Learn more about JVC vMix Studio Switchers HERE

Learn more about JVC PTZ Cameras HERE

Learn more about JVC HERE

Learn more about BirdDog X1 HERE

Learn more about BirdDog X1 Ultra HERE

Learn more about BirdDog X4 Ultra HERE

Learn more about BirdDog HERE

BirdDog’s innovative solutions leverage cutting-edge technology, including networking, high-definition cameras, and award-winning software platforms. By seamlessly integrating these elements, BirdDog has successfully democratized broadcast-quality video content, making it accessible to a wider audience without requiring substantial capital investments. Central to BirdDog’s success is its utilization of NDI, a royalty-free software standard enabling high-definition video transmission over computer networks with low latency and frame accuracy.

One of BirdDog’s key achievements lies in its development of custom silicon chips for NDI encoding and decoding, paving the way for numerous world-first products such as hardware encoders, decoders, cameras, tally hardware, and audio intercom solutions. These innovations have found widespread adoption across various industries, including broadcasters, live streaming platforms, corporate AV providers, educational institutions, and even the medical sector.

Moreover, BirdDog’s impact extends beyond traditional video production, with its technology now being leveraged in the medical field to enhance surgical collaboration through platforms like Remedi. The company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to delivering world-class software solutions underscore its position as a formidable player in the global video technology landscape.

The article sheds light on BirdDog’s remarkable journey and its mission to revolutionize the way video content is produced and distributed. Through its pioneering approach and commitment to excellence, BirdDog continues to redefine industry standards and empower content creators worldwide. Alex Zaharov-Reutt’s insightful interview with CEO Dan Miall offers a glimpse into the company’s vision and the transformative potential of its innovative technologies.

Watch the full interview with Dan Miall below:

Learn more about BirdDog HERE

Watch the video from Church Production Video Channel below:

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The CV730-BHN / CV730-WHN UHD60 PTZ 30x cameras are in stock and shipping. This is a full NDI top level camera that features 9.2 million-pixel Sony sensors with a long 30x optical zoom range and flexible simultaneous 12GSDI & HDMI outputs along with networkable full-NDI®, NDI|HX3, NDI|HX2, IP (HEVC), SRT and other common IP codecs.

CV730-BHN/CV730-WHN
30X UHD60 NDI PTZ Camera

• 30x Optical Zoom
• 12GSDI, 3GSDI, HDMI2.0, NDI|HX, NDI|HX3 or IP (SRT/HEVC)
• 4Kp60
• PTZ Control

Black SKU: CV730BHN
Black MPN: CV730-BHN
White SKU: CV730WHN
White MPN: CV730-WHN
In Stock in CA!
$4,999.99 MAP

Compact HD/UHD/4K Cameras

Marshall Compact Cameras offer broadcast quality video performance, AOV/FOV flexibility, simultaneous output formats, remote adjust-and-match features, and durable build quality at affordable price points.

CV420Ne Compact ePTZ 4K60 Camera with NDI|HX3

• 12x Digital Zoom
• USB + HDMI or NDI|HX3 + HDMI Output
• 4K Resolution
• NDI|HX3
• ePTZ

SKU: CV420Ne
MPN: CV420Ne
In Stock in CA!
$1,099.00 MAP

Miniature CV570 HD Camera with NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI

• NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI Output
• 1080p Resolution
• NDI|HX3

SKU: CV570
MPN: CV570
$799.00 MAP

Miniature CV574 4K Camera with NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI

• NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI Output
• 4K Resolution
• NDI|HX3

SKU: CV574
MPN: CV574
$949.00 MAP

Compact C370 HD Camera with NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI

• NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI Output
• 1080p Resolution
• NDI|HX3

SKU: CV370
MPN: CV370
$799.00 MAP

Compact C374 4K Camera with NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI

• NDI|HX3, SRT & HDMI Output
• 4K Resolution
• NDI|HX3

SKU: CV374
MPN: CV374
$949.00 MAP

In Stock Now at Broadfield

CV355 30X NDI|HX Camera

• 30x Optical Zoom
• NDI|HX2, 3G/HDSDI, and HDMI 2.0 Output
• 1080p Resolution
• NDI|HX2

SKU: CV35530XNDI
MPN: CV355-30X-NDI
In Stock in CA!
$1,449.00 MAP

CV420 UHD 30x NDI|HX Camera

• 30x Optical Zoom
• NDI|HX2 and HDMI 2.0 Output
• 4K Resolution
• NDI|HX2

SKU: CV42030XNDI
MPN: CV420-30X-NDI
In Stock in CA!
$1,699.00 MAP

CV420 UHD 30x Camera

• 30x Optical Zoom
• IP (HEVC) and HDMI Output
• 4K Resolution

SKU: CV42030X
MPN: CV420-30X
 In Stock in CA!
$1,699.00 MAP

PTZ Cameras

Marshall Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras offer crisp broadcast-quality images up to UHD (4K) resolution with smooth, synchronous movements controllable from IR remote, professional grade joysticks, or video management software.

CV730 30x UHD60 NDI|HX3
PTZ Camera

• 30x Optical Zoom
• 12G/6G/3G-SDI, HDMI2.0, USB3.0 and NDI|HX3 Output
• 4K Resolution
• NDI|HX3
• PTZ

White SKU: CV730ND3W
White MPN: CV730-ND3W
Black SKU: CV730ND3
Black MPN: CV730-ND3
In Stock in CA!
$4,495.00 MAP

CV630 UHD 30x NDI|HX
PTZ Camera

• 30x Optical Zoom
• 3GSDI and HDMI with NDI®|HX2 Output
• 4K Resolution
• NDI|HX2
• PTZ

White SKU: CV630NDIW
White MPN: CV630-NDIW
Black SKU: CV630NDI
Black MPN: CV630-NDI
In Stock in CA!
$1,899.00 MAP

The acronym “PTZ” does not represent everything these cameras can do remotely, nor does it include all of the functions that an operator would typically control via a video camera menu system and lens controls. One of the primary advantages of a PTZ camera is its ability to power the camera as well as transmit video and audio over a single ethernet cable.

Controllers and Connection Protocols

Many PTZ cameras include a simple IR remote controller that resembles a television remote control. This may be adequate for some studio shoots where the seated talent does not move and multiple cameras are used. Some PTZ cameras can be assigned a camera number (via a dip switch or software control) and controlled individually with a remote control. Hardware and software controllers are more commonly used in advanced productions.

The majority of PTZ camera manufacturers sell hardware PTZ controllers that connect to the PTZ camera via wired or wireless connections. The cables used to connect hardware, as well as the underlying communication protocols such as the Sony VISCA protocol and RS-422, can vary.

Because of the differences in protocols and connections, you cannot use all hardware PTZ controllers with all PTZ cameras. Skaarhoj, for example, makes third-party PTZ controllers that are designed to work with specific PTZ protocols, and they list various supported PTZ cameras for their various models.

A joystick controller is typically used in hardware controllers to control pan and tilt. On some models, twisting the joystick knob adjusts the zoom; others have a zoom rocker; and still others have both options. PTZ controllers can record and recall preset scenes and movements in addition to changing camera settings such as white balance, iris, frame rate, resolution, gain, and others.

The operator can use the joystick controller to pan, tilt, and zoom in real time or rely on preset positions and camera settings saved prior to an event. When controlling multiple PTZ cameras at the same time, the ability to recall presets is especially important.

I use two or three cameras for the majority of my PTZ productions, and I limit my PTZ adjustments on the live (or program) camera to minor framing corrections. Before I go live, I adjust each of my other cameras in my preview monitor. When using multiple cameras on live productions, you have the option of designating one as a wide camera and operating the other cameras. This is similar to using camcorders with operators, except you don’t need multiple camera operators. On a single PTZ controller, a single PTZ operator can control multiple PTZ cameras.

Many PTZ cameras, like a lot of digital video and audio hardware these days, come with software controllers from their manufacturers. This software provides similar functionality to a hardware controller, but the settings menus on a computer are often easier to navigate, whereas the camera movement controls on a hardware controller are easier to adjust. I usually start with the software and then switch to the hardware to operate the camera.

Most PTZ control software includes a video preview, but the quality is often low, and critical changes should always be made using the highest quality output signal available on calibrated monitors. This low-quality preview initially led me to believe that my PTZ cameras were producing a very noisy image in the shadows, until I examined the PTZ output at full resolution and discovered that it was only the low-res preview that was compressing that signal too much.

PTZ cameras can also communicate with streaming software such as vMix and OBS, and when combined with a third-party remote controller, such as an Xbox gaming controller, this approach provides a less expensive way to obtain hardware controls at a fraction of the cost of expensive hardware controllers.

Outputs

HDMI and HD-SDI are the two most common video outputs on modern PTZ cameras. These are well-known digital connection standards, with the usual advantages and disadvantages, such as HDMI’s lack of a locking connector and shorter cable length runs than HD-SDI’s locking BNC-style connector. Both formats have distinct standards that must be considered. Most HDMI connections will provide the highest resolution and color space available on a camera’s output, whereas HD-SDI connections may be more limited due to the use of a lower standard. This assumes that the PTZ cameras have multiple video outputs and that they both work at the same time, which isn’t always the case.

While the HDMI output of a 4K PTZ camera may be capable of 4K 30P, the HD-SDI output is typically limited to a 3G HD-SDI output of 1080 60P. Both outputs can be used at the same time, but only if they are set to the same resolution and frame rate.

One advantage of using a PTZ camera is that they are frequently IP-based cameras, which means you can send video over Ethernet using a variety of different protocols that vary depending on the PTZ camera. RTMP, RTSP, and RTP are well-known protocols, whereas NDI and SRT are newer and, in some ways, more desirable protocols for modern and future workflows.

NDI is a royalty-free IP video protocol created by NewTek that comes in two flavors. NDI High Bandwidth (also known as Full NDI) has less compression, lower latency, and requires more bandwidth, whereas NDI|HX is a high efficiency version that uses H.264 or H.265/HEVC compression. NDI|HX is now available in three flavors: NDI|HX, NDI|HX2, and NDI|HX3. Some PTZ cameras include NDI licenses, while others require a paid upgrade to enable NDI capabilities.

Haivision’s SRT is an open source protocol that optimizes video streaming performance across unpredictable networks. Missing packets can be identified and a negative acknowledgement (NAK) returned to the sender using a latency buffer in both the sender encoder and the receiver decoder. When the NAK is received, the missing packet is resent and reconstructed. When satellite or fiber connections are unavailable, SRT is a much less expensive method of transmitting video.

The main advantages of SRT are secure AES128 and AES256 encrypted streams, as well as simplified firewall traversal via call and listener modes. SRT is suitable for video contribution, backhaul, bidirectional interview, and broadcast return feeds.

A USB output option that supports the webcam UVC protocol is available on many PTZ cameras. This can be an excellent way to improve the production value and quality of content that would otherwise be filmed with a webcam during a live meeting.

Inputs

An internal microphone or support for 3.5mm or XLR audio inputs are common PTZ camera audio inputs. Because the PTZ cameras I use lack internal microphones, I usually use a soundboard to mix my audio sources. I rarely feed audio back to the PTZ cameras. However, I can add audio directly to my software or hardware video switcher.

POE is a power delivery standard that uses ethernet to power the PTZ camera. To inject power into the ethernet cable, a POE switch is required. POE+ (Figure 6) or POE++ (Figure 6) are the two most common standards required for POE cameras, depending on the amount of power required. PTZ cameras can also be powered by an AC-to-DC converter.

Read the full article from StreamingMedia HERE

Learn more about PTZ Cameras HERE

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PTZOptics SDI PTZ Camera

With versatile zoom to capture everything from close-focus to wide-angle, PTZOptics SDI PTZ Cameras are ideal for high-definition video productions for broadcast, recording, or video conferencing applications, with support for 3G-SDI, HDMI, IP streaming (H.264, H.265, & MJPEG), and SRT. Superior low-latency performance across a variety of lighting conditions. Compatible with most video production software.

PTZOptics NDI PTZ Camera

The award-winning PTZOptics NDI®|HX Series offers 1080p at 60FPS with high-efficiency NDI® output. With support for NDI®|HX, 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP streaming (H.264, H.265, and MJPEG), and SRT, PTZOptics NDI®|HX Cameras feature unrivaled performance and versatility. Compatible with most video production software, including OBS, vMix, Wirecast and more.

Everything You Need for Streaming Success

The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera is a small form factor camera that is suitable for flexible installation options and offers features such as a wide dynamic range, a new CMOS sensor with low video noise reduction, advanced/one-push white balance modes and a wide variety of HD sizes and frame rates. It also offers multiple options for video signal transmission such as SDI, HDMI and NDI video over ethernet protocol. Additionally, the camera offers multiple options for control which is an exciting feature.

The PTZOptics PT12X-SDI-GY camera offers a wealth of control options, making it a good solution for church techs who are looking for a PTZ camera within their budget. This camera solves the problem of budgeting for control as it offers multiple control options, allowing church techs to maximize their budget and not have to worry about the additional cost of control.

I must confess… I haven’t had as much fun with a robotic camera as I had setting up and using the MIDI control software for the PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera.

Will Chapman

Midi Keyboard Control

The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY camera offers several control options for users, including:

1. Purchasing one of three available PTZOptics joystick camera controllers with different price points and capabilities,
2. Using PTZOptics’ free camera control application to control cameras connected via IP and USB,
3. Using a free plugin from the PTZOptics website to control cameras with the no-cost, downloadable OBS stream encoding software,
4. Controlling the camera with a MIDI keyboard. This variety of control options allows for flexibility and convenience for users to choose the most suitable method for their needs, and the last option of controlling the camera with a MIDI keyboard is particularly impressive as it is not a common feature in PTZ cameras.

The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera offers a unique and fun control option through its MIDI control feature which is currently in beta testing. Will Chapman found the setup process to be quick and easy, with the help of tech support, and was impressed by the value that PTZOptics added by providing this feature. A firmware update on the camera was needed and accomplished using the Firefox browser on an Intel-based MacBook Pro running macOS 12.6.1. The MIDI control was set up using the Chrome browser. The ability to control the camera through MIDI adds a new level of versatility to the camera and makes it more fun to use.

The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera has a MIDI control feature that allows users to control the camera’s pan, tilt and zoom features using a MIDI controller, such as the Akai MPK Mini, which is an inexpensive and widely available controller. Will Chapman found the setup process to be easy with the help of the support documentation and was impressed with the fun and versatility that the MIDI control feature added to the camera. He was able to control the camera using the keys of the MIDI controller and found the pan, tilt, and zoom features to be very responsive. He also tested the quick recall settings by programming the camera to move to a specific location and then triggering that location with a key press on the MIDI controller. Will Chapman found the experience of controlling the camera with a MIDI controller to be very enjoyable, like being a kid on Christmas.

The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY camera is a great solution for churches looking for a robotic camera that has all the necessary video qualities and features at an affordable price point. The camera offers flexibility and versatility in terms of installation options and control options. The variety of control options including joystick, software, plugin and MIDI controller makes it easier for churches to find the best option to suit their needs, it also allows for an easy upgrade path in the future. Additionally, the camera’s impressive video quality and features makes it a great option for churches.

Read the full article HERE

Learn more about PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY HERE

Learn more about PTZOptics Controllers HERE

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Watch the full video HERE:

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