Founded in 2014 by a group of engineers from Haverford Systems, PTZOptics is a new entrant into the PTZ camera market, and offers a lineup of competitive broadcast and web-conferencing systems. Haverford Systems is the parent company, backing PTZOptics with its resources and decades of industry expertise.
The lineup features four advanced indoor PTZ cameras, elegantly designed and available in your choice of gray or white. All four have a Panasonic 1/3" 2.1MP progressive CMOS image sensor, capable of Full HD 1080p video capture at 30/25 fps. Two of the four are HD-SDI models for broadcast applications where you can connect to professional video switching equipment, and two are USB 3.0 models for web-conferencing via connection to a computer. Both pairs include one 20x and one 12x optical zoom model. The USB models require a Quad Core computer (Mac or Windows) for reliable processing of their uncompressed 1080p video output, and are also backward-compatible with USB 2.0 when outputting 960 x 540-resolution video.
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The PTZOptics USB 3.0 (left), and HD-SDI (right) versions.
The 20x models have a 4.42–88.5mm lens with a 60.7-degree field of view at the wide end, and the 12x models have a 3.5–42.3mm lens with a 72.5-degree-wide field of view. The long zoom ranges allow for adequate close-ups and wide angles, very useful for face-to-face and group conferences.
The lenses of all four cameras have a fast f/1.8 – f/2.8 maximum aperture, good for low-light performance. The image sensor requires a minimum illumination of only 0.5 lux at f/1.8, which combines with 2D and 3D noise-reduction algorithms to further enhance performance in low-light conditions. The cameras also have wide dynamic range, allowing for better detail in conditions with considerable contrast between bright and dark areas. In addition to the main SDI or USB outputs, all four cameras have HDMI and composite video outputs, a LAN IP network interface allowing for H.264 dual streaming, 3.5mm audio input for embedding audio into the IP stream, RS-232 external control input and output with daisy-chain capability, and an RS-485 port.
Simultaneous Streaming
All outputs, with the exception of composite video, are simultaneously live at the same resolution which you can set via a dial on the rear. The composite video output disables the others and requires the resolution to be set to 480i/576i. The SDI models also have a USB 2.0 port, but this is specifically for firmware updates only.
The LAN output can stream one HD and one SD RTSP stream at the same time, the latter favorable for delivery to mobile devices. This output allows for direct distribution to overflow rooms, an entire company, content delivery network, or streaming service such as YouTube Live, using nothing but the camera. However, you can also incorporate external devices to apply overlays, embedding different presentations or videos within one another for more advanced conferences. PTZOptics has successfully performed extensive testing with the Epiphan Pearl and endorses it.
Epiphan Pearl Live Streaming & Recording Device
The LAN port can also be used to access the camera and change settings and presets, remotely pan/tilt/zoom, and set up your streaming. This port is for streaming (and control) only and does not support Power-over-Ethernet.
Under Control
All the cameras can be controlled via IP over a network, ONVIF over a network, and RS-232 via VISCA commands. The USB models also feature built-in UVC control, allowing for pan/tilt/zoom over a USB cable. When using IP control, you’ll be able to log into the camera via an included GUI and enter your RTSP or RTMP streaming credentials. For ONVIF control, most ONVIF controllers can be used, such as the PTZOptics IP Joystick Controller. RS-232 control supports many control systems, including those from Crestron and Extron. When using UVC control, the UVC protocol can be set to either absolute or relative for use in compatible web-conferencing and control software. A major feature of these cameras is that the GUI is open source, so developers can customize to preference by simply embedding commands in HTML.
PTZOptics IP Joystick Controller for all PTZ Security Cameras with ONVIF Protocol
A notable control option is direct control from any NewTek TriCaster, including the TriCaster Mini. Using the TriCaster software, you can operate multiple cameras via RS-232 control, connected over RS-232 to DB9 cables (using a DB9 to USB adapter), with full pan/tilt/zoom and preset management. The TriCasters are also supported over IP control via compatible third-party software.
NewTek TriCaster Mini HD-4
A great variety of control software is supported, including the advanced PTZOptics Network Control, UVC Control, or VISCA Control applications, which feature an interactive Preset Visualizer that lets you name and lay out your presets. The majority of online meeting software is also compatible, and mobile apps are supported for control over your network.
PTZOptics VISCA Control Software
Each camera comes with an IR remote control that allows you to operate up to four cameras. It also lets you pull up an on-screen display and fine-tune settings, operate PTZ controls, and set and call presets.
The cameras can be used desktop-mounted or ceiling-mounted. Up to 64 preset positions are assignable for each camera (and more via RS-232), with a preset accuracy of an impressive 0.1 degree.
To help you get started and expand your knowledge, PTZOptics offers regular live webinars, as well as recordings of previous webinars on their website.
And finally, you may also want to check out the wireless editions of these cameras, which work using an HDMI modem and have an 85-foot range with near-zero latency. These models are only available in HD-SDI versions.
PTZOptics 12X-SDI-W Wireless HDMI Extension System
