CP Communications Develops Second Generation of CamSTREAM Systems
Story Highlights
CP Communications released the immediate availability of CamSTREAM2 and CamSTREAM2B, the second generation of the company’s Red House Streaming (RHS) all-in-one live production systems. Available to rent or purchase, both systems support content acquisition, on-board recording and live streaming in fully integrated, turnkey packages, with CamSTREAM2 built for ProAV productions and CamSTREAM2B for professional broadcasts. Both systems are configurable to serve cloud streaming and user-hosted playout workflows.
Ease of setup represents the main departure from first-generation CamSTREAM systems. The new systems simplify and accelerate configuration for content creators, and cede production and control operations to remote CP Communications technicians. These two benefits remove the intimidation factor for less experienced content creators, including athletes, musicians, and gamers, while providing the same premium technology and visual experience that professional organizations and viewers expect.
“We built our second-generation STREAM systems to reflect customer feedback, including the demand for more streamlined workflows and a cost-efficient at-home production model,” said Kurt Heitmann, CEO, CP Communications. “These systems will allow content providers to shoot and stream broadcast-quality video direct to Facebook, YouTube, a CDN, and/or studio-based playout servers with virtually no advance labor or local production expenses.”
The all-in-one packages, which integrate a Sony SRG-360SHE PTZ camera, a Mobile Viewpoint Agile Airlink encoder, a return video monitor, and connections for audio, can attach to the top of a tripod or be set on a table top. The user then flips two switches to the on position to obtain power and begin shooting.
Once shooting commences the Agile Airlink device streamlines connectivity by bonding WiFi, Ethernet, and mobile data paths into a single, robust H.264 or H.265 transmission stream. The CP Communications team picks up the production from their network operations centers (NOCs) in New York, Florida, or Nova Scotia from there, with remote control and management supported through Mobile Viewpoint’s LinkMatrix system.
Both systems include the Sony camera and Mobile Viewpoint systems, along with wired or wireless microphones and IFB systems, as well as HDMI outputs for return video and autocue. A second video input provides capacity for a second camera or a gaming device. The CamSTREAM2B system strengthens technical capacities to support live sports and broadcast productions, adding full remote PTZ control (via a joystick controller), camera paint control, and remote audio functionality, including the ability to control gain structure.
“Anyone that can remove a TV from a box, set it on a tabletop stand, and plug in a power cord can operate either system,” said Heitmann. “We wanted to innovate solutions to accommodate everything from corporate events, city council meetings and worship services to remote news shoots, sports productions and live performances – all while eliminating the technical headaches and embracing the cost-efficiency of remote production from our NOCs.
“There is no need to manage travel expenses for on-site production crews with these systems,” concluded Heitmann. “There are truly nothing else like these systems on the market today.”