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
- Getting Started
- Table of Contents
- Operation
- System Requirements & Installation
- First-Time Setup
- Calibration
- Tally Light Status
- Exclusion Zones
- Tracking Configuration
- Settings Overview
- Reset to Factory Settings
- Control Options
- Audio Integration
- Hardware & Compatibility
- CamDirector MultiShot
- Customer Support
- Update the Teacher Tracker
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
- Open the web GUI at
192.168.5.50
and log in with admin/admin. - Go to Settings > Network and configure IP, Netmask, Gateway.
- Navigate to Teacher Tracker > Configurations and set both camera IPs.
- Check license status under Settings > Status. Contact Avonic if inactive.
- Save and reboot the CD500. The IP will appear on HDMI output during boot.
- Apply firmware update if prompted under Status.
Calibration
Define the tracking zone using 20 calibration points to teach the system the valid tracking area.
- Go to Teacher Tracker > Calibration.
- Select Start Configuration to set the PTZ of the overview camera.
- Ensure only one person is present and fully visible (face and upper body).
- Click Start Calibration; tally lights blink during point detection.
- Walk across the full width and depth of the stage, including 5 seated points.
- Once all points are detected, lights turn solid green and tracking is active.
Tally Light Status
Light Status | Meaning |
---|---|
Solid Red | Cannot find calibration point |
4 Blinks Red | Calibration in progress |
Blinking Green | Calibration point found |
Solid Green | Calibration successful |
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.
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.
DHCP Configuration
Enable DHCP if your network has a DHCP server under Settings > System.
Reset to Factory Settings
- Access the web GUI at
192.168.5.50
. - Go to Settings > Status.
- Click Reset to Factory Settings.
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.
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 3 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
- Enable VPN via web GUI (valid for 1 month)
- Download log and image files
- Send files to Avonic for diagnostics
Update the Teacher Tracker
This section helps you update your CD500 firmware and Teacher Tracker software.
- Connect CD500 to the internet via Ethernet.
- Log in to
192.168.5.50
with admin/admin. - Set a valid gateway in Settings > Network for internet access.
- Reboot the device and reconnect using the new IP (shown on HDMI for 1 minute).
- Go to Settings > Status and check for updates.
- If available, click Download latest and then Update now.
- The device will reboot and apply the update.
Check the CamDirector webpage for the latest version (currently 1.9.4).