In an era where technology is transforming the way we live and work, the realm of video capture is no exception. Today, HuddleCamHD is offering two different auto-tracking cameras, that can not only record what’s happening but also intelligently follow the action. These auto-tracking cameras have become increasingly popular in many applications, from distance learning to lecture capture, live events, and educational settings. But not all auto-tracking cameras are created equal. The latest evolution in this field is the emergence of dual-sensor systems. These cameras offer a host of new features and capabilities that set them apart from their single-sensor counterparts. But what exactly are these differences, and what do they mean for users? In this blog post, we will explore single-sensor and dual sensor auto-tracking cameras, delving into their unique features, benefits, and ideal use cases.

Pictured above is the single-sensor SimplTrack Lite and the dual-sensor SimplTrack 2.

What is a dual-sensor auto-tracking camera?

You might ask yourself what a dual-sensor auto-tracking camera actually is, given that every camera must have at least one sensor in order to produce video. A dual-sensor camera has two cameras built into one intelligent system. A dual-sensor camera can perform intelligent tasks that automate the process of camera operation in ways that a single-sensor camera cannot. In most cases, one camera sensor is used to provide a wide-angle view of the area which provides intelligence to an optical zoom camera lens which can be steered based on what is happening in the room. Single-sensor cameras can perform auto-tracking capabilities but do not feature the ability to survey the entire room and make adjustments as necessary.

Feature comparison

Feature	Single Sensor	Dual Sensor
Smart Tracking	Yes	Yes
Group Tracking	Yes	Yes, superior
Zone Tracking	No	Yes
Selected Tracking	Yes	Yes, superior
Smart Blackboard Zones	No	Yes
Wide Angle Room View	No	Yes
Dynamic Framing	No	Yes

In the world of auto-tracking cameras, there’s been a lot of discussion about single-sensor versus dual-sensor systems. Both types of cameras have their strengths and offer a range of features that can enhance video capture in various settings. To better understand these two systems, let’s take a closer look at their key features:

Smart Tracking: This feature, present in both single and dual-sensor cameras, allows the camera to lock in on a single subject. Whether you’re recording a solo speaker at a conference or tracking a wildlife subject, this ability to maintain focus on one individual is critical.

Group Tracking: Both camera types also offer group tracking, but the dual-sensor camera has an edge. With its wide-angle lens, the dual-sensor camera is better equipped to frame a group of people, making it ideal for capturing classroom interactions or team sports.

Zone Tracking: This is where the dual-sensor camera really starts to shine. Unlike single-sensor cameras, the dual-sensor system has the ability to handle auto-tracking within specific zones of interest. This means it can focus on a particular area – like a stage at a concert or a designated area in a classroom – offering more flexibility in diverse filming environments.

Selected Tracking: While both camera types can identify all people in frame and select a target to track, the dual sensor camera performs superiorly. Its wide-angle lens provides a better overview of all people in the frame, making it easier to select the right target.

Smart Blackboard Zones: This is a feature unique to dual-sensor cameras, enabling them to properly frame a blackboard writing area. This is particularly useful in an educational setting, where remote students need to clearly see what’s being written on the board.

Wide Angle Room View: Another advantage of the dual sensor camera is its ability to capture a wide-angle view along with the optical zoom view. This provides a broader perspective of the scene, which can be especially valuable in large spaces like lecture halls or auditoriums.

Dynamic Framing: Lastly, the dual-sensor camera offers dynamic framing. When a lecturer interacts with students, for example, the camera can automatically widen its frame to include the interaction. This creates a more engaging and inclusive viewing experience for remote learners.

What are the use cases?

Use Cases	Single Sensor Strengths	Dual Sensor Strengths
Education	Effective at tracking a single lecturer	Superior at capturing the lecturer and the whole classroom view. Zone tracking can focus on areas where the lecturer frequently moves to.
Conference	Can effectively track the speaker	Can capture both the speaker and the audience, providing a more immersive view for remote attendees.
Sports	Can effectively track a single player	Can provide a comprehensive view of the entire field, while also focusing on specific players or a group
Live Performances	Can follow a main performer effectively	Can capture the entire stage while also focusing on individual performers, enhancing the viewing experience

Auto-tracking cameras are revolutionizing the way we capture and experience events, from classroom lectures to live performances. But depending on the situation, a single-sensor or dual-sensor camera might be more effective. Let’s break down some common use cases to see where each camera type excels:

Lecture Capture: When it comes to capturing a single lecturer, single-sensor cameras are quite effective. They can track the lecturer as they move around the room, keeping them in focus. However, dual-sensor cameras offer a superior viewing experience. Not only can they capture the lecturer, but they also provide a comprehensive view of the entire classroom. Their zone tracking feature can focus on areas where the lecturer frequently moves, ensuring that all important visual information is captured.

Conferences: In a conference setting, single-sensor cameras can effectively track the speaker, maintaining focus on them throughout their presentation. But again, dual-sensor cameras offer an enhanced experience. They can capture both the speaker and the audience, providing a more immersive view for remote attendees. This can help recreate the feeling of being in the conference room, even for those who couldn’t attend in person.

Sports: In a sports context, single-sensor cameras can effectively track a single player, keeping them in focus during the game. Dual-sensor cameras, on the other hand, can provide a comprehensive view of the entire field. They can also focus on specific players or groups of players, offering a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience.

Live Performances: For live performances, a single-sensor camera can effectively follow the main performer. But a dual-sensor camera can enhance the viewing experience by capturing the entire stage while also focusing on individual performers. This can provide viewers with a more complete understanding of the performance, including both the main action and the broader context.

In conclusion, while single-sensor cameras offer effective tracking capabilities, dual-sensor cameras provide superior flexibility and performance in a wide range of situations. Whether it’s tracking a specific zone, framing a group of people, or automatically adjusting the frame based on the scene, the dual-sensor camera excels. So, when making your decision between single and dual sensor systems, consider your specific filming needs and the features that will most enhance your viewers’ experience.

The post Single Sensor vs Dual Sensor Auto-Tracking Cameras appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

Downingtown, PA, March 29, 2022 – PTZOptics, leading manufacturer of affordable broadcast-quality  robotic cameras, today announces an extension to their distribution partnership with the Midwich Group  into the UK and Ireland. Midwich (UK) and Square One (Ireland) will offer the full range of PTZOptics  products, including those from sister brands HuddleCamHD and TallyLights, starting April 1, 2022.

This partnership expands PTZOptics’s relationship with the Midwich Group, the global distributor of AV  products that includes Midwich, Square One, and Starin, a current distribution partner for PTZOptics in  North America. 

“It’s been amazing to see, in less than a decade, the growth of PTZOptics into a truly international  brand,” says Will Golde, Director of Channel Development for PTZOptics. “Midwich Group is the ideal  partner to help bring PTZOptics into new markets in the UK and Ireland. With their deep understanding  of customer needs in the broadcast space, technical savvy, and customer support capacity, they are  uniquely equipped to help dealers achieve project success with our product line.” 

Midwich and Square One will now offer customers access to PTZOptics’s award-winning lineup of  affordable cameras and accessories, including robotic PTZ cameras; stationary Z-Cams, ePTZ cameras,  and livestreaming webcams; auto-framing and auto-tracking cameras for video conferencing, lecture  capture, and live events capture; camera control joysticks; and tally light on-air indicator systems for  multi-camera shoots. All products offer a wide range of distribution and control options, ranging from SDI  to NDI®|HX. 

Global demand for video capture and livestreaming capabilities continues to increase across markets.  The Midwich Group’s reach across the UK, Ireland, European, and Asia-Pacific regions will allow  PTZOptics to scale access to their products to meet this need, with local customer consulting and  support provided by the Midwich Group’s 1000+ person team of professionals. 

“We’ve watched recognition of the PTZOptics brand and demand for their products surge over the  course of their partnership with Starin in North America, especially in recent years with the expansion of  IP and NDI® capabilities across their product lines,” says Ross Floyd, Divisional Director at Midwich. “We  are confident we can replicate that success in the UK and Ireland.” Learn more about the PTZOptics family of brands at ptzoptics.com, or contact the Midwich Group team  to learn more about incorporating these products into projects in the UK and Ireland.

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 Midwich Group

Midwich is a specialist AV distributor to the trade market, with operations in the UK and Ireland, EMEA,  Asia Pacific and North America. The Group’s long-standing relationships with over 600 vendors, including  blue-chip organizations, support a comprehensive product portfolio across major audio visual categories  such as large format displays, projectors, digital signage and professional audio. The Group operates as  the sole or largest in-country distributor for a number of its vendors in their respective product sets. 

The Directors attribute this position to the Group’s technical expertise, extensive product knowledge and  strong customer service offering built up over a number of years. The Group has a large and diverse base  of over 20,000 customers, most of which are professional AV integrators and IT resellers serving sectors  such as corporate, education, retail, residential and hospitality. Although the Group does not sell directly  to end users, it believes that the majority of its products are used by commercial and educational  establishments rather than consumers. 

Initially a UK only distributor, the Group now has around 1,000 employees across the UK and Ireland,  Continental Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. A core component of the Group’s growth strategy is  further expansion of its international operations and footprint into strategically targeted jurisdictions. 

For further information, please visit www.midwichgroupplc.com.

Media Contacts: 

PTZOptics 

Rachel Bradshaw, Caster Communications 

ptzoptics@castercomm.com 

+1.434.604.0304 

Midwich Group  

Ben Thompson, Communications & PR Manager at Midwich  

ben.thompson@midwich.com

The post PRESS RELEASE: PTZOptics and Midwich Group Expand Distribution Partnership appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

Start by opening up the back of your IR remote control and insert your AAA batteries. Next you can plug your camera into the network. 

Note: This camera can be powered with a PoE capable network switch, PoE Injector or using the included power supply. It is not advised to use more than one power source at the same time. If you are unsure if the network switch you are connecting to provides power simply plug into the network to test it. If your camera turns on and you see the ethernet lights blinking you do not need to use the included power supply. 

Setup webcam

Next you can mount your camera to a tripod or wall mount using the quarter-twenty connection port on the bottom of the camera to securely fasten the camera down, or you can use the monitor clamp to securely attach the camera to any monitor or LCD display.

Once your camera is connected to your network and set up in an ideal location, it’s time to find the camera on your network. You can download the HuddleCamHD Pro IP camera IP address settings tool at HuddleCamHD.com/downloads. The camera ships with the default static IP address of 192.168.100.99. You can set this camera to DHCP or a different static IP address with the IP address settings tool available at huddlecamhd.com/downloads. You can open the IP address settings tool by clicking the upgrade.exe file on windows or the upgrade icon on a mac. Click the search button to find your camera. The default IP address is 192.168.100.99. Right click the camera in this list and select config. Here you can set the camera to the static IP address of your choice or DHCP if desired. 

Note: If you are assigning a new static IP, do not forget to also assign a new default gateway. For example, if you set your camera to IP address 192.168.111.21 also change the gateway to 192.168.111.1 (Gateway address is determined by your networks configuration)

Note: If you do not know what IP range your local area network is using, you can reference the IP address shown in the search tab of the IP address settings tool. Find your computer’s IP address in this list and use that IP address to determine the IP range of your network. 

It’s now time to use your camera with a video conferencing, production or recording software application. Start by downloading the latest version of NDI tools for your Mac or PC computer available at NDI.tv.

This set of tools is constantly being improved, and new tools are being added all of the time. NDI Studio Monitor is a tool you can use for remote viewing and controlling the EPTZ functionality of your camera. NDI Virtual Input is a tool you can use to connect your NDI camera to any software that uses a webcam as a video, or video and audio, source such as Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Skype, Zoom and more. 

Note: Some NDI tools are only available on Windows. Please check NDI.tv for the latest list of NDI tools available for Mac, PC and Linux based computers. 

There are hundreds of applications that support NDI video integrations natively. If you are unsure if the video application you want supports NDI you can check out our latest list at HuddleCamHD.com/ndi-webcam.

NDI Tools

Once you have the latest NDI Tools installed on your computer open the NDI Studio Monitor application. Assuming that your computer and camera are on the same local area network, the application should automatically find any NDI sources currently available on your network. Right click on the application and select “HuddleCamHD Camera”. On the right hand side of NDI studio monitor you will see controls for digital pan, tilt and zoom. Go ahead and make sure you have remote EPTZ camera controls. 

Note: The camera will not offer any pan or tilt capabilities until you have first zoomed in

You can now use your included IR remote to control your camera. You can use the slow or fast Zoom in and out buttons on your IR remote control to zoom the camera at different speeds. Once the camera has been zoomed in you can pan and tilt using the up / down / left / right directional pad buttons. 

You can set a EPTZ camera preset by moving to a specific location and pressing the “preset” button on the IR remote and choosing a number to save that unique preset to. You can recall this preset by simply pressing the number you have chosen. In this way, you can set up multiple EPTZ camera presets and recall them with your IR remote control or the HuddleCamHD software. 

Next you should familiarize yourself with the OSD (On Screen Display) menu of your camera. It is here where you can reach all of the fine tune settings that your camera is capable o. 

You can view the OSD menu by pressing the “menu” button on your IR remote control. Here you can adjust exposure settings to fine tune shutter speed, aperture, gain, and digital range controls. Next you can adjust the color settings. One useful white balance mode is the “one push” feature you can use to quickly have the camera calculate your rooms white balance. If you happen to know the color temperature of the lighting in your space you can use the “VAR” mode to select a color temperature for your cameras white balancing between 2500 kelvin and 8000. You can also fine tune your camera’s image settings, the sharpness and even flip the image vertically or horizontally. 

The Settings area is where you can fine tune your camera’s EPTZ and Auto-Framing settings. By default, EPTZ is set to ON and the zoom limit is 1x-3x. Check out the chart below to see the resolutions you will be working with at various EPTZ zoom levels. 

You have the following options for limiting the EPTZ zoom limits. 

• 1x-3x
• 1x-4x
• 1x-8x
• 2x-4x
• 2x-8x
• 3x-8x

Depending on your project you may want to limit the zoom ranges to maintain specific video resolutions from your camera. 

You can always set your camera back to default settings using the IR shortcut [*] + [#] + [6]. More useful IR shortcuts can be found on the second page of the camera data sheet. 

Auto-framing for the camera is set to OFF by default. In the settings area of the OSD menu you can turn this feature ON. When you are first setting this camera up for auto-framing, use the Demo mode so that you can see the logic the camera is using to automatically frame your subject. During demo mode, you will see red boxes around objects that it considers a face. This is an easy way to quickly see the faces the camera detects in the room for auto-framing. 

Best practices for setting up the camera for auto-framing include:

1. Make sure your participants are in a well lit area
2. A solid background, behind participants, can improve performance
3. Subjects must sit at a sufficient distance from the camera
   (We recommend a minimum distance of 2.3 feet / 0.7 meters)

If you are ready to turn on Auto-Framing, you can do so in the settings area of the OSD menu. 

Finally, consider downloading the browser-based IP camera control panels that you can customize with a little HTML knowledge. You can actually use these control panels to add a PTZ camera controller directly in OBS or any web-browser. You can download the tools at HuddleCamHD.com/downloads. Once you unzip the folder and put them on to your computer you can open them into any web-browser. Using OBS for example, you can copy and paste the URL to these files into the OBS docks feature. To do this click, View, docks, and  custom browser docks. This is where you can name your dock and enter the URL. Once you have done this you can drag your dock into multiple locations inside of the OBS interface. You can click the settings option to enter your camera’s IP address and control your camera. 

If you have any issues during the setup process of your HuddleCamHD EPTZ camera, please contact support at the phone number listed on the HuddleCamHD website or submit a ticket at help.huddlecamhd.com. 

The post Getting Started with an NDI Webcam appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

How EPTZ Works

A conventional PTZ camera can also be described as a remotely controlled camera or a robotic PTZ camera. You can pan (move the camera left and right), tilt (rotate the camera up or down) or zoom (make the video larger or smaller) using am IR remote control or PTZ application. A PTZ cameras built-in motors are responsible for the physical movement of a typical PTZ camera which uses various types of driving methods. When you want to adjust the lens, you can use the zoom and focus operations from a computer, smart device (such as a smartphone or tablet), or even an IR remote control.

When it comes to an ePTZ, its way pan, tilt and zoom is handled is completely different. Although the camera can tilt, pan or zoom, the operations don’t involve any movement of mechanical parts. The camera remains static as the tilting, panning or zooming is done through a digital simulation inside of the high-resolution sensor. This concept might be familiar to some camera users. Digital zoom through software simulation is a technology that has been in existence for some time. Instead of the real zoom lens, the majority of smartphones have adopted simulated digital zoom technology. A lot of web cameras can also operate through digital zooming. When the digital zoom feature in a web camera is engaged, a user can tilt, pan or move inside the zoomed image.

The drawback of the Earlier Fixed Lenses with Digital Zoom

With standard Full-HD and HD cameras, the digital zoom has traditionally been un-useable because the image quickly pixelates. In the past, digital zoom and the related pan and tilt weren’t particularly effective for professional users who needed to maintain 1080 or 720p quality. However, things have changed with the latest HuddleCamHD ePTZ cameras with built-in 4K video sensors. HuddleCamHD has been a leader in USB video conferencing cameras with real optical zoom lens for many years. These PTZ cameras maintain the quality of images even with a changing focal length using optical zoom. For instance, if the camera’s sensor has a graphic resolution of five megapixels, it will always capture a five-megapixel image irrespective of how much it is zoomed because the light hitting the sensor is changed optically not digitally. On the other hand, when an image is captured using fixed lenses featuring digital zooming, its quality reduces with an increase in magnification (zooming). With every magnification level, the image appears more stretched, and its resolution decreases. For instance, when the 5-megapixel sensor is digitally magnified by 2X, the resulting image will have a 2.5-megapixel resolution. The zooming can make images appear pixelated and blurred rapidly.

The following table outlines the digital zoom effects on image resolution, field of view, and pan/tilt ranges for the HuddleCamHD EPTZ webcams. 

What Makes the New ePTZ Cameras an Upgrade?

The new ePTZ cameras are a remarkable upgrade of the former fixed-lens cameras featuring digital zoom with standard full-HD or HD resolution sensors because they have more resolution to use with digital zoom. With a slight digital zoom, the image of a 1080p camera will start looking pixelated if you are using a 1080p connected software for viewing. Nevertheless, there’s much more magnification capacity if you begin with a 4K image. You can magnify this high-resolution image by three times and still get 720p (standard high definition) -image quality. 720p is sufficient for many video conferencing applications and it’s the standard quality for industry leader Zoom Video Conferencing.

The drawbacks of ePTZ Cameras

Despite having advanced sensors with a higher resolution as compared to PTZ, ePTZ cameras have two major drawbacks. First, in terms of its resolution and secondly, in the range of view. These cameras might not be the best choice when you want to achieve high zoom levels from far distances away. If you magnify a 4K camera by 3X, its resolution will fall to 720p. The resolution decreases with an increase in magnification, and in some cases, the resolution can fall beyond usable levels. Conversely, a typical PTZ camera provides a large optical image magnification can enhance viewable images for distances up to 75′ away from the camera without pixelation. Don’t forget that a 4K optical zoom camera can zoom an image by 30X and still maintain 4K resolution.

The second drawback of an ePTZ camera is the field of view it provides. When it comes to its counterpart, PTZ camera, it can pan up to 340 degrees and tilt to a maximum of 120 degrees. As such, the camera can cover a pretty big room area. In contrast, the field of view of an ePTZ camera is limited to the real lens and so, it quite narrower as compared to the PTZ’s. To accomodate this the new ePTZ cameras from HuddleCamHD include a wide 108-degree field of view.

Benefits of ePtz

Amidst the aforementioned possible disadvantages, ePTZ cameras remain a great choice in various circumstances. An ePTZ camera has two key advantages (price and size) over PTZ cameras at the minimum. Besides, a third advantage which is intelligence that can built into ePTZ cameras for automated the ePTZ. The new HuddleCamHD ePTZ cameras now feature “Auto Framing” intelligence which allows users to turn on a mode that automatically uses the ePTZ functionality.

Starting with the first advantage, price, ePTZ cameras can be quite cheaper as compared to their PTZ counterparts. The higher prices of PTZ cameras are attributed to the many motors and other components that are involved in the lens adjustment and camera positioning. Besides, PTZ cameras use advanced firmware for the reception and execution of control signals sent by remote control or a controlling computer. Conversely, ePTZ cameras don’t need any of those. Their basic construction features a lens and a sensor only. As such, they are quite smaller, and this is where they present size as their second advantage. Because of their small size, ePTZ cameras are appropriate for mounting in areas where it’s not practical to mount or use bigger PTZ cameras.

Lastly, although this is yet to be available, the third advantage is about possible instant camera positioning. Software is yet to draw level with is functionality. Nevertheless, there’s a theoretical possibility that an ePTZ camera user can cut from a preset short another promptly on the camera. On the other hand, when it comes to a PTZ camera, it has to be moved manually to another preset position, and this takes time. An ePTZ camera is static, and this is what it could make its repositioning potentially instant.

Where can ePTZ Cameras be useful

There could be many circumstances where PTZ and ePTZ cameras might work together. The lower prices and smaller sizes of ePTZ Cameras as compared to PTZ mean that you can add more of the former in placeS where it’s not practical to use the latter. Besides, organizations (including non-profits) that don’t have huge budgets might find ePTZ Cameras very affordable PTZ alternatives. By going for ePTZ, the organizations will have chosen to enjoy some of the key benefits that the PTZs provide, without having to spend beyond their budgetary limits.

The post Understanding the difference between EPTZ and PTZ appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

There is a new technology in the world of PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras called ePTZ (electronic pan, tilt, zoom). Although these two technologies have similar names, the way they work is distinctly different. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to understand the differences when choosing the right cameras for your application.

The Mechanics

To understand the differences between PTZ and ePTZ, it is vital to understand the mechanics of how they work. A traditional PTZ camera is, in essence, a robotic camera. Via remote control or a joystick, it can be panned (swiveled left to right), tilted (rotated up or down on a vertical plane), or zoomed (making the subject look closer or further away by adjusting the focal length). Motors within the camera body physically move the camera and lens and are directed by a remote control, computer, or smart device.

ePTZ is an entirely different approach. The camera can perform similar functions (pan, tilt, and zoom), but they are not mechanical movements. The camera stays in a fixed position, and the movements are simulated via software. Some users may be familiar with the concept. Simulated digital zoom has been around for a while, and most smartphones use this technology to make up for lack of an actual zoom lens. Many webcams also use digital zoom, and once it is engaged, it allows the users to virtually pan and tilt or move around within the magnified image.

The Problem with Previous Fixed Lens Digital Zoom

Until now, digital zoom and associated pan and tilt were not especially effective when quality was important. With an actual optical zoom lens, there is no loss of image quality as the focal length is changed. If the camera has a 5-megapixel sensor, no matter how far the image is zoomed, the sensor will still capture 5 megapixels. With fixed lenses and digital zoom, image magnification negatively impacts image quality. With each level of zoom, the more the image is stretched and the lower the resolution. For instance, that same 5-megapixel sensor digitally zoomed (or magnified) by 2X would now be 2.5 megapixels. Images can quickly become pixelated and blurry. This has given digital zoom a bad reputation over the years, but high-resolution 4K image sensors are about to create a paradigm shift in regards to ePTZ functionality. 

Why New ePTZ Cameras Are an Improvement

New ePTZ cameras are a significant improvement over previous generations of fixed position cameras with digital zoom. Why? The available resolutions are higher. With a 1080p camera, it doesn’t take much digital zoom before the image begins to look pixelated. However, if you start with a 4K image, there is a lot more room for magnification. A 4K image can be magnified by 3X and still have the quality of a 720p image. For many applications, 720p is still enough for a quality image especially for video conferencing.

What Are the Disadvantages of ePTZ?

Even with the new, higher-resolution sensors, there are still two main disadvantages of ePTZ cameras, resolution, and range of view. If high levels of zoom are essential, ePTZ cameras may not be the best solution. At just 3X magnification, the resolution of a 4K camera is down to 720p. More magnification quickly takes the resolution down below usability. On the other hand, traditional PTZ cameras offer optical zoom up to 30X. And remember, with optical zoom, a 4K camera zoomed to 30X still has 4K resolution.

The other disadvantage of ePTZ is the available field of view. High-quality PTZ cameras can pan as much as 340 degrees and tilt up to 120 degrees. That has the potential to cover quite a large area of a room with one camera. ePTZ, on the other hand, has a field of view limited to the actual lens, which is far more narrow. Calculating the field of view of a fixed lens is a complex equation, but it is commonly around 70 degrees.

What Are the Advantages of ePTZ

Despite some potential disadvantages, ePTZ cameras are still an excellent option for many situations. They have at least two advantages over PTZ cameras, price, and size. There is also a third potential advantage that may be available once software makers catch up with the technology. First, ePTZ cameras are potentially much less expensive than similar PTZ cameras. That is because PTZ cameras have many motors and mechanisms that adjust the lens and the position of the camera. They also require sophisticated firmware to receive and implement the control signals from the remote or computer controlling the camera. ePTZ cameras, on the other hand, require none of that. They are basically constructed of a lens and sensor. This also allows them to be much smaller, making size another advantage. Their smaller size may make them suitable for mounting in locations where a larger PTZ camera would not be practical. Finally, the third potential advantage that is not available yet has to do with changing the percieved camera position instantly. Software has not caught up with this yet. However, it is theoretically possible to instantly cut from one preset shot to another on an ePTZ camera. Whereas a PTZ camera must manually move to a different preset location, which takes time since an ePTZ camera doesn’t move and could reposition with no delay.

Where to Use ePTZ Cameras

At this point, it is not a matter of PTZ vs. ePTZ. In fact, there may be many setups where PTZ and ePTZ cameras can work side by side. Their lower cost and smaller form factor may mean that it is possible to add more cameras in locations that weren’t possible with PTZ cameras. Also, non-profits and other organizations with limited budgets may find these less expensive ePTZ options can give them many of the benefits of PTZ while staying within budget.

HuddleCamHD now offers two new ePTZ camera models. You can learn about our USB and NDI EPTZ cameras models at the links below.

• Learn about our 4K NDI EPTZ Camera here. 
• Learn about our 4K USB EPTZ Camera here.

The post PTZ vs EPTZ – The Digital Difference appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

In 2020, learning is no longer confined to a classroom in a school with a teacher standing in front their students sitting in desks. Today, the desk may be your kitchen table at home or the back seat of a car. The classroom can be your laptop, tablet, or even your smartphone. And the school may still be a physical school but it is just as likely to be your on the job training, project in the garage or MBA program.

Learning has changed in incredible ways in recent times and much of that is thanks to eLearning and Learning Management Systems (LMS). These systems are designed specifically to deliver a full-scale educational, training, or development program to a learner wherever they are. There is a range of incredible benefits that these systems deliver from cost savings to delivering higher quality learning for all types of different learners.

The best part is that with a few simple tools, they are easy and affordable to set up for your organization. Many students in K-12 classes today are already used to working with learning management systems. As students graduate high school, they are very likely to take full advantage of online learning in higher education. On the other side of learning, older generations are going back to school from home. Online learning is helping spread professional education to anyone willing to learn. Here is what you need to know about setting up an LMS for live or pre-recorded education or training.

What You Need

One of the things that is so great about learning management systems is that you do not need a ton of equipment or tools to get set up and get your LMS program started. In fact, you only really need two things. One is a camera to capture the lecture or training session. You could use any type of web-enabled camera but you want to make sure you have something that is simple to set up, delivers high quality, dynamic video and does not require someone to operate it. This is why the best digital video camera to pair with an LMS is an auto-tracking camera. The next item you will need is an audio system to capture the presenter. Ideally, you will have a simple microphone that the presenter can wear as they walk around the room. More advanced lecture capture solutions also include screen capture options allowing presenters to use PowerPoint presentations and other digital annotation solutions to their lecture capture recordings. 

The other thing you really need to start your virtual learning journey is LMS software. There are a number of full-service programs available that provide you with all the features and abilities you need to deliver incredibly professional eLearning to your audience. Depending on your specific needs, you can find software that fits you best and be up and running in no time.

Auto-Tracking Cameras

An auto-tracking camera is a digital video camera that moves by itself to follow a speaker or a teacher around a room as they give a presentation. This not only delivers high-quality HD video but also replicates the natural movement of a spectator in the room. It is what makes eLearning in the 21st century so popular. You can get everything from a session that a physical attendee does and really feel like you are there. AutoTracking cameras like the SimplTrack2 allow viewers of the recorded video a better zoomed-in view of the whiteboard than many students will get with a seat in the classroom.

When looking for an auto-tracking camera for your LMS you want to make sure it has a few main features. You want to make sure it has publishing automation, that works seamlessly with any technology or LMS software you plan on using, and that it is able to integrate with any other presentation technology you have. An auto-tracking camera like the HuddleCamHD is perfect for this kind of set-up because it can integrate directly into most lecture recording solutions like Echo360, MediaSite and Panopto which feed directly into LMS systems.

What are the Top LMS Software Solutions? 

As mentioned above, there are several very good LMS software programs available on the market today. There are a lot of these programs that are very good and you should have no problem finding on that fits your organization’s individual requirements well. Here are some of the best LMS software solutions.

Kaltura. 

Founded in 2006, Kaltura offers “the most powerful and flexible video platform in the market.” They were the first to initiate an open-source video platform project and today, provide a range of off-the-shelf SaaS products that are flexible, modular, and easy to integrate. Kaltura is a centralized location for all of our online course materials and recorded videos. Kaltura supports on-demand video playback with enhanced learning solutions for document sharing and student collaboration. You can also leverage Kaltura to deliver live presentations to audiences.

Moodle. 

Since 2001, Moodle has been an open-source eLearning platform that allows users all over the world to develop and manage courses online. It is a modular system based on plugins that can be stacked in any way to build whatever you need. The project is supported by a rich community of educators who add tools specific to their needs which create a library of plugins designed specifically for education. Moodle allows IT, managers, with the ability to save money when deploying a learning management system because you can deploy the system on your own server. 

Blackboard.

A flexible learning platform that allows users to extend online learning, increase employee engagement and optimize learning outcomes. They say they are “Personal, intuitive, always-on, and connected.” Blackboard provides solutions for teachers from K-12 all the way up to higher education. The intuitive system is used by schools all around the world to deliver classroom materials online for students to enjoy. Teachers can provide students with access to online files and they can also see their grades. 

Panapto. 

An LMS that is used by organizations and institutions of all shapes and sizes, they provide a full-service platform that allows users to manage videos, record, and edit, live stream, and integrate with nearly any technology you use. Panapto is one of the most advanced learning management systems available today. The engineering team at Panapto is always announcing new hardware and software integrations for their customers to enjoy. Panapto is definitely one of our favorite learning management systems based on the design and functionality/feature list. 

Conclusion 

With just an auto-tracking camera and the right LMS software, your organization can create the perfect eLearning program for your needs. It will not only change the way students or employees learn but also add to the success of your organization. Education is the key to many important facets of life. Finding a learning management system that will fit your unique needs could be the key that unlocks many future opportunities. 

The post What You Need to Know About Learning Management Systems appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

One of the technologies that have made this giant leap possible is auto-tracking cameras. Before auto-tracking cameras, colleges and universities had to hire students to operate cameras that were used to record lectures. Not only is it expensive to hire students to record lectures for posting into learning management systems, but they also are often not as reliable as auto-tracking cameras. These cameras are easy to set up and provide an automated, non-invasive way to record or live stream a teacher or professor for the benefit of their students everywhere. The HuddleCamHD SimplTrack2 camera, for example, provides the ability for classrooms to connect laptops for use with video conferencing and distance learning software such as Zoom video conferencing or Adobe Connect via a simple USB connection. The SimplTrack2 also features an SDI video output that can be run long distances and connected to lecture capture systems such as Sonic Foundry MediaSite or Echo360. Here are all the benefits of having an auto-tracking camera in the classroom.

How It Works

An auto-tracking camera is an automated camera that is positioned in a room to capture an instructor as they move during their presentations or lectures. They are commonly used in higher education for teachers to capture their lessons via video so that students can follow along live or watch the lectures using a learning management system where the teacher uploads their notes and the video/audio that is recorded is also available for students to review. The SimplTrack2 has simple management software that IT departments can use to remotely monitor classrooms. The software is also used to set up a highly intelligent auto-tracking system of rules that include tracking and blocking zones. For example, if students are coming in through a doorway during the lecture that area can be blocked from auto-tracking. IT managers can view multiple classrooms at the same time using the management software and turn auto-tracking off if they want to take manual control. The idea of the auto-tracking camera software is to provide a flexible one-time setup that allows the camera to function properly in almost any space. Once the auto-tracking camera is set up, it is ready to work 24/7, anytime a professor is ready to teach a class. With the camera’s simple integration into learning management systems, professors simply don’t have to worry about the technology. The auto-tracking camera and microphones in the room do all the work recording lectures when the classes are scheduled.

What are the Benefits? 

There are many benefits that an auto-taking camera provides in an educational setting. Here are a few examples of the most important benefits.

No manpower required

The best part about an auto-tracking camera is that it is easy to set up and once you do, it operates without requiring time or money. In education, where budgets are tight and help can be hard to find, having a person dedicated to holding or maneuvering a camera to record a lecture is not efficient. An auto-tracking camera takes the need for a person to monitor it out of the equations which save money and frees up people’s time. Many universities find that the auto-tracking cameras pay for themselves within the first 12-16 months of operation.

Caters to student’s needs 

The modern student is very different than the students of old. To attract students today you need to offer flexibility that not only appeals to people’s individual learning styles but their lifestyles as well. Offering lectures, recorded or live, online is a huge competitive advantage that will appeal to today’s students who want more choice in education. Students entering college today have experience with technology and online learning management systems from the high school level. The K-12 education system has been using the “flipped classroom” techniques that bring the homework into class and deliver the lectures via video for students to learn from at home. This trend continues to become more and more important as higher education modernizes and improves its ability to deliver education online.

It allows schools to expand their reach

With so many education institutions out there today, there is a growing awareness that many times there will be a finite number of potential students who can attend the institution. Just because they cannot be there physically though does not mean they cannot become a part of your educational system. Offering online video classes allows institutions to greatly expand their reach and attract students from all over the world. An additional benefit is these students do not require the physical resources that on-site students do. 

Conclusion

In 2020, using an auto-tracking camera in the classroom is a great idea. It offers educational institutions all the above benefits and much more. To find out more about how they work, how they will help your school, to request a free demo, or to find out where you can get them near you, click here.

The post The Benefits of an Auto-Tracking Camera in the Classroom appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

Whether you are recording, live streaming, or video conferencing, an auto-tracking PTZ camera, like the HuddleCam HD SimplTrack2, is the perfect tool. This camera can automatically follow the presenter, keeping them in the frame at all times, and creating a far more visually appealing video presentation, all without the need for an operator. Auto-tracking technology is perfect for any situation where you would typically need a dedicated camera operator. Static camera shots are acceptable in some cases. However, most speakers tend to move around during presentations. The absence of an operator either means wide-angle shots that don’t offer clear images or video presenters continuously moving in and out of frame. The SimplTrack2 maintains a tight shot and moves as necessary to keep the subject in the frame.

An auto-tracking PTZ cameras like the SimplTrack2 is designed for any organization that wants to create dynamic video recordings of presentations. Universities can use them to record lectures and even integrate cameras with online learning management systems. The camera also has 65 GB of onboard memory, meaning lectures can be recorded automatically and accessed through the SimplTrack Software.

Churches can take advantage of the technology to stream and record sermons. Auto-tracking PTZ cameras can save the space and disruption of having a camera operator in the worship space while still capturing dynamic video of the presenter. They are also an asset for corporate meetings, where instead of only offering viewers a static shot of the room, the camera can be zoomed and follow the presenter again without the need for an operator.

Gaining the functionality of an auto-tracking PTZ camera does not mean you have to lose quality. The camera outputs 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, whether you are using the SDI, DVI, or USB 3.0. And, the 20x optical zoom means no quality loss when zooming in.
For the best possible auto-tracking, the SimplTrack2 has two built-in cameras, a wide-angle reference camera, and another with a 20X optical zoom. The wide-angle reference camera capture information about the entire room. Then, the software uses a combination of facial tracking and motion tracking to keep the subject always in frame. It determines automatically whether to use facial or motion tracking depending on other factors in the room, such as other movements in the area of the presenter.

While the SimplTrack2 can perform these functions automatically, the included software also allows you to fine-tune these settings based on your preferences. Adjustments can be made to set up specific zones and blocking areas. The camera can perform with subjects up to 50′ away, making it perfect for medium and large spaces.

For simple operation, especially suited for video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, and others, the camera can be directly connected to a PC or Mac via USB 3.0. All you need to do is select the SimplTrack2 as your primary camera in the software. For more complex setups, the SimplTrack2 has multiple simultaneous video outputs and be connected via SDI, DVI, or USB 3.0. This offers the flexibility of sending video output to more than one device enabling you, for instance, to send the USB output to a computer for use with video conferencing software and SDI to a digital recorder to make a high-quality recording.

A built-in ethernet connection can connect the camera to the SimplTrack software for remote management and control. The software even allows for multiple cameras on the same network, making it possible for one operator to oversee the cameras in separate rooms.

No matter what type of presentation you are recording, if you want to eliminate the need for camera operators and are looking for an automated way to record, auto-tracking PTZ cameras are a great option.

The post Auto Tracking PTZ Cameras appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

Once connected to zoom your SimplTrack camera can be selected as your video source. Make sure to enable HD mode and turn off the mirror effect as it suits your room. The HuddleCamHD SimplTrack2 software provides advanced features for fine-tuning the automated camera tracking parameters. The camera features one lens with a high powered 20X optical zoom which allows the system to provide zoomed-in close up video of the presenter. The camera also features a wide-angle reference camera that can view the entire room. The wide-angle reference camera is used to capture the information used for directing the optical zoom camera as the subject is tracked. 

The camera uses a combination of motion tracking and facial tracking to ensure that your subject is always in frame. Therefore motion tracking can be used to follow the subject in most scenarios but facial tracking may take preference when the subject walks in front of a scene with other movements such as a projection screen. When setting up your auto-tracking camera for use with Zoom Video Conferencing or any other video conferencing software, it’s helpful to read through the SimplTrack2 manual. The setup process only takes about 45 minutes and allows your team to set up specific tracking zones and blocking areas to help increase the performance of the camera. 

You can always schedule a live demonstration of the HuddleCamHD SimplTrack2 with our team here. 

The post Auto Tracking Camera for Zoom Video Conferencing appeared first on HuddleCamHD.

In this post we wanted to review a few ways you can gain camera control for a far end user. During a video conference call with a HuddleCamHD you can use both USB and RS-232 connections simultaneously for video and camera control. USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 will provide the video connection to your web video conferencing software such as GoToMeeting, WebEX, VSee or Zoom.US. Then you can use the RS-232 connection to provide VISCA commands over a RS-232 to USB 2.0 adapter with our control software. Take a look below at the latest VISCA control software.

Using the software outside your network

So once you have the software installed on a Windows PC connected to your network you can host a control page. You can host a IP Address available in any modern web browser or a IP client you can download and install on another Windows PC. Either way you will have access to the camera PTZ controls over your network. But what about outside your network? Well our software will automatically provide a outside IP Address you can use to connect! But you may need to configure your router and consult your IT team. These are a few of the options you can have to gain IP access to the camera controls remotely.

1. VPN
   1. This is the easiest solution to provide remote access to the IP Address on your network. Remote users can securely login to your network and access the IP Address for remote pan tilt zoom control.
2. NAT
   1. NAT stands for Network Address Translation. You can use NAT with configurations to your router to forward your internal static IP address to the far end.
3. Dynamic DNS
   1. Dynamic DNS stands for a Dynamic “Domain Name System”. This system is ideal if you do not have a static IP address. You can use Dynamic DNS to provide far end camera control to your internal IP address for far end camera control with configurations to your router.

The post Far End Camera Control appeared first on HuddleCamHD.