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.

This approach not only enhances community engagement but also provides valuable learning opportunities for students interested in broadcasting, media production, and related fields. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that schools are using live production technology to bring their events beyond the classroom and into the wider community.

Here is a list of educational spaces discuss in our blog post:

1. Video Services Lab or Broadcast Media Room
   • Uses include broadcasting school board meetings and community events. Often used for student-run morning broadcasts. In higher education, these spaces are used for intern meetings and career building.
2. Production Studios
   • Uses include student training in the broadcast club. Video creation for student and teacher projects. 
3. Staged Auditoriums
   • Uses include theatrical performances are often recorded and broadcast in stage areas. School presentations and town halls are often recorded and live-streamed for remote students and parent viewing. 
4. School Sports
   • Uses include recording videos for students and coaches to use to improve sports analytics. Broadcasting school sports for parents to watch from home, especially for away games. 

Video Services Lab and Broadcast Media Rooms

Educational spaces known as Video Services Labs or Broadcast Media Rooms are becoming increasingly popular in primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education institutions. These audio-visual (AV) labs provide a space for students to learn about video production and broadcasting while also serving practical purposes such as broadcasting school board meetings and community events. In higher education, these spaces are being utilized for presenting research materials, conducting intern meetings, and career building. Additionally, some universities are even using broadcast media rooms to recruit new students by creating high-quality promotional videos that showcase their campus and academic programs. As technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see more educational spaces like these in the future.

One of the key features of Video Services Labs or Broadcast Media Rooms is their flexibility in serving a variety of needs. These spaces can be used as conference rooms, faculty development areas, or traditional production studios depending on the specific needs of the institution. In addition to broadcasting school board meetings and community events, these rooms are also being utilized for distance learning, staff development, and other 1-to-1 or 1-to-many presentations. With the ability to switch between various setups and configurations quickly, these spaces can adapt to changing needs with ease. This makes them an ideal investment for educational institutions looking to provide high-quality video services while maximizing their resources.

When you are planning out a space like this, ease of use is generally a top priority because users need to be able to quickly customize their needs. In spaces like this, a cloud-based video communications software solution such as Zoom Room or Microsoft Teams environment is an ideal part of the system allowing users to easily connect the audio and video from the room to the cloud and other users. The audio-video connection diagram shown above outlines how a video production computer can be set up with multiple audio-visual resources including PTZ cameras, joystick controllers, and existing camcorders for video. This system would assume an audio system is also connected to the virtual production computer via a USB connection. These audio and video connections can then be used with lecture capture software, distance learning, and video communications such as Zoom and Teams. 

Video Production Studios

The next logical step beyond Video Services Labs or Broadcast Media Rooms is the full-blown production studio. These studios require a higher level of equipment and expertise to produce broadcast-level content. When working with a school to select equipment for a production studio, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the institution. One key piece of equipment to consider is a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, which can provide high-quality video footage while also allowing for remote control operation. When selecting a PTZ camera for studio use, it’s important to consider factors such as resolution, frame rate, zoom capabilities, and low-light performance. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the camera is compatible with other equipment in the studio setup such as lighting, microphones, and editing software. By carefully considering these factors and working with an experienced AV specialist, schools can create a highly functional and effective production studio for their students and staff.

Some of the technology shown in the audio-visual connection diagram above include a dedicated video switcher, tally lights, PTZ cameras, and a joystick controller. In this diagram, Network Device Interface (NDI) is used as a core connection technology that leverages the Local Area Network (LAN). NDI can be used as a simple way to add multiple cameras, manage Tally Lights, and display video content on a confidence monitor. In this sample diagram, a NewTek TriCaster is used as an IP-based video switcher which is connected to the LAN. Each PTZOptics NDI-enabled camera is capable of sending FullHD (1080p) or even UltraHD (4Kp) video to the TriCaster for video switching. Each camera also includes a Tally Light which allows the on-camera talent the ability to quickly see which camera is either live or “up-next” in preview. NDI video decoders are used to convert the IP-based NDI video into an HDMI video output that can power a display and show low-latency video from the production to other areas of the production studio or school campus. 

The Auditorium and Stage Performances

There are many cool things that can be done around a school with a live production studio at its core. One obvious place to utilize such a studio is in the staged auditorium, which is a key venue for events such as plays, concerts, and assemblies. The configuration of cameras used in an auditorium will differ depending on whether it’s a secondary school or higher education institution. In secondary schools, it’s common to have fixed cameras placed throughout the auditorium to capture wide shots and close-ups of the stage. On the other hand, higher education institutions may opt for more advanced camera configurations such as robotic cameras mounted on tracks or cranes to provide dynamic and engaging footage of performances. Regardless of the specific setup chosen, having a live production studio at the center allows for seamless switching between camera feeds and real-time editing to create high-quality recordings of school events that can be shared with students, families, and the broader community.

In the audio-visual connection diagram above you can see two live-streaming computers that are used together in a campus environment. Using two computers for a live production allows the students to share responsibilities and spread video-related tasks across a team. For example, one computer here is used for the main video production switching with vMix. The second computer is running software called ProPresenter which is used to display graphics and power multiple monitors that are on stage. You can see here that three PTZOptics NDI-connected cameras are available for control with a joystick controller but also a smartphone device. Video departments can control PTZ cameras remotely from anywhere on campus and one easy way is to use a PTZOptics SuperJoy controller because it provides an HDMI video output to display the video of the camera being controlled. This is particularly useful if the user is remote to the auditorium or camera location. You can also see that additional monitors outside the auditorium are showing the video output using an NDI decoder. NDI decoders are able to take an NDI video stream and output it via HDMI. The nice thing about NDI decoders is that they can be managed remotely and you can easily choose the NDI video source on the network that you would like to show on LCD tvs on your network. 

School Sports: Indoors

This same technology can also be used to connect indoor sports areas with audiences both inside and outside the school. With a live production studio, schools can broadcast games, matches, and meets in real time using multiple cameras and professional audio equipment. This not only allows for remote viewing by family and friends who cannot attend in person but also provides opportunities for students to learn about broadcasting and production. In addition, schools can use live streaming as a way to generate revenue through sponsorships, advertising, or pay-per-view access. By investing in the necessary equipment and working with experienced AV professionals, schools can create engaging and high-quality live streams of their sports events that enhance school spirit and community engagement.

Because schools often have a lot of sporting events going on simultaneously, it can be difficult to record videos for every event. This is where centrally managed audio-visual systems with IP network connectivity can come in handy. PTZOptics cameras for example can live stream directly from the camera to Content Delivery Networks (CDN) such as Facebook or YouTube. PTZOptics cameras can easily turn off and on streaming to these networks with the click of a button in the cameras web interface. 

Tip: If you want to live stream directly from a PTZOptics camera, you should make sure to connect a line level audio source to the 3.5mm audio input. 

If your school has moved to IP-based video production techniques such as NDI, you should be able to remotely control and produce a video from indoor sporting areas such as Basketball courts and swimming pools. This allows a central production team to remotely control the cameras, graphics, and production elements. In these cases, using a PTZOptics SuperJoy with SuperPresets is a good way to keep multiple cameras in sync during remote production. SuperPresets work by issuing multiple PTZ camera preset commands with a single button press. As you can see from the diagram above, this is ideal for moving cameras up and down a sports field during production. 

School Sports: Outdoors

When schools start live streaming one sport, you can bet that students and parents will hope the schools capture and broadcast outdoor sports events as well. However, there are some additional challenges when working in an outdoor environment. One key consideration is the need for extension-cabling to bring power and network connectivity to cameras and other equipment located far from buildings or other sources of electricity. Once again, this is where IP-based video production technology really helps because a PoE-enabled network switch can extend connectivity for multiple devices including audio systems, cameras, and computers. Additionally, protective outdoor enclosures may be necessary to shield equipment from weather conditions such as rain or extreme temperatures. At PTZOptics, we highly recommend the Dotworkz D3 enclosures for use with our cameras here. Examples of outdoor sports that can benefit from live-streaming technology include soccer, football, track and field, and lacrosse. By using multiple cameras strategically placed around the field or arena, schools can provide viewers with a comprehensive view of the action while still maintaining a professional-quality broadcast. Overall, the use of live streaming technology for outdoor sports events requires careful planning and preparation but can provide many benefits for schools looking to enhance their athletic programs and engage with their communities.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, live production technology is a powerful tool that schools can use to engage with their communities and enhance the educational experience for students. By bringing school events and performances to remote audiences through high-quality audio and video broadcasts, schools can increase community involvement and provide valuable learning opportunities for students interested in media production. Whether it’s a concert, play, or sporting event, live productions allow schools to share their successes with a wider audience while also providing a platform for students to showcase their talents. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of live production technology in the classroom and beyond.

Consider reaching out to one of our dedicated professionals at PTZOptics for help designing a video production system. You can email partners@ptzoptics.com to get the conversation started or fill out our contact form at https://ptzoptics.com/contact

The post Beyond the Classroom: How Schools are Bringing Live Productions to the Community appeared first on PTZOptics.

 

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.

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