NewTek's NDI PTZ Camera Awaits Release

From Allan Tépper More anticipation continues to build as NewTek's release of their NDI | HX products grows nearer. Mainly the NewTek NDIHX PTZ1 camera, the first native NDI-enabled PTZ camera of it's kind. The prospect of NDI capability built into this versatile-type camera plans to aid the evolution of live streaming video. With the advances of PTZ cameras growing, now the user who may not have the professional experience needed for a live streaming multi-camera shoot may look to invest in these models for their production. Already marketed towards such a user, now these PTZ cameras may be desired by more seasoned professionals looking to add more to their set-up. Any PTZ camera used well can add a professional quality to anyone's work, now NDI compatible, the NewTek NDIHX PTZ1 should prove to be worth the wait. Not to mention the arrival of the NewTek Connect Spark converter's also debuting at the same time.

With built-in NDI functionality, this new IP video camera transmits up to 1080p59.94 video directly to NDI-compatible products across a standard network. The NewTek NDI camera connects to the network and delivers video and audio, as well as tally, PTZ control, and power all over a single Ethernet cable.

Once connected to the network, the camera is visible to all compatible systems running the latest version of NDI including: LiveStream Studio, SplitmediaLabs XSplit, Streamstar, OBS Studio, StudioCoast vMix, Telestream Wirecast, NewTek TriCaster, and hundreds more. More sources become available immediately with the addition of NDI cameras to the network. Once available on the network, the NewTek NDI camera is also automatically recognized by applications like GoToMeeting, Skype, Skype for Business, Zoom Media and many others.

Although not included in the press release or presentation I attended yesterday via telephone, NewTek later confirmed that the new camera indeed supports the following framerates, and also includes the appropriate shutter speeds to achieve a 180 degree shutter, i.e.:

• 25p and 1/50 shutter speed

• 29.97p and 1/60 shutter speed

• 50p and 1/100 shutter speed

• 59.94p and 1/120 shutter speed

NewTek today introduced the NewTek Connect Spark, a portable device designed to deliver SDI or HDMI video to a computer and/or an IP network, wirelessly (dual-band WiFi 802.11ac/a/b/g/n). NewTek Connect Spark products are IP video converters, with built-in NDI functionality. The units deliver video as an IP source to any standard network via WiFi or standard Ethernet cable. Connect Spark also records directly on the unit to SD cards or USB drives, controllable from a web interface.

NewTek Connect Spark devices provide 3G SDI or HDMI conversion up to 1080p59.94 with loop through. In addition to video conversion to IP, the devices provide tally support, and remotely record MP4 to an SD card or USB drive. Recording is controlled through a web interface available for devices including mobile phones, tablets and laptops....[continue reading]