CHICAGO—Filmscape is an educational, not-for-profit organization focused on helping residents in the Chicago metro and surrounding areas who want to pursue careers in film and television. With such a broad market in the Midwest, our goal is to grow and benefit the film and television community through engaging conferences that provide knowledge for working behind the scenes in the industry. We specialize in educational content covering all things production and film.

To livestream our Filmscape 2024 sessions in June to viewers at home through our YouTube channel, we utilized three JVC PTZ cameras–one KY-PZ510WU and two KY-PZ400NWUs, which were managed by the RM-LP100U camera controller.

Low Profile, High Quality
The three PTZ cameras were spread out on opposite parts of the room. The KY-PZ510 was used as the primary camera to zoom in on the individual speaker, while the two KY-PZ400 cameras were positioned on opposite sides of the stage for panel discussions. The low profile of the JVC PTZ cameras made it ideal for placing them in environments we might not have been able to with a traditional camera setup.

The compact construction of the cameras allowed us to mount one on a wall, put another on a large stand and suspend the third from the ceiling. This enabled us to bring our livestream to remote viewers and provide the necessary impact through a sharp, clean image with the best possible technology—which is what Filmscape is all about.

One thing we were fascinated by was JVC’s auto-tracking feature in the 510 Series cameras, which we utilized throughout our presentations. The speaker was able to walk around the stage and speak to attendees without having to worry about whether or not they were in the shot.

We found that the auto-tracking feature simplified the process for the film crew, as they did not have to manually track an individual speaker on stage—the tracking system on the camera efficiently followed the presenter. This provided a more-intimate connection that gave our livestream viewers a more in-person experience.

More Production Space
Having PTZs placed strategically around the room, out of the way of traffic, gave us a much larger space to work from. We no longer had to lose those seating positions for the cameras; we were actually able to add seats in this environment.

Our staff was also impressed with the fact that JVC cameras made it possible for the operator to connect to a computer and livestream directly to our YouTube channel. The information was also preserved for on demand viewing. The simplicity of the built-in technologies of the JVC cameras, such as the ability to connect over Ethernet and control them in multiple ways, is amazing to me. These features allowed the camera operators to perform at a higher level, and that’s important.

Creating a seamless livestream can become very complicated when you have more than 1,000 people around you while at the same time trying to run simple, efficient camera workflows with non-traditional camera placements. We are proud and honored to have the JVC PTZs to capture this event, and to join us in building our community (not only locally in Chicago, but across the Midwest); bringing film and television education right into homes. l

Gary Adcock is the executive director of Filmscape. His capabilities and knowledge keep him in demand as an industry consultant and reaffirm his passion and dedication to educating a new generation of artists, technicians, and filmmakers for trade associations like NAB and PERG. He has also participated in the semi-annual TV Tech Summit. He can be reached at gary@filmscapechicago.com.

More information is available at www.jvc.com/in/pro/professional-camcorders/ptz-cameras.

WAYNE, NJ—JVC Professional Video will introduce several new entry-level solutions aimed at smaller production teams―such as houses of worship, college sports broadcasters and local news OTA stations―at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 16-19.

Among these is the new RM-LP5G CONNECTED CAM PTZ Joystick Controller, which will be available as part of a bundle with two JVC PTZ cameras. The company is also unveiling the KM-HD6 CONNECTED CAM Six-Input Hardware Switcher, the KM-IP8 or KM-IP8S4 CONNECTED CAM vMix Studio Switchers, and the RM-LP350G CONNECTED CAM vMix Control Surface.

“With growing expectations from viewers for broadcast-quality content, JVC recognizes the need for organizations of all sizes to expand their video production capabilities,” says Joseph D’Amico, vice president, JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation. “The addition of these affordable new production tools will enable budget conscious studios, venues and arenas to have high-quality, glass to glass workflow solutions. It is our hope that in offering these products, JVC can provide a wider scope of users with price effective, easy to configure equipment and support from a single manufacturer.”

The RM-LP5G CONNECTED CAM Compact Joystick PTZ Controller features a dual-axis joystick and zoom bridge, capable of managing up to five PTZ cameras. The compact solution supports VISCA, UDP and PELCO P/D control protocols over IP, RS422 and RS232. Additionally, the controller’s four-color LED multiscreen display affords ease of setup and operation. Available only as part of a bundled package with two or more JVC PTZ cameras, the controller targets smaller market organizations looking to provide network-caliber productions.

Offered both as standalone and in a package, the KM-HD6 CONNECTED CAM Six-Input Switcher features four SDI and two HDMI inputs, with a USB Type-C output that enables users to stream video with embedded audio to any platform, such as YouTube, Facebook and Zoom. 

Additional output options include two 3G/HD/SD-SDI, one HDMI PGM (program) and one SDI AUX, as well as one each of HDMI and SDI multi-view outputs. The switcher also offers a variety of production options, such as automatic cut transitions; mix, fade and wipe effects; adjustable PiP/PoP window; and a GPIO interface for live tally. Further, the integrated audio mixer features 3.5mm and RCA audio input and output, along with USB Type-C HDMI- and SDI-embedded audio.

As an alternative to the KM-HD6, users can opt for the KM-IP8 or KM-IP8S4 CONNECTED CAM vMix Studio Switchers, which can each manage up to eight NDI inputs using vMix 4K licensed software for Windows 11 Pro. The KM-IP8S4 also features four 3G-SDI inputs with bi-directional connectors and mini-SDI-to-SDI cables. Both 2RU devices offer several output options, including one 3G-SDI, one HDMI, and four DisplayPort; as well as a Gigabit Ethernet network port. vMix is a complete live video production software solution that provides live mixing, switching, recording and live streaming of SD, full HD and 4K. 

A desktop controller for vMix, the RM-LP350G CONNECTED CAM vMix Control Surface works with the KM-IP8 Studio Computer to enable traditional-style switching. It provides four-channel PTZ camera presets, panning and zoom, and features a low-profile transition fader. The controller also supports 12-channel PGM and PVW switching, as well as selectable PGM/PVW in four groups of 12 downstream key settings.

The RM-LP5U/two-PTZ bundle will be offered beginning in late April 2023. Package pricing will vary depending on the camera model selection, starting at $2,349. The other solutions will be available starting in May 2023, with list prices at $899 for the KM-HD6, $4,999 for the KM-IP8, $5,499 for the KM-IP8S4 and $749 RM-LP350. Complete details are available on the JVC Professional Video website at http://pro.jvc.com.

JVC will be in Booth C4218 in the Central of the LVCC.

SAN MATEO, Calif.—At the Bay Area Online Sports Network (BAOSN), our mission is to deliver cost-effective, high-definition, quality broadcasts of local high school and college sporting events online. As our tagline—“Game On—Live and Later”—says, our broadcasts are available live and then archived for several years. Any broadcast, live or archived, can be viewed by anyone for free and in order to make live events special, we cover not only the game on the field, but the cheerleaders, bands, and dance teams as well.  

Produce at a Higher Level
We have used JVC cameras since we started in 2014, so when JVC introduced its 500 Series CONNECTED CAM with SRT, it was a game changer for us. The GY-HC500 camera—with its 40X lossless dynamic zoom and ability to use SRT—has allowed us to be able to play at a higher level. 

Most of our games are shot in 720p, as most of our clients—both national and local—ask for it. The 40X zoom was one of the key factors that made us go with the GY-HC500. Today we utilize four GY-HC500 CONNECTED CAMs, four BR-DE900 decoders, JVC’s professional-grade, high-performance IP decoding appliance, and two previous generation JVC cameras.

Covid Shift to REMI
In response to the pandemic, remote production took center stage and we shifted to REMI (REMote Integration production). When a broadband connection is available on location and at the studio, the workflow involves simply connecting the camera LAN to the router or using built-in camera Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. REMI allows us to send the H.264- or HEVC-encoded ISO feed from each camera directly to our BR-DE900 decoders using SRT. 

Setup on location is always quick and simple. The GY-HC500 can store four streaming destinations and return video (IFB) sources and with all settings preprogrammed—connecting to the internet and pressing the “Online” button is all that is needed to start a contribution-quality video feed to the remote studio.

Trying to purchase and learn how to use new cameras during the pandemic posed potentially unprecedented challenges for us, but the support we received from Edgar Shane, JVC general manager, engineering, and his team was incredible. They made sure we were up to speed on how best to set up and utilize our new cameras and about SRT technology in general.

Due to the pandemic, all of our training and support was done remotely over the phone, and they were incredible to work with. You don’t necessarily think about the support component when you make a purchase, but JVC’s customer service is top notch. 

For more information on JVC cameras visit http://pro.jvc.com.

WAYNE, N.J.—JVC Professional Video has announced that it is now shipping its new Connected Cam 500 Series of streaming handheld camcorders, which consists of three compact 4K cameras—the GY-HC500 base model, the GY-HC550 with advanced streaming and graphics and the GY-HC500SPC sports coaching and production camera.

All three cameras feature built-in streaming and connectivity options, as well as the ability to record to SSD media in 10-bit ProRes 422 at 4K resolution and 50/60p frame rates. Other native 4K UHD and HD file formats can be recorded as well. The camera also record HDR footage in HLG or 10-bit J-Log modes and support 120 fps slow-motion HD recording.

The 500 models can be paired with any ProHD Bridge product to provide reliable 1080p streaming up to 20 Mbps with SMPTE 2022 forward error correction, low-latency, return video and IFB. Users can also stream live video to Facebook and YouTube.

Specific to the GY-HC550, it features MPEG-2 and MXF recording, as well as dual external antennas with built-in wireless LAN, integrated GPS and Zixi error correction with automatic repeat request. The model also has Secure Reliable Transport to JVC’s Connected Cam Studio solution.

The GY-HC550 and GY-HC500SPC also include integrated Wi-Fi and broadcast overlay for lower-third graphics, and full-screen titling options for recorded or streamed video output without an external CG. The GY-HC500SPC also features pre-installed graphics for a variety of sports.

A 1-inch 4K CMOS imager and integrated 20x zoom lens with built-in ND filters and manual zoom, focus and iris control rings are part of all the 500 series cameras. Additional features for the trio include a 4-inch, high-resolution LCD screen for menu navigation; LCOS viewfinder; dual XLR inputs; 3G-SDI and HDMI video outputs; and M.2 drive slot for external SSD recording.

JVC is now shipping the Connected Cam 500 series cameras, with prices for the GY-HC500 starting at $3,900. More information is available at pro.jvc.com.