WITH BUDGETS AND CREW SIZES SHRINKING THE NEED FOR REMOTE MONITORING HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.
In addition to using PPE, a major way to minimize the spread of COVID on set is to minimize the number of people on set. Typically the first people to go are agency, client folks, and in some rare cases the Director. We now have the ability to send a camera’s feed over a network right to their couch at home in real-time. We will outline the tools we offer that make remote monitoring possible.
TERADEK CUBE
HIGHEST QUALITY AND MOST SECURE
Let’s start with the Teradek Cube. The Cube 755 looks like a traditional Bolt transmitter with the unique ability to join wired or wireless networks. The Cube is the highest quality and most secure option for remote monitoring. Teradek’s CORE cloud service offers encrypted and secure video transmission for shoots that require more security than Youtube or Zoom. In comparison to the other hardware options i’ve outlined below it is the only option that does not require a separate computer for device control. Once the Cube and a smart phone are connected to the same network the Cube can be configured from a simple browser window.
NETWORK COMPATIBILITY
The Cube can join wireless networks right from the on-board screen. I found the process to be surprisingly simple. It also has an ethernet port for connection directly from a router or modem. For remote locations without traditional internet the cube could connect to a smart phone’s mobile hotspot. 4G LTE is roughly 5-12 Mbps and a 1080p compressed stream is roughly 4Mbps.
CORE CLOUD TV
Think of CORE like Teradek’s own Youtube service. It is providing the service of taking your video feed and displaying it for your client on a website. However that service comes at a price. Currently there are no day-based payment options, only on-demand data usage. You can use this calculator to estimate how much it will cost your production to use CORE. There are other limitations. Currently, a video feed from CORE can only be viewed on a CORE TV app via iPhone, iPad, or mac with the latest OS. There is no Windows or browser-based support.
CUBE DECODER
In the Cube family there is an encoder and a decoder or simply a transmitter and receiver. Once the two are paired, the decoder can accept a signal from an encoder on the other side of the world and then output the signal to a high quality production monitor. Both the encoder and decoder have 1/8” headphone jacks that enable 2-way audio communication when using headphones with a built-in microphone. This enables the camera operator to communicate with the remote viewer.
In conclusion, the Cube is a powerful tool but could be difficult for the average user to set up and configure. If you have ever gone through the process of pairing Teradek Bolts you will be comfortable configuring the Cube. The fact that there is no Windows support could be a deal breaker for a lot of corporate users relying on Windows OS.
ATEM MINI PRO
BEST OPTION FOR HDMI CAMERAS IN A STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
The Atem Mini Pro is a small, affordable, HDMI switcher. It accepts up to four HDMI inputs and connects to a computer with a single USB cable. You can switch between the different camera angles by pressing the buttons on the control device. You can even add effects or transitions. The video feed can then be streamed to a number of video-sharing platforms like Youtube or Facebook.
CONTROL PANEL
The buttons on the Atem Mini Pro are tactile and quick to respond. There is no power button. You plug in power and USB and it’s instantly recognized by the control software on the computer.
POCKET CAMERA INTEGRATION
When you combine the 4k or 6k pocket cameras with the Atem Mini the user can control focus, iris, zoom, and basic camera functions all from a single HDMI cable. In addition the tally light on the camera will be illuminated when the signal is switched to that camera.
YOUTUBE LIVE
Inside the Atem control software you can configure a Youtube livestream to share your video. You have the option to make your video public, unlisted, or private. Private videos are hidden and viewers can only be invited with a google account. Unlisted videos can be accessed by anyone with the unique URL. Be sure to leave the description and title blank as these fields can be found in public Youtube search. Unlisted videos also show up in public playlists if they are added.
TERADEK BOLT WEBCAM
THE EASIEST WAY TO INTEGRATE ANY CAMERA’S FEED INTO ZOOM
This is not a feature advertised by Teradek but is extremely useful especially since most productions already utilize Bolt receivers on set. Any Bolt receiver with a USB 3.0 Micro-B jack can turn the receiving feed into a webcam that can be used in countless video conferencing apps.
ZOOM
Once logged in to a zoom conference the user has the ability to change their camera from the front facing camera to “BOLT” in the video settings. The feed then becomes one of the boxes that others can see in the meeting.
AUDIO INTEGRATION
Audio is the tricky part. Due to a weird feedback loop you can’t use the embedded sound from the Teradek RX. Best practice is to add another ‘person’ to the meeting like an ipad or laptop and run a mixed audio feed to that device. Then choose the input under audio settings. Now everyone can hear audio from the camera or mixer. I find it helpful to use this second iPad or computer as a wide “set camera”.
MULTI-CAMERA INTEGRATION
Having multiple cameras on set can also make things tricky. Instead of having four separate computer stations I suggest using a Odyssey 7q as an SDI switcher that runs to the Teradek TX. You could then see a Quad screen or individual cameras in one Zoom box.
DSLR WEBCAM
This is a quick way to increase the quality of a webcam with only a DSLR. Most new DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras with USB 3.0 support this function with a simple software download.
HIGHER RESOLUTION
The benefit of using a DSLR over the computer’s webcam is the increased resolution and lower noise floor. Typical webcams are low quality, low resolution, and do not hold up well in low light.
SOFT BACKGROUNDS
Because webcams have a tiny sensor and slow lens everything in the picture is in focus. By using a DSLR you can achieve nice, soft, backgrounds and blur out that dirty laundry pile.
REMOTE SCOUT
You could even use the DSLR for a remote scout to help your client visualize the location and framing before a shoot.
CONCLUSION
Sending a video signal from a camera to someone in another part of the world is not a straight forward process but it will only get easier as new tech emerges. I will keep this page updated as we integrate more options.