In this live stream on the Back to Basics show we dig in further on IP video production and networking. You may have seen the last Back to Basics show where here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSR8NJ6Zm8E) where we go over networking basics for live streaming and connecting to the PTZOptics cameras wirelessly. Now we take things a step further adding the IP Joystick, a PoE switch, and a WAP (Wireless Access Point).

Multi-Camera Network Setup

So before we get started let’s review the technology jargon we are using. IP in our video refers to “Internet Protocol” where we create a “IP Network” which becomes our LAN (Local Area Network). When we connect all of our PTZ cameras, IP joystick, computers and WAP (Wireless Access Points) together they all create a local area network we can use for all of our devices to communicate together. Our WAP creates a WiFi signal which we can then use to communicate wirelessly to control our PTZ cameras via their unique static IP addresses. Finally, we are using a DHCP WAP or router which is used to assign IP addresses to all of our devices. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol .

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other related configuration information such as the subnet mask and default gateway.

IP Joystick PTZOptics Setup

Ok, so now that we have the technical jargon out of the way let’s review the setup. IP video networking is starting to become more commonplace because it should simplify our video production workflow. Here are a couple of things we can do with IP networking to make our live streaming easier and more powerful.

1. We can take wireless control of our PTZ (pan tilt zoom) cameras
2. We can use an IP joystick to control hundreds of cameras even in remote locations on our local area network
3. We can assign IP addressable camera presets inside compatible software such as the NewTek Tricasters and vMix to quickly recall camera locations as inputs in our video production interface.

IP Joystick PTZ Login Screen

Setting up an IP Joystick

Once we have our PTZOptics cameras setup on the network and set with static IP addresses we can add them to the IP Joystick. The IP Joystick will assign itself it’s own IP address via HDCP which automatically locks into an available IP address. So once the joystick turns on you can retrieve the IP address from the LED display and type it into our web-browser we will be prompted with the login screen. From here we can add saved cameras for quickly recalling cameras via the IP button, the camera number and hitting the enter button.

Wireless Network with PoE and PTZOptics Cameras

Setting up a Wireless iOS App

We have other videos on this but to complete our network setup we had to use our Wireless Access Point. This WAP serves up a WiFi network and allows us to connect with our Smart Phone devices to control the cameras. We use the static IP addresses for each camera and gain wireless PTZ camera control with our iPhone on the same network.

Conclusion:

As you can see in our video networking is not very hard to get set up. There can be a few hiccups but once all of your devices have their dedicated IP Addresses and your joystick/software is configured you should have an easy time. IP Networking may feel like magic once it’s all setup but for live streaming and video production this is really where the value starts!