Sports Video with a PTZ, the StreamGeeks Summit, and a SuperJoyous Joystick Feature! – December Newsletter

Sports Video with a PTZ, the StreamGeeks Summit, and a SuperJoyous Joystick Feature! 

Game-Changer on the Field: PTZ Cameras Capturing Sports

I recorded a three-game soccer tournament for my son’s soccer game this past weekend. I opened my war-chest of streaming gear and picked out my most trustworthy gear. The kit included a PTZOptics Move 4K camera, a wide angle HuddleCamHD Pro-IP,  a PoE network switch and my vMix laptop. I needed to be prepared for a completely off the grid production, so I purchased a fairly larger battery and tested everything in my office before I loaded up my car for the game. 

The feedback from parents, coaches, and players was incredible. Some coaches asked what the heck I was doing, but most parents and staff were very supportive and asked where they could see the footage when we all got home. Using a large 13’ tripod was the perfect vantage point to cover the entire soccer field, and the Move 4K did a great job panning back and forth to keep up with the action. It’s incredible what a little optical zoom can do to make the sports video feel professional. Camera operation is a BIG part of what makes professional sports entertaining. 

The Setup: The PTZOptics Move 4K camera and the HuddleCamHD Pro IP were connected to vMix via NDI. This gave me a PTZ camera to follow the action and a wide-angle “dump” camera I could switch to when needed. I paired the PTZ camera with an Xbox controller to follow the action and control the zoom. I quickly learned that tuning the Pan speed is one of the most important aspects of recording a sports game with a PTZ camera. The Xbox controller worked great once I set the speed in vMix to roughly 35%. I could follow the action at this speed without overshooting a play or moving too slowly. The further I zoomed in, the easier it was to keep the play in view, but I have to say that the further I zoomed in, the better the actual action looked on screen. I also used vMix to overlay a scoreboard, giving the video a professional look. 

Highlight Reels for the Win

I found that the scoreboard was incredibly helpful when I was creating the highlight video for our team. Once I had the videos in post, I could use the scoreboard to find the key plays. At the end of the day, I’m not sure how many parents, players, or coaches truly want to rewatch a 60-minute youth soccer game for 10-year-olds, but I noticed everyone said they loved the highlights reel. The catch here is that recording the full game is the only way to create a highlight reel. Knowing this, I’m currently researching new ways to automate highlight reel creation further. I’ve found a few neat options I will report back on next month. 

Pro Tip: I found that setting a slower tilt speed than the pan speed gave smoother results, especially when tracking the plays that often move horizontally back and forth on the field. I found I didn’t need to tilt the camera up and down much, so limiting the tilt speed put a nice buffer on the controls. Additionally, I set up pan and tilt limits, which automatically stop the camera at the field’s boundaries. This way, on a fast breakaway play, I could move quickly without the fear of overshooting the field boundaries.

The StreamGeeks Summit Rocks Again!

The StreamGeeks Summit in Philadelphia was an unforgettable celebration of live-streaming innovation. It brought together creators, enthusiasts, and industry professionals for a day filled with hands-on demos and cutting-edge insights. Attendees explored the latest tech in live streaming, including PTZOptics cameras, cloud-based tools, and advanced production software, while networking with peers and sharing their passion for digital media.

We were especially proud to feature an incredible lineup of sponsors driving advancements in live streaming and digital media technology: Audinate, Toolfarm, Speedify, LiveU, Miri, StreamTek, and PTZOptics. Their contributions and expertise made the Summit an enriching experience for all.

If you missed the event—or want to revisit the highlights—you can catch the archived streams on the StreamGeeks YouTube channel. Don’t miss this chance to dive into the innovations shaping the future of live streaming!

A SuperJoyous Feature

Our current version of Hive now supports PTZ controls through IP joystick controllers. I will publish a video on this feature soon, so I’m impressed. Essentially Hive creates a local IP address you can enter into the PTZOptics SuperJoy, and once connected, you can control PTZ cameras from anywhere in the world. The system still needs to be optimized, so we have an awesome beta group that tests Hive and provides feedback. I have a few ideas on how to make the experience smoother, but the major feature (low latency PTZ control for cameras worldwide) works reliably. Let me know if you would like to test this out. 

The Man Who Invented Livestreaming

The live-streaming industry owes much of its foundation to Geoffrey Mason, whose groundbreaking live coverage of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis changed the broadcasting world forever. Tasked with unprecedented decisions under intense pressure, Mason showed the world the power of live storytelling and set the stage for the future of real-time media.

In the 50 years since, live streaming has evolved dramatically—from clunky equipment and network exclusivity to democratized, pocket-sized tools that empower everyone to share moments in real-time. The journey of live streaming has been nothing short of extraordinary.

As we look to the next half-century, the possibilities are limitless. With advancements in technology and audience interactivity, we’re excited to see how the future of live streaming unfolds. Read the full story on Geoffrey Mason’s legacy and its influence here.

Your Vision, Your Control

Are you struggling to choose the right tools for your video production needs? Take our quick 9-question quiz to find out what production personality you have. Find the perfect video solution for your unique style and goals!

Button: Take control today!

Wishing You a Streamingly Great Holiday Season!
As we wrap up an incredible year of streaming innovations, we want to thank our amazing community for being part of the journey. Whether it’s perfecting sports video coverage, attending the StreamGeeks Summit, or exploring the latest tech like the PTZOptics SuperJoy, it’s been a year to remember!

Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy and a New Year packed with even more live-streaming success. Keep sharing your vision with the world, one stream at a time. Happy Holidays and Happy Streaming! ✨