Pokercaster Automate Studio Production with the ATLAS Slider Systems

Merit Royal Premium is a five-star luxury hotel with over 400 elegant rooms, world-class amenities, and a vibrant casino set against the stunning backdrop of Northern Cyprus. It is a prestigious setting for a top-tier poker studio—Onyx Club—capable of hosting VIP events and attracting the world’s most elite players seeking comfort and entertainment.

When Pokercaster was commissioned to create a poker studio at the five-star Merit Royal Premium in Northern Cyprus, the goals were clear: the ability to stream in high-quality 4K and to utilise the best technology to automate as many production elements as possible.

Within a tight five-month delivery deadline, Pokercaster created a state-of-the-art studio that now hosts high-stakes cash games and tournaments, including the recent Super High Roller Bowl with a €300,000 buy-in.

The project faced various challenges that were overcome through effective planning and strong teamwork. Since Northern Cyprus does not stock professional production gear locally, all materials had to be transported in two trucks. This meant accurate planning and timing were critical. Precise calculations ensured every piece of equipment, from cameras to cable management, was meticulously mapped out. It was vital, therefore, that the advanced robotics system installed within this studio would seamlessly integrate with this setup and could be delivered within the tight timeframe.

Pokercaster selected Slidekamera by MRMC for their reliable automation and integration features and ability to deliver a custom solution on a strict timeline. They implemented automated camera movement and achieved a streamlined workflow using the ATLAS Slider paired with a robotic Monohead. The setup features an underslung 3m Atlas slider and two 2m Atlas sliders with custom curved rail, each with a Sony FR7 PTZ camera mounted on a Monohead. All of the sliders are controlled using the Kairos panel and Slideye Software.

The scope of work went far beyond the technology itself. Arriving at an empty space, Pokercaster’s team created a turnkey poker studio from scratch, overseeing everything from the wooden decor and interior design to comprehensive cable management and the fully integrated Slidekamera motion-control systems. Additionally, several elements such as 4K streaming using Sony FR7, Arri lights, Sennheiser audio, LAN cables, Grass Lite and Blackmagic streaming technologies were integrated into this setup for smooth, hassle-free performance.

After the initial setup, the team spent two months automating the production space with pre-set lighting schemes, configurable table colours, and scene transitions. The Atlas sliders integrate within this set-up, using pre-sets for designed moves, all pre-programmed according to the type of shot being captured. This automated workflow allows different configurations to be recalled across the entire system at the touch of a button. This greatly simplifies production and reduces the need for multiple operators. The workflow also streamlines processes that cut daily production costs while maintaining the top-tier 4K broadcasts. Combined with cinematic lighting and superior audio, this production cements Onyx Club’s reputation for hosting first-class events.

Onyx Club at Merit Royal Premium quickly established itself as the ultimate venue for exclusive high-stakes cash games and VIP poker tournaments, showcased during the Super High Roller Bowl that drew some of the biggest names in poker.

The Merit Diamond Resort Poker Studio demonstrates how advanced automation and innovative production design can transform an empty space into a high-profile poker destination. By integrating and automating the Sliderkamera by MRMC Atlas Slider with camera operations, lighting, and set transitions and top-tier 4K technology, Pokercaster produced a streamlined, cost-effective, and remarkably flexible studio—worthy of hosting the biggest cash games and tournaments in the poker world.