Bexel Robotic Camera Systems and explore.org partner to bring nature footage to millions

Bexel, an NEP Broadcast Services Company and a provider of robotic technology, has joined forces with philanthropic media organisation explore.org to stream never-before-seen live video and audio from some of the world’s most remote and exotic locations.

Founded by Charles Annenberg Weingarten, director and vice president of the Annenberg Foundation, explore.org has created the largest collection of live nature cameras in the world. Operated remotely by passionate volunteers, these cameras document, broadcast, and champion the revolutionary work of explore.org’s nonprofit partners, many of which are global leaders in animal and environmental conservation.

Twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year, and on four continents, explore.org streams extraordinary moments from the wild as they happen, from bald eagles nesting in California’s Channel Islands to giant pandas foraging for bamboo in Gengda, Sichuan, China. Home to over 300 original films, live-recorded and catalogued video, a world class photo library, and over three million user generated photographs, explore.org draws millions of viewers every month.

With such heavy volume, increasing demand, and many more non-profit partners to highlight, explore.org needed a nimble technology partner to meet the size and scope of its imminent expansion, and Bexel was the clear choice.

“In the past couple of years, we’ve been on a fast track to increase the number of remote locations and populate the globe with live nature cams,” said Jonathan Silvio, head of Online Services at explore.org. “When we discovered Bexel, we knew we’d found a partner to help us realise this vision.”

After a successful first deployment in northern Manitoba, where Bexel’s specialty low light optimised camera system captured stunning footage of the aurora borealis at night, Bexel has deployed custom-designed systems at nine other explore.org sites, with another 25 planned for 2017.

Designed to be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world, Bexel’s camera systems give explore.org’s volunteer remote operators the tools they need to provide viewers with an unprecedented glimpse into the natural world. Given the unique circumstances at each explore.org site, Bexel’s custom HD and 4K camera systems ensure that riveting, clear footage will be available in even the most extreme conditions.

“Whatever the location and the challenges it presents, we know we can count on Bexel to design a system that can continuously deliver consistently high quality video and audio,” noted Silvio. “It’s the advantage of partnering with a company whose video and audio expertise spans decades with media customers around the globe.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with explore.org and help give people who might never otherwise have the opportunity see sharks in the wild or bald eagles hatching,” said Jeffrey Brown, strategic account manager at Bexel. “We’re privileged to partner with explore.org as it continues bring a greater appreciation of the natural world to people everywhere.”