TBN Integrates Panasonic PRO PTZ Cameras & Tecnopoint Robotic Dolly Systems

Recently, TBN purchased 16 x AW-UE150 4K 60p integrated pan/tilt/zoom cameras, 7 x AW-RP150 camera controllers and Tecnopoint Tuning software, Totem telescopic column systems and motorized floor and ceiling dolly systems to equip new studio sets at its Tustin, CA and New York, NY facilities.

TBN is the world's largest Christian television network and America's most-watched faith-and-family channel. In the U.S., TBN's family of networks is available to 98% of TV households.

Engineering a New Set for a New Format

For the production of a new women's show called “Better Together” in its Tustin facility, TBN has allocated 11 of the AW-UE150s, and five of the AW-RP150s, along with a Tuning floor dolly system and a Totem system. At its New York City facility, for the airing of the Eric Metaxas' nationally-syndicated radio program, TBN outfitted a studio with five AW-UE150s, two AW-RP150s and a Tecnopoint ceiling dolly system and Totem system.

Larry Haley, TBN's director of network operations and engineering, explained that the “Better Together” set sports a new format. “The show is done in the round with the set rotating and it's done with no crew in the studio. We're trying to create an intimate environment. We had to come up with a way to give us the same shooting capabilities as if we have operators in the studio. The combination of the new (AW-UE150) cameras and the Tecnopoint rail systems and how they integrated together worked well for the project.”

Haley added, “Eric Metaxas moved his nationally syndicated radio to our New York studios in a new production for the network. The New York studio is a smaller space with a more limited staff. And as in Tustin, we didn't want operators in the studio. We wanted a high-quality, cost-effective production with the same capabilities as far as camera movement, camera control, and rail cameras. We did not want it to look like a traditional radio show with two to three people sitting around a table.”

Realizing the Vision

Haley said that TBN chose the Panasonic UE150/Tecnopoint combination for several factors. “One is the trifecta that everyone usually looks to obtain – features, price point and support. The Panasonic and Tecnopoint partnership, along with the features that the products brought, the price points and the Panasonic support that's been good with us over the years, answered all three of those.”

“Another factor, which was a unique discovery and worked to our advantage, is the new AW-UE150 has a much wider field of view (than its competitors). With the short distances we were shooting in the sets, this gave us a whole new option we were not expecting to get with this type PTZ camera. Obviously, looking at the 4K capabilities, we were future proofing as well.”

Panasonic support, Haley added, has been amazing and “all of it has come together better than I could have hoped.”

“We would definitely recommend the Panasonic PTZ cameras and the Tecnopoint equipment and we're already looking to use them for other projects at the network,” Haley said.

Summary

OFFERING UNMATCHED PRODUCTION VALUE: THE SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF TUNING ROBOTIC SYSTEMS AND INDUSTRY-LEADING PROFESSIONAL PTZ CAMERAS

By integrating Panasonic professional PTZ cameras and Tecnopoint floor and ceiling dollies and Totem systems, video professionals can seamlessly add new camera moves like never before. Easy to assemble for live events, you can go beyond the basic moves of a simple dolly or a jib. By combining dollies and robotic columns, a 4-axis plane is possible. Create impressive, super-smooth imagery for live events, broadcasts, productions, faith services, streaming, IMAG and much more.

The TUNING systems have ultra-solid, customizable rails to ensure high stability, structural balance, and lasting performance. The TUNING S software can used standalone or integrated with dollies, totems and is plug and play with Panasonic professional PTZ cameras. Just install it on a Windows 10 laptop and connect your system for full control of the PTZ cameras and the TUNING system components. The Tecnopoint Tuning system is designed for one-person operation and can be operated from a touch screen display, if preferred. Up to 10 cameras, each functioning on different Tecnopoint system devices, can be controlled from a single unit.

For more information about TBN and network programming, visit https://www.tbn.org/. To learn more about TBN's new women's show “Better Together,” visit https://bettertogether.tv