Shotoku Broadcast Systems, the well-established international manufacturer of advanced Robotic and Manual camera support and AR/VR tracking systems is maintaining its leadership role in the industry by bringing a mix of traditional favorites, products upgraded with technology-rich features and a new manual tripod series to IBC 2018.
Highlights of the line-up in Stand 12.E42 will include SmartPed, the world’s most advanced fully robotic pedestal; SmartRail, Shotoku’s popular rail based system; an upgraded TR-XT remote camera control system with an enhanced External Control Automation Interface (ECI); Free-d2 absolute tracking system; and the introduction of the Company’s SD and SE Manual Tripod Series.
SmartPed Robotic Pedestal
Shotoku’s SmartPed Robotic Pedesal, a fully robotic XY pedestal that addresses the creative and commercial demands of on-air environments will be front and center on the stand. The three-wheel smooth-steer pedestal has been upgraded with multi-zone collision avoidance and detection systems, a precision-engineered, electro-mechanical steer/drive system and a new height column that eliminates any need of pneumatic balancing, SmartPed offers instant switchover between local/remote operation, which makes the pedestal versatile and easily operated in any application. No re-reference or calibration is ever required when switching between these modes and a pan-bar mounted local joystick enables easy control from the studio floor as necessary. Intended specifically for use in demanding, high-profile live TV productions day after day, the SmartPed design has reliability and ease of use built-in from the start.
SmartRail
Shotoku’s SmartRail, highly adaptable rail camera system supports floor or ceiling operation and a range of height column configurations, in both upright and inverted modes. SmartRail combines the precision and flexibility of Shotoku control systems with a rail-based dolly and column system to provide a unique perspective on any live, multi-camera studio production. SmartRail can optionally provide absolute tracking data for complex AR/VR graphics applications.
External Control Interface (ECI) Automation Interface for TR-XT
Shotoku will also showcase its flagship TR-XT remote camera control system with an upgraded and enhanced External Control Automation Interface (ECI). ECI’s powerful new features add a layer of intuitiveness and functionality to TR-XT including pre-set shot recall functionality and full joystick trim control to adjust and restore the pre-sets as necessary, from the automation system or switcher itself.
This additional external control also allows shots to be trimmed on-air without the need for a dedicated camera operator via the automation system. The enhanced ECI provides an interface for Facility Management and Control Systems (FMCS) enabling a TR-XT to be reconfigured remotely as well.
Free-d2 Absolute Tracking System
Shotoku’s deep understanding of the unique demands of VR/AR production have enabled the Company to anticipate the next needs of broadcasters and provide them with solutions that keep them ahead of the technology curve. At IBC, Shotoku will highlight one such system, Free-d2 Absolute Tracking System that provides highly accurate and constantly referenced (absolute) position tracking. Free-d2 uses advanced video processing algorithms and simple ceiling markers to determine the exact position and orientation of the studio camera without physical encoder devices attached to the camera support’s moving axes. With Free-d2, a studio is calibrated once, and only once during the lifetime of the system.
New SD & SE Manual Tripod Series.
IBC attendees will also see the introduction of products from Shotoku’s new SD and SE ranges.
The SD range has been developed to provide a quality, affordable system for handheld cameras. Available in 2 variants, the SD20 will support 3Kg, and the SD40 5Kg, cameras. The systems feature fixed counterbalance and drag systems tailored to the payload of the head and come complete with 2 stage tripod mid-level spreader and soft carry case.
The SE range evolved from a concept of providing a support with high functionality and wide-ranging applications for the extended range of camera systems now available. The SE80 and SE150 are the first products to launch from this range and feature a high quality drag system to ensure smooth on-air moves, and a multiple level counterbalance system to provide accurate balancing for a wide range of cameras. The SE80 will support up to 10Kg payloads and the SE150 up to 16Kg. The systems come complete with aluminum or carbon fibre 2-stage tripod, ground or mid-level spreader, and soft carry case.
About Shotoku:
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television and legislative broadcast industry. Shotoku USA sells, installs and services the full range of Shotoku Robotic Camera Systems designed and developed in the UK by Shotoku’s word-wide robotics HQ based near London, England.
For further information: http://www.shotoku.tv
