These days, the question is not if you want to stream, but more likely, in what mode you want to stream. JVC has been in the streaming business for over a decade, and the JVC KY-PZ400N carries on that great tradition.
As many of you already know, JVC has a great lineup of cameras (and controllers), and I have reviewed many of them over time. The company’s Connected Cam family, in particular, always seems to be growing. So if you’re planning to start or increase your use of PTZ cameras, you should certainly take a long look at the JVC 4K KY-PZ400N paired with the JVC RM-LP100U Remote Camera Controller. For me, this combo needs to be in the mix for houses of worship and other organizations that want to up their production game in a big way.
To start, here are some of the basics and why I think you should take a serious look at this camera.
Smart Design
Good product design is often a result of a lot of smart people putting their heads together to deliver both functionality and outstanding performance. With the JVC KY-PZ400N (from $2,399), you definitely get both.
The 4K image quality of the JVC KY-PZ400N was outstanding. It was easy to set up, easy to operate and, for the money, just spot on.
Let’s start with the functionality. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the overall build characteristics: sturdy and almost stout. But the design itself was, in a word, slick. With the mounting plate included, the physical installation can be done by anyone who can follow the supplied directions. Power is supplied via a 12V power supply or your LAN via Power over Ethernet (PoE) if your network supports that. From there, the camera will find your network for you. It was fun (yes, fun) to watch the JVC KY-PZ400N roll through and orient itself when it’s first powered up.
The JVC 4K KY-PZ400NW/NB PTZ Cameras offer multiple video output options, including HDMI, 3G-SDI, NDI|HX, and IP streaming.
JVC didn’t skimp on the back panel either. We have so many choices! As mentioned, it has a DC 12V in, 3.5mm audio in/out LAN, USB2.0, RS485, 3G-SDI, RS 232 in/out and HDMI, which I used for confidence monitoring. Also, on the back panel is a restore function, which I hope you will never need to use. But hey, it is video production, so you never know.
Speaking of functionality, let's say you are just getting your legs under you when it comes to PTZ cameras or production in general; or maybe you are initially unsure of your camera placements; or you aren’t quite ready to get a controller like the JVC RM-LP100U (from $1,795). Don’t worry. You’ll be OK for now because the supplied remote from JVC is fantastic. All the controls you need to get started with are literally at your fingertips without the need for an external controller.
Reaching Your Audience, No Matter Where They Are
JVC has been in the streaming business for over a decade, and the JVC KY-PZ400N carries on that great tradition. These days, the question is not if you want to stream, but more likely, in what mode you want to stream. JVC makes it easy, giving you both SRT and NDI possibilities. So, you don’t have to get “stuck” picking one or the other as your only choice. Each is an excellent choice for getting the signal out to its final destination. You can pick whatever works best for you. In my first test, I took the JVC KY-PZ400N via LAN and a passive switch to the JVC RM-LP100U Remote Camera Controller. Yes, very basic, but I got a really solid image in awesome 4K. It looked fantastic.
My JVC PZ400N Installation Right Now
If you asked me, after spending just a few hours with the JVC 4K KY-PZ400N, could I do an install today, my answer would be, “Absolutely.” A two- or three-camera system would be easy. But we always want more cameras, don’t we?
People ask me all the time about installs and proper camera placements, so here we go. To begin, four JVC 4K KY-PZ400N PTZ cameras would provide a great start for most churches. Of course, the physical size of the church and the complexity of your production would determine how many cameras you need. But I would mount one up high at the back of the house, two towards the middle of the house, and one placed in such a way that you can face back toward the congregation.
It is also important that you develop some very good PTZ remote-control operators. Yes, plural. Because just as with your manned cameras, you need a variety of people who can run the PTZ controller, and not all your staff or volunteers will be available every week. I also recommend you spend time in the pre-service rehearsals blocking (planning) the service and saving your preset shots.
One person can control up to 99 cameras, and they don’t even need to be in the building. The director can do it all remotely, if needed.
But if four PTZ’s aren’t enough, remember, with JVC and the Connected Cam family, you can still have live operators on your main manned broadcast cameras if you want, and run all the cameras out to a separate switcher timed up with VITC and NTP. Again, the ability and new flexibility to grow as your needs grow is going to be a game changer.
The Tech Specs
I know you want great tech specs. Who doesn’t? The JVC 4K KY-PZ400N PTZ delivers. Check out these bad boys:
- UHD 4K resolutions up to 2160p30, HD up to 1080p60
- 1/2.5-inch HD CMOS sensor
- 12x optical zoom lens with 16x digital zoom with a 71-degree wide field of view
- Multiple video output options, including HDMI, 3G-SDI, NDI|HX, and IP streaming
- Seamless fit into your NDI network and communication with other NDI applications and hardware using the high-compression, high-quality NDI|HX protocol
- H.264/H.265 compression and transmission of IP video streams using SRT, RTSP, RTMP, and HTTP protocols
- Set the camera to rapidly move between positions using IP RS-485 or RS-232 control with separately available serial controllers, or you can utilize the included IR remote control
- 3.5mm analog line audio input and output
- Support for multi-camera productions with VITC and NTP synchronization, for event production support that requires timecode and real-time clock sync
More Icing On the Cake – the JVC RM-LP100U Remote PTZ Camera Controller
I got so excited about the KY-PZ400N PTZs, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the controller JVC sent with the cameras for testing. Using the JVC RM-LP100U Remote PTZ Camera Controller, you could control up to 99 cameras using your IP network. This compact controller enables you to configure camera groups, presets, PTZ speed, and CCUs within your church control room or from anywhere in the world via the internet. In addition, a big and bright seven-inch touchscreen panel gives you a clean visual of camera settings, such as white balance, shading, iris, recording, and streaming functions.
The RM-LP100U's heavy-duty joystick and zoom provide very smooth and precise PTZ camera movements. I was able to keep my mental focus on getting the shot and not on my camera movement. Additional features include tally control, user-assignable keys, and a focus dial with a push-auto function.
In a nutshell: the JVC RM-LP100U Remote PTZ Camera Controller alone is a powerful production tool.
New Tricks for an Old Production Dog – The Big Finish
Who says an old(er) production dog can’t gain a new perspective on best production practices? The JVC KY-PZ400N cameras and the RM-LP100U controller made me stop and re-evaluate video production, not only for houses of worship but for many other production environments (sports, education, etc.). Prior to this, I had a preconceived notion that most, if not all, productions required manned camera operators—even if they were operating PTZ’s with a remote controller. However, the incredible advances in remote production and PTZ capabilities have kicked that whole idea right to the curb. With preset shots, transitions, and automation, you could program your service to improve your production quality and require less manpower to do it.
Is there a downside? None that I can point out. Maybe an extra bit of patience for yourself, the staff, and the volunteers to learn the new workflow. Also, I would do as much testing of all the cameras, shot selection, and transitions as possible. I might even suggest a service or two before you “go live,” as a shakedown cruise of sorts.
How’s It look?
The 4K image quality of the JVC KY-PZ400N was outstanding. It was easy to set up, easy to operate and, for the money, just spot on. I also thought the remotes that come with the cameras were great, although I would be the first to admit I need more practice if I want to go manual and not live on the presets. Adding the RM-LP100U controller offers much more tactical control of the camera shots and faster access to your shading, iris control, etc.
From the practical side? No limits here. I won’t need to recruit and train camera operators for every position, every Sunday, and hope they will make it. One person can control up to 99 cameras, and they don’t even need to be in the building. The director can do it all remotely, if needed.
Lastly, when you are ready to go, you can take your whole (polished) service and ministry live in 4K via NDI/HX or SRT across an IP network you probably already have in place.
The future with JVC PTZ’s is already here. Are you ready? This director sure is.
