Entertainment Technology News

A full dual-mode robotic colour camera, Q-Ball is housed in a highly robust 115 mm diameter sphere machined from solid aluminium. Pan and tilt can be operated at any speed from 4 seconds to 20 minutes per revolution through an unlimited number of turns. Integral high-precision low-noise motors allow the camera to be repositioned smoothly during live shooting rather than merely between shots. Designed to allow rapid exterior or interior rigging and de-rigging, the Q-Ball weighs 1.3 kg including mounting shaft and can be operated at any angle. The integral camera incorporates a 1/3 inch 2 megapixel 16:9 CMOS sensor delivering 1080i/720p HD or 625/525 SD, both at 50 or 59.94 Hz and in 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio. Signal-to-noise ratio is >50 dB. Focus can be controlled manually or automatically. The Q-Ball is fully compatible with Camera Corps' range of pan/tilt and CCU controllers. Its interface delivers up to four channels of audio embedded into the SDI feed. It operates from 9 to 18 V DC power supply. The camera heads are available pre-painted to match any required colour scheme, including jungle camouflage.

Camera Corps' Q-Ball robotic HD cameras have successfully completed 100 days of continuous service as a key element of OB coverage from the 4th plinth in London's Trafalgar Square. The cameras were chosen by 021 Television, part of Gravity Media Group, to provide video coverage of Antony Gormley's 'One & Other' project. A total of 2,400 people participated in the event, some promoting their favourite cause or charity while others simply admired the view. The Q-Ball cameras were used from July 6 to October 14, accumulating content for the production of 60 minute reports transmitted on Sky Arts 1 HD each Friday evening. Live HD video from the cameras was also downconverted and streamed for the entire duration of the round-the-clock event via the Sky Arts website www.oneandother.com.

"This was by far the longest OB production we have ever worked on and could well be the longest on record, certainly for an HD event," comments Sky Arts Production Executive Laura Green. "The Q-Ball cameras were chosen for their ability to deliver broadcast-quality video day and night and for their exceptional resistance to wind, rain and high humidity. They enabled us to pan, tilt and zoom live cameras rather than having to switch away to another source while repositioning. Q-Ball's compact spherical shape has the extra advantage of blending in well with practically any surroundings. Picture quality proved very good and the webstreams have been stunning."

"Q-Ball embodies nearly 30 years of experience in robotic camera design," adds Camera Corps' founder and managing director Laurie Frost who designed the original Hot-head in the early 1980s. "Our objective was to combine a high-precision digitally-controlled drive mechanism, high-quality HD imager and long-range zoom optics in a compact all-weather housing that would merge easily into any studio set or OB location. First exhibited at NAB this year, Q-Ball has already proved one of the most successful products in Camera Corps' history. Q-Ball cameras are currently providing action shots during a reconstruction by Netherlands-based VPRO broadcast network of Charles Darwin's voyage on 'The Beagle'. The salt-water conditions of the 10-month journey through the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, commenced in September, make this reality television at its most challenging."

Resources:
www.cameracorps.co.uk