(Pictured: Camera Corps RF-Q-Ball wireless robotic camera system.)
Camera Corps (a Vitec Group company) has chosen BVE 2013 as the demonstration platform for the latest developments in its Q-Ball range of compact robotic pan/tilt/zoom heads.
“Our new RF Q-Ball is designed for use in situations where a normal cable or fibre link would be intrusive, impractical or even impossible,” states Camera Corps’ Managing Director Laurie Frost. “Initially available as part of our equipment hire and supporting services operation, it will greatly extend the creative potential of Q-Ball, particularly in applications such as field or arena sports. RF Q-Ball can operate via a wireless link up to 2 kilometres from the control unit. It is an extremely powerful tool for any outside broadcast crew needing to establish a link quickly and safely.”
“RF Q-Ball comprises an HD video transmitter and control-data receiver with an integral mount,” adds Technical Director Jim Daniels. “The Q-Ball head can optionally be linked to the transmitter via up to 30 metres of cable. Four SDI-embedded audio channels can be fed into the transceiver in the same way as with a wired or fibre-linked Q-Ball. Power for the camera head and RF link can be sourced from an Anton Bauer battery on an external Gold mount, allowing very fast battery change. Alternatives are an internal battery or an auxiliary 12 to 24 volt direct-current supply. Battery life is up to eight hours and can be conserved by remotely switching off the power to the camera head and video transmitter.”
Up to 96 cameras can be operated through a single data transmitter attached to a standard Camera Corps RCP remote control panel or Joystick panel. The entire system is waterproofed for use in all weather, on land or at sea. Antennas can be coupled via extension cables if required. Existing Q-Ball, Q-Ball Pre-Set or HD MiniZoom camera heads may be integrated into the system without modification.
Q-Ball is an ultra-compact remotely-controlled camera with integral 10-times zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan/tilt motors. Housed in a robust 115 mm diameter aluminium sphere, it has a 2 megapixel CMOS sensor and is capable of operating in daylight or infra-red illumination. Q-Ball delivers 1080i/720p high definition or 625/525 standard definition at 50 or 59.94 Hz refresh rates.
Camera Corps will be represented at BVE 2013 by Laurie Frost (Managing Director), Jeff White (Design & Development Engineer), Dan Jarmany (Sales & Project Coordinator), and Neil Ashworth (Equipment Manager).
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