Panasonic’s coming Auto framing application for PTZ cameras achieves high-quality video for broadcasting and video production

Osaka, Japan, October 3, 2024 - Panasonic Entertainment & Communication today announced the upcoming launch of a new auto framing application for Panasonic PTZ cameras that achieves natural, high-quality, automated video shooting suitable for broadcasting and video production. The application will be offered as an Advanced Auto Framing plug-in for Panasonic's Media Production Suite software platform from the second quarter of CY2025. In addition, selected auto framing features are set to be offered for Panasonic's top-of-the-line AW-UE160W/K PTZ camera via firmware and Media Production Suite updates from the first quarter of CY2025. The latest information including release dates will be announced on the Panasonic website (https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/software/mps/).

Panasonic expects to exhibit the auto framing feature of the AW-UE160W/K at its booth during the 2024 NAB Show New York on October 9 to 10, 2024.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the consumption of video content via streaming platforms and web-based broadcasts is rapidly increasing, which has dramatically increased the need to optimize human resources and technical systems to ensure the stable production and delivery of high-quality content across broadcast networks, production houses and live event coverage.

Panasonic’s new auto framing solution leverages the company's extensive experience with broadcasting and video production, supported with valuable feedback from diverse industry professionals, and incorporates advanced technologies such as auto tracking, image recognition and natural auto framing. It achieves camera framing exactly as defined by the user for enhanced on-site efficiency and high-quality content.

The paid Advanced Auto Framing plug-in for the Media Production Suite, which can be activated with a software key in the Media Production Suite, will enable auto framing for Panasonic PTZ cameras including the AW-UE160W/K, AW-UE150W/K, AW-UE100W/K and AW-UE80W/K. The plug-in is set to support multi-camera setup for auto framing to enhance subject-detection accuracy and operability. Additionally, facial recognition technology will enable optimal framing for specified individuals.

The new auto framing feature for the AW-UE160W/K will be offered free of charge via camera firmware and Media Production Suite updates. Subject detection is handled by the camera's internal processor, and framing commands are managed with the Media Production Suite. A GPU is not required for the operating PC, so the feature can be used on any PC that meets the Media Production Suite’s basic operating requirements.

The Advanced Auto Framing plug-in and auto framing feature of the AW-UE160W/K enable professional-level automatic high-quality framing in real time, thanks to framing presets that accurately replicate user-defined framing settings. Framing presets can be combined, including multi-subject group shots. Additionally, advanced human body detection ensures consistent subject headroom. These feature sets make it easy for users to shoot and produce high-quality video content.

The graphical user interfaces (GUI) design and operation are consistent with those of the Media Production Suite for intuitive setup and operation via a user-friendly control panel. The Advanced Auto Framing plug-in’s GUI includes a multi-camera display option for easy management of multiple PTZ cameras. Multiple feeds can be monitored and controlled from a single screen to facilitate multi-camera shooting even in environments with limited staff to ensure high content quality.

The auto framing application can be used in conjunction with the AW-RP150GJ and AW-RP60GJ remote camera controllers, making it easy to fine-tune the camera angle during auto framing. In addition, synchronizing camera selection with auto framing in the Media Production Suite simplifies switching between auto and manual framing operations.

Panasonic's auto framing application aims to deliver high-quality framing for advanced content production in broadcast studios and live event shooting with PTZ cameras, contributing to more efficient on-site workflows.

• Auto framing with multiple Panasonic PTZ cameras
• Register multiple user-created framing presets to accurately reproduce user-defined framing
• Group shots for framing multiple subjects, such as two- and three-shots
• Stable framing of moving subjects based on advanced human body detection and camera control for professional-level camera work, including consistent headroom
• Privacy-conscious shooting since body detection does not require personal information
• Facial recognition with registered faces allows specification of individuals for framing
• Multi-camera coordination for stable subject detection and seamless switching between framing targets
• GUI accepts PTZ camera listing for multi-camera viewing and operation
• Subject-tracking autofocus using phase detection auto focus (AW-UE160W/K only)
• Seamless integration with Panasonic AW-RP150GJ & AW-RP60GJ remote camera controllers
• Tablet-ready GUI for touch-panel operation

For more details, please visit the Advanced Auto Framing plug-in and Media Production Suite website:
https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/software/mps/aaf/
https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/software/mps/

• Available via free firmware and Media Production Suite updates
• Register up to three framing presets to accurately reproduce user-defined framings
• Group shots for framing multiple subjects, such as two- and three-shots
• Stable framing of moving subjects based on advanced human body detection and camera control for professional-level camera work, including consistent headroom
• Privacy-conscious shooting since body detection does not require personal information
• Subject-tracking autofocus using phase detection auto focus
• Seamless integration with Panasonic AW-RP150GJ & AW-RP60GJ remote camera controllers
• Tablet-ready GUI for touch-panel operation

For more details, please visit the AW-UE160W/K website:
https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/aw-ue160/

* Product specifications are under development and subject to change at time of release.