Hive-Linked Firmware: Cloud-Based Camera Control Anywhere

The highlight of this year’s release cycle is the official launch of Hive-Linked firmware, starting with the Move 4K series. This new firmware enables any PTZOptics camera to be linked once to a PTZOptics Hive Cloud Studio, making it accessible from anywhere—without the need for a static IP or traditional networking setup.

Key Features:

• Plug-and-play remote camera control over the internet
• Compatible with bonded cellular routers (we tested it—no Ethernet or Wi-Fi needed!)
• Ideal for sports, entertainment, education, and event production
• Move SE series will be Hive-enabled soon

If you’re exploring remote production workflows, this is a can’t-miss update.

Voice-Tracking (Beta): Camera Follows Your Voice

PTZOptics is also debuting a beta release of its new Voice-Tracking technology for the Move 4K and Link 4K camera lines.

Using advanced beam-forming algorithms, this system detects the direction of a speaker’s voice and automatically pans, tilts, and zooms the camera to keep them in frame—no operator required.

Compatible Microphones:

• Shure MXA920
• Sennheiser TeamConnect2 Ceiling
• Yamaha RM-CG
• Nureva HDL410
• Televic Confero

This is an ideal solution for lecture capture, corporate boardrooms, and hybrid meeting spaces where voice-activated camera work elevates the viewing experience.

SimplTrack 3: Next-Gen Auto-Tracking with Intelligent Zones

Also debuting at InfoComm is the long-anticipated SimplTrack 3—our most advanced auto-tracking camera yet.

What Sets It Apart:

• Dual-sensor system: One lens tracks, the other defines zones
• Hold Zones: When a speaker walks into a designated zone (e.g., in front of a whiteboard), the camera stops tracking and maintains a perfect frame
• The speaker can move freely within this zone
• Once they exit, the camera automatically resumes tracking

This feature is perfect for capturing educational lectures, training sessions, and worship services, where structured movement often happens in specific locations.

See It All in Action

At the PTZOptics InfoComm booth, you’ll be able to see:

• Live Hive-Linked camera demos over bonded cellular
• Voice-Tracking and ceiling mic integrations
• Zone-based auto-tracking with the SimplTrack 3
• Use cases across education, corporate AV, sports, and houses of worship

We’ll also be showcasing integrations with Hive, NDI, and top industry partners for complete end-to-end production solutions.

Visit PTZOptics at InfoComm 2025

Come meet the team, explore the latest innovations, and get hands-on with PTZOptics solutions that are redefining what’s possible in video production.

InfoComm 2025
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Follow along on socials with #PTZOptics and #InfoComm2025

The post 🎥 What to See from PTZOptics at InfoComm 2025 appeared first on PTZOptics.

Smarter Quality Control with AI: PTZOptics + Detect-IT Demo from Automate 2025

At Automate 2025, we shared a look at how manufacturers can streamline their quality control process using an AI inspection camera system powered by PTZOptics and Detect-IT. The goal is simple: give factory teams better tools to inspect parts, document compliance, and scale inspection processes—without complex programming or expensive infrastructure.

This system combines two powerful technologies:

• PTZOptics cameras that offer flexible, precise visual coverage of your production line

• Detect-IT, a no-code AI vision platform designed for fast deployment and intuitive defect detection

Let’s walk through how it works and why it matters.

Visual Inspection That Scales

Many modern factories have hundreds of cameras installed across their production lines. Fixed cameras serve a purpose—but PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras introduce new flexibility. A single PTZOptics camera can store up to 255 preset positions, meaning it can quickly move from one inspection area to another using a programmed “flight path” or PTZ Preset Tour.

This is a huge cost-saver: instead of installing multiple static cameras, manufacturers can use one PTZ camera to cycle through dozens of checkpoints. While it’s true that a PTZ camera can’t provide simultaneous views, the tradeoff is in cycle time—the speed at which the camera returns to each preset. For many workflows where parts need to be inspected every few seconds or minutes, this is more than sufficient.

Of course, in ultra-fast environments, it may still make sense to use fixed cameras alongside PTZ cameras to balance coverage and speed.

No-Code AI for Everyone

What really sets this solution apart is the Detect-IT platform. You don’t need to be an AI engineer to use it. Detect-IT is designed for manufacturers, QA teams, and integrators to:

• Upload sample images of their products

• Label defects and pass/fail conditions

• Train a computer vision model in a few clicks

• Deploy it live on the production line for real-time detections

No programming. No expensive consultants. Just results.

Built-In Compliance with Evidence Builder

Beyond real-time defect detection, Detect-IT also helps with compliance tracking—a growing need in global manufacturing.

The platform includes a tool called Evidence Builder, which automatically compiles the results of each inspection into a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). These CoCs can be exported as PDFs and include:

• Timestamped inspection results

• Photos (and optionally videos)

• Operator IDs and part IDs

• Integration into factory MES systems

This is especially valuable in regions like the European Union, where new laws now require proof of sourcing and production. Even though the U.S. tends to adopt these types of regulations later, forward-thinking manufacturers are already leveraging this capability to save time, reduce errors, and maintain traceable records across all production steps.

Scalable Across the Floor

Detect-IT supports deployments of up to 25 PTZ cameras per system, making it ideal for factories looking to scale without adding a large IT burden. Each camera can be configured independently or in coordination, using Detect-IT’s central dashboard to manage all detections, alerts, and logs.

Whether you’re running a small pilot line or a full-scale facility, this solution grows with you.

What You’ll See in the Live Demo

Filmed on-site at Automate 2025, our demo highlights:

• Live inspection of manufactured parts using AI

• PTZ camera coverage of dynamic inspection zones

• How to train and deploy a detection model

• Real-time alerts and data collection

• Overview of Evidence Builder and automated documentation

Watch the full demo and explore how this practical AI inspection system can make your factory more efficient and compliant.

The post AI Camera Inspection System appeared first on PTZOptics.

Projected AI: Real-Time Detections and Assembly Instructions – Live from Automate 2025

The future of industrial automation has arrived—and it’s being projected in real time.

At Automate 2025, PTZOptics and Detect-IT showcased a cutting-edge solution that combines AI-powered computer vision, projection mapping, and robotic camera control to transform traditional manufacturing workflows. The result? Projected AI—a system that visually guides operators with live overlays, ensuring precise part assembly and streamlined quality control.

What Is Projected AI?

Projected AI uses a pair of intelligent PTZ cameras to identify, analyze, and project information directly onto manufactured parts:

• Camera 1: Scans and identifies parts as they arrive on the assembly line, tracking position and orientation.

• Camera 2: Zooms in for detailed inspections, analyzing key features and confirming visual accuracy using Detect-IT’s computer vision software.

These cameras work together to drive a projector system that overlays live instructions and detection boxes directly on the part itself—not just on a monitor. The operator sees what to do, where to look, and what’s wrong (if anything) in real time, right on the object.

How It Works

• Detection & Orientation
  The first PTZ camera, mounted above the production area, identifies incoming parts and determines how they’re positioned.

• Precision Analysis
  A second PTZ camera zooms into specific regions of interest, enabling high-resolution inspections or verifications (e.g., checking for missing components or misalignments).

• Visual Overlay
  A projector, linked to the AI system, casts detection boxes, arrows, alerts, or step-by-step instructions onto the actual part—not a screen—guiding human operators in real time.

• Live Feedback
  Operators receive instant visual cues that help them complete tasks correctly, reducing cognitive load and increasing throughput.

Why It Matters

In high-mix, low-volume environments—or anywhere where human-in-the-loop systems are essential—Projected AI offers major advantages:

• Reduced error rates

• Faster onboarding of new employees

• Consistent assembly processes

• Increased throughput and efficiency

• Scalability with up to 25 cameras per system

This isn’t just an inspection system—it’s a visual guidance solution designed for modern smart factories.

The Convergence of AI, Vision, and Projection

This demo captured a major trend shaping the future of manufacturing: the convergence of AI + Computer Vision + Projection Mapping. Together, these technologies create adaptive, intelligent environments where machines support human workers—not replace them.

By combining the mobility of PTZ cameras with the intelligence of Detect-IT’s software and the intuitiveness of real-world overlays, manufacturers can now deliver the right information at the right place, at the right time.

Get Started

Want to bring Projected AI to your facility?

• Download the Detect-IT Toolkit

• Submit a video of your product for a free proof of concept

• Learn more at ptzoptics.com/computer-vision

The post Projected AI appeared first on PTZOptics.

Manufacturing defects can be costly — not just in terms of money, but also in time and reputation. What if you could stop those issues before they ever left your factory? With the power of AI and computer vision, real-time quality control is more accessible than ever.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to set up a camera system to automatically detect defects on your production line using PTZOptics cameras and Detect-IT — a no-code software solution designed for manufacturers who want smarter quality control.

Step 1: Choose the Right Camera for Your Product

Before diving into the tech, start by understanding the size of the product you need to inspect. This determines which PTZOptics camera model is best for your workflow. A good rule of thumb: your product should fill 50–75% of the camera’s frame. This ensures your AI has the detail it needs for accurate detections.

Many manufacturers need to inspect small sub-assemblies within larger products. That’s where PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras shine — you can zoom into specific components, revealing enough detail for high-confidence detection.

A major advantage of PTZ cameras is their ability to recall saved PTZ Presets. These presets let you quickly switch between multiple inspection zones along your production line. Detect-IT supports preset recall, so your inspection workflow can include multiple angles and areas with the click of a button.

Use the PTZOptics Zoom Calculator to figure out the ideal camera distance for your setup. With optical zoom levels ranging from 12x to 30x, you can get up-close visuals from practically any position in your facility.

Need help getting started? Send us a sample video, and we’ll run a free proof-of-concept demo using Detect-IT on your actual workflow.

Step 2: Connect Your Camera for Test Footage

Once you’ve selected your camera, it’s time to install and connect it. PTZOptics cameras support Power over Ethernet (PoE), so with a single network cable, you get power, video, and control — simplifying installation.

Camera placement is key. Mount your camera using ceiling, wall, or pole mounts to get the best angle for visibility. If you can clearly see the part with your eye, the AI can detect it — it’s that simple.

To maintain consistency, install the camera in a fixed position. This ensures the AI is trained on the exact view it will analyze in real time. Once your camera is installed and connected to your network, install the Detect-IT software on your local machine or server and move on to the fun part.

Step 3: Train Your AI for Defect Detection

This is where your system becomes intelligent.

Record test footage of your production line and begin labeling examples of good products and defects. Detect-IT lets you train a custom neural network based on your specific products — no generic models here.

Labeling is fast and efficient thanks to Detect-IT’s automated labeling system. As your model learns, you can train and retrain it until it’s dialed in. You’re building a custom detection engine tailored to your manufacturing process.

Once trained, your AI model can interact with external systems via IP protocols and even trigger alerts or sort products based on visual inspection results.

Step 4: Deploy for Real-Time Defect Monitoring

With your model trained, it’s time to put it to work.

Using the Detect-IT Net Runner, your system can now provide real-time analysis of your production line, flagging defects and inconsistencies as they appear. PTZ camera presets make it easy to focus on critical inspection zones — whether it’s a DualLock fastener inside a door frame or a circuit board sub-assembly.

This real-time detection means:

• Fewer missed defects

• Reduced human error

• Higher consistency

• Actionable data for process improvements

Each deployment of Detect-IT can support multiple PTZOptics cameras (depending on your computing resources), allowing you to monitor an entire line — or multiple lines — from one centralized system.

Go Remote with PTZOptics Hive

Want remote visibility into your quality control process?

With PTZOptics Hive, you can monitor and manage all your cameras through the cloud. Whether you’re at another plant or halfway across the world, Hive lets you:

• View live camera feeds

• Adjust PTZ settings

• Manage presets and configurations

• Review inspection media — all through a secure browser-based interface

Scalable, flexible, and easy to manage, this is modern manufacturing at its best.

Ready to Get Started?

Bring AI-powered defect detection to your factory floor today.

Fill out the form below and let us build a proof-of-concept tailored to your needs. Just describe what you’re trying to detect, and we’ll handle the rest.

Prefer a live walkthrough? Schedule a demo and see how PTZOptics + Detect-IT can revolutionize your quality control process.

The post Detecting Manufacturing Defects with Computer Vision: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on PTZOptics.

Is your team live streaming on YouTube but not seeing any return? It’s time to turn your YouTube channel into more than just a platform—it can become your team’s biggest untapped revenue stream.

At PTZOptics, we work with teams across all levels—from high school to college—and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful YouTube can be when paired with the right gear and strategy. This blog will walk you through how to monetize your sports program using YouTube Channel Memberships and why it’s a game-changer for underfunded teams.

Why YouTube Memberships Matter for Sports Teams

Big sports like football and basketball often dominate the spotlight, but smaller programs like volleyball, wrestling, rugby, and swimming have something just as valuable—loyal fans.

YouTube Channel Memberships allow you to:

• Collect monthly revenue from fans, parents, and alumni

• Offer exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes footage or live stream access

• Build a community of supporters who actively invest in your team

Whether it’s $2.99 or $9.99 a month, those recurring payments add up—and go right back into funding gear, travel, and training.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you can turn on memberships, your channel must qualify for the YouTube Partner Program:

• 1,000 subscribers

• 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months

Pro Tip: While you’re building those numbers, stream your games for free and use that time to promote your channel and collect emails from fans and alumni using platforms like Mailchimp.

Tier Ideas to Maximize Revenue

Here’s a proven membership structure teams are using:

• Fan Supporter ($2.99/mo): Loyalty badges, chat emojis, and shoutouts

• Team Insider ($4.99/mo): Early access to videos, member-only posts

• All-Access Pass ($9.99/mo): Live streams, behind-the-scenes content, merch discounts

• Corporate Sponsor ($99/mo): Logo in live streams, shout-outs, video credits

• Top Donor ($250+/mo): All perks + meet-and-greets, signage, virtual events

Make Your Live Streams Worth Paying For

If you want fans to pay for access, quality matters. That’s where PTZOptics comes in.

With PTZOptics cameras and our Hive cloud-based control platform, teams can:

• Remotely control cameras from a laptop or tablet

• Use a single Ethernet cable for power, control, and video

• Easily assign student volunteers or coaches to operate the system

• Mount cameras discreetly in gyms, fields, or pools for high-quality coverage

And if your internet isn’t great—record the game and “premiere” it later on YouTube as if it were live.

Make Your YouTube Channel Shine

To build a community, your YouTube presence needs polish. You can:

• Hire a freelancer on Fiverr to brand your page with your logo and team photos

• Ask your school or league to list your team as a “Featured Channel”

• Promote your channel on social media and in email newsletters

Once your channel is eligible, just go to YouTube Studio → Earn → Memberships to launch your tiers and start building recurring revenue.

The Future Is Fan-Funded

Live streaming is no longer just a “nice to have.” It’s an opportunity to make your program sustainable.

Whether you coach a varsity team, advise a club program, or manage youth sports—now is the time to turn your video content into real value. With a clear strategy and the right tools, your YouTube channel can help fund your future.

Download our free guide to sports streaming below

The post How to Monetize Your Sports Team with YouTube Channel Memberships appeared first on PTZOptics.

Remote Production for Sports: Centralized, Simplified, and Scalable with PTZOptics Hive

In today’s fast-paced athletics world, the demands on video production are higher than ever. More games. More sports. More fields to cover. For athletic departments trying to keep up, it’s a growing challenge — and one that traditional video production methods simply can’t handle anymore.

The Challenge: Outdated, Exhausting Production Workflows

If you’re part of an athletics department, you know the routine: setting up cameras, dragging cables, hauling gear from one venue to another — every single day.
It’s exhausting. It’s expensive.
And frankly, it’s holding your program back.

The truth is, the old way of managing sports video production doesn’t scale. With the size and speed of today’s athletics programs, you need a smarter, more efficient solution.

The Solution: PTZOptics Hive — Built for the Future of Sports Production

That’s where PTZOptics Hive comes in.

With Hive, you can permanently install robotic PTZ cameras across your athletic venues — football fields, soccer pitches, basketball courts, volleyball gyms, and more.
Instead of moving equipment from game to game, your video production setup stays in place — while your program moves forward.

Hive connects all of your cameras across all of your spaces into one simple, cloud-based platform. Your team can remotely control every camera, every gym, and every field from a single interface.

No more moving equipment. No more missed games. No more chaos.

Smarter Access, Smarter Management

Hive isn’t just about remote control — it’s about empowering your entire team.

You can easily share camera access with:

• Student volunteers

• Coaching staff

• Dedicated video production teams

And you can manage everything securely from one central location. Whether it’s a championship football game, a mid-week soccer scrimmage, or a spirited volleyball match, Hive lets you cover it all — easily, remotely, and reliably.

Integrated Instant Replay for Coaches and Officials

PTZOptics Hive also integrates seamlessly with systems like SkyCoach for sideline instant replay.
Using the same installed cameras, you can feed live video angles directly to coaches and referees — giving your teams the competitive edge they deserve without adding extra setup or staffing.

One installation. Unlimited possibilities.

The Bottom Line: Work Smarter, Not Harder

The future of sports video isn’t about moving faster — it’s about working smarter.

With PTZOptics Hive, your athletics department can centralize, streamline, and elevate video production across every sport, every season, all from one powerful, easy-to-use platform.

Ready to Take Your Program to the Next Level?

Let’s get started today.
Your athletes deserve the spotlight — and now, you have the tools to shine it on them with less work, less stress, and more professional results.

The post Remote Production for Sports appeared first on PTZOptics.

The Power of the Wireless End Zone Camera (with Instant Replay & Analytics)

In today’s fast-evolving world of sports video production, standing still means falling behind. Coaches demand sharper replays. Athletes expect better film for training. Fans crave more immersive viewing experiences. And athletic departments want all of it — without complicated, expensive systems.

At West Chester University, we recently demonstrated how a simple but powerful upgrade — adding a wireless end zone camera — can completely transform how a team approaches video production, live streaming, instant replay, and even sports analytics.

Here’s how we made it happen — and why this approach is the new gold standard for sports at every level.

The Power of the End Zone Angle

Traditionally, most sports video coverage comes from the sidelines. It’s practical, it’s familiar — but it’s limited.

An end zone or goal-line view captures something sideline cameras can’t:

• Formations developing.

• Gaps opening up.

• Player movement and decision-making at a glance.

In football, seeing the entire play unfold from behind the offense is invaluable for coaches analyzing quarterback reads, blocking schemes, and defensive setups.
And it’s just as critical in soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and other goal-driven sports.

At West Chester, we mounted a PTZOptics Move SE camera on a 20-foot tripod at the back of the end zone.
The perspective it delivered instantly elevated the entire production — not just for the fans, but for coaches, players, and officials.

Going Wireless: Flexibility Without Compromise

One of the biggest challenges in deploying an end zone camera is dealing with cabling.
Long cable runs across the field aren’t just inconvenient — they’re risky, impractical, and expensive.

That’s why wireless transmission is a game-changer.

Using a point-to-point wireless video system, we sent the camera feed from the end zone directly back to the press box — clean, stable, and with virtually no delay.
This meant we could position the camera wherever we wanted without worrying about dragging cables across the turf or stadium walkways.

Flexibility and performance, together.

Instant Replay Delivered to the Sidelines

But capturing the footage was just the beginning.

By integrating with the SkyCoach system, we were able to deliver the end zone video — along with feeds from three other PTZOptics cameras — directly to iPads on the sidelines.
This gave coaches and referees instant access to replays during the game.

• Coaches could review offensive and defensive plays immediately.

• Referees could double-check calls if needed.

• Analysts could begin breaking down plays while the game was still happening.

This kind of real-time video access is revolutionizing how teams prepare, adjust, and compete.
And thanks to SkyCoach’s wireless access point technology, it all happens without bogging down the stadium’s public Wi-Fi.

Simple Connections, Powerful Production

To tie it all together:

• Four PTZOptics Move SE cameras captured game footage from multiple angles.

• Three cameras sent HDMI feeds into the SkyCoach replay system.

• All four cameras sent NDI feeds into a YoloLive YoloBox for live streaming and production.

• Wireless transmission handled the end zone feed.

• PTZOptics SuperJoy joysticks gave operators full pan-tilt-zoom control, with HDMI outputs where needed.

• PTZOptics Hive provided cloud-based management for all the cameras across the university’s sports facilities.

It’s a professional-grade setup that’s affordable, scalable, and easy to replicate for other schools and organizations.

Why It Matters for the Future of Sports Video

Adding a wireless end zone or goal-line camera is no longer just a “nice to have.”
It’s becoming a competitive advantage for programs that want to deliver better:

• Coaching insights.

• Athlete development.

• Recruiting highlights.

• Live streams that engage fans.

• Data-driven sports analytics.

And the beauty is, this approach isn’t limited to Division 1 programs with massive budgets.
With the right combination of wireless tech, smart cameras, and cloud management, any team at any level — from high school to college to pro — can step up their video game.

Conclusion: Raise Your Game

At West Chester University, the combination of PTZOptics cameras, SkyCoach instant replay, wireless transmission, and cloud-based management has created a next-generation video ecosystem — one that’s ready for today’s demands and tomorrow’s innovations.

Whether you’re a coach, a video director, an athletic director, or an industry partner, one thing is clear:

Wireless end zone cameras aren’t just the future.
They’re the new standard.

The post Unlocking a New Era of Sports Video: The Wireless End Zone Camera Advantage appeared first on PTZOptics.

Live sports coverage is no longer reserved for major stadiums and televised leagues. Today, thanks to powerful, accessible tools, schools, clubs, and community organizations around the world can deliver professional-quality streams that engage fans, empower coaches, and open new revenue opportunities.

At PTZOptics, we’re proud to help bring this vision to life. Our recent collaboration with Media Rugby Football Club, a long-standing organization in Southeastern Pennsylvania, is a perfect example of how even grassroots sports can benefit from cutting-edge production workflows.

A Turnkey Workflow for Sports Streaming

Whether you’re covering rugby, football, basketball, or volleyball—the production challenges are similar: capturing the fast-paced action, providing multiple camera angles, and enabling quick replays. For this rugby showcase, we deployed a modular and scalable setup that can be replicated across countless sports.

The System in Action:

• 4 PTZOptics Cameras: One wide game camera, one tight follow-cam, and two end-zone (try line) perspectives

• PTZOptics Hive: Remote camera control and color correction, accessible anywhere via the cloud

• SuperJoy Controllers: On-site operators managed camera movement and presets with ease

• YoloBox: Compact and mobile live switcher with instant replay capabilities

• SkyCoach: A wireless replay and coaching review system, integrated seamlessly into the production

This setup allowed the Media Rugby Club to deliver a multi-angle, replay-enabled livestream, enhancing both the viewer experience and coaching utility—all without a massive crew or traditional broadcast truck.

Being a sports PTZ camera operator is all about mastering the flow of the game. With a joystick controller like the PTZOptics SuperJoy, operators can smoothly follow the fast-paced action by adjusting pan and tilt speeds in real time. For a sport like rugby, where play can shift from sideline to try line in seconds, fine-tuning camera responsiveness is key. Slower speeds allow for steady wide shots, while faster settings are essential for capturing rapid breakaways or defensive turnovers—giving viewers a front-row seat to every big moment.

SkyCoach Enhances Rugby Coaching and Officiating with Real-Time Replay

Incorporating SkyCoach into a rugby production setup brings a powerful edge to both coaching and officiating. With multiple camera angles streamed directly to an iPad, coaches and referees can instantly review key plays, assess formations, and make more informed decisions—whether it’s during halftime, after the match, or even on the fly from the sideline. Having access to synchronized, multi-angle video feeds allows teams to elevate their strategy and ensure accuracy in a fast-moving, physical game like rugby. It’s a game-changer for performance, safety, and transparency on the field.

YoloBox: Portable, Touchscreen Control for Pro-Quality Rugby Streams

The YoloBox touchscreen multi-camera production system makes it incredibly easy to mix, record, and deliver instant replays—all from one compact, battery-powered device. In this rugby setup, the YoloBox was connected to the network and seamlessly integrated with PTZOptics cameras via NDI, eliminating the need for long HDMI cable runs across the field. This wireless, network-based approach simplified setup and gave the production team powerful live-switching capabilities right at their fingertips. With just a few taps, operators could switch between angles, trigger replays, and record the match—all while on the move. It’s a truly portable production powerhouse built for fast-paced sports environments.

PTZOptics Hive: Scalable, Remote Sports Video Management Made Easy

PTZOptics Hive is a game-changer for sports productions, offering both on-site and remote control modes to manage PTZ cameras with flexibility and precision. One of the biggest challenges in outdoor sports like rugby is color matching cameras on a bright, sun-drenched field. Glare, shifting light, and contrast between sun and shade make it difficult to dial in color settings accurately from the sidelines. With Hive, you can easily grant remote access to a technician indoors—on a properly calibrated monitor—who can make quick, accurate color adjustments in real time without ever being on the field.

Hive also makes it simple to scale your production team. Operators can control PTZ cameras remotely using cost-effective tools like Xbox joysticks, and there’s no need to send dedicated camera operators to every match. As long as you have a solid internet connection, camera control and even video switching can be handled remotely. This drastically reduces travel costs and on-site crew requirements, making broadcast-quality sports coverage more accessible than ever—for schools, clubs, and teams of any size.

Built for Any Sport, Anywhere

What made this project special wasn’t just the sport—it was the scalability of the solution. Rugby is known for its dynamic, full-field action, making it an ideal testbed for camera coverage. But this same PTZOptics workflow can be applied to:

• Basketball – Track gameplay with auto-tracking or operator control

• Soccer/Football – Use try line-style cams for goal coverage

• Volleyball – Deliver dynamic net-side and wide-angle views

• American Football – Integrate end zone and sideline angles with replay

• Lacrosse, Hockey, Baseball – Customize with tailored camera positions and overlays

Our ecosystem of IP-connected cameras, cloud control, and third-party integrations (like YoloBox and SkyCoach) makes PTZOptics a top choice for sports venues, schools, and broadcast professionals worldwide.

Why Sports Organizations Are Embracing PTZ Technology

The demand for remote production and high-quality sports video has never been higher. Schools and clubs are looking for:

• Affordable, pro-level equipment

• Remote access for tech directors and broadcast teams

• Monetization through sponsorship and pay-per-view

• Educational opportunities for student-run broadcast teams

• Fan engagement through streaming and social content

PTZ cameras offer a compact, discreet solution that blends performance, flexibility, and affordability—ideal for growing programs that want to future-proof their coverage.

The Media Rugby Example

Founded in 1978, Media Rugby Football Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on growing Rugby Union and Sevens Rugby in the greater Philadelphia region. With over 120 athletes and 300+ alumni, it’s a vibrant, community-driven organization that’s deeply invested in the development of youth and adult sports.

Their recent partnership with PTZOptics reflects a broader shift happening across amateur and semi-pro sports: a move toward tech-enabled storytelling, improved performance analysis, and global reach through streaming.

Ready to Stream the Game Your Way?

Whether you’re managing a school sports program, coaching a club team, or building out a new sports venue, PTZOptics offers the tools to help you stream smarter, coach better, and grow your audience.

Learn more about our Sports Streaming Solutions
Explore Hive Remote Management
Or Contact Our Team to design your ideal sports workflow

The post Elevating Sports Coverage with PTZOptics: A Rugby Case Study with Global Implications appeared first on PTZOptics.

Hive is Here: Your Cloud-Native Control Room

After months of testing and feedback from our incredible beta group, Hive is officially available to the public. Hive is a cloud-native, browser-based platform built to help video teams manage, control, and scale productions—no matter where they are.

Whether you’re sending a single PTZ camera feed to the cloud or linking multiple studios into one centralized control room, Hive gives you the tools to scale up (or down) instantly.

What’s New at NAB:

• Multi-Bridge: Connect multiple Hive Studios into one seamless environment, enabling unified remote production across campuses, networks, or departments.
• Enterprise Plan: One flat annual cost—just $3,000—unlocks unlimited Hive Studios for organizations that need serious scale.
• Beta Group Expansion: New Hive features are rolling out quickly, thanks to ongoing feedback from our trusted beta testers.

Hive isn’t just a control platform—it’s a foundation for the future of remote production. And we’re just getting started.

Meet the First Hive-Linked Cameras: PTZOptics Studio 4K

Also making their debut at NAB are the brand-new PTZOptics Studio 4K cameras—the first-ever Hive-Linked cameras.

Available now in 12X and 20X zoom models, and soon in a 1080p version, these cameras are engineered for seamless integration with Hive. With a single Ethernet connection, you get power, control, video, and cloud access—all in one.

What Makes a Camera “Hive-Linked”?

Hive-Linked cameras offer native support for:

• Remote camera control and management through Hive
• Direct cloud connection—no extra hardware or licenses required
• Zero-config setup when connecting to Hive Studios

This level of integration sets a new standard for remote video production, and we’re actively rolling out Hive-Link support to additional PTZOptics models through our Beta Program.

Horizon: Smart Camera Control Gets a Mobile-Friendly Upgrade

We’re also showcasing a powerful new beta firmware release at NAB called Horizon, designed for our Move 4K camera line.

Horizon adds a sleek, mobile-friendly interface that puts advanced tools directly inside the camera. With Horizon, you can:

• Auto-track presenters with AI-generated, clickable PTZ presets
• Adjust color profiles using built-in professional color correction tools
• Access intuitive camera movement tools for fast, smooth adjustments

It’s a major leap forward in PTZ camera usability—especially for teams working with limited crew or in remote environments. Like Hive, Horizon will evolve through community feedback, and early adopters are encouraged to join our beta program.

Why This Matters

These launches mark a pivotal moment in our mission to simplify professional video production—making it easier to produce high-quality content from anywhere, with fewer technical hurdles and more creative freedom.

With Hive, Studio 4K Hive-Linked cameras, and Horizon, we’re offering a fully integrated ecosystem that brings the power of remote production into reach for broadcasters, educators, houses of worship, sports teams, and businesses alike.

See It All at NAB or Try It Now

If you’re at NAB, swing by the PTZOptics booth to see Hive, Studio 4K, and Horizon in action. If you’re not in Vegas, you can still explore everything online:

• Learn more about Hive and activate your first month of Hive Standard Studio free with code NAB (offer ends May 6)
• Register for our post-NAB webinar on April 15th, where we’ll unpack the biggest trends and share what’s next in the convergence of broadcast and ProAV

Thanks to our incredible partner network, beta testers, and NAB community for helping us bring these innovations to life. Here’s to the future of remote production—faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.

—The PTZOptics Team

The post PTZOptics at NAB 2025: Introducing Hive, Horizon, and Our First Hive-Linked Studio 4K Cameras appeared first on PTZOptics.

Modern video production is no longer tied to a single location, team, or even a single computer. As remote workflows become the norm and production teams grow more distributed, the need for flexible, scalable infrastructure has never been greater.

That’s where Hive’s Multi-Bridge feature comes in.

What Is Multi-Bridge?

Multi-Bridge is a powerful capability included in all Hive subscriptions that allows users to connect multiple computers running the Hive software into a single, unified production interface.

Instead of being limited to one machine, production teams can now distribute tasks across multiple systems, whether they’re in the same building or spread across different locations. The result is a more modular, scalable, and collaborative approach to live video production.

Key Use Cases for Multi-Bridge

Multi-Bridge opens the door to several high-value workflows:

Centralized Control Rooms

You can designate one machine as the central control interface while other machines handle tasks like ISO recording, media playback, or dedicated camera control. This setup mirrors the functionality of traditional control rooms — without the expensive hardware or space requirements.

Multi-Studio Synchronization

Organizations with more than one studio can use Multi-Bridge to link them together. Whether studios are across campus or across the country, Hive enables real-time coordination as if they were under one roof.

Distributed Teams and Remote Operators

Multi-Bridge is ideal for productions where team members are located remotely. Each operator can run their own instance of Hive, while all systems contribute to the same live production. This is especially useful for hybrid events, multi-language broadcasts, and 24/7 global operations.

Why Multi-Bridge Matters

At its core, Multi-Bridge solves three major challenges in cloud-native production:

1. Scalability – Expand your production infrastructure by adding more computers, without rebuilding or relocating.

2. Collaboration – Empower multiple users to work together in real-time on different production tasks.

3. Flexibility – Adapt to a wide range of setups, from lean solo operations to large-scale, multi-operator broadcasts.

These advantages make Multi-Bridge a valuable feature for education, enterprise AV, broadcast, worship, and event production teams alike.

How It Works

Hive’s Multi-Bridge feature uses the power of networked communication between Hive instances. Once connected:

• Each computer appears as part of a unified control surface.

• Assets, devices, and controls can be shared between systems.

• Operators can work in tandem with full visibility across the production workflow.

All of this happens within the intuitive Hive interface — no steep learning curve or complex setup required.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re expanding your production setup, connecting teams across geographies, or simply looking for a smarter way to collaborate, Hive’s Multi-Bridge feature gives you the tools to scale with confidence.

It’s a foundational step toward fully distributed, cloud-native video production, and we’re excited to see how teams will use it to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The post Connecting the Dots in Distributed Production: How Hive’s Multi-Bridge Feature Works appeared first on PTZOptics.