The UKs PTZ explosion

Kieron Seth#

Author: Kieron Seth#

Published 1st December 2013

by Kieron Seth
Issue 83 - November 2013 The advent of broadcast quality, remotely controlled PTZ cameras has had an enormous impact on television production in the UK. Not only can cameras now be discreetly placed in virtually any location but they can also be operated a very small team of technicians. This combination of creative freedom and the significant cost reduction over manned camera crews has made programmes shot partly or even entirely by mini cameras an increasingly realistic for prospect television production companies.
This surge in interest in PTZ technology is reflected in increased product sales, with manufacturers, such as Panasonic Broadcast, recording strong growth in its cameras and remote controllers. Nigel Wilkes, Sales Manager in the UK comments: The zoom range, variable panning speed and image quality of the latest generation of PTZ cameras means that programme makers are making no compromise in using the small units. In fact, its quite the opposite. New types of productions are being undertaken that could never have been considered before; fly on the wall documentaries are now appearing where the lives of participants go one as if totally unaware they are being filmed 24-7. Without the intrusion of the camera team, these productions have a new sense of realism, unlike earlier - possibly more contrived -programmes.
PTZ specialist Minicams Limited has witnessed a real surge in interest in the technology. Its inventory of cameras ranges from Sony and Toshiba camera heads to broadcast standard Panasonic systems that feature zoom ranges up-to 22x, IP and RS-422 control and even infrared shooting modes. Nick McLachlan, MD of Minicams noted: The last year has been non-stop. Our ability to wheel in pre-configured and fully integrated portable production unit that is broadcast compliant and can control literally dozens of remote cameras and microphones is very appealing to broadcasters. The low power requirements of the rig and the simplicity of installing camera sound equipment means that we can prepare a typical terraced house for documentary use within a day. Because the kit is so versatile, producers can act incredibly quickly dramatically cut the time from the commission to air. It also means that productions can be filmed using a very small crew without the need to essentially refurbish the property once the shoot is finished. Lodged in an adjoining property or even parked outside, the vision mixer, camera technician and director can now produce very high quality television that gives a 360° perspective on the comings and goings in any house or organisation.
Over recent months, Minicams has been hired by television companies including Two Four, Endemol and Mentorn to record new documentaries for mainstream terrestrial television. A new series currently in production is using 24 hot heads installed throughout an educational facility. On a smaller scale, 6 episodes of Series 3 of Hotel of Mum & Dad was shot using discrete miniature cameras, while Minicams has also undertaken in-car filming for Motorway Cops & Traffic Cops and Barely Legal Drivers.
Channel 4s Secret Eaters saw Minicams innovate in order to capture participants indiscretions and weaknesses in the face of temptation. Panasonic AW-HE2 fixed head camera was positioned inside the family fridge; motion detectors trigger the HD unit soon as the door opened and the offender reached for a forbidden treat.
PTZ specialist at Holdan, Panasonic Broadcasts UK distributor is keen to point to some of the more unusual aspects of the HE2: Unlike a traditional PTZ, the HE2 is mounted on a static platform. However, as it has a 14 megapixel sensor, operators can select any 1920 x 1080 area from any part of the full frame and even move the zone dynamically during recording to deliver a kind of virtual camera movement. It is also possible to zoom digitally up-to 2 times with no picture quality loss whatsoever. Though motionless, the HE2 can still track action and close in on the subject copes well with placement even in the obscure positions. In tight shooting locations, such as cars and trucks, all the programs on a very limited budget, the PPU is replaced by portable recorders capturing continuously or in response to triggering by motion sensors. Minicams uses Cinedecks RX Broadcast 2 channel XDCAM recorder and Convergent Designs Nano Flash recorders, both of which are able to record high quality HD over many hours, with only occasional swapping in and out of media.
Nick of Minicams notes: While this does simplify the installation of equipment and the filming process itself, producers are limited to fixed camera positions in the finished programme will require considerable work in post-production. When a PPU is used, the director can control dozens of cameras and wireless microphones to catch critical scenes, conduct live vision mixing, ensure camera matching and change the image settings of each PTZ in real-time, thereby cutting time to air and delivering excellent pictures and sound.
Today, with an experienced crew of installers, carpenters and technicians, a fly-on-the-wall documentary can be ready to record or transmit live within a matter of hours of arrival on location.

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