The Digital Insider | Category: Audio and Video

MRMC New Technology for Worship – Videoguys

The blog post “MRMC Updates Prestonwood Baptist Church In Plano, TX” by Ellen Lampert-Greaux for LiveDesignOnline details the recent upgrade of broadcast and streaming technology at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Bryan Bailey, director of media at the church, and Paddy Taylor, head of broadcast solutions at MRMC, discuss their collaboration on this significant update completed in January 2024.

Extent and Goals of the New Install: The church, with a mission to impact the world through effective means, found its existing broadcast setup outdated. The new installation aimed to enhance the church’s ability to deliver dynamic and immersive broadcasts to its audience, which includes 15,000 weekly online viewers.

New Gear Installed:

Audio: A d&b Soundscape system replaced the old audio PA, enhancing the audio experience.
Stage: Paragon360 redesigned the stage, adding more square footage and better cable management.
LED Walls: Upgraded with denser-pitched ReveLux products, increasing the digital scenery canvas.
Lighting: UVLD introduced new LED moving light fixtures, and Ayrton’s 32 Huracan LT and 50 Eurus fixtures provided improved stage and audience lighting.
Video: The entire video system was updated from a 1080i setup, including a Sony XVS 6000 switcher, Evertz routing, Boland monitors, TBC furniture, and Riedel intercom.

Enhanced Service Experience: The upgrade from nine cameras to 18, including various Sony models on MRMC heads, significantly improved camera angles and movement, making the broadcast more engaging for viewers. The discreet MRMC robotics allowed operators to control cameras remotely, increasing creative freedom without disturbing the congregation.

Holiday Productions: The church hosts “The Gift of Christmas,” a large-scale production involving 1,500 volunteers, 14 performances, and 70,000 attendees. The AVL design work took this annual event into account, ensuring the new technology supports its immersive nature.

Challenges and Solutions: Adapting the technology for a church environment posed unique challenges. MRMC’s discreet camera placements and volunteer-friendly software were crucial solutions, setting a precedent for other churches to enhance their worship and teaching environments with robotic cameras.

Read the full article by Ellen Lampert-Greaux for LiveDesignOnline HERE

Learn more about MRMC below:

Should You Put your Worship Service on TV? – Videoguys

In the blog post “Why Shouldn’t Your Church be on Television?” by Phil Cooke for Church Production, the author argues that traditional broadcast television remains a valuable platform for pastors and ministry leaders, despite the rise of digital media. Cooke presents several reasons why television is still relevant and impactful for spreading religious messages:

Adaptability of Platforms: As new media platforms emerge, older ones adapt rather than disappear. Television continues to adjust and find its place alongside digital platforms.
Wide Reach: Television still reaches vast audiences, as evidenced by the continued broadcast of major events like the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards on TV.
Accessibility and Demographics: TV is accessible to a wide variety of audiences, and many people inadvertently discover religious programming while channel surfing.
Credibility: Broadcast television is often perceived as more authoritative and credible than other media, making it a trusted source during emergencies and crises.
Communal Experience: Television provides a communal viewing experience, where large numbers of people watch the same content simultaneously, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Multisensory Appeal: The combination of visuals, spoken word, and music on television creates a powerful and engaging experience that can deeply resonate with viewers.

Cooke emphasizes that television is far from obsolete and remains a potent tool for evangelism. He encourages pastors not to dismiss TV outright due to cost or misuse by others but to recognize its potential for reaching a diverse and widespread audience with a message of hope.

Read the full article by Phil Cooke HERE

Unlocking the Power of Lightweight Productions with LiveU – Videoguys

On this installment of Videoguys Live join us for an insightful webinar where we introduce Lightweight Production Bundles powered by LiveU. Discover how lightweight production can revolutionize your content creation process without breaking the bank. We’ll explore the benefits of low-cost entry, efficient solutions that replace expensive data, and real-world case studies. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or business owner, learn how to solve streaming challenges today and scale for a successful future.

Watch the full video below:

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Our guest for today is John Porterfield, who is the Founder and Webcast Producer of Social180Group. They specialize in live and remote production solutions, support services, and streaming.

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

Unlocking the Power of Lightweight Productions with LiveU – Videoguys

LU300S or LU800

Data Including LRT

LiveU Studio

How is the LiveU Lightweight Production Bundles Used…

Case Study: Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

Raising awareness doesn’t have to be expensive
Remote guest multicast – virtual webinar

Case Study: Zooom

12 days of hiking and gliding 1200km across the Alps
Mobile – fixed location combo use case

Case Study: CERN

CERN presents new research of the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator
Multi-destination distribution use case

Case Study: Real Life Network

RLN streams a biblical global program from DC hotel to their digital media platform using LiveU Studio
Hotel – Studio remote production

Case Study: Broadfield Distributing

Broadfield went live from InfoComm 2024 trade show floor
Live from a tradeshow floor

What Does the LiveU Lightweight Production Bundle Include?

LiveU Mobile Encoders

4K Resolution
Strongest network resiliency
Endless locations

LU300S

Compact 5G, 4K 10-bit HDR unit for live streaming on-the-go
Wi-Fi, Ethernet & Cellular Streaming
Transmit up to 4K 60P
3G-SDI and HDMI Camera Inputs
2 x Internal & 2 x External Modems
2 x Audio Channels
H.265/H.264 Streaming Support

LU800

All-in-one 5G production-level field unit for REMI workflows
4 SDI Inputs Up to 4Kp60
10-bit HDR
Up to 70 Mbps streaming
Down to 0.4 sec. delay
Up to 16 audio channels
Optional bonding with 2x Ethernet and 2x WiFi connections

LiveU Cloud Production

The Friday Roundup – Faceless Videos and Forced Perspective

How to Make “Faceless” YouTube Videos Some people find it very easy to appear on-screen in their own videos whilst for others this is definitely an acquired skill! Then you have people like me that not only have a face for radio but also a deep…

Utilizing Atomos and Panasonic Lumix for Behind the Scenes Interviews – Videoguys

A major industry podcast recently used the power of RAW video with the Atomos Ninja and Panasonic Lumix cameras to create a high quality mobile video solution. Oliver Ricketts gives us an inside look at the equipment he used on his recent production for Designing Hollywood.

Designing Hollywood is a podcast about the craftsmanship that makes the movies you love happen- including costume and set design, writing, directing and more. It is produced by Martika Ibarra, Marilyn Vance, and Robert Meyer Burnett. The podcast was founded in 2020. Although it started in a studio setting, the show has since hit the road, filming multiple episodes on location in actual working costume houses.

This has required a mobile video setup that doesn’t sacrifice the quality of the image one might be able to create in a functioning studio. Designing Hollywood turned to Videoguys.com, Atomos and Panasonic Lumix for this solution.

Most recently Designing Hollywood sat down with costume designer Dayna Pink from Amazon’s new film: “Road House” at the world famous Western Costume Company.

The podcast’s host, Robert Meyer Burnett, director of Free Enterprise and producer of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Agent Cody Banks, sat down with Dayna Pink to discuss her work on Road House (2024), as well as several other major films including: Crazy Stupid Love, and Bad Boys for Life. Pink shared some details on challenges she faced making stars like Jake Gyllenhal and Connor McGreggor fit into the world of Roadhouse, and how the costuming in the film takes the overall aesthetic to another level.

Of course, when showing off a costume designer’s work at a costume house, picture quality and color spectrum are important. The video work used to display this content must be up to par and must accurately reflect the talent on screen as well as the prestige of the location.

This is where Atomos Monitors, paired with Panasonic Lumix cameras, come in. With incredible control over shot composition and color that comes with the Atomos Ninja, the production crew was able to customize three cameras to match the content.

A three camera shoot was set up using the Panasonic Lumix BGH-1, GH5, and the S5 MK II X. Each camera was fed into an Atomos Ninja Monitor. Although these three cameras have distinct differences, Lumix cameras when paired with the Atomos Ninja can achieve recording in the ProRes RAW file format. This process makes it easy to color match and maintain a consistent feel for each angle present in the interview clip.

Better yet, recording for close to two hours over three devices was no problem due to the Atomos Ninja monitors long recording capabilities to Angelbird SSD drives.

Western Costume is both the oldest costume company in the United States and the largest one with approximately 2.5 million costumes on the premises. Western Costume consists of three buildings and boasts 112 years serving the industry. Designing Hollywood was also treated to a video walking tour of the entire costume department from CEO and President of Western Costume, Gilbert Moussally.

This was another area where flexibility was needed from the video gear being used. As a working costume house and a large space overall, Western Costume’s facility is full of areas with vastly different lighting conditions and temperatures, as well as small and large spaces alike. A video solution was needed that could weave into small spaces, but not make the large open areas of the costume house look small. In addition, the ever changing lighting conditions of both fluorescent and LED lights, with overcast shadows and unobstructed light throughout, would need to be addressed in order to create a video that looked cohesive and had continuity.

The solution, again, laid in Atomos and Panasonic LUMIX. Strapped to a double shoulder body mount, Oliver Ricketts, director of photography on this shoot, used a Panasonic LUMIX BGSH-1; a lightweight cinema grade camera perfect for a studio setting or a run-and-gun shoot. The raw picture capabilities of this camera ensured ultimate control over the color profile of the image in post-production.

This camera’s output was fed into an Atomos Ninja to give a clear picture of what was being shot at a glance; essential for any fast-paced shoot. In addition, the color tools on board the Atomos Ninja, and the ability to upload custom LUTS to the monitor itself, were paramount to understanding what the final image would look like while shooting.

A teaser for the full costume house tour can be seen HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5kCaxHDG6A&t=1s

And the full interview with Dayna Pink will be coming soon to the Designing Hollywood Podcast, which can be found HERE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGYmtexynt_E9R7RJNspB6ux-LyplkBrH&si=WIeadVX0aIkVcvAi

PTZOptics Hive Studio Demo with Paul Richards – Videoguys

On This Week’s Videoguys Live, Gary is joined by Paul from PTZOptics in-studio as they unveil the future of live broadcasting with the all-new PTZOptics Hive Studio. Discover browser-based camera control, live video switching, and recording in an intuitive interface.

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Centralized Control and Streamlined Workflows
Streamline your workflows with Hive. Real-time collaboration allows you to work in sync on live video – from the comfort of your home or right on set.

“Hive-Linked” Hardware Advantage
Hive is embedded in PTZOptics cameras, enabling instant cloud control with no hardware, plugins, or extra software needed.

Best in Class Camera Control, From Anywhere in the World
Advanced framing and color correction tools help you bring out the best of your camera. And you can do it from anywhere, anytime.

Cinematic Control
Automate complex camera movements for easy cinematic framing. Our new framing tools make beautiful video production effortless.

Auto-Tracking On Any Camera
Leverage cutting-edge tracking algorithms and facial recognition for industry-leading tracking performance. The best part? It works with any brand of PTZ camera.

Cloud Control
Manage your cameras from any location worldwide with sub-300ms latency, making remote control as simple as logging in.

Unlimited Custom Presets
Organize and save an unlimited number of presets by category or shot type for quick access and consistency.

Intuitive Color Tools
Our platform’s color tools are designed to provide standard color control that works seamlessly across camera makes and models.

Live Color Adjustments
Make live adjustments to your camera’s color settings and create presets that adapt to various production environments.

Advanced Color Matching
Employ sophisticated color matching across multiple cameras to achieve a cohesive look throughout your production.

Image Presets
Leverage image presets and fine-tuning options to achieve the perfect aesthetic, reflecting your brand’s identity or the event’s mood.

Seamless Video Switching
Choose from different transitions or switch between multiple cameras in real-time. PTZOptics Hive is perfect for pre-recorded and live productions.

RTMP Streaming
Hive supports RTMP streaming, enabling direct live streaming to popular platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more.

ISO Input Recording
Hive offers individual input and output/stream recording locally. This flexibility ensures that no critical content is missed.

NDI® Outputs
Output up to 4K at 60fps, ensuring seamless integration into popular production software like OBS, vMix, and more.

Instant Camera Discovery
Add any camera model or brand in seconds through Hive Studio’s auto-discovery feature.

Customized Controls
Whether you’re using an Xbox controller or StreamDeck, design your workflow with personalized hotkeys for a control experience that’s uniquely yours.

Cross-Brand Compatibility
Not limited to PTZOptics or PTZ cameras, Hive supports a growing list of over 400 major camera models.

Unified Interface
Camera management is a breeze with Hive’s user-friendly interface that adapts to your make or model of camera.

Elevate Your Multi-PC Workflow with OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock Featurin – Videoguys

Other World Computing (OWC) has revolutionized multi-PC workflows with the introduction of their Thunderbolt Go Dock, now enhanced with Intel® Thunderbolt™ Share. Announced at COMPUTEX 2024, this innovative feature allows seamless sharing of devices and content between two Thunderbolt-equipped PCs through a single port, simplifying the process and boosting efficiency. Read more about it in this article from TechCritter below:

Effortless PC-to-PC Connectivity
The Thunderbolt Go Dock transforms into a potent digital KVM switch with Thunderbolt Share. Users can share a single monitor, keyboard, mouse, storage, and files between two computers at the lightning-fast speed of Thunderbolt. This integration eliminates the need for multiple peripherals, making switching between PCs hassle-free and enhancing productivity.

Unleashing the Power of Thunderbolt
Compatible with both Thunderbolt 4 and 5, the Thunderbolt Go Dock offers more than just file sharing. It features three Thunderbolt 4 ports for ultra-fast data transfer, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port for versatile connections, a 2.5G Ethernet port for seamless networking, and an HDMI port supporting breathtaking 8K displays. Additionally, it includes an SD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack, making it an all-in-one solution for diverse connectivity needs.

Ideal for Mobile Workflows
Designed with mobile professionals in mind, the Thunderbolt Go Dock’s compact form and integrated power supply eliminate the need for bulky power bricks, ensuring a tidy and organized workspace. This makes it an ideal accessory for those on the go, providing convenience without compromising functionality.

“The Thunderbolt Go Dock with Thunderbolt Share empowers users who work with multiple computers,” says Larry O’Connor, CEO of OWC. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Intel and unlock the next generation of Thunderbolt capabilities.”

By combining cutting-edge technology and practical design, OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock with Intel® Thunderbolt™ Share sets a new standard for multi-PC workflows, enhancing productivity and convenience for users everywhere.

Read the full article by TechCritter HERE

Vizrt TriCaster Mini X is Professional Video Production for All with S – Videoguys

Freedom in Live Production
TriCaster® Mini X gives producers at any level the freedom to create and share video wherever and whenever they want using anything from a smartphone to a 4K camera – truly demonstrating the power of software-defined visual storytelling.

Accessibility, Unlocked
Bringing the possibilities of professional live video production to anyone with a story to tell – without vast investments in infrastructure.

Flexibility, Attained
Off-the-shelf HDMI devices connect directly to the Mini X in minutes creating professional-level productions without having to purchase any new equipment.

Scalability, Achieved
As part of the NewTek ecosystem of products, users can take advantage of the many ways to scale up their productions to suit any need.

Vizrt Summer TriCaster Mini with PTZ Cameras Bundles!

Add 1 or 2 Vizrt PTZ Cameras at a discounted price to your Vizrt TriCaster Mini X to maximize your live production!

Step 1: Buy a TriCaster Mini X or TriCaster Mini X with Control Surface Bundle

Making professional video production possible for all – the Mini X gives producers at any level the freedom to create and share video wherever and whenever they want using anything from a smartphone to a 4K camera – truly demonstrating the power of software defined visual storytelling.

The ideal traveling partner for TriCaster Mini X, the TriCaster Mini CS provides studio-style control and a small footprint to deliver professional results…from the office, an event, or anywhere.

Step 2: Add 1 or 2 Vizrt PTZ Cameras at a discounted price

Vizrt TriCaster Mini X Features:

LiveLink – bringing the power of the internet directly into TriCaster
HD switching, streaming, and recoridng
8 external video inputs and 4 mix outputs
Connect to compatible IP devices via NDI
Streaming to Facebook Live, Twitch, and more
Real-time social media publishing
Multi-channel recording and internal storage
Video playback without any additional hardware
Built-in live titling and motion graphics
Multi-channel audio mixing

Tell Your Story Better Than Ever
Storytellers should be able to concentrate on telling the story and the TriCaster Mini X offers all the tools for producers to do that, right at their desks. Video switching, media playback, virtual sets, ability to add graphics, record, stream, and much more

All You Need And More – In One Place
The TriCaster Mini X continues the all-in-one desktop form factor of the TriCaster Mini with increased power and capabilities, including access to 8 external sources with 4 integrated HDMI inputs and supporting modern resolutions up to 4Kp30

New Firmware Features for the Move 4K 20x PTZ Camera – Videoguys

Great news! The PTZOptics Move 4K firmware is now available for our 20X models, enhancing the performance and features of your PTZ cameras.

Currently available for 20x models ONLY; firmware update for 12x and 30x models coming soon!

Move 4K 20X Firmware Feature Highlights:

Subject Selection
A unique number is now provided for each subject shown in the live video area of the web interface. This new feature allows you to quickly switch between subjects that you would like to track using the web-interface or the IR remote control. Plus, our intuitive bounding box system only appears on the web interface, keeping your SDI, HDMI, USB, and NDI feeds clean and distraction-free. Simplify your video experience with our smart auto-tracking technology!

Auto-Tracking Composition Modes
Introducing composition framing for auto-tracking in the Move 4K. Whether you prefer your subject centered, to the left, or to the right, these innovative modes offer the flexibility to frame your shots just as you envision. The camera seamlessly tracks your subject, ensuring they stay in the perfect spot within the scene. These new modes allow camera operators to determine how they want the subject framed in the scene while the camera automatically tracks the subject.

Auto-Tracking Zoom Modes
Take control of your visuals with the Move 4K’s advanced Auto-Tracking Zoom Modes! We’re excited to introduce four new zoom modes: Dynamic, Close-Up, Medium, and Long Shot. Dynamic Zoom Mode puts you in the director’s seat, giving you full command over optical zoom during auto-tracking. Prefer consistent framing? Choose from Close-Up, Medium, or Long Shot modes for steady, uniform zoom levels. This feature is great for tracking subjects with one close-up view and a second wide angle shot.

Track Now
Introducing the ‘Track Now’ feature in our Move SE and 4K cameras! With ‘Track Now’, the camera begins tracking from its current position, offering immediate and seamless subject following. This mode is a perfect addition to our standard auto-tracking, which starts from a pre-defined PTZ preset location such as a teachers desk or presenter podium.

Auto-Tracking Sensitivity
Enhance your camera operations with the Move 4K’s new Auto-Tracking Sensitivity feature! This customizable sensitivity setting allows you to adjust camera movements to your specific needs, ensuring smooth, responsive tracking in every scene. Whether it’s a subtle pan or a quick zoom, your Move 4K can adapt to your creative vision. Experience seamless, professional-grade video with just a few adjustments.

Auto-Framing
Auto-Framing is now available in the PTZOptics Move 4K cameras! Auto-Framing seamlessly includes multiple subjects in every shot, intelligently adjusting pan, tilt, and zoom to frame your composition perfectly. Whether it’s a group discussion, a team presentation, or a special event, the camera can intelligently adjust to frame all participants in a single, harmonious scene.

Note: Auto-Framing operates independently and cannot be used simultaneously with auto-tracking.

PTZOptics API G3
Exciting news for developers! We’re thrilled to introduce the PTZOptics API G3, a significant leap forward in camera control technology. Building on the success of our previous versions, the new API expands your capabilities with over five times more options. Now, harness the power of advanced features like auto-tracking, auto-framing, and subject selection, all through our robust API. PTZOptics API G3 is designed to empower our developer community, enabling you to create more dynamic, responsive, customized camera experiences. Dive into a world of possibilities with PTZOptics API G3!

Preset Tour
The Preset Tour feature allows users to cycle through a specific set of saved pan, tilt, and zoom presets. Designed for automation and precision, this feature allows you to cycle through a series of customized pan, tilt, and zoom presets effortlessly. Once activated, the Preset Tour navigates through your pre-determined settings at a chosen speed, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent framing. Ideal for controlled environments like studios, conferences, or theaters, where precise camera positioning is key.

Privacy Mode
Introducing the Privacy Mode on PTZOptics cameras, a feature designed for your peace of mind. In today’s world, privacy and security are paramount, especially in sensitive environments. Privacy Mode goes beyond just turning off the camera. When activated, it places the camera in a standby state, closes the lens iris, and physically turns the lens to face the wall, ensuring complete privacy. Unlike powering down, this mode keeps the camera ready to activate instantly when needed. This blend of convenience and security makes Privacy Mode ideal for confidential settings where quick reactivation is essential.

FreeD
Step into the future of video production with FreeD support now available on PTZOptics Move 4K cameras. FreeD, a camera tracking data protocol, unlocks new creative possibilities. By integrating PTZ camera position data with FreeD systems such as those found in Unreal Engine, you can craft immersive virtual environments and enhance your live video projects. This feature is perfect for creators seeking to blend physical and digital realms, offering a dynamic and engaging viewer experience. Dive into a world where your imagination is your only limit with PTZOptics Move 4K and FreeD.

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The Friday Roundup – Resolve VFX Tips & Using Markers

The #1 PROBLEM with VFX – DaVinci Resolve Fusion Tips Regular readers will know that I usually include something each week from Casey Faris somehow related to the subject of DaVinci Resolve. What you may have also noticed is that over the past few months Casey…