Q-Ball To Make UK Debut At BVE

A UK-based camera system provider is set to debut its latest weatherproof remote controlled camera to a UK audience at the Broadcast Video Expo (BVE) in 2012.
Camera Corps Ltd, who provide robotic camera systems and supporting services for live television and coverage of major sports events, has chosen Broadcast Video Expo 2012 as the UK launch venue for the Q-Ball Pre-Set compact remotely controlled pan/tilt/zoom HD/SD camera.
Shown at IBC2011 and now in full production, Q-Ball Pre-Set was developed in response to demand from clients who want to be able to store and rapidly recall pan, tilt, zoom and focus data.
"Q-Ball robotic camera systems are being used increasingly to capture content that would be impossible to deliver in any other way,” said Camera Corps Technical Director Jim Daniels.
Mr Daniels explains:"Fully compatible with our PTZF switcher and joystick control unit, each Q-Ball Pre-Set can store up to 18 system configurations, enabling an operator to switch the head quickly from one to setting to another. The stored parameters are held in non-volatile RAM within the head and therefore retained even after a system is powered down between sessions."
The camera of choice for many reality-show, sports broadcasting and televised stage events, 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 and fully-weatherproof 115 mm diameter aluminium sphere, Q-Ball is fully compatible with all existing Camera Corps robotic control systems and CCU panels.
Q-Ball and Q-Ball Pre-Set are part of a complete system which includes the CC-3D Universal RCP and the Optical Fibre Link, both of which were exhibited in prototype at BVE 2011 and are now in production.
When used for 2D content acquisition, the CC-3D Universal RCP allows six cameras of different makes and models and to be comprehensively remote controlled from a single panel. For 3D applications, up to two stereoscopic rigs can be controlled on a paired-camera basis to maintain predetermined adjustment offsets between left and right cameras (or as individual cameras if preferred). The panel is intuitive to operate, allowing fast and easy operation during outside broadcasts as well as for live stage or studio events.
The Optical Fibre Link allows Camera Corps remote heads to be operated over much longer distances than traditional copper cable. HD/SD-SDI is carried from the camera to the control position. A reverse direction feed sends data from the controller to the camera. Control data is encoded onto an audio carrier using the proven technology deployed across Camera Corps’ entire range of remote camera control systems.
Exhibiting on Stand B10, Camera Corps will be represented at BVE 2012 by Laurie Frost (Managing Director), Jim Daniels (Technical Director), Jeff White (Design & Development Engineer), Tim Reynolds (Sales & Project Coordinator, and Neil Ashworth (Applications Engineer).www.cameracorps.co.uk