cgi-bin/ptzctrl.cgi?post_image_value&autotrack&2

Auto-tracking Function	HTTP Command
Turn Auto-Tracking On	http://<camera ip address>/cgi-bin/ptzctrl.cgi?post_image_value&autotrack&2
Turn Auto-Tracking Off	http://<camera ip address>/cgi-bin/ptzctrl.cgi?post_image_value&autotrack&3

These HTTP commands can be set up to be used with the PTZOptics SuperJoy Custom buttons. The Custom buttons can be configured in the web interface for the joystick controller which you can access via the local IP address displayed on the joystick. You can enter the IP address into any web browser and enter the default user name “admin” with no password to get the login. Once logged in, you can navigate to the Custom Buttons page where you have the ability to set up your four custom buttons on the joystick controller.

 

As an example, let’s set up one button to turn ON auto-tracking and one button to turn OFF auto-tracking. The HTTP commands listed above require a unique IP address for the information to be sent to the correct camera. Locate the IP address of your camera and insert that unique address into the HTTP code string. In the SuperJoy Custom Button interface, select HTTP and paste the command for auto-tracking on into the text field. Next click save. You can repeat this process for the auto-tracking off command as well. 

Tips for Success

PTZOptics Move cameras will automatically call preset 0 when auto-tracking is turned on. This allows you to move the camera to the ideal location to acquire a target. If you have a particular space where your subject is likely to stand, set a PTZ preset for preset 0 in this location. If you would like to switch targets you can use the left and right buttons on the remote control to switch between people in view of the camera. 

Conclusion

Using a PTZOptics SuperJoy is a great way to easily toggle auto-tracking on and off while you are operating a PTZ camera. These HTTP commands for turning auto-tracking ON and OFF can also be used with other systems such as Elgato StreamDeck OR software such as Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). If you have any questions about this setup please let us know and our support team will be happy to assist you. 

The post How to use the SuperJoy to Control Auto-Tracking appeared first on PTZOptics.

Remotely viewing and controlling a PTZ camera can open up a number of incredible opportunities for your next video project. PTZOptics pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) cameras have a variety of easy ways to remotely view and control your camera from anywhere in the world. 

Here are some options for how to remotely view and control your PTZ camera.

1. Using a network-connected computer with PTZOptics Software
2. Using a network-connected computer with NDI® Tools
3. Using cloud-based software such as Zoom
4. Using a smartphone 
5. Using your favorite video production software

PTZOptics Software for Remote Viewing and Control

Remotely controlling your PTZ camera can be done in a variety of ways, but one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods is to use a network connected computer with PTZOptics software. This software allows users to take full control over their PTZ cameras from anywhere on their local area network (LAN). With this type of setup, you will be able to access all of your camera’s features as if you were physically standing in front of it with an IR remote control — including pan, tilt and zoom. 

The PTZOptics camera control software uses an IP address to communicate with the camera, as well as show you video feed, using your already existing LAN. What is a LAN? Your local area network can span many miles, but is generally set up to connect multiple computers and devices behind secure connection to the public internet. If you want to control your camera from a separate LAN, you can continue reading this blog post where you will learn about the NDI® Bridge, which can provide PTZ camera control and video viewer over the public internet.

Using NDI® to Control and View your PTZ Camera

Controlling a PTZ camera remotely can also be done with NDI® Tools, an affordable and powerful set of IP video tools available for free at NDI.tv. This software allows users to take full control of their cameras from anywhere in the world through an internet connection.

A popular NDI® tool for viewing and controlling PTZ cameras is called Studio Monitor. Studio Monitor is an application available for Mac and PC computers that can view any NDI® video feed available on your network. NDI® features auto-discovery, so applications such as Studio Monitor can automatically show you a list of all the NDI® video sources on your network. Studio Monitor also features the ability to control PTZ cameras with your keyboard and mouse or USB gamepad and joystick controller. When a PTZOptics camera is selected with Studio Monitor, you will automatically see controller options on the right-hand side of the application. 

In 2022, NDI® released a new tool called NDI® Bridge — a software solution that allows users to send and receive live video over IP networks. It is designed for use with video equipment, such as PTZ cameras and live streaming software, that supports NDI®. NDI® Bridge allows users to control their cameras remotely via an internet connection, providing them with access to all of their camera’s features such as pan, tilt and zoom. Additionally, it provides features such as PTZ presets and tally information, which can help automate complex movements without any manual adjustments. It even supports encrypted data streaming to keep your data safe from unwanted intrusions or data theft. With NDI® Bridge, you have the ability to take full advantage of your camera’s capabilities from anywhere in the world.

Using Cloud-based software such as Zoom for remote PTZ controls

With the help of cloud-based software such as Zoom, you can also control a PTZ camera remotely. By using Zoom, users can take advantage of the “Remote PTZ Control” features which can be enabled on professional accounts. This feature provides pan, tilt and zoom controls for remote users with the Zoom Meeting client. Participants can simply right-click the video feed they want to “Request Camera Control” for,  which can then be approved by the camera’s user. This is ideal for telehealth when a doctor would like to request PTZ camera control from a nurse. With the help of Zoom, you can now control your PTZ camera from anywhere in the world with ease.

Zoom requires a USB connection to the camera you’re looking to control. Also, the “Remote PTZ Camera Control” feature may need to be turned on by your company’s Zoom administrator for the feature to work. With these two boxes checked, you should have no issue getting started with PTZ camera control through Zoom. They offer this functionality in Zoom Meetings and Zoom Rooms. Zoom Rooms feature PTZ camera controls via a touch interface in the room for local PTZ camera control. Currently, the only way to gain remote PTZ camera controls is through the Zoom Meeting Client. 

For more information about PTZ camera controls in Zoom read our tutorial here.

Using a Smartphone to remotely control your PTZ camera

Smartphones are a great choice for remotely controlling your PTZOptics camera. PTZOptics offers an iOS app called PTZControl Pro 2 which allows you to view and control cameras from anywhere on your LAN. PanTiltZoom is another smartphone application option that is available for iOS, Android and Kindle. The main difference between the apps is that PTZControl Pro 2 offers the ability to view the video feed from your PTZOptics camera, while PanTiltZoom works only for control.

It is possible to control PTZOptics cameras from anywhere in the world using your smartphone. If you want to control a PTZ camera on your LAN using a smartphone app, simply enter the IP address and it will connect. If you want to control a PTZ camera that is outside of your LAN, give the PTZ camera an “Public IP Address.” Public IP addresses are available to anyone and can be accessed by your smartphone to view and control your camera from anywhere in the world with internet access. 

Using video production software to remotely control PTZ cameras

PTZOptics cameras can be controlled directly through video production software such as OBS, vMix, Wirecast, Livestream Studio, Tricaster, Mimolive and many more. These software solutions have built-in PTZ camera control options. With a little networking knowledge, you can connect your cameras to a video production software and control them remotely with ease.

Adding PTZ camera controls to any workflow makes production much simpler for producers who are already familiar with their chosen live-streaming software solution. It’s important to note that all video production software solutions will require the PTZ camera’s IP address in order to send commands to it. This solution is great for small or single-producer teams who need access to every piece of the production — camera controls, on-screen graphics, audio, and more — in one place.

Conclusion

Remotely viewing and controlling a PTZ camera can open up a number of opportunities for your next video project. Whether it be through software, cloud-based services, or a smartphone app, there are a wide range of options available to choose from. Each has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so if you need help choosing the right option, give PTZOptics a call to discuss. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be able to use all features that your camera has to offer.

The post Exploring Options for Remotely Controlling Your PTZ Camera appeared first on PTZOptics.

See the new Auto-Tracking Cameras

The new Move 4K PTZOptics cameras now feature auto-tracking, making it easier than ever to integrate automatic subject tracking into your live streaming or video production setup. This innovative technology allows you to keep the camera focused on your subject, no matter how much they move around. Add a creative and dynamic touch to your videos by taking advantage of this powerful feature – and let PTZOptics help you bring your production dreams to life!

Check out the latest software integrations

With PTZOptics cameras, you can now use your favorite live streaming software such as OBS, Wirecast, vMix or Livestream Studio to take advantage of their built-in pan, tilt and zoom camera controls and preset settings. With this capability, you’ll be able to stream like a professional – with automated camera movements and simple pre-configured settings all done from within the software. Take your live streaming capabilities to the next level today with PTZOptics!

Request PTZ Joystick Control Demonstration

With PTZOptics joysticks, you can control the movement of your camera with precision and finesse. These joysticks allow the camera to move slowly and smoothly through a variety of settings for live production, lecture capture, sports coverage and more. Request to see one of these in action for yourself and experience the cutting-edge technology that ensures your production projects are successful every time.

Book a Meeting Today!

PTZOptics would like to invite you to book a live camera demo from our studio, where you can check out the latest 4K pan, tilt, and zoom cameras that we have to offer. Our team of experts can show you how our cameras perform in real-time, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your project. We’re here to help make sure you get the best quality equipment for your needs – so don’t hesitate and book a demo today!

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