DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 29, 2022/ — Canon has announced a new downloadable driver for its PTZ cameras, making video conferencing and streaming via the CR-N300, CR-N500, and CR-X300 – three of Canon’s PTZ cameras with incredible 4K image quality and versatile IP compatibility – seamless for higher education, House of Worship and workplace environments.
The pandemic has been a catalyst for video conferencing and streaming requirements, with more institutions demanding access to high-quality video streaming solutions that are easy to implement than ever before. Additionally, Canon launches support for two new protocols on the CR-N300 and CR-N500 – SRT[i] and FreeD[ii] – providing seamless integration into simple and cost-effective solutions for VR and AR productions, as well as high-quality streaming with minimal downtime.
Seamless integration and streamlined workflows
The Webcam Driver efficiently connects Canon’s remote PTZ cameras to Windows OS compatible PCs, enabling them to have webcam functionality for high-quality live streaming. The PTZ cameras can then be integrated with applications such as Microsoft Teams, Skype and Zoom – great for hybrid meetings.
Also suitable for educational institutes, the cameras can be used for live streaming lectures on Panopto coupled with Lecture Capture applications for recording and streaming video.
The software simplifies live streaming workflows, automatically recognising any Canon PTZ camera on the same network as the user’s PC, which allows for an easy set-up process meaning streaming can take place instantly.
Additionally, up to five cameras can be registered and used at the same time for a multiple camera set-up – ideal for situations where multiple angles or cameras in different rooms are required, such as in House of Worship or lectures with demonstrations.
The Webcam Driver achieves impressive image-quality with flexibility. When using a LAN connection users can do video conferencing in up to 4K 30p – realising the cameras’ full output resolution, without distance restrictions often found with USB cables, providing flexibility in locating the cameras in the intended positions. With cable length up to 100m and more, the LAN connection makes it suitable for larger venues where the PTZ camera needs to be further away from the paired computer.
Two new protocols: SRT and FreeD
Both the CR-N500 and CR-N300 will have two new protocols[iii], enabling users to improve workflow, content, and quality. Once downloaded, the FreeD Protocol allows information of the camera’s positional data – such as zoom, focus, iris, and pan-tilt – to be sent to a processing engine without the need for additional tracking equipment.
This allows broadcasters and events companies to easily integrate PTZ cameras into AR and VR workflows, providing high-quality ‘virtual’ content. When working with a green screen, across news, weather, sports and live events, it allows real imagery to be combined with computer graphics, with ease.
The Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol is a video transmission protocol that has a high reputation in the remote production market. It features high-security encrypting for video data and reliable video transmission.
The protocol ensures reliability and stability by the retransmission / recovery mechanism of packet loss and stable delivery of high-quality video with low latency – even in environments with unstable bit rates, by monitoring the network conditions and a highly adaptable buffer management system. Along with the NDI® | HX[iv], it is widely used for remote production in the broadcast market.
Please click here for more information about the PTZ Webcam Driver (https://bit.ly/3Lvxj9R) and its availability
Webcam Driver Key Features:
Easy PTZ camera setup for video streaming platforms
Automatic camera detection
Up to five cameras can be registered
4K output – up to 4K 30p
Long cable runs thank to LAN connectivity
Compatible with Windows OS
[i] SRT is a video transmission protocol originally developed and open-sourced by Haivision and supported through the SRT Alliance.
[ii] A protocol which is widely used primarily in virtual studio systems to transmit camera tracking information.
[iii] Protocols will be available for download August 2022.
[iv] NDI is a trademark or registered trademark of NewTek, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region.
CCNA ensures the provision of high-quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://bit.ly/3JdQi6E) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services.
At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com
