Ncam introduces ‘milestone’ camera bar and server

The Mk2 camera bar weighs a fraction of its predecessor

Ncam has released the 2020.2 Mk2 Camera Bar and Mk2 Server, a launch that it describes as a major milestone for the company.

The Camera Bar weighs only 288 grams, a kilo less than its predecessor and comes with built-in wifi which allows devices to access and control Ncam with increased flexibility.

The company has combined PTZ, studio and event into one limitless license, providing unlimited tracking on any camera, with any lens, on any rig, anywhere, the company said.

Ncam has chosen Intel RealSense technology as the basis for its next-generation products. The amalgamation of RealSense technology with Ncam’s software and industry knowledge allows the company to manufacture a smaller, lighter, more robust product to achieve accurate and flexible camera tracking.

The RealSense platform is also said to strengthen Ncam’s position not only for today, but importantly future-proofs its offerings for years to come.

The new Mk.2 compact server is said to provide a huge leap forward in remote operations, enabling wireless transmission of tracking data and remote connectivity from any device.

By connecting to the server over VPN or it’s wifi network, users can simply control the Ncam 2020 software from any web browser on their device, whether that be a tablet, phone, laptop or workstation. The whole system can be deployed and operated from the point of the camera which brings unparalleled flexibility to the user.

In a remote production scenario, the render platform would be located at the Broadcast Centre, whilst the camera, Ncam Mk2 bar and Mk2 server remain at the outside broadcast.

The company said: “With our new simplified UI and other improvements, we foresee less requirement for a specialist operator at the OB; the bar and server can be rigged by the camera operator. A user such as a graphics operator located at the Broadcast Centre will connect and operate the software. Bandwidth requirements for the tracking data are now just a few Kb so can be returned from the camera position to OB facility over ethernet cable, wifi or potentially over RF link.

“Technically it is crucial that the tracking data and video remain in synchronisation when transmitted across the contribution network and there are various ways to achieve this.”