Introduction
In the fast-evolving world of audio visual camera technology, navigating technical jargon can be daunting. Terms like PTZ, multi-camera systems, and AI tracking are often mentioned but not always fully understood.
This guide simplifies key camera technologies used in modern meeting rooms and video conferencing environments, helping you make informed decisions for your organisation.
Camera Movement and Configuration
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
PTZ cameras move horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt), and zoom in or out. They are ideal for large conference rooms or events where activity shifts across the space.
Optical Zoom
Optical zoom adjusts the camera lens physically, maintaining image clarity and resolution — unlike digital zoom, which reduces quality.
Dual Lens
Dual-lens cameras capture both wide-angle and close-up views simultaneously, allowing the system to detect movement and new participants entering the room.
Multi-Camera Systems
A multi-camera system uses multiple cameras to capture different room angles. This ensures remote participants can clearly see speakers and audience reactions, even when conversations shift away from the front of the room.
Automated Examples
Huddly Crew: An AI-powered multi-camera system that automatically switches angles based on who is speaking.
Q-SYS Automatic Camera Preset Recall (ACPR): Automatically adjusts camera positions based on triggers such as speaker detection.
Manual Switching
Manual switching allows users to select camera feeds via a touch panel or control system, providing full control over what is displayed.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP)
Displays multiple video feeds simultaneously — for example, a wide room shot alongside close-ups of speakers.
Companion Cameras
Companion devices such as Neat Center and Logitech Sight are 360° tabletop cameras that complement front-of-room cameras, ensuring all participants are visible.
Gesture Control
Gesture control enables touchless camera commands such as zooming or muting using hand movements.
Speaker and Participant Tracking
Presenter Tracking
Keeps the presenter in frame as they move around the room.
Wide Area Tracking
Extends presenter tracking across larger spaces.
Speaker Tracking
Uses audio localisation and AI face tracking to focus on the active speaker.
Human Detection AI
Uses AI to recognise human figures, improving framing accuracy.
AI IP-Based Camera Control
Advanced AI systems predict movement for seamless, automated camera tracking.
Intelligent Framing and Layout Optimisation
Smart Composition
Automatically arranges participants for a balanced, professional layout.
Gallery View
Displays participants in a grid layout to remove dead space.
Group Framing
Automatically adjusts the frame to include all participants.
Dynamic Detection
Real-time framing adjustments based on participant movement.
Smart Gallery (Zoom)
Zoom feature that separates in-room participants into individual frames.
IntelliFrame (Microsoft Teams)
AI-powered Teams feature that detects and frames each in-room participant individually.
Conclusion
Understanding these technologies helps you choose the right video conferencing solution for your space.
- PTZ and tracking: Ideal for dynamic presentations.
- Multi-camera systems: Best for larger spaces.
- AI automation: Reduces manual control.
- Platform-specific features: Optimise Teams or Zoom environments.
MVS Audio Visual specialises in designing and integrating advanced AV solutions tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Contact us for a personalised consultation.