Discover the New BirdDog X5 Ultra 20x 4K PTZ Camera – Videoguys

Take your production to the next level. Category defining image quality meets uncompromising connectivity and advanced mechanical design. Featuring NDI® | HX3 up to 4K60, 12G SDI connectivity, simultaneous NDI®| HX2/3 decoding, Halo Tally light, dual e-Ink displays and advanced AI auto framing, tracking and control.

  • 20x Optical Zoom
  • 4K60p
  • 12G-SDI, HDMI, USB-C Outputs
  • NDIHX3
  • Sony 1/2.8″ CMOS Sensor
  • PoE+

Imagine next-level robotic controls with ultra-fine and precise movement thanks to its category-busting advanced motor drive system. Movements on air are a breeze, and acceleration/deceleration of moves look natural and slick. Sporting BirdDog’s signature Halo tally system for true audience engagement, revolutionary built-in NDI® decoding*, all the video connectors, including 12G-SDI, dual e-ink displays make branding and maintenance a snap, all wrapped up with a stunning Sony 4K60 image sensor delivering the highest performance NDI® | HX3 possible. X5 Ultra. In every way.

Halo Tally.

A Higher Order of Visual Queue.

 

Professional results need professional tools. The X5 Ultra sports the most visible and effective Tally system available. Up front, with a large, daylight-visible border keeping talent looking directly at the camera. Your cast and crew will always know where to look, keeping your audience engaged.

AI Tracking.

Built for Now and the Future.

 

We aren’t playing catch-phrase bingo here. X5 Ultra takes AI auto-tracking and framing to the next level. Featuring an order of magnitude more neural processing capabilities, the out of-the-box X5 Ultra has incredible AI powers but also the headroom to grow as AI progresses. Magic.

E-ink Label. Get Inked. 

 

The dual, always-on e-ink labels on the X5 Ultra are a game-changer. From network addresses for easy access to controls to customisable logos* to complement your brand image, this cool feature ensures that your set-up is clear and each camera is easily identifiable even when the power is off.
*Coming soon

Connectivity for Days.

 

Video productions all look different. We love NDI® because it allows a single network cable to operate everything, but sometimes it makes sense to take a different path. X5 Ultra makes this a snap. In a world of compromise, the X5 Ultra stands proud. With 12G-SDI output, dual HDMI outputs, multiple network formats, including NDI® | HX3, SRT, RTMP and RTSP, Webcam connectivity over USB, however you work and whatever demand in quality you’ve got it at your fingertips

NDI|HX3. in 4K60.

Performance Meets Convenience.

 

The X5 Ultra delivers superior network performance via our implementation of NDI® | HX3. Significantly reducing network impact while maintaining excellent image quality, meaning it is more friendly in more network environments. BirdDog’s NDI® | HX3 surpasses certification parameters, delivering quality and performance you can count on across ALL video resolutions. X5 Ultra blows all other cameras out of the game with NDI|HX3 performance in 4K60 –
sometimes the fine print is important.

Integrated NDI|HX Decoder.

It Can’t Get Much More Convenient.

 

The X5 Ultra is part of the family of PTZ cameras featuring the first simultaneous NDI® | HX*Decoder designed specifically for confidence monitoring, return feeds, or teleprompter usage. We’ve pulled all this connectivity into a single cable. Less gear. Less hassle. Les complexity. Whether you’re broadcasting live or delivering a CEO address, the integrated NDI® | HX decoder enables more engagement with less setup.

See More from BirdDog

  • 1080/60p​
  • 20X Zoom​
  • Tally Light​
  • AI Auto-tracking​
  • HDMI/USB/IP​
  • NDI HX3​
  • WiFi Connection​
  • E-ink Label​
  • Integrated NDI HX decoder
  • 4K/30p​
  • 12X Zoom​
  • Tally Light​
  • AI Auto-tracking​
  • HDMI/USB/IP​
  • NDI HX3​
  • WiFi Connection​
  • E-ink Label​
  • Integrated NDI HX decoder
  • 4K/60p​
  • 12X & 20X available​
  • Compact​
  • Super-fast Auto Focus​
  • HDMI/SDI/USB/IP​
  • NDI HX3​
  • On-board buttons
  • 12x Optical Zoom
  • 4K Resolution
  • Full NDI
  • PTZ Control
  • NDI, HDMI, 6G-SDI Output

$8,395.00 reg.
$7,395.00 PROMO
While Supplies Last!

Register Now for SportStream 2024 – Videoguys

Tips, tricks, and tools for remote production and live video in sports
September 10th, 11th, and 12th @ 1pm each day

SCHEDULE

GIVEAWAYS

Tuesday, September 10th at 1pm EST:
Getting Started in Live Sports Production

Tips and tricks for youth sports organizations, intramural and club sports, and local independent leagues. Get an introduction to the tools and technology available today with an focus on affordable solutions that will allow you to grow your audience, create value for your sponsors and monetize your sports production.

Wednesday, September 11th at 1pm EST:
Elevate Sports Video with Broadcast Production Tools

Major Broadcasters and regional sports networks have created the production standard that your audience expects. Join SportStream as we introduce the graphics, analysis, replay and other tools that help you deliver the content that your sports fans expect.

Thursday, September 12th at 1pm EST:
Remote Production Workflow for Sports Coverage

Broadcasting all of your sporting events is easier than ever now that you can remove all production resources from the field. Your production team can control the content from multiple fields and events all at the same time; cover away games with ease and with no added expense; broadcast all events as they happen and distribute the live production across campus, social media and broadcasts simultaneously.

Videomaker One-Year Complimentary Digital Magazine Subscription
Everyone who registers will receive a FREE Videomaker one-year complimentary digital magazine subscription!

LiveU Prize Pack
Swag items from LiveU and a $50 Visa Gift Card – $100 value

   

MORE GIVEAWAYS COMING SOON!

 

Thanks to our sponsors for making this event FREE to attend

PTZOptics: Executive Q&A: A Decade of Innovation – Videoguys

In a recent interview with System Contractor News, Paul Richards, Chief Revenue Officer of PTZOptics, discussed the company’s success and innovation over the past decade. Since joining PTZOptics at its inception, Richards has been instrumental in shaping growth strategies and advancing product innovation. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, PTZOptics introduced new product features like free NDI for Move SE users and hosted a special event to honor their loyal customer base, marking a significant milestone in their journey in the broadcast and Pro AV industries.

Richards emphasized how PTZOptics differentiates itself in the crowded PTZ camera market by maintaining a strong connection with its users. By actively listening to customer feedback, PTZOptics has developed award-winning products that address specific pain points faced by professionals in the industry. The adoption of NDI technology has become crucial for PTZ camera users, simplifying video workflows and making PTZOptics cameras a popular choice in news broadcasts and studio productions due to their compact size, remote controllability, and ability to maintain high production values.

Beyond PTZ cameras, PTZOptics offers a diverse range of products, including box cameras and webcams, to meet the varied needs of broadcasters, streamers, and videoconferencing professionals. The company’s commitment to innovation is also evident in their advanced control solutions, such as the SuperJoy controller and Hive SaaS platform, which offer unparalleled versatility and functionality for managing multiple camera setups. These innovations have positioned PTZOptics as a leader in the industry, setting a high standard for remote camera control and production quality.

Read the full interview for System Contractor News HERE

Teradek Prism Brings Racing Fans Closer to the Action – Videoguys

In this Teradek case study, we explore how the Prism 5G Encoder revolutionized live race car streaming at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a top motorsport venue known for hosting major events like Formula 1 and NASCAR. With its challenging track design, including elevation changes and network congestion, COTA has historically posed significant hurdles for live broadcasting, especially when capturing in-car video feeds.

Enhancing Race Car Streaming with Teradek’s Prism 5G Encoder

At the Super Lap Battle event at COTA, seasoned video engineers Jeffrey Hart and Ryan Randels were tasked with delivering high-quality live broadcasts. However, they faced ongoing challenges with traditional wireless video systems, which often led to frequent signal dropouts during high-speed races. These disruptions forced them to constantly be on alert, ready to switch feeds at a moment’s notice, to maintain uninterrupted coverage.

Why Reliable In-Car Video Feeds Matter

In-car video feeds are crucial for immersing audiences in the race, offering a driver’s perspective that enhances the viewing experience. However, previous solutions struggled to maintain signal strength during high-speed races, leading to poor-quality streams and viewer dissatisfaction. Recognizing the need for a more robust solution, Jeffrey and Ryan partnered with Teradek to implement the Prism Mobile 5G Backpack.

Teradek’s Prism Mobile 5G Backpack: The Game-Changer in Live Streaming

The Prism Mobile 5G Backpack, equipped with cutting-edge 5G modems and Teradek Data SIM cards, was securely mounted inside the race cars to capture live video from multiple angles. The live feeds were transmitted to Teradek’s Core Cloud orchestration platform, allowing seamless integration with the broadcast workflow. This advanced technology enabled a flawless, uninterrupted stream, even during the most demanding moments of the race.

Unprecedented Reliability and Quality with Teradek

Thanks to the Prism Mobile 5G Backpack, Jeffrey and Ryan experienced a 100% success rate in maintaining live in-car streams throughout the event— a dramatic improvement over the 30% success rate with previous systems. This breakthrough not only ensured continuous audience engagement but also protected the stream from disruptions that could lead to significant viewer loss and decreased advertising revenue.

Conclusion: Setting a New Standard in Live Event Streaming

Teradek’s Prism 5G Encoder has set a new standard for live event streaming, particularly in challenging environments like motorsport. By delivering unmatched reliability and quality, it has transformed the way live broadcasts are produced at venues like COTA, ensuring that fans can stay fully immersed in the action from start to finish.

By optimizing live streaming technology with the Prism 5G Encoder, broadcasters can enhance viewer engagement, minimize disruptions, and protect valuable advertising revenue, making it a must-have solution for live event production.

Read the full case study from Teradek HERE

Learn more about Teradek below:

The Friday Roundup – Audacity Spectral Editing and Advanced FX

Audacity’s Secret Tool – Spectral Editing Magic One piece of software that I have used consistently over the years and highly recommend is Audacity. It is a totally free digital audio workstation with pro level tools. Even better than that is that it was taken over…

Behind the Scenes: Production Gear at the 2024 Summer Games – Videoguys

On this week’s Videoguys Live, join us as James gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge gear from Videoguys being used at the 2024 Summer Games! Discover how our top manufacturers’ equipment is enhancing the performance and coverage of the world’s biggest sporting event. Don’t miss out on this showcase of innovation and excellence in sports broadcasting!

Watch the full video below:

[embedded content]

LiveU provided essential live streaming technology and cloud solutions to numerous broadcasters and media companies during the Summer Games

  • Hundreds of LiveU portable encoders are being rented out to customers for capturing and broadcasting live content from various locations around the city.
  • LiveU has 13 team members on the ground, operating from three dedicated locations in Paris to provide technical support and ensure stress-free operation for our clients.​

​How were LiveU’s remote production capabilities utilized during the Summer Games​

  • LiveU’s LU800 4G multi-camera encoder operates as a remote production unit with a single unit supporting up to four high-res, fully frame-synced feeds that can be streamed back to the customer’s centralized production studio.​
  • LiveU’s cloud-based solutions enable efficient, flexible REMI workflows, reducing further the operation of heavy equipment on-site, enriching the fan experience and expanding the reach of live content.​ LiveU Studio,  LiveU Matrix + Dynamic Share, LiveU Ingest​
  • Our remote production tools are being used to enhance communication between the studio and talents in the field, ensuring professionally produced live broadcasts.​ IP Pipe, Audio Connect, Video Return​

​What is the Lightweight Production Bundle​

  • Pay as you go or Yearly plan that includes the hardware encoder, data, and access to LiveU Studios cloud-based switching platform​

Panasonic’s AV Magic for Paris 2024!​

  • KAIROS delivers video content at almost all competition venues (26 in total)​
  • Its scalability allows to produce content for up to three venues with a single Kairos Core Server to be controlled via multiple control surfaces remotely
  • Each sport venue is equipped with PTZ cameras and live switcher or remote panel in its Press room. ​
  • The AV infrastructure allows the translations to be provided from remote locations, reducing the need for travel and enhancing the operational efficiency, compared to previous events.

Key products in action:​

  • KAIROS IT/IP Platform​
  • AW-UE100 PTZ Cameras​
  • AK-UC4000 Studio Cameras​
  • PT-RQ35K High-Brightness Projectors​

AIR One X robotic camera in the Fencing Venue during the Paris 2024 Summer Games​

  • AIR One robots can be deployed throughout the city and controlled from a central location​
  • They can swiftly and accurately track action, ensuring users always gets the best shot.​
  • They have a minimal footprint and can be mounted in unusual places, getting the angle no one else can get.​
  • They can be quickly deployed and redeployed, saving days or weeks of prep time and damage from exposure to the elements.​
  • They are radically less expensive and simpler to operate than traditional robotics, making AIR One available to a much wider user base.​

Behind the Scenes: Canon Professional Services​

  • Canon has an On-site gear room where photographers can get Camera Bodies and Lenses free of charge​
  • The also offer repair services and support for these products with their on-site technical support team​

Some of Canon’s offerings to accredited photographers include:​

  • 150 x Canon EOS R3​
  • 100 x Canon EOS R1​
  • 100 x Canon EOS R5 Mark II​
  • Large stock of Canon EOS R6 Mark II​
  • 50 x Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM​
  • A few Canon EOS-1D X Mark III were also available​

Vizrt Graphics on Display with BBC Sports

  • Viz Flowics is the most comprehensive cloud-native platform powering remote and in-studio production of live graphics and interactive content for linear and digital broadcasters.​

NBC Rises to the Tech Challenges of the 2024 Summer Games​

  • NBC Broadcasted over 5,000 hours of live Summer Games coverage produced in 1080p HDR at 50Hz​
  • NBC Team was split between Paris, France and Stamford, Connecticut with many of the commentators and on-air talent being in Stamford.​
  • The team now has less equipment to rip out and relocate after each broadcast.​
  • Having two separated technical areas and operations is more efficient than having it all in one place and the separation leads to increases in both speed and efficiency of the production​
  • Using both baseband SMPTE SDI and IP with ST 2110 with about 60% being IP​
  • NBC is also using  Network Device Interface (NDI) standard. “We are using NDI in some areas, specifically NDI v6, with support of HDR and enhanced audio” ​
  • Worked with Avid on editing and asset management​

YoloBox Ultra, Pro, NDI & YoloDeck Updates – so much more usable! – Videoguys

In his latest YouTube video, Anthony from StreamTek dives into the newest updates for YoloBox Pro and YoloBox Ultra, including the highly anticipated YoloDeck feature. Learn how to effortlessly create URL web graphics, customize multiviews, and explore a host of other powerful new tools designed to enhance your streaming experience.

The YoloLiv YoloBox Ultra is a professional multi-camera live streaming and recording device designed for content creators, streamers, and broadcasters. It’s part of the YoloLiv YoloBox series, which is known for combining video switching, encoding, recording, and monitoring capabilities into a single, portable device. The YoloBox Ultra is designed for users who need a portable, powerful, and user-friendly solution for live streaming events, webinars, gaming, and more.

The YoloLiv YoloBox Pro is another device in the YoloBox series, designed as an advanced, portable live streaming studio. It’s similar to the YoloBox Ultra but tailored for users who need a powerful, yet compact solution for professional live streaming and video production. The YoloBox Pro is particularly well-suited for content creators, live event producers, and professionals who need a versatile, portable, and powerful streaming solution without the need for a full studio setup.

The YoloLiv YoloDeck is a device from YoloLiv designed to enhance the live streaming and video production experience. While YoloLiv is known for its YoloBox series, the YoloDeck serves as a complementary tool, particularly for managing and controlling live broadcasts. The YoloLiv YoloDeck is ideal for users who want to take their live streaming and video production to the next level by adding a dedicated control surface that integrates seamlessly with other YoloLiv devices.

Watch the full video below:

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The Friday Roundup – YouTube Styles and Match Cuts

This New Video Editing Style Changes the YouTube Game A trend that a few people have picked up on over the past year or so on YouTube is a style of editing that seems to go against the grain. Up until recently the predominant editing style…

What is NDI HX3? – Videoguys

On this week’s Videoguys Live, James is exploring the world of NDI HX3! This technology enhances video streaming with low latency and high-quality visuals, all while using minimal bandwidth. NDI is perfect to use for live events, remote production, and more.

Watch the full video below:

[embedded content]

In Today’s Show We Will Discuss:​

  • What is NDI?​
  • How Do My NDI Devices Communicate?​
  • Full bandwidth NDI​
  • NDI HX – 2&3​
  • Benefits of using HX3​
  • Workflow examples of technology using HX3

What is NDI?​

  • NDI Stands for “Network Device Interface”​
  • NDI is used to transmit high quality, low latency video and audio signals over a local area network (LAN)​
  • Paired with a Network switch NDI Allows users to send video, control and Power to an NDI Device through a standard Cat6 Ethernet cable. ​
  • It is widely used in broadcast systems, live streaming, video conferencing, and digital signage, among other applications.​

How Do My NDI Devices Communicate?​

  • NETGEAR M4250 Pro AV Switches
  • The M4250 Line of switches are designed specifically for AV over IP with NDI and Dante Presets available. Some switches even support ST 2110!​
  • Netgear’s Engage software makes changing profiles a breeze. ​
  • Designed with Video in mind. They are rack mountable and quiet. ​
  • The M4250 acts like a hub for all of your NDI Devices to communicate to each other​
  • NETGEAR is committed to AV over IP​

Full Bandwidth NDI​

  • Full bandwidth NDI is the original version of NDI. It provides High Quality, low latency, frame accurate video and audio over IP.

Pros ​

Cons​

High Quality – Closest to SDI quality​

High bandwidth required​

Low Latency – 16ms ​

(1 frame)​

Can require more advanced network infrastructure​

Frame accurate syncing of Audio and Video​

​

NDI HX2​

  • Unlike Full bandwidth, HX2 uses H.264 compression to minimize the use of bandwidth on the network while still being able to send video over the network​

Pros ​

Cons​

Uses the least amount of Bandwidth possible​

Compressed video can add more latency​

Low latency 1-3 frames​

Compressing the video can lower quality​

Frame accurate syncing of Audio and Video​

​

NDI HX3

  • NDI HX3 Is the middle ground between Full Bandwidth and NDI HX3. It offer compressed video using HEVC allowing for lower bandwidth usage than full bandwidth, while offering better image quality than NDI HX2​

Pros ​

Cons​

Less Bandwidth required than Full Bandwidth NDI​

Compressed video can add more latency​

Low latency 1-2 frames​

Compressing the video can lower quality​

Better image quality than NDI HX2​

​

When Should I Use Full Bandwidth, HX2 or HX3?​

  • Use Full bandwidth when quality and lowest latency is of utmost importance. Just keep in mind that this does require more Bandwidth
  • Use NDI HX2 When you do not have high bandwidth and want multiple cameras on the network. Just keep in mind this will have lower quality/ more latency
  • Use NDI HX3 as a middle ground, when you have some restrictions on bandwidth, but still want to have good Image Quality.​

What are some products that use NDI HX3?​

Vizrt PTZ3 PLUS and PTZ3 UHD PLUS Cameras

BirdDog MAKI Ultra, X1, and X1 Ultra Cameras

  • 4K/60p​
  • 12X & 20X available​
  • Compact​
  • Super-fast Auto Focus​
  • HDMI/SDI/USB/IP​
  • NDI HX3​
  • On-board buttons
  • 1080/60p​
  • 20X Zoom​
  • Tally Light​
  • AI Auto Focus tracking​
  • HDMI/USB/IP​
  • NDI HX3​
  • WiFi Connection​
  • E-ink Label​
  • Integrated NDI HX decoder
  • 4K/30p​
  • 12X Zoom​
  • Tally Light​
  • AI Auto Focus tracking​
  • HDMI/USB/IP​
  • NDI HX3​
  • WiFi Connection​
  • E-ink Label​
  • Integrated NDI HX decoder

JVC KY-PZ510N (NDIHX3 with free firmware update) and KY-PZ540N

PTZOptics Move 4K

  • NDI|HX3 Native​
  • SONY Optics deliver up to 4Kp60​
  • Total Connectivity:​
  • HDMI, 3G-SDI, USB & IP Output. Plus POE!​
  • Built-In Auto-Tracking​
  • Available in gray or white

Kiloview

4K 12G-SDI to NDI ​Bi-Directional Converter​ 4K HDMI to NDI ​Bi-Directional Converter Now with special of free 1TB SSD!

The Friday Roundup – Audacity Updates and Filmora Auto Reframe

Audio Editor Olympics 2024: Who Wins The Gold? This week Audacity, the free digital audio workstation, released some major upgrades that are quite frankly, awesome. Over time they have been adding features like Real Time effects which means you can play your audio while adjusting the…