Camera Control
Now you can add camera control to any of the
Broadcast Pix Studio systems, including all our 1 M/E and 2 M/E versions. This option
enables the Broadcast Pix control panel to
control camera position and lens. Our new camera control software for the entire range of Slate switchers enables complete control of up to 8 or more Panasonic robotic cameras directly from the Broadcast Pix panel, simplifying single-operator control of the entire studio.
The panel's PixButtons can control preset
positions and the name of each preset
position can be on the button. These
buttons can also set the speed and
movement range of panning and tilting.
The panel's 3D joystick manually control a
selected camera's pan, tilt and zoom. And
its knobs can control focus, iris and other
settings.
Cameras Supported
Panasonic
All robotic and pan/tilt camera models, inlcuding AW-PH360, AW-PH400 and the new AW-HE100
Can control up to 12 cameras with up to 100 presets positions
Hitachi
All remote controllable models, using Hitachi Eagle Pan/Tilt Heads
Can control up to 9 cameras with 32 presets each
Sony
All remote controllable models, using Sony VISCA protocol
Sony Camera Control Option #800 (RS-232C)
In addition to remotely controlling audio mixers the Broadcast Pix Slate system can control robotic cameras through the Sony VISCA™ protocol, for the ultimate ‘one-man-band’ production. Examples of controllable cameras are: Sony BRC-300, BRCH-700, EVI-HD1 and many others.
 The Broadcast Pix software can control up 9 cameras directly from the 2 M/E control panel. It uses the joystick to pan/tilt/zoom and knobs in the Device Control to adjust focus, iris and other settings. There are a total of 6 presets per Sony camera. Each camera, preset and menu settings appear directly on the PixButtons of the PixPad, as shown below, for ease of use and greater control.
A typical installation for the Sony VISCA cameras uses an RS-232C daisy chain configuration, see below for example. Where a DB 9-pin to Mini Din 8-pin VISCA cable is used to connect the first camera to the workstation’s communications port ( COM 1 or COM 2) and the other cameras being looped through each other with a Mini Din 8-pin to Mini Din 8-pin VISCA cable through the VISCA In/Out ports. There is a maximum length of 15 meters (50 feet) when using an RS-232C configuration. A 10 foot test cable is included with the system when this option is purchased.
Sony or Panasonic Camera Control RS-422 Option
For installations needing longer runs you may also use an RS-422 configuration, which extends
the maximum length to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). Note, not all Sony VISCA cameras
support RS-422 communication. When using an RS-422 connection, there are 3 configuration
options, and depending on installation needs, you may connect cameras in a daisy
chain, star or star/daisy chain combination.
The single camera configuration option # 811 includes a DB 9-pin RS-232 to
screw terminal RS-422 converter, which plugs into the workstation in either COM 1 or COM 2.
From the screw terminal you may connect your first camera using the 9-pin connector plug
provided with the camera. From the same connector you may loop communication to the
rest of your cameras.
If controlling more than one camera, there is an optional 4 or 8 port Edgeport serial extender
(option #814 or #818) to accommodate either star configurations. This
method is useful when needing to run long home run to various studios.
Hitachi Camera Control Option #801 (RS-485)
The Broadcast Pix Slate system can also control larger box-style cameras with the Hitachi camera control through the Eagle Pan/Tilt heads and protocol. Up to 9 Cameras are connected to the workstation using a serial RS-485 connection, which has a maximum length of 1,200 meters
(4,000 feet). A DB 9-pin RS-232 to screw terminal RS-485 converter is included, which plugs into the workstation in COM 1 or COM 2 and feeds a Multiplexer (or wire splice) that sends 5 wires to each camera head, 3 are for communication and 2 for power. All cameras connect to a multiplexer to split power and communication to all your cameras. The Pan-Tilt heads, Multiplexer, power supplies and cables are provided from Eagle.
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Products 
The cost savings were tremendous. Staffing costs were also reduced since only one dedicated operator was required to run the system.