How To Program Ptz Camera
PTZ stands for "pan/tilt/zoom" and denotes robotic cameras that typically (though non e'er) accept integrated pan/tilt motors and zoom lenses. The Sony EVI series cameras are popular examples. Pan/tilt/zoom cameras may look similar outsized surveillance cameras, and in many ways, are like them. They are designed to exist installed permanently and can be enclosed in dome housings for protection or aesthetics. All the same, the benefits of PTZ cameras are that one operator can control multiple cameras, whereas non-robotic cameras crave a separate operator for each camera; and they can reach camera angles not possible with conventional tripod setups.
PTZ cameras are usually constitute in settings such as bookish lecture halls and houses of worship. They are sometimes employed for video conferencing where camera command or multiple photographic camera angles are required. PTZ cameras are likewise a great pick for live events in venues where cameras can be permanently installed or where mounting spots are available. This final cistron volition be our focus here.
Live Product
The functioning of PTZ cameras used in a video production surroundings tin be broken into ii concerns: camera control and video switching.
Camera Control
Although PTZ cameras are regarded equally "robotic," they are not autonomous—they cannot (yet) track a bailiwick all on their own. You lot will need a controller along with a way to monitor video from each camera. Dissimilar camera systems use unlike control protocols, though VISCA is one of the nearly common. This is a serial-based protocol that is typically carried over an RS-232 or RS-422 interface. Many photographic camera systems allow for "daisy-chaining," such that only a single "home run" connection is required back to the controller. Alternatively, 1 tin can follow the so-called "star pattern," where each camera is independently linked to the controller. Daisy-chaining enables more cameras to be continued to a single controller simply may or may not result in simpler cabling, depending on relative camera placement.
The controller itself features a joystick for panning and tilting, every bit well as a zoom toggle, in some fashion. In improver, and where supported, other camera parameters such as focus and exposure can be adjusted remotely, on the fly. Some systems even offer CCU-style camera setup controls to make calibrating all cameras to match easier.
Keep in mind, PTZ cameras aren't motion control rigs. You may non achieve the finesse of feathering or control precision a good fluid head tripod provides, so it'due south all-time to align your shot before cutting to that photographic camera and keeping the camera "locked off" while it is alive.
Monitoring
Live video switchers will often provide a quad- or multi-view split screen output and then you can view all the video sources on a unmarried monitor. One option for monitoring is to allow the PTZ operator tap this feed. Since non-PTZ sources may exist included, doing so may be non-optimal for larger productions. A defended multiview to combine the PTZ images may be preferable. In add-on to the multiview, you may want a full-screen preview of a single camera. A low price "difficult-cutting" switcher may be all yous demand for this purpose. However, with such a switcher at that place will exist a momentary loss of signal, and so it should not exist used where rapid on-they-fly switching is required. This is specially truthful with HDMI signals.
For best practice, ensure the signal going to this switcher is downstream from any appliances—such as the live switcher—that may be broadcasting alive video. With SDI, your all-time bespeak selection for live broadcast, the video signal is piece of cake to split or route, so the best program is to carve up the camera feeds before they reach either the alive switcher desk or the photographic camera controller'south desk. This way, a fault on the alive switcher's end won't mess upward the photographic camera operator while a mistake on the photographic camera operator'due south cease won't mess upwardly the live feed.
Video Switching
Since PTZ cameras typically feature standard video outputs, which may include SDI, HDMI/DVI, or legacy composite video, they will hook up to a alive video switcher just as a non-remote camera would. SDI is your all-time bet. HDMI/DVI-based PTZ cameras are ofttimes lower price than their SDI equivalents while outputting the same video quality. Unfortunately, HDMI is not accommodating when it comes to long cablevision runs. In add-on, the handshake procedure HDMI requires increases latency when using information technology in a alive-switching context. Analog is friendly for long cablevision runs (assuming you lot use baluns, discussed below) and boasts low latency since in that location is no handshake or other digital processing in the pipeline, but the quality is inferior and few switchers offer analog inputs these days, though mini converters are bachelor.
The choice of live production switcher volition depend on the camera bespeak as well as other factors; the PTZ camera is a video source just like whatsoever other. Y'all will need to think about the number of cameras, also as other video sources, such every bit computer graphics, that you may wish to integrate into the programme. Besides, PTZ cameras rarely feature microphones or even the power to pass sound, so you will need a separate audio source, such as a tap from the venue'southward PA system, to include an audio element in your program.
Installation and Cabling
One of the biggest virtues of PTZ cameras is flexible mounting. Basic installation requires a flat wall mount. Many models tin be inverted for "upside-down" ceiling mounting directly to a junction box. (Ensure when installing the photographic camera, it is set to the correct style, as accessing it later on to "flip" the moving picture may be challenging.) Additionally, there is a wide diversity or arms, domes, and other mounting solutions that are bachelor. Some mounts even thread onto standard NPT 1.5" piping, allowing you to repose projector and AV mounts. Weatherized housings or even weatherized cameras are available for outdoor utilize.
Apart from the mountain, you will have to remember about cabling. Generally, there volition be a separate connection for video, control, and power.
Considering of the distances involved, more than than but a simple cable may exist required to get the video and/or control signal from A to B. Cables act as antennas; the more radio interference they selection upward, the more noise gets introduced into the signal. With analog signals the quality merely degrades, but with digital you will experience much less tolerable dropouts and, finally, complete signal loss. The most pop remedy is the balun. Baluns are substantially cablevision adapters that convert an unbalanced cable—for case, RG-half dozen—to use as a balanced cable, ordinarily Ethernet/CAT5 (some systems require CAT6 or CAT7). Baluns are bachelor for basically every video point type out there, likewise every bit serial control signals such as RS-232 and RS-422. Since digital video, particularly Hd and high-resolution digital video, requires a high bandwidth, an alternative to utilise where baluns provide insufficient length is fiber optic.
While baluns take care of video and command, there is still the matter of power. If an Air-conditioning outlet is nearby, you may detect the all-time pick is to plug the photographic camera straight in with an AC adapter. In many cases, however, yous volition need an electrician to run some custom wiring for ability, likewise. Some camera systems, especially those that are network controlled, support POE (Power over Ethernet), in which case the command and power will share the same connection.
Past the way, one can also place a PTZ camera on a tripod for a non-permanent solution that enables remote camera command.
Bending of View
An of import factor to consider when selecting a camera is lens characteristics. Just as video projectors have different throw ratios, PTZ lenses have dissimilar angles of view. Virtually PTZ cameras are fixed-lens, which means y'all will be stuck with the lens that comes with the camera. Based on where the photographic camera will be placed, ensure the lens is wide enough to give you sufficient coverage when zoomed out, while telephoto enough to get the close-ups you want when zoomed all the way in. In that location is a variety of lens calculator apps available that can help yous make this determination.
One paradox you will encounter is that college-end cameras tend to characteristic longer zoom ranges. This is because lower-cost cameras have smaller image sensors. Saying that, a magnification more than about 10x is pushing the limits of what you are likely to get away with. Whatever vibrations or imperfections in the photographic camera's pan/tilt servo motors volition be very credible at such magnification. Information technology will too be very hard to track a moving targe treliably. If possible, opt for closer camera placement rather than greater magnification, to achieve tighter shots.
All-in-Ones
To simplify the complexity a PTZ arrangement entails, an selection to consider is Vaddio'due south WallVIEW serial. Built effectually proven PTZ cameras, such every bit Sony's EVI series, WallVIEW adds modifications that adapt power, video, and control to use Ethernet cables to greatly reduce installation headaches. In addition, the organization optionally adds CCU control. Rack-mountable base of operations units provide concluding points for all the cables, CCU performance, controller input, as well as video output.
Some live video product switchers, such as Sony'due south Anycast, incorporate PTZ control. The Anycast works with VISCA protocol cameras, similar its own EVI series. This is a great option for minor productions with limited crew.
Alternatives
Surveillance cameras are very like PTZ cameras and may be tempting as a low-price alternative. Unfortunately, surveillance cameras probably won't piece of work. They are typically self-contained systems that don't facilitate connection with 3rd-party video equipment. In addition, they often feature low frame rates, which reduces bandwidth and storage infinite. All you need to ID a shoplifter is a freeze-frame, just this won't cutting it for live video.
Motorized pan/tilt heads can be a way to suit a regular video camera for remote operation. This may be a consideration if yous need true broadcast operation or are looking for a more flexible solution than a defended PTZ camera. If you plan to go this route, ensure the camera functions you need tin can be controlled remotely and the command and video connectors can be secured so that they don't come loose during production.
Conclusion
PTZ cameras are great for venue settings, such as concert halls, lecture theaters, or houses of worship, because they can be installed well-nigh anywhere while remaining out of the way. Video content from PTZ cameras can exist integrated into a live broadcast but as any other video source. Since they are robotic, unless the photographic camera is left completely stationary, you will need a camera controller and an operator to line upwards the shots remotely. Every bit with other AV equipment, you will need to consider the logistics of wiring up the cameras. In many cases, baluns and Ethernet cables can be used to provide an extensible cabling solution and offering longer cable runs compared to conventional video and serial cables.
Source: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/how-to-integrate-ptz-cameras-into-your-live-setup
Posted by: warnersittort.blogspot.com
0 Response to "How To Program Ptz Camera"
Post a Comment