TVU adds subject-tracking functionality to TVU Anywhere

TVU Networks’ TVU Anywhere now offers integrated support for Center Stage, a new iPad Pro (M1 Chip models) feature that automates subject tracking, eliminating the need for a camera operator in many situations.

The integration of Center Stage frees the reporter or anchor using TVU Anywhere from the constraints of holding a fixed position, using AI to automatically recognise the subject and tracking her as she moves. Also, as additional subjects enter the shot, such as an interviewee, the camera will automatically zoom out to capture the additional subject and then zoom back in again once the interview is complete. Center Stage is fully integrated with TVU Anywhere via API, so no external controls are required.

TVU Anywhere is an app that turns any smartphone or tablet into a production camera, leveraging the universal availability of these devices to provide ‘on-air in an instant’ convenience. Already in use by large media organisations around the globe, it has a wide range of capabilities such as dual-camera support, facial skin smoothing, remote pan-zoom and other camera settings that enable home, remote or field-based professionals to deliver high-quality content using their mobile devices.

“TVU is focused on empowering our customers to take advantage of all the increasing power of phones and tablets, using these commonly available tools to deliver the highest-grade solutions for everyone from large broadcasters to home content creators. As consumer technology reduces the gap of quality and functionality between prosumer and professional workflows, our goal is to quickly integrate every meaningful functionality into our solutions that utilise these devices,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “TVU Anywhere usage soared by over 900% in 2020 and we expect continued growth beyond the pandemic. Our commitment is to give customers options to do with mobile devices what used to be reserved for only high-end, purpose-built broadcast technologies.”

TVU Anywhere can deliver a full HD transmission from phones, tablets and other mobile devices with latency as low as a half-second. With TVU’s Inverse StatMux Plus (IS+) technology, it aggregates cellular with WiFi connections to provide reliable video transmissions. In addition to bidirectional IFB, TVU Anywhere features dual camera technology for simultaneous broadcast from front and rear cameras in a picture-in-picture or split-screen option. It also offers a video return feed feature for confidence monitoring.