According to the company, the partnership results in an out-of-the-box, fully integrated video and audio solution with automated voice-based camera tracking capability and no upfront programming nor licensing.

The joint solution is available through mutual distribution partners in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

How Xilica & Lumens’ Automated Voice-Based Camera Tracking Works

Xilica’s automated camera-tracking technology utilizes data feeds from a range of beamforming ceiling microphone arrays to steer IP-controllable PTZ cameras to specific positions around a collaboration space. With integrated control engines, capable of Lua scripting for almost any IP-controllable product, Xilica’s digital signal processors have become a popular choice for simplifying system operation in collaboration environments. By activating a new partnership with Lumens Digital Optics, Inc., Xilica can offer its customers a wider choice of vendor for camera products and expand the range of rooms that can be covered with this technology more deeply into higher education, government and judicial and corporate markets.

“Configuration of Xilica’s automated camera tracking technology has always been intuitive, but this new integration with Lumens significantly simplifies the configuration process for our customers,” says Steven Liang, VP product development, Lumens. “Lumens functionality and control is natively integrated into Xilica software for an easy, turnkey experience for customers, leveraging pre-designed templates and pre-built user interface options for an immediate deployment. With just a few clicks, Lumens and Xilica customers can obtain a sophisticated, easy-to-deploy automated solution for voice-based camera tracking without code and a high learning-curve.”

Shaun Robinson, VP product, Xilica, says, “We are bringing sound and video together over the network in a way that drives interaction and connection between presenter and audience, no matter the scale of the system or room configuration. This solution ultimately eliminates the need for users to directly control cameras during a conference or classroom session in any collaborative environment, while giving them the freedom to fully-utilize their space and communicate in a way that is natural for them.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on July 26, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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The Tech Problem

“As schools across the country searched for ways to deliver educational instruction to remote students, we had a strong sense that classroom technology had shifted from being a special feature to a basic requirement,” says David Kollar, MCC tech support specialist for Tech Services Media. “Our team in the Media Department recognized that temporary school closures presented an opportunity to transform classrooms with new systems that deliver superior quality audio and video for remote learning. Based on colleagues’ prior positive experiences with ClearOne audio and video products, we tested and eventually selected multiple ClearOne audio solutions to provide reliable, cost-effective audio capture and guarantee every remote learner can hear each word spoken in the classroom with outstanding clarity.

ClearOne Audio Solutions

The school began evaluating its existing classroom solutions in the spring of 2020, and before long acquired a demo system from ClearOne using the company’s COLLABORATE Versa Pro CT beamforming in-ceiling microphone and CONVERGE Huddle DSP mixer. After testing the solution and inviting staff to comment on its performance, the school purchased 28 Huddle mixers to improve the quality and simplicity of some existing room systems. By May 2023, approximately 200 rooms will offer educators the power and reliability of the Versa Pro CT solution, while eight larger rooms are upgraded with the enterprise-grade ClearOne Converge Pro 2 DSP.

“As a forward-thinking institution that happens to be one of the nation’s largest community colleges, we strive to provide maximum value to our students, no matter how they attend courses or where they are physically located,” adds Jeff Foster, MCC senior tech support specialist for Tech Services Media. He continues, “remote learning provides an excellent option for any students who can’t attend a class while also greatly increasing opportunity for parents or working professionals who rely on our courses and programs to advance their education and careers. Combined with the upcoming launch of our very first four-year degree programs, we are once again proving our commitment to innovation in education and providing options that allow more prospective students to pursue learning where, when and to what degree they choose. Innovative technologies such as ClearOne’s powerful audio products are crucial to our continued success and ability to attract students in a highly competitive market.”

When the installations are completed, approximately two-thirds of existing classrooms will house ClearOne audio capture solutions, with some existing tech infrastructure being retained and integrated through analog connections on the ClearOne DSP mixers. Like many colleges, the campus designates some classrooms for open booking, while others are assigned to specific professors. Standardizing these easy-to-use systems across the entire campus allows for much greater reliability and ensures educators can quickly utilize remote tools without requiring IT assistance or encountering obstructions.

To help the school get up to speed and optimize use of the new solutions, ClearOne provided in-depth training to the technical staff and helped ensure teaching staff could be quickly trained to use advanced features such as Auto Echo Cancellation (AEC). A combination of new and existing PTZ cameras provide video capture, while a select number of legacy microphones were integrated into the Converge Pro 2 systems in larger lecture halls.

“Students of all disciplines can now enjoy crystal clear lectures and lessons wherever they choose, eliminating barriers for non-traditional students and enabling greater access to life-changing education,” says ClearOne rep Jason Wiley.

The post Mesa Community College Boosts Online Learning Experience with ClearOne’s Audio Capture Technology appeared first on My TechDecisions.

According to AVer, its PTZ310UNV2 is also the first UHD NDI HX3 camera. It features 4K resolution, 12X optical zoom and 8MP pictures with 60fps. It is thus suitable for broadcasting and streaming. Additionally, the PTZ310UNV2 features the latest format of NDI. It boasts reduced latency with less than 100ms while only utilizing a fraction of the bandwidth of NDI high bandwidth.

The PTZ310UNV2 also enables simultaneous output at 4Kp60 with HDMI/NDI/IP. With this, it helps provide high image quality and video-streaming capabilities. Moreover, it features built-in AI functions such as SmartShoot.  The camera thus provides an intuitive yet simplified user experience.

Meanwhile, the PTZ310UV2 combines crisp image quality, video-streaming support and AI functionality. With this, it helps provide a reliable, feature-rich solution for capturing events. The PTZ310UV2 also comes with 4K resolution, 12X optical zoom and 8MP pictures with 60fps to support broadcasting and streaming applications. AVer also states that the camera combines intelligent AI functions such as SmartShoot. With this, it provides present content areas and adjust viewpoints to capture all meeting participants.

Additional Features

Featuring AI functionality, the PTZ310UNV2 and PTZ310UV2 optimize camera controls for automatic content capturing between present areas and the ability to create a multi-camera feel across preset zones. The cameras integrate framing technology, which instantly adjusts the field of view (FOV) to capture multiple people and fit everyone onscreen. Additionally, it allows users to easily record presentations, lectures and more with a simple touch.

The PTZ310UNV2 and PTZ310UV2 also feature Zoom and Microsoft Teams video mode for a simplified user experience with popular videoconferencing platforms. Additionally, the SRT protocol within PTZ310UNV2 and PTZ310UV2 optimizes video streaming performance across unpredictable networks. Both cameras are only available in white, and include NDAA and TAA compliance. They are also protected by the AVerCare warranty, the company notes.

Also Read: AVer, Lenovo, Yamaha Collaborate on Hybrid-Room Bundle

“We are thrilled to introduce a new generation of PTZ cameras for broadcasting, streaming and recording,” notes Aalap Patel, director of product, Pro AV/K-12, AVer Information Inc. USA. “The PTZ310UNV2 and PTZ310UV2 pack powerful, intuitive features to support a variety of streaming and broadcasting applications. Notably, the PTZ310UNV2 is the first-of-its-kind by integrating the latest edition of NDI to promote low latency for live broadcasting and content sharing.”

“The addition of AVer’s new NDI-enabled PTZ cameras into our growing ecosystem of devices. Integrating NDI HX3, our most advanced and efficient format, will [also] enable amazing video creation experiences for customers. We are excited to be working closer than ever with AVer, as it continues to embrace the power of NDI to support our joint customers, partners and an emerging video market,” states Tarif Sayed, NDI president and general manager.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on March 29, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post AVer Introduces 4K 12X AI PTZ Cameras appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The Paramus, N.J.-based electronics manufacturer says its new SRF-A40 and SRG-A12 cameras feature auto-framing technology and automatic operation for quick object tracking and rediscovery, as well as multiple auto-framing options.

Sony’s new built-in PTZ auto-framing technology features AI analytics to help improve usability and productivity, while multiple auto-framing angles provide well-framed options for close-ups, waist-up or full-body images.

According to Sony, the cameras feature a combination of advanced and consistent recognition technologies, including facial recognition which can even detect masked faces. A new user-friendly tally light allows users to easily identify which camera is actively in use and tracking movements.

The cameras feature Sony’s hallmark image quality with new built-in AI analytics and automatic framing, says Rich Ventura, vice president of professional display solutions at Sony.

“Our customers have told us that the way in which they capture content – and even the location from which they do it – has changed drastically over the last few years,” Ventura says. “We listened and created a new user-friendly series that enables mounting freedom, prioritizes location-free operation and creates a streamlined workflow that empowers operators with varying degrees of expertise to create extremely professional content while keeping operating costs down.”

According to Sony, with auto operation, the cameras begin to operate as soon as the power is turned on, searching for and rediscovering an object to track. A combination of advanced and consistent recognition technologies are employed, including facial recognition which can even detect masked faces. A new user-friendly tally light allows users to easily identify which camera is actively in use and tracking movements.

The company says both the SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 adopt a highly sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor for high-quality, naturally vivid images with less noise that support 4K 30p and Full HD 60p. The SRG-A40 offers Clear Image Zoom technology which digitally doubles the optical zoom from 20x to 30x in 4K or 40x in Full HD, while the SRG-A12 provides up to 12x zoom. With tele convert mode the SRG-A40 can extend up to 80x zoom, while the SRG-A12 can extend up to 24x, all while offering smooth, fast PTZ movement between cameras. Day mode and night mode help optimize capture in brightness and shadows.

The new models offer 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP connectivity and can be controlled remotely through VISCA/VISCA over IP, using a single network cable for power, output and control. They also include Power over Ethernet Plus Plus (PoE++), allowing for simplified integration into new or existing environments – without separate power supply cabling. Support for Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) allows for remote viewing, while Security Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol enables safe, smooth, stable video streaming, according to Sony.

The SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 are expected to be available in September in North America.

The post Sony Introduces Two New AI-Enabled PTZ Cameras appeared first on My TechDecisions.

ClearOne UNITE PTZ Smart-Tracking Features

The new camera features an AI-based smart-face-tracking mode that keeps a selected presenter in the frame as they move about the room. Alternatively, the camera’s AI-based auto-framing mode always keeps an entire group in perfect view. The camera also features dual-video outputs HDMI and IP. The UNITE 260 Pro Camera thus is a suitable choice for a hybrid environment, says ClearOne. It facilitates streaming content while simultaneously showing it live where the presentation is occurring.

The camera’s advanced algorithms also enable the lens to focus quickly and accurately. Moreover, users can control camera functions by USB, Ethernet, RS-485 and RS-232. This then provides them with maximum flexibility of usage.

“The new UNITE 260 Pro Camera is an ideal addition to any videoconferencing, distance-learning or lecture-capture system being used in large conference rooms, training centers and classrooms,” explains ClearOne’s interim CEO, Derek Graham.

Graham continues, “For example, in many classrooms, the most convenient location for camera placement for lecture capture is on the rear wall of the room. In large classrooms, that can be 40 feet to 50 feet (~12 to ~15 meters) away from the instructor. In a room like that, the 20X optical zoom [from] the UNITE 260 can make a huge difference in the ability of the camera to provide a clear picture of the instructor and any instructional aids. Also, the AI-based smart-face tracking gives presenters the freedom to move around the entire space during their presentations.”

Wide-Range of Applications

A high SNR CMOS sensor combined with 2D, and 3D noise-reduction algorithms deliver a super clean image. It does so even under low-light conditions. The camera is also compatible with all popular meeting applications. These include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WebEx, and Google Meet.

The UNITE 260 Pro also supports USB 3.0 and 2.0 interfaces. The USB interface supports YUY2, MJPEG, and H.264 video formats. It streams AV over IP using H.264 and H.265 video compression. Moreover, it can be powered by PoE, or 12V DC power sources.

The new ClearOne UNITE 260 Pro Camera is the latest addition to a growing line of professional UNITE Cameras by ClearOne. Per the company, it helps meet a wide range of applications and environments.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on January 18, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post ClearOne Expands UNITE PTZ Series Line with UNITE 260 Pro appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The camera offers organizations 4K UHD performance with 12x optical zoom capabilities, remote-controlled mechanical pan and tilt as well as AI-powered smart face tracking and auto framing. It is designed to capture all participants in large rooms while enabling automated focus on a moving presenter, making it ideal for larger spaces including board rooms, training centers, conference rooms and classrooms.

“Modern expectations for efficiency and flexibility require businesses, government entities and educational institutions to ensure employees, educators and students have access to clear, uninterrupted virtual communications solutions,” says ClearOne’s interim CEO Derek Graham. “The new  UNITE 160 4K camera enables integrators and  technology buyers to implement enterprise-grade video communications that can be paired with our innovative conferencing systems, such as the Versa. Lite CT, to deliver easy-to-use meeting rooms with impressive performance.”

Camera Tracking Solutions

Previously, ClearOne’s solution for camera tracking included the CONVERGE Pro 2 DSP mixer, one or more BMA 360 ceiling-tile microphone arrays, and a camera-tracking module for Crestron, AMX, or  Extron. ClearOne’s UNITE 160 4K camera offers an integrated AI-based camera tracking solution for rooms that are a fit for a single Versa Lite CT and a single camera. This new lower-cost camera-tracking configuration eliminates the need for a DSP mixer and a control system.

The UNITE 160 4K camera supports all leading virtual-meeting platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, WebEx and GoToMeeting.

According to ClearOne, challenging lighting conditions are no match for the camera’s advanced 2D and 3D noise reduction, which ensures excellent visuals free of artifacts or grain. Camera control is attained through an IR remote, RS-232 connection, or UVC/UAC protocols, offering broad integration with control and automation systems.

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister site Commercial Integrator. 

The post ClearOne Launches UNITE 160 4K PTZ Camera appeared first on My TechDecisions.

According to the company, the HT-CAM-4K-EPTZ features 4K ultra-high-definition in a sleek new design. Additionally, the CAM-1080PTZ features vivid and high-resolution video with fantastic color rendition and handheld remote with intuitive controls. Both are ideal for online education, training rooms, videoconferencing, house of worship, tele-medicine and unified communication applications.

“Hall´s engineering team has designed a collaboration solution with Tech Managers in mind. Our new line of PTZ Cameras offer advanced functionality and superior performance,” says Ken Eagle, VP of technology for Hall. “Our CAM-1080PTZ features advanced ISP processing algorithms. It also supports H.264/H.265 encoding which stabilizes under low bandwidth conditions, and features multiple video output interfaces, audio/video compression standards, and USB 3.0 support for dual coding streaming.”

Also Read: AVer Introduces CAM550 4K Dual-Lens PTZ Conferencing Camera

“Next is the incredible HT-CAM-4K-EPTZ,” Eagle adds. ”The sleek form factor houses powerful 4K UHD coupled with AI intelligence delivering vivid images and streaming for seamless collaboration and connectivity. I like the auto framing feature; it works by using a 100-degree wide angle lens to ensure all participants and materials can be properly viewed. This camera automatically does all the work, making meetings more meaningful and less stressful.”

Hall Technologies will present at ISE (Booth 3P600) and at InfoComm (W2203). Here, they will highlight a multitude of other products aimed at assisting with collaboration and conferencing.

This article originally appeared on MyTechDecisions sister-site CommercialIntegrator.com.

The post Hall Technologies New PTZ Cameras Ideal for Videoconferencing appeared first on My TechDecisions.

In absence of tradeshows, sales team summits, all-hands meetings, in-person training and product demonstrations, and face-to-face client meetings, video has become the tip of the spear for marketing, training, branding, sales and employee relations.

This elevated emphasis on video communications is here to stay. Not only is hybrid and remote work a persistent reality, but the past two years have seen video communication platforms, including virtual events, livestreams via YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and snackable marketing content on TikTok and Instagram Reels rise in prominence.

Video production has become a non-optional corporate messaging activity. This shift was perhaps inevitable, but it couldn’t be coming at a better time for corporate technology managers around the video production industry, costs, technological hurdles, access to expertise, and other barriers to entry are crashing down.

Video Production on the Rise

In the past, in-house video production has often been a matter of “champagne wishes, beer budget.” Executives may have wanted broadcast-quality content, but they weren’t necessarily willing to pay for a large video production crew with multiple camera operators for every shoot.

See Related: What is NDI?

They were also limited by locality; an enterprise might be able to outfit one broadcast studio and video production suite, but multiple spaces or mobile capabilities were a tall ask. Many larger enterprises wound up with a tiered system: high-quality production capabilities in one or two spaces, very basic video conferencing or capture capabilities in others.

Over the next year or two, I expect the rollout of remote production protocols like NDI Bridge and Medialooks to bring a sea of change, allowing enterprises to dramatically increase the quality and quantity of their video communications without spending millions on staff and gear.

Locality Production Issues are Over 

Remote production technology breaks the traditional workflow of video production where a producer must be alongside the camera or in a half-million-dollar production suite to capture and edit broadcast-quality content.

Using network-connected robotic cameras, producers will be able to control a production or live stream, switching between cameras and presets, activating tally lights so the subject knows which camera is live, tracking subjects, and adding production effects, from anywhere.

And I do mean anywhere. The producer could be in an enterprise’s video production suite if they have one, operating cameras anywhere in the world – or they could be at home, working on a standard PC.

The locality issue is over: even in locations with terrible internet, like a tradeshow floor, producers will have the ability to push content via NDI Bridge to a second location with stronger internet and livestream from there. Conferences, sales meetings and all-hands events will be able to capture and livestream content without having to build out a production suite on-site – a potential six figure per-event savings.

Affordable Remote Production Technology

More sophisticated and affordable capture technology is making remote production even more plausible. Cameras with auto-framing or auto-tracking capabilities give a remote producer moving shot options without needing to manually change the camera’s position.

Control devices and joysticks with programmable camera groups and presets make it quick and easy to call up the right shot. More affordable tally lights systems, compatible with PTZ cameras, help talent know where to look even if there’s no one else in the room. Programmable macros allow a producer to call synchronized effects – lights, camera, action – with a single button push.

These remote video production capabilities will facilitate expertise sharing among the passionate and highly collaborative video production community.

With the rise of “anyone, anywhere,” video production, fledgling content producers will be able to reach out to already active message boards, Discord channels, and social communities for not just tips and best practices, but direct collaboration. This technology will unlock peer-to-peer learning in a globally dispersed group of people who got into video during the pandemic, and are now on a path to becoming video pros.

The quality of video content no longer needs to depend so heavy on where it’s captured. With network-connected robotic cameras and remote production capabilities, technology managers will soon be able to enable any room to act as a studio. With the ability to apply video production expertise from anywhere to any space, corporate video communications can graduate from “good enough,” to “great.”

The post Video Production Isn’t As Complicated As You Think appeared first on My TechDecisions.