Tutorial: How to Set Up a Single-Operator Live-Switched Stream with PTZ Cameras

In the September 2015 issue of 流媒体, I took on a challenge to put together a one-man, turnkey live streaming solution that would fit entirely into a carry-on sized suitcase. The idea behind this challenge was that modern equipment is so good and so compact that a single operator could realistically run an entire shoot by him or herself using a combination of portable equipment and robotic automation. 本着同样的精神, for this article we’re changing some of the criteria to that challenge by making it an all pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) system.

For those more accustomed to a traditional camcorder workflow for live productions, PTZ systems—fully remote-controlled robotic cameras usually operated over a 网work infrastructure—might sound foreign or downright unappealing.

PTZ cameras and their accompanying controllers and accessories have been around for decades, but have been relegated mostly to security and monitoring uses, 直到最近, as optics and recording quality have improved dramatically. They’re now hitting a sort of renaissance for event videography, 尤其是在现场音乐会, 政府, 礼拜环境.

PTZ系统的优点

这些系统有哪些优点? Because they’re small and can be mounted almost anywhere, PTZ systems are ideal for installations where avoiding line-of-sight obstructions is critical. Their silent or near-silent motors make angle changes nearly imperceptible to audience members.

When factoring in the additional cost of paid camera operators, 耳机, 三脚, 设置/故障时间, and other ancillaries required for traditional camcorder setups, PTZ系统节省的成本很快就会增加.

主持演出

Although PTZ systems can reduce the amount of labor required for a production, “人民的力量”仍然要从某个地方来. The single producer now has to take up all of the slack. This means the producer will become the multicamera operator and technical director as well.

如果音频和图像被添加到混合中, there are probably too many tasks for one person to manage well. However, once again, modern compact equipment helps keep things relatively simple.

PTZ系统测试

In order to test the efficacy of a one-person PTZ operation, I teamed up with Panasonic to test out an end-to-end system made up of that company’s PTZ cameras, 转换器, 和控制器. Panasonic’s PTZ products are all built for professional use and are designed with broadcast production in mind. The same cannot be said for all PTZ manufacturers; some are still designing their systems with surveillance or basic image capture in mind. 正确看待事物, Panasonic already has a 4K PTZ camera that is geared toward sports production, 高端会议室, 大场地, 企业展示.

Panasonic sent me five PTZ products from its production line: three cameras, 一个控制器, 还有一个小巧的开关. 其中两台摄像机为全PTZ摄像机(下面的图1), while the third was an AW-HEA10 control assist camera.

图1. Two Panasonic PTZ cameras supplied for this test: the AW-HE130K (foreground) and the AW-HE40SW (background)

The controller, an AW-RP120, can control up to 100 cameras (图2左边), and the switcher was the AW-HS50 compact live switcher (图2右). This five-input switcher is small but powerful, perfect for a one-person operation.

图2. 控制摄像机的移动, I used the Panasonic AW-RP120 (left); to switch among cameras and mix the show, 我用的是松下AW-HS50(右).