Avonic PTZ cameras are often used in conferencing setups, controlled through third party control systems such as MVI, Televic, Bosch and cMeets by Arbor to name a few. 

Typically we get some questions on how to get the most out of the cameras. This article should shed some light on the subject, if you feel something is missing or have a suggestion on how to improve this article, feel free to contact the development team at [email protected] 

This article only deals with the specific settings regarding the positioning, zooming and focusing of the cameras. If you are looking for recommendations about color character and quality of the actual video output, have a look at https://support.avonic.com/support/solutions/articles/80000977744-general-camera-recommendations-and-settings

for more information regarding exposure and color settings under different circumstances. 

The cameras should be under very strict control of the videoconference systems, leaving the cameras no room for interpretation mistakes which can easily happen due to various reasons; for example, think about a clerk bringing a drink walking through the filmed scene, causing the autofocus to respond resulting in a speaker who is out of focus for a moment. 

The main objective is to direct the camera with clear and precise commands such as 

1. Absolute Pan and Tilt Position
2. Direct Zoom Position
3. Manual Focus mode
4. Manual Focus position

example:

        5. optional: disable the IR receiver for extra security to prevent the cameras from being directed into the wrong position by external parties, either by accident or on purpose.

It is exceptionally important not to use the internal presets of the cameras; if, for some reason, the presets are deleted or the camera is defective, all settings need to be reprogrammed. If the absolute commands are used, the cameras are interchangeable (same model of course, not different zoom ranges). 

Extra tips and tricks

To gain even more control over the way the communication between the control processor and the camera is handled, there is also the full Sony Visca protocol available; that comes with message headers and byte counters in the commands and answers to and from the camera. This way, even if there are a lot of commands going back and forth, the communication can still be clearly read because of the fact that the camera sends a specific numbered response to a specific numbered command from the control system. Using the 'long' Sony Visca protocol is in detail described in the Visca list document that can be found on all camera product pages. 

* See How to export PTZ and Focus positions?