Getting Started

The CamDirector® Teacher Tracker is an AI-powered tracking system for automated switching between a presenter (teacher) and a fixed overview camera. This section outlines essential steps to avoid installation issues.

  • Use two identical CM70-series cameras (CM70, CM71, or CM73).
  • Assign static IP addresses to both cameras and the CD500 controller.
  • Connect all devices to the same local network (no direct camera-to-controller cable needed).
  • Access the CD500 web interface at 192.168.5.50 (login: admin/admin).
  • Activate the Teacher Tracker license under Settings > Status.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Operation

The system uses AI to follow a presenter automatically using a combination of a static overview camera and a dynamic PTZ follow camera. This provides a professional and smooth broadcast experience without the need for tags or wearables.

  • The overview camera is fixed and captures the entire stage.
  • The follow camera tracks the presenter using PTZ controls.
  • The system switches to the overview camera when multiple persons are detected or the presenter leaves the calibrated zone.
  • Switching is intentionally delayed to avoid excessive transitions.

System Requirements & Installation

  • Room size: minimum 4x4 meters.
  • Install cameras 4–5 meters from the stage, preferably on the ceiling or fixed structure.
  • Ensure proper lighting and match exposure/white balance to environment.
  • Only CM70-series cameras supported; 4K models like CM90 are not compatible.
  • Avoid wearing clothes that match the background (light-on-light or dark-on-dark).

First-Time Setup

  1. Open the web GUI at 192.168.5.50 and log in with admin/admin.
  2. Go to Settings > Network and configure IP, Netmask, Gateway.
  3. Navigate to Teacher Tracker > Configurations and set both camera IPs.
  4. Check license status under Settings > Status. Contact Avonic if inactive.
  5. Save and reboot the CD500. The IP will appear on HDMI output during boot.
  6. Apply firmware update if prompted under Status.

Calibration

Define the tracking zone using 20 calibration points to teach the system the valid tracking area.

  1. Go to Teacher Tracker > Calibration.
  2. Select Start Configuration to set the PTZ of the overview camera.
  3. Ensure only one person is present and fully visible (face and upper body).
  4. Click Start Calibration; tally lights blink during point detection.
  5. Walk across the full width and depth of the stage, including 5 seated points.
  6. Once all points are detected, lights turn solid green and tracking is active.

Calibration procedure

Tally Light Status

Light StatusMeaning
Solid RedCannot find calibration point
4 Blinks RedCalibration in progress
Blinking GreenCalibration point found
Solid GreenCalibration successful

CamDirector Calibration tally light statusCamDirector Calibration tally light status 2

Exclusion Zones

Exclude audience detection zones by using the blue slider under the video preview:

  • Go to Teacher Tracker > Audience.
  • Use the blue line to define the lower tracking zone.
  • Do not set the exclusion line above the presenter’s waist.

CamDirector Audience exclusion

Tracking Configuration

  • Zoom level: Automatically adjusts to presenter’s distance.
  • Framing: Choose upper body or full body alignment.
  • Large exclusion zones may interfere with tracking functionality.

Settings Overview

Status

  • IP, Netmask, Gateway, MAC
  • Connected camera IPs
  • License status and firmware version
  • Reset to factory button

Network

Use fixed IP addresses. Wrong settings may cause tracking to fail.

Account & Login

Change default credentials via Settings > Account.

Reboot Options

Avonic recommends switching the Teacher Tracker on when it is in use and turning it off when it is not needed. For installations where the CD500 and connected cameras operate continuously, we advise scheduling a daily reboot. 

At the chosen time of reboot, the CamDirector will first reboot the cameras and after 5 minutes, itself. 

Take note that the CamDirector time is in UTC. 

 

DHCP Configuration

Enable DHCP if your network has a DHCP server under Settings > System.

Reset to Factory Settings

  1. Access the web GUI at 192.168.5.50.
  2. Go to Settings > Status.
  3. Click Reset to Factory Settings.

Reset procedure interface

Control Options

TCP Commands

Control via TCP on port 1260. Example: 81 02 01 6F 01 FF

HTTP API

Example: http://192.168.5.50/api?Cmd={"SetENV":{"TeacherTracker":"on"}}

Manual Control

Disable Teacher Tracker in the GUI for manual control with PTZ or AV-CON300-IP.

Web GUI manual control

PTZ Controllers

Only IP control is supported. No RS232 or RS485 support.

Audio Integration

  • Only USB audio supported.
  • No RCA or balanced inputs available.
  • No delay or gain control options.

Hardware & Compatibility

  • Only CM70-series cameras supported.
  • Maximum of 2 cameras via PoE.
  • Fanless design, HDMI 2.0, 1080p60 output only.
  • No onboard recording or video overlays.

CamDirector MultiShot

Overview & Use Cases

Allows presenters to switch presets via triggers or control interfaces.

Presets & Switching

  • Supports up to 128 presets
  • Switches between follow and overview presets

Camera Setup

  • Supports up to 8 IP cameras
  • Works standalone or with Teacher Tracker

Control Integration

  • Supports HTTP and VISCA over IP
  • Integrates with control systems or DSP

Customer Support

  1. Enable VPN via web GUI (valid for 1 month)
  2. Download log and image files
  3. Send files to Avonic for diagnostics

Update the Teacher Tracker

This section helps you update your CD500 firmware and Teacher Tracker software.

  1. Connect CD500 to the internet via Ethernet.
  2. Log in to 192.168.5.50 with admin/admin.
  3. Set a valid gateway in Settings > Network for internet access.
  4. Reboot the device and reconnect using the new IP (shown on HDMI for 1 minute).
  5. Go to Settings > Status and check for updates.
  6. If available, click Download latest and then Update now.
  7. The device will reboot and apply the update.

Firmware update buttonConfirm firmware update

Check the CamDirector webpage for the latest version (currently 1.9.4).