A new PTZ camera from 1 Beyond can automatically find handheld microphones equipped with a special tracking unit and adjust the shot to include the people holding them.
The AutoFinder camera, paired with one or more MicLocator trackers, uses what 1 Beyond describes as proprietary “beam-finding technology” to allow a secondary “locater camera” in the AutoFinder’s base to constantly scan for active tracking units. If multiple microphones are being tracked, the camera can set the frame to include all of the active mics or only the one that was used first or last. The camera will also track the person with the mic if they start moving around.
The product is being positioned as ideal for capturing panel discussions, audience Q&As, meetings in informal spaces and other pass-the-mic situations without dedicating a camera operator to making sure individual speakers are in frame. It can also be used with the company’s Automate systems to track audience questions while an AutoTracker camera (with superior tracking technology) follows the presenter. It can also enable voice-activated camera switching based on which microphones are being used.
The camera has a Sony Exmor CMOS sensor and outputs 1080p video at up to 60fps via HD-SDI, DVI or USB 3.0, as well as H.264 IP streams over Ethernet for monitoring. Power can be delivered over Ethernet via PoE+ or using a standard 12V power supply. The company has applied for a patent on the tracking technology, which it says is not confused by sunlight or artificial light sources like projector screens.
“1 Beyond offers award-winning automated camera tracking and switching technology,” said Terry Cullen, founder and CEO of 1 Beyond, in a prepared statement. “We’re proud to now have a solution that enables automated production with a roving microphone since this has been the most frequent request from schools, corporations and government organizations.”
The 1 Beyond AutoFinder camera is now shipping for an MSRP of $6,995. MicLocator units start at $795.
