JVC KY-PZ510WU PTZ Camera
A new survey says nearly 80-percent of all U.S. churches reporting that they are using PTZ cameras during recent services and/or events, making PTZs now an industry standard. But, in the same way that not every camera is built the same, not all are ideal for house of worship applications.
JVC Professional Video worked with Church Production to survey AV techs at churches across America regarding the use of PTZ cameras, and the findings were enlightening.
“Nearly 50-percent of those who completed the survey reported that they were utilizing PTZs that were less than three years old, while 36-percent said they would likely not purchase the same brand again. We are happy to note that JVC was not among the listed brands,” JVC’s announcement states.
After reviewing the results of the survey, here’s a recap of the features most requested, valued or required by the house of worship community and which JVC cameras meet those needs according to the manufacturer.
Favorite PTZ Features
When asked to describe their most favorite feature or capability of PTZ cameras, most church AV techs noted single-operator, remote-control capabilities via the internet as being the top consideration.
“With a wide range of PTZ options now available in the JVC product library, the remote-control functions are endless. From the enhanced Smart auto-tracking in the KY-PZ510 to the 40x zoom capabilities of JVC’s latest PTZ, the KY-PZ540, there are features to suit every need,” the announcement continues.
JVC’s KY-PZ510 inputs include: HDMI,3G-SDI, RS-485, RS-232, USB, POE+/ Ethernet.
All JVC PTZ cameras can be operated via PoE(+) and controlled via IP, with select models incorporating NDI and SRT connectivity. All JVC PTZ cameras can be controlled remotely via the included IR remote, RS-232 and RS-485 connection for standard and Pelco-D protocols, and via IP for SRT, RTMP, RTMPS and RTSP, with optional NDI support in some models. JVC’s KY-PZ510 inputs include: HDMI,3G-SDI, RS-485, RS-232, USB, POE+/ Ethernet.
The RM-LP100 controller can operate up to 100 cameras each with up to 100 presets.
JVC also provides remote control panel options, like the RM-LP5G that can simultaneously manage five cameras, as well as controllers, such as the RM-LP100, which can control up to 100 cameras each with up to 100 individual preset positions, including brightness and color settings. The RMLP100 is ergonomically designed for precise manual operation with adjustable transition speed and multiple switch options.
Like other JVC PTZ camera features, the Smart Auto Tracking can be set, stored and recalled to operate each time the camera is turned on, without human intervention.
Another benefit of the remote control and auto-tracking capabilities of the JVC PTZ cameras is the ability to place the cameras in spaces that human operators cannot access. With standard ¼″-20 camera tripod screw hole in the base, included ceiling mount plate and optional wall mount plate in each JVZ PTZ, churches can add these solutions to anywhere in the venue without risking damaging or infringing on existing architecture.
Other Considerations
Following the remote capabilities, church representatives said ease of use was among the most preferred features of a PTZ camera.
“At JVC, our user interface makes it easy to setup the PTZ cameras and determine the best presets, which can be stored and recalled remotely as well. NDIsupported models provide the ideal combination of easy integration, configuration and operation, all via IP ethernet. This means that all JVC cameras and switchers can be set up from any location with an IP connection, which speeds up the installation process and decreases downtime,” the release reports.
JVC also provides a range of customer support documents online including quick start-up guides, online videos and a “PTZ Peace of Mind” support team to help with the integration and operation of cameras.
“The in-warranty program unmatched by any others in the industry. Should the unlikely event your camera fails during the warranty period, JVC will send you an advance replacement within 48–72 hours. JVC’s PTZ Peace of Mind is a warranty program unmatched by any others in the industry,” JVC’s report continues.
Other survey respondents also reported the cameras’ image clarity and ability to zoom in closely as ideal for their application.
“While all JVC PTZ cameras offer pristine video (thanks to the integrated NDI and SRT functions), the brand’s latest KY-PZ540 PTZ provides an astounding 40x zoom in full resolution HD. JVC also offers a range of other optical zoom options to meet the requirements of any setting,” the release says.
Finding Answers to the Most Requested Needs
As with most devices these days, technology is always evolving — and manufacturers must continually deliver solutions that can take users into the future. That’s why, in addition to asking church techs what they love about PTZs, JVC also inquired about what they would like to see added to their solutions.
Interestingly, despite the small form factor of PTZ cameras in general, one piece of feedback received was the desire for lighter solutions. At JVC, all PTZ models weigh less than four pounds, including the KY-PZ400 4K PTZ cameras. JVC’s KY-PZ540 features: 40x zoom in HD, NDI, Advanced Auto Tracking and 4K 60p.
Church techs also expressed their desire for quieter, more human-like pan, tilt, zoom capabilities and easier transitions between camera presets. The JVC KY-PZ100 PTZ cameras feature a quiet, direct drive mechanism for smooth operation used in combination with the RM-LP100. This panel is designed for precise manual operation with adjustable transition speed, multiple switch options and ergonomic design, with a maximum pan speed of 480 degrees per second and maximum tilt speed of 300 degrees per second. It is intended for use with switchers and controllers, such as the KM-IP Series switchers, which provide sophisticated transitions and graphics, ensuring broadcast-caliber productions. JVC’s KY-PZ510 offers an ultra-wide angle with an 80-degree field of view, 4K60p streaming and advanced auto-tracking at an unexpected price point.
Broadcast Friendliness
JVC KY-PZ510NBU PTZ Camera
While most churches don’t air services on linear TV, many stream to the web and social media platforms — the number of which increases each year. As such, it came as no surprise that church techs want high-quality video capabilities that match the imagery of the devices on which the services will stream. Since they are designed to work in conjunction with broadcast and handheld cameras, JVC’s PTZs are built to support professional application specifications, with features such as colorimetry and autofocus.
For recording applications, all JVC PTZ cameras have SDI, HDMI and IP output capability, as well as USB Video Class support on select models. Additionally, 4K imagery is available with the KY-PZ400, KY-PZ510 and KY-PZ540 models.
In the same vein as the broadcast-quality video, church techs also noted the desire for improved white balance and autofocus features, something that would not be an issue with JVC cameras, which have automatic white balance and manual tuning options for red and blue gain components, that can be stored manually on each camera. Additionally, JVC’s Smart auto-tracking functionality, along with the automatic and manual options for gain, shutter and iris adjustments, ensure that all focus and capture elements are properly addressed.
Affordability
Finally, the last (and for many most important) feature that church techs look for in a PTZ camera is cost. With tighter budgets, house of worship teams need to ensure they can do more with less. To address this, JVC has a wide range of PTZ camera offerings for various budgets, and attractive promotional offerings are also available throughout the year.
If you are interested in learning more about JVC PTZ cameras, switchers and controllers, visit: https://www.jvc.com/usa/pro/professional-video/#ptz-cameras.
