4K Archives - PTZOptics

How to connect Dante Video with Zoom using a virtual webcam

Paul Richards — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:11:48 +0000

Integrating Your PTZOptics Link 4K Dante-Enabled Camera with Zoom: A Comprehensive Guide

So you have a Dante-enabled video system and you want to connect it with Zoom? The need for high-quality video feeds during video conferences has grown exponentially, and routing video over IP is a great way to manage your audiovisuals. Whether for business meetings, virtual events, or digital learning, a crystal-clear video feed ensures a productive and engaging experience. This guide provides a step-by-step process to integrate your PTZOptics Link 4K Dante-enabled camera with Zoom, leveraging the sophisticated audio and video networking that Dante technology offers.

What You’ll Need:

A PTZOptics Link 4K Dante-enabled camera.

A computer with Zoom installed.

A stable network connection shared by the camera and the computer.

Dante Studio software.

Dante Controller software.

Steps to Connect Your PTZOptics Link 4K Camera to Zoom:

Ensure Proper Setup: First, make sure your PTZOptics Link 4K Dante-enabled camera is correctly set up and connected to the same network as your computer running Zoom. This connection is crucial as Dante devices communicate over the network.

Download and Install Dante Software: Visit the official website to download Dante Studio and Dante Controller. Dante Studio will act as your virtual webcam interface, while Dante Controller allows you to manage and route Dante-enabled sources on your network.

Configure Dante Controller: Open Dante Controller. This software is your control panel for all Dante-enabled devices on your network. Here, you can route your video sources precisely where you want them. Select your PTZOptics Link 4K camera from the list of available sources and route its video feed to Dante Studio, which will act as the receiver.

Set Up Dante Studio: Launch Dante Studio. This software receives the video feed from your PTZOptics camera via the Dante network. Check the input settings to confirm that Dante Studio is receiving the video signal from your camera.

Activate the Virtual Webcam: Within Dante Studio, find the option to enable the virtual webcam. This feature transforms the received video feed into a format that Zoom can use, essentially mimicking a webcam within your system.

Integrate with Zoom: Now, open Zoom and navigate to the settings menu. Under the video section, you should see the Dante Studio Virtual Webcam as an available source. Select this as your video source. Optionally, if you’re also routing audio through Dante, select Dante Studio as your audio source as well.

Start Your Meeting: With the setup complete, initiate your Zoom call. You should now have high-quality video from your PTZOptics Link 4K camera, with all the benefits that Dante networking brings to the table.

Conclusion:

Integrating your PTZOptics Link 4K Dante-enabled camera with Zoom elevates your video conferencing experience, providing professional-grade video quality that standard webcams can’t match. While the setup requires several steps, the enhanced audio-visual fidelity, flexibility, and control offered by Dante technology are well worth the effort. Whether you’re hosting large-scale virtual events, streaming content, or engaging in critical business communications, this setup ensures you deliver excellence and professionalism through your visual presentation.

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All about our Dante-enabled PTZ Camera: The Link 4K

Paul Richards — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:50:55 +0000

Can you briefly explain what Audinate’s Dante system is and how its recent update to support video is a game-changer in the industry?

Dante stands for ‘Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet,’ and it’s essentially a combination of software, hardware, and network protocols that deliver uncompressed, multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over a standard Ethernet network. It’s become an industry standard for digitally transporting audio because of its ability to synchronize and distribute lossless audio data with very low latency.

Now, the game-changer here is that Dante has extended its capabilities to support video. This is a massive leap because, traditionally, audio and video require separate transport mechanisms, often resulting in issues like unsynchronized audio and video streams or increased complexity in setup and operation. With Dante now supporting video, users can streamline their AV systems even further by having a unified network infrastructure. It reduces both the cost and complexity, making it easier to install, manage, and scale AV systems.

So, in a nutshell, Dante’s support for video amplifies its already powerful ecosystem by offering an all-in-one solution for audio and video over IP, making it an even more robust and versatile platform for AV professionals.

How does the Dante system integrate with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera? Are there any special features that users should be aware of?

The integration of Dante with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera opens up a realm of possibilities for seamless audio and video performance. The PTZOptics Link 4K camera, as many of you might know, offers exceptional 4K video quality, PTZ capabilities, and versatile connectivity options. Now, when you bring Dante into the mix, you’re looking at a more unified, efficient, and powerful AV setup.

One of the key advantages of this integration is streamlined connectivity. You can connect the PTZOptics Link 4K camera to the Dante network using a single Ethernet cable, which can handle both video and multi-channel audio. This simplifies the installation process and minimizes cable clutter, making it an ideal choice for setups where space or aesthetics are a concern.

Another exciting feature is the centralized control. Both the Dante system and PTZOptics camera can be managed from the Dante Controller, allowing users to easily configure and control audio and video settings. For instance, you can synchronize your video with specific audio channels, creating dynamic and engaging live production environment.

The Dante system also allows for scalable solutions. You can easily add more PTZOptics Link 4K cameras or other Dante-enabled devices to the network as your needs grow, without worrying about compatibility or additional hardware.

So, in summary, the integration of Dante with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera offers a more streamlined, flexible, and robust AV setup, making it a compelling choice for professionals in live streaming, broadcasting, and event production.

What are the steps for setting up the Dante system to work with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera? Is the process seamless, or are there challenges users should be prepared for?

Setting up the Dante system to work in conjunction with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera is designed to be a fairly straightforward process, but there are some key steps to follow to ensure seamless operation.

Initial Setup: First, make sure your PTZOptics Link 4K camera and Dante-enabled audio equipment are connected to the same network. This can usually be done via a standard Ethernet switch.
Dante Controller Software: Next, you’ll want to install Dante Controller on your computer. This software allows you to configure and manage Dante-enabled devices on your network. Once installed, open the software and you should see your PTZOptics camera and other Dante-enabled devices listed.
Routing Audio: In Dante Controller, you can set up the audio and video routing. You can assign specific audio channels to be sent to or received from the PTZOptics camera. This is incredibly useful for tasks like synchronizing audio and video or embedding audio into a video feed.
Video Configuration: On the PTZOptics camera side, you should automatically see the camera in Dante Controller. You have the option to use HD or UHD for Dante Video, this can be configured in the camera WebUI. Also, you can use the Dante Studio software to view the camera video and create a virtual webcam for use with vMix, OBS or Zoom.
Synchronization: Dante provides options for clock synchronization to ensure that your audio and video are perfectly in sync. You can configure this within the Dante Controller software.

While the process is designed to be user-friendly, it’s always a good idea to read through the documentation for both the PTZOptics camera and the Dante system. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of each can help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

So, in essence, while there are a few steps involved, the process is engineered to be as seamless as possible, offering a straightforward way to integrate high-quality audio and video in a unified setup

One common issue in complex setups is audio-video synchronization. How does Dante’s system handle this, especially when integrated with the PTZOptics Link 4K?

Audio-video synchronization is an essential factor in any live production or streaming setup. A mismatch between audio and video can be incredibly distracting and can significantly degrade the viewer’s experience. Fortunately, Dante excels in this area, and its integration with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera offers a robust solution for maintaining perfect sync.

Dante uses Precision Time Protocol, or PTP, to synchronize all devices on the network down to the microsecond level. This ensures that both audio and video streams are aligned in real-time. Because the PTZOptics Link 4K camera is also designed for low-latency performance, the two systems work well together to provide a synchronized AV experience.

In the Dante Controller software, you can designate a master clock source for the network. This could be a dedicated Dante-enabled clock or one of the Dante devices on the network. Once the master clock is set, all other devices on the Dante network will synchronize to it, ensuring that audio and video are delivered in perfect unison.

Another advantage of Dante’s AV sync capabilities is its scalability. Whether you have a small setup with just a PTZOptics camera and a couple of Dante-enabled microphones, or a large-scale production environment with multiple cameras, audio interfaces, and speakers, Dante’s clock synchronization ensures that every component stays in sync.

If you do encounter AV sync issues, troubleshooting is relatively straightforward. The Dante Controller software provides real-time feedback on the synchronization status of each device on the network, making it easier to identify and resolve any problems.

In summary, Dante’s meticulous approach to clock synchronization, combined with the PTZOptics Link 4K camera’s low-latency performance, creates a reliable, synchronized AV environment that’s crucial for professional-grade live streaming and production

Can you provide examples of real-world applications where the Dante system with video support would excel when used alongside the PTZOptics Link 4K camera? For instance, in live event production or remote broadcasting.

Live Event Production: Whether it’s a concert, conference, or theatrical performance, the need for synchronized, high-quality audio and video is paramount. Dante’s unified AV-over-IP network can handle multiple camera angles, audio sources, and even audience interaction seamlessly. The PTZOptics Link 4K, with its 4K imaging and PTZ functionality, can capture the event in high resolution from various angles, enriching the viewer experience.

Broadcast Studios: News and television studios require a reliable and synchronized system for live broadcasting. The Dante system ensures that both audio and video are in perfect sync, which is crucial when you’re going live to millions of viewers. The PTZOptics camera’s low-light performance and 4K capabilities make it an excellent choice for studio setups.

Educational Institutions: With the rise of remote learning, educational institutions need a solid AV setup for virtual classrooms. The PTZOptics camera can capture the lecturer in high resolution, while Dante ensures that both the audio and visual elements are synchronized and clear, offering an effective learning experience.

Corporate Video Conferencing: In the corporate world, video conferencing is an essential part of daily operations. This setup allows for high-quality video and audio streams for remote meetings, presentations, and collaborations. The PTZ functionality of the PTZOptics camera can even allow for room scans, focusing on different speakers, or showcasing products during a virtual presentation.

Houses of Worship: For churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious venues, live-streaming services have become increasingly important. The integration of Dante with PTZOptics ensures a high-quality, synchronized broadcast, whether it’s just a single camera or a multi-camera setup.

The post All about our Dante-enabled PTZ Camera: The Link 4K appeared first on PTZOptics.

PTZOptics Move 4K Camera: A Comprehensive Review

Paul Richards — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:54:29 +0000

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

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.
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.
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. 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.

Roland’s 4K video switcher supports PTZ camera controls

Paul Richards — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:58:57 +0000

Roland V-600UHD

The Roland V-600UHD 4K HDR Multi-Format Video Switcher is an ideal choice for those looking to create high quality video productions. It features four HDMI 2.0 and two 12G SDI inputs, perfect for events needing several computer and video playback sources complete with IMAG camera support. What sets the V-600UHD apart from other switchers is its ability to control PTZOptics cameras, allowing you to easily adjust the angle of your shots without having to manually move the camera itself. With its intuitive user interface, it’s easy to switch between different sources quickly and seamlessly, making it a great choice for any live event or production.

How the PTZ Camera Controls Work

Working with 4K video on a computer system can be challenging, as it requires an extensive amount of time and resources to convert the video correctly. However, with the Roland V-600UHD hardware video switcher, you can easily manage 4K video productions without the hassle of conversions. The V-600UHD features four HDMI 2.0 and two 12G SDI inputs that allow you to quickly switch between multiple sources of video playback sources. It also supports IMAG camera support which makes it simple to switch between camera angles when needed. The switcher also offers options for scaling, test patterns and more making it an excellent solution for any professional 4K video production or broadcast situation.

Having PTZ cameras during a video production can be incredibly valuable as they are able to capture different areas of the scene without having to physically move the camera. This gives you more control over angles and shots, allowing you to get creative with your productions. Additionally, PTZ cameras can be set up remotely and controlled from a distance, making it a great choice for live broadcasting or streaming events. With the Roland V-600UHD switcher, you have the ability to control PTZOptics cameras from one single source, allowing for quick and easy switching between different camera angles without any hassle.

Camera Controls in the Roland V-600UHD

The ability to control multiple PTZ cameras simultaneously with the Roland V-600UHD switcher is incredibly beneficial, especially when you do not have camera operators. This allows you to set up scenes with multiple cameras moving to the same location in a coordinated manner, creating dynamic and interesting shots that can be used for live broadcasting or streaming events. Additionally, through the use of presets and macros, it is easy to automate complex movements and transitions between different shots without having to make any manual adjustments. This makes it possible to create professional-looking video productions even if you don’t have an operator on hand.

When you are setting up your Roland switcher to control PTZOptics cameras follow these simple steps.

Connect your Roland video switcher to the network.
Connect your PTZOptics cameras to the network.
Enter your PTZOptics camera IP address information into the video switcher menu under “Camera Controls.”
Save PTZ presets to your PTZOptics camera.
Hold down the DSK button to enable PTZ preset recall mode.
Recall your PTZ camera presets with the Roland video switcher buttons.

The post Roland’s 4K video switcher supports PTZ camera controls appeared first on PTZOptics.

PTZOptics Move 20X Test Footage

Paul Richards — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 16:37:34 +0000

PTZOptics is excited to introduce our new 4K PTZ cameras. The PTZOptics Move 4K camera is perfect for any video production that requires 4K resolution. The new 4K PTZ camera provides 4 times the resolution of 1080p HD, making it ideal for any application that requires high-quality video. The Move 4K 20X camera also features a wide field of view and a fast frame rate (up to 60fps), making it perfect for capturing fast-moving objects. The new Move 4K cameras are also backed by PTZOptics’ industry-leading 5-year warranty. To see the new 4K PTZ 20X camera in action, check out the test footage above.
The camera is able to auto-track and focus on any person you choose in frame. By auto-tracking, the camera is always focused on the target and keeping it in the frame. The person tracking selection feature of the camera is also very handy. As long as the person is within the field of view, the camera will keep them in focus and in frame even when other people are in the same scene. This is especially useful for video presentations and lecture capture applications. Overall, the camera’s ability to move and track objects with precision is very impressive.
A 20X optical zoom lens is a great asset for any video production. It allows you to get close to your subject while still being able to frame the shot properly. This can be especially useful when following a presenter on stage or framing a specific video angle from a distance. In addition, a 20X lens can help you to capture detail that would be otherwise impossible to see with the naked eye. Whether you’re trying to capture the detail in a stain-glassed window or written details on a whiteboard, a 20X lens gives you the power to get up close and magnify small details. Even if you don’t plan on using the full extent of the zoom, having that extra reach can be helpful in getting the perfect shot. So if you’re looking for a versatile lens that can help you take your video production to the next level, consider investing in a 20X optical zoom lens.
The PTZOptics 20X move test footage showcases the camera’s ability to smoothly track and follow presenters with precision. The benefits of having a 20X optical zoom lens are clear in the video, as well as the importance of using PTZ cameras for live streaming and video production applications. If you have any questions about how PTZ cameras can benefit your business or organization, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to discuss our products and solutions with you.

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