Broadcast Blog

Keeping it Natural

With the pandemic expediting remote workflows, interest for camera robotics technology is growing very rapidly. The use cases for robotics across outside broadcast, studios, and even in houses of worship applications are growing, and so is the confidence and understanding in how robotics fit into the bigger picture. Broadcasters and AV professionals worldwide are constantly looking for creative new ways to boost productivity and provide the best production value possible within a given budget/time frame.   

With the pandemic expediting remote workflows, interest for camera robotics technology is growing very rapidly. The use cases for robotics across outside broadcast, studios, and even in houses of worship applications are growing, and so is the confidence and understanding in how robotics fit into the bigger picture. Broadcasters and AV professionals worldwide are constantly looking for creative new ways to boost productivity and provide the best production value possible within a given budget/time frame.   

A SHIFT IN THINKING

Building camera robotics into your production requires a shift in thinking about one-to-one camera operation, to one-to-many. Driven by smart programming, all the operator has to do is select a shot or start a sequence with a single touch. It could seem that the work is “done for them”, but no amount of automated smart camera moves can replace the creativity that crew inject when it comes to designing the shot.

In fact, streaming workflows with robotics allows camera operators and production teams to think more creatively about the camera angles and variety of shots they could capture.  

From the AFC 100 head used for multi-camera house of worship productions, to capturing highly dynamic shots with PTZs for conference streaming and allowing sports broadcast to capture additional camera positions of players to support localised content delivery, our robotics, control and automation software solutions really can allow you to reach your production potential. 

“The single-user MHC and joystick controller setup used by our camera operators is incredibly user-friendly and works well with our dual remote cameras. It has given the operators improved control over their live moves, and produces smooth camera movements.” 

Ron Krause – Technical Director

Grace Church house of worship.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR STUDIO ROBOTICS

The ability to provide complex multi-axis camera motion, repeatable time and time again with complete accuracy, is central to MRMC’s products and services. While MRMC offers high-end studio robotics for tier one sports and news production, many of the ‘every-day’ pan/tilt heads are used to support ‘low-budget’ TV programming, to help them achieve just the opposite look and feel within their productions.  

Often cost-effective when compared to traditional studio camera systems, combining the right range of robotics kit means that shows can be set up in advance with minimal repositioning, with high-resolution encoder feedback to create an impressive range of repeatable motion, as used throughout the London Live studio.  

MRMCs open integration also means that the studio can make the most of their existing production cameras and graphics systems. 

“By carefully selecting modular components from various open-architecture inclined venders, London Live not only kept costs low, but ensured a platform of potential innovation. Such an approach produced a 700% saving in technology and operating overheads when compared to an equivalent large network news studio.” – Paddy Taylor – Head of Broadcast, MRMC.

With over 50 year’s working in leading-class motion control and studio robotics, no other leader in the industry is able to deliver such high-quality movement to the broadcast market.  This philosophy extends across our whole range and we offer a variety of control options depending on whether you wish to use studio automation to control the broadcast or manual operators.  

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