How to Use Rocosoft PTZ Camera Automation Tools to Simplify Workflow

Rocosoft PTZJoy PTZ Camera Controller Software offers a variety of PTZ camera automation tools. Single operators can create some really dynamic productions because they can create shortcuts that automate camera movements to save time, simplify workflow, and eliminate error.

All the camera automation tools offered by PTZJoy - the ability to create recordings of camera movements, create playlists for cameras to execute commands, set cameras to run through presets or auto pan, and create macro shortcuts - were designed to help camera operators simplify their task at hand. Managing multiple cameras during a live production doesn't have to be hard or confusing, not if you have the right tools.

Macro Player

Rocosoft Macro Player allows you to create scripts of commands, called Macros, and then use the Macro shortcut buttons in PTZJoy to execute complex sequences of actions with a single click or a keypress on a joystick or computer keyboard.

The Macro Player has robust library of commands for nearly all PTZ Camera functions, as well as the ability to control any live production equipment that responds to HTTP and VISCA commands directly from PTZJoy Software. That means you will be able to control your live production and live streaming switchers such vMix, NewTek TriCaster, and Panasonic Switcher, run scripts, and send out custom HTTP requests and VISCA commands.

How To Set Up and Recall PTZ Camera Presets

Manage your camera's presets from the Preset Tiles Panel, that let's you set up your most used presets with a visual tile and recall with the click of a button. If working with many presets, use the Preset Dialer to set and recall up to 510 presets.

With PTZJoy, you are not limited to the camera's internal preset limits - use external presets that are saved in the PTZJoy program to increase the amount of presets you can store and also manage the speed at which the camera moves during transitions between presets.

Manage your camera's and presets simultaneously using the Multi-Camera Direct Control Panel. With this tool, there is no need to switch between cameras to manage them, you have all your cam and preset views in one location for one click recall.

Use the PTZLive Preset Control Panel for preset recall using an innovative birds eye view visual layout of your camera's presets. Drag and drop your presets on a static or live video background, and recall with one click.

We also go over preset recall using a USB joystick, as well as using key board hotkeys on your computer keyboard.

How to Control PTZ Cameras with Rocosoft PTZ Camera Controller

With PTZJoy PTZ Camera Controller, you don't need anything else to control your PTZ Cameras. Our Virtual Joystick Controller mimics a real joystick and offers precise pan/tilt/zoom controls with variable speed.

PTZJoy also has key board shortcuts programmed into the app, so you can actually control your cameras using your computer keyboard. Control pan and tilt movement, zoom in and out, switch between cameras, switch between presets, and more.

Use PTZBall Mode to control PTZ cameras using a laptop touchpad, trackball mouse, or simply using the movement of any regular mouse. In the video, we demonstrate how convenient it is to use a trackball mouse for PTZ camera control.

If you like the feel of a hardware joystick, you can connect ANY wired USB Joystick, wireless Bluetooth joystick, or gaming controller and use it as a PTZ Camera Controller. With simultaneous pan/tilt/zoom, 3 joystick performance modes, and custom button mapping, the result smooth and reliable camera control.

Video Links:

Keyboard Hotkeys Diagram: https://www.rocosoft.com/knowledge-base/controlling-cameras/keyboard-hotkeys/

Joystick Button Mapping: https://www.rocosoft.com/knowledge-base/usb-joysticks/customizing-joystick-buttons/

Controlling PTZ Cameras with a USB, Bluetooth, or Gaming Joystick

Turn ANY Joystick into a PTZ Joystick Camera Controller

Instead of getting a costly dedicated joystick control surface, you can use our software to turn a budget-friendly joystick into a precise professional PTZ Joystick Camera Controller.

Rocosoft PTZ Camera Controller Software lets you connect ANY wired USB joystick, wireless Bluetooth joystick, or gaming joystick to your computer or live production system and use it to control your PTZ cameras.

Control your PTZ Cameras with simultaneous pan, tilt, zoom control as well as variable speed control with the connected joystick, a feature not usually available with many PTZ joystick controller surfaces on the market.

Joystick Performance Modes

There are also 3 joystick performance modes available that come in handy when broadcasting, live streaming, or recording with your PTZ Cameras.

X-Joystick Mode – Enables panning on X axis only. This is great for camera shots where you want a smooth, even pan from left to right.
Slow mode - Limits top joystick speed by expanding joystick travel between speed level changes. This is great for when you precision of control and to move the camera at a slower speed range. This mode eliminates any quick speed ups in movement.
Soft mode- Gradual joystick speed acceleration so the camera increases the speed of its movement steadily as you move the joystick, for a flying camera effect.