AZilPix Camera Offers New Approach to Production
Server ingests video data and allows live processing into rectilinear views
AZilPix will be making its NAB debut next month (South Hall SU9817), introducing US content creators to Studio.One, a brand-new innovative camera system for multi-angle and live 360 video production.
Studio.One, a new camera systems from AZilPix, will make its debut in the U.S. market at NAB.
Developed by a team of academics in Europe in partnership with established national broadcasters and manufacturers, Studio.One employs cost-effective, ultra-high resolution cameras with wide angle and/or fish eye lenses to capture every aspect of a live event from multiple angles. The system is designed to integrate into a traditional or IP broadcast environment and blend seamlessly with VR production, making it ideal for remote internet or broadcast productions.
Studio.One essentially consists of three tightly integrated components: camera, capture server and processing software. The server ingests the raw, wide-angle video data from the cameras and allows recording and live processing of this data into one or more rectilinear views and a view mosaic. Although framing can be conducted live, a key advantage of this system is that framing can be carried out offline at the viewing or post production stage.
Using software-based pan-tilt-zoom ‘virtual camera’ cut-outs, a single operator can capture perfect shots from multiple vantage points – something that would normally require the skills of a small army of cameramen. This makes it the perfect solution for a range of events including live regional and college sports, where it can capture an entire game with a crew of only 1 or 2 members, using 3 or 4 static wide-angle high res cameras. Simply adding a camera with a zoom lens on a pan-tilt unit for close up views will provide more immersive action shots.
“By generating multiple ‘virtual’ cameras from a single physical camera and by using wide angle lenses that ensure every aspect of a live event is captured, Studio.One gives programme makers endless creative possibilities when it comes to deciding how they want their programme to look,” says Prof. Dr. Philippe Bekaert, one of the founders and CTO for AZilPix. “The cameras are very small and unobtrusive, which means they can be used in places where you wouldn’t normally put a camera. It’s also possible to automate the system using pre-programmed camera motions or motion tracking, while our server allows cameras to be shuttered precisely and simultaneously and frames to be time stamped with an SMPTE LTC or other timecode.”
The demand for technology that gives programme makers, especially those on tight budgets, the ability to efficiently capture and stream broadcast quality content is growing and Studio.One satisfies this demand by combining camera and IT hardware and software in a highly sophisticated and cost effective way.