MultiDyne Unveils New POV/PTZ Camera System With Built-in Fiber Transceiver

MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems has developed a new POV/PTZ camera system that’s designed for a wide range of unmanned camera applications. It includes a built-in MultiDyne HD-3500GE Series Multi-rate Serial Digital Video Fiber-Optic Transceiver to support the live transmission of full bandwidth SDI video signals over long distances without degradation.

The new point of view/pan-tilt-zoom (POV/PTZ) system includes bi-directional GigE (Ethernet) transport capability and the ability to accurately synchronize (SYNC) multiple cameras during a live event or studio production. The weather-resistant, machined aircraft aluminum, camera base housing is designed to stack perfectly under a Panasonic PTZ camera unit—although it could accommodate PTZ camera systems from a variety of manufacturers—and feature all of the connectivity necessary for highly accurate remote camera control.

The MultiDyne HD-3500GE includes Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) connectivity, which can be leveraged to control PTZ cameras from up to 3,000 meters (nearly 2 miles) over a single-mode fiber-optic cable. The GigE feature will also benefit streaming video applications and the fast transport of signals over a local area network (LAN).

The unit also optionally provides power, via a SMPTE Hybrid cable, for the HD-3500, a camera and a robotic head, from the base unit, to support fully automated production studios with unmanned camera systems.

“We see new opportunity in the field of POV/PTZ cameras, as many customers have expressed an interest in unmanned camera operation in a variety of applications,” says Frank Jachetta, President of MultiDyne. “Our extensive expertise in signal transport over fiber is a clear advantage for MultiDyne and our customers as they migrate to these types of remote control environments.”

The HD–3500 provides a multi–rate, high-definition, fiber-optic transport link for up to 1080p 3G HD–SDI signals. The system also supports 2 channels of outbound digital AES Audio or 4 analog audio channels with 2 bidirectional auxiliary audio channels for 4-wire intercom systems. The HD–3500 also supports 2 bidirectional RS–232 or RS 422 data channels as well as 4 GPI and 1 tally feeds.

The HD–3500 has been used for remote camera control in the studio and for HD surveillance cameras outdoors. For example, several HD-3500 units are currently in use by NASA to broadcast rocket launches live in HD resolution, where the data channels of the HD-3500 are leveraged for PTZ camera control.