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PTZOptics and HuddleCamHD Expand Video over IP Support

Newly released joystick, NDI firmware update, and training resources offer fully networked video production workflow

Downingtown, PA, June 22, 2021 – PTZOptics, leading manufacturer of affordable broadcast-quality robotic cameras, announces the release of the PT-JOY-G4, a camera control joystick offering serial or network-based camera control. At the same time, PTZOptics’ sister company HuddlecamHD announces the rollout of NDI® (Network Device Interface technology)* to their SimplTrack2 and HuddleView cameras, which provide auto-tracking and auto-framing of subjects, respectively. NDI® enables users to encode, transmit, and receive multiple streams of broadcast-quality, low latency, frame-accurate video and audio in real time. These announcements demonstrate a commitment to helping users easily capture, display, share, and broadcast video over standard network infrastructure.

PT-JOY-G4 Joystick

With outputs for RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, and Ethernet control signals, the PT-JOY-G4 can connect to new equipment and legacy cameras from a wide range of brands, including PTZOptics, Sony, and others. The joystick offers the ability to switch between network and serial input protocols with the touch of a button: ideal for organizations in the midst of upgrading to IP-based video.

“We really wanted this joystick to just work,” says Matt Davis, Director of Technology & Information Systems at PTZOptics. “No matter what cameras you’re using or what kind of control signals you’re sending, adding the PT-JOY-G4 into your production workflow makes your life instantly easier.”

The PT-JOY-G4 was designed for maximum efficiency, allowing users to set up cameras using the built-in LCD display or a web interface. Internal testing has found that the PT-JOY-G4’s web interface can reduce camera setup time by up to 80 percent.  The web interface also offers import/export settings functionality, allowing users to efficiently standardize multiple cameras or locations.

Now available for order for $549 USD (MAP), the PT-JOY-G4 offers nuanced control in a compact form factor. Users can operate camera position, zoom and focus in real time, or call up to 255 camera presets, including 9 quick pre-sets. For product specifications and more information, visit: https://ptzoptics.com/pt-joy-g4.

HuddleCamHD NDI® Rollout

A firmware update released on June 2 brings NDI®| HX capabilities to the SimplTrack2 and Huddleview cameras. Current owners can download and install the latest control software from the HuddleCamHD website to get this upgrade. Once the firmware is installed, the cameras will instantly be discoverable as NDI® devices; users will need to obtain an NDI®|HX license from Vizrt Group for each device for full functionality. Pre-licensed NDI® SimplTrack2 and Huddleview cameras are slated to begin shipping in early 2022.

“Our enterprise customers have been clamoring for this,” says Davis, “And for good reason. Now, they’ll be able to manage hundreds of cameras—or send feeds to hundreds of endpoints—centrally and securely, using their existing local area network infrastructure.”

The update empowers large-campus applications, including higher education and Fortune 500 corporate end users, to make more efficient use of video resources. In addition to NDI® discovery and distribution, the new update includes automatic multicast IP address assignment, eliminating the need for a media server to broadcast over a multicast-capable network. Users can also define NDI® discovery servers to handle all NDI® cameras and products, reducing overall traffic load, and segregate and hide cameras in virtual groups.

Free Training Resources

PTZOptics and HuddlecamHD are committed to ensuring that user expertise expands alongside device capabilities. Coinciding with the release of the PT-JOY-G4 and the rollout of NDI®|HX capabilities to the SimplTrack 2 and Huddleview, Paul Richards, Marketing Director for PTZOptics and HuddlecamHD, is releasing the free eBook The Unofficial Guide to NDI®. This book provides an introduction to NDI® and a deep dive into currently available technologies and tools for IP video production. The book is accompanied by an online course with further explanation on complex topics and real-world examples.

“This is the perfect book for anyone interested in the future of video production,” says Richards. “NDI® can eliminate the need for custom cabling, interfaces, capture cards, and black boxes. This kind of versatility and simplicity is where video streaming is headed.”

The Unofficial Guide to NDI® is available for free at https://ptzoptics.com/ndi-book/.

NDI® is a registered trademark of Vizrt Group.

About PTZOptics

PTZOptics is a manufacturer of robotic pan, tilt, zoom camera solutions for a variety of broadcast applications, including both video production and live streaming. Established in 2014, PTZOptics disrupted the professional audiovisual industry when a group of engineers from a highly respected systems integration firm created the first in a portfolio of cameras that was a part of their vision to create an innovative solution for the complex needs of broadcast landscapes. Headquartered in Downingtown, Pa., the start-up quickly eclipsed some of the biggest brands in the growing PTZ camera category. With global distribution in more than 50 countries, PTZOptics has produced industry leading resources, including the StreamGeeks livestream series. PTZOptics is the sister-company to HuddleCamHD, manufacturers of professional video conferencing cameras. Learn more at www.PTZOptics.com.

About HuddlecamHD

HuddleCamHD engineers affordable USB and IP-connected pan, tilt, zoom video conferencing cameras and audio solutions for corporate and remote work applications. Engineered for today’s distributed workforce, HuddleCamHD leapfrogs old technology with cloud-based video communication solutions that quickly modernize both in-office meeting spaces and at-home offices by creating collaborative video conferencing environments. HuddleCamHD focuses on skipping the hassle of complicated and expensive video conferencing equipment while making meetings more effective. HuddleCamHD is the sister-company to PTZOptics, manufacturer of robotic pan, tilt, zoom camera solutions for broadcast, video production and live streaming. Learn more at www.HuddleCamHD.com.

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