Ground-breaking PTZ camera use on Ed Sheeran Global Mathematics Tour
Ground-breaking PTZ camera use on Ed Sheeran Global Mathematics Tour
Challenge
To bring the audience closer to the action of Ed Sheeran’s 360-degree stage global tour using only PTZ cameras.
Solution
12 Panasonic AW-UE150 4K PTZ cameras and seven AW-RP150 remote camera controllers with Panasonic enhanced firmware.
Panasonic PTZ cameras bring fans closer to Ed Sheeran’s Global Stadium Tour.
Picture credit: Nick Lepoutre
"Before we began this tour, people would have said that using a PTZ camera as your main lens on a stadium show was insane, but I am very keen on pushing new technology and seeing where its limits are. We are doing that with the Panasonic PTZ cameras on this tour and there is no doubt that they are more than up to the task and are helping to deliver an incredible experience for the fans."
Pop music icon Ed Sheeran is used to breaking new ground in the music industry and his latest +-=¸´ Tour is no different. Fans see Ed perform in a new 360-degree production set-up, surrounded by the crowd in each stadium, with Panasonic PTZ cameras operated remotely to bring the audience closer to the action. Tour video director Phil Mead believes it's the first time PTZ cameras have been used exclusively in a global stadium tour thanks to the innovative capabilities of the Panasonic PTZ cameras.
“With the in-the-round stage design, we couldn't have anything to obscure the crowd's view,” explained Phil, from Colonel Tom Touring, the video production company supporting the Tour. “A tour like this would typically use traditional cameras with operators but they would have been too intrusive and that wasn't an option.”
The video production team was recommended to look at Panasonic AW-UE150 PTZ cameras by its partner the CVP Group, one of the leading Broadcast and Professional video solutions providers in the UK and Europe. After a demonstration, the team were convinced that solely using Panasonic PTZ cameras would work.
“We were immediately impressed by the incredible picture quality, the size of the cameras and their versatility,” said Phil. “Another great benefit was the ability to use the crop function. It means that a single camera and operator, can achieve two shots – a full body shot and a close-up.”
The AW-UE150 is part of Panasonic's comprehensive professional PTZ camera line-up. Featuring a 1-type MOS largesensor, the next generation PTZ camera supports high-quality 4K 50p/60p video, features a 75.1 degree viewing angle, 20x optical zoom and supports versatile outputs, including 12G-SDI, HDMI, optical fibre and IP. Simultaneous 4K/HD operation makes the PTZ camera ideal for those looking to future-proof their system.
There are 12 Panasonic PTZ cameras used in the tour set-up; six on the masts that support the whole steel structure, four at each corner of the stage and two on the large screens above. Images are fed back over fibre to the remote broadcast truck, equipped with production switchers, up to 300 metres away.
The cameras are controlled using seven of Panasonic's AW-RP150 remote camera controllers, with a large touchscreen display for easy use, a joystick for one-handed operation and simplified PTZ camera presets and tracing memory. The team consists of six operators overseen by Tour Video System Engineer Bob Larkin and the Video Director. Using the IP-based system, with video signal routing over SDI, Bob can quickly tag into any camera.
Ahead of the tour, Panasonic worked closely with the production team to enhance the system's firmware to increase the number of controllers that could be used together with the cameras up to nine.
“The fact that we have an IP-based network means that each element in the system is easy to integrate,” said Phil. “For me, it is also a dream to be in the remote broadcasting truck because directing from the heart of a 360-degree show can be very difficult and distracting.”
Now well into the first leg of the minimum three-year global tour, Bob said the cameras have been thoroughly tested and are performing brilliantly. “In terms of picture quality and resolution, these are the best-looking cameras I have ever used. You couldn't ask for a better picture and capability from a camera of this size.”
Phil added that the build quality of the Panasonic cameras had also impressed. “Ed is an incredibly mobile performer, making up to 200 laps of the stage during a show. The cameras are constantly panning and tilting and exposed to vibration. Two are used on rails. Tracking and capturing that level of movement can be challenging but the cameras continue to perform as well as the day they first came out of the box.”
“Before we began this tour, people would have said that using a PTZ camera as your main lens on a stadium show was insane, but I am very keen on pushing new technology and seeing where its limits are. We are doing that with the Panasonic PTZ cameras on this tour and there is no doubt that they are more than up to the task and are helping to deliver an incredible experience for the fans.”
Read more insights…
Case Study
The Royal Society and Panasonic share Science
Panasonic 4K PTZ cameras help the Royal Society continue pioneering work in live streaming
Case Study
Capturing the attention of Germany’s future business leaders
Otto Beisheim School of Management installs a lecture capture system utilising Panasonic AV technology and remote cameras
Case Study
University of Kassel utilises Panasonic education solutions to enrich its digital and hybrid learning
During the last years, the University of Kassel has broadened its digital learning technology and offers.They record lectures to offer them ‘on demand' for students not being able to attend classes in person, they livestream lectures and generally focus to enrich their ‘hybrid learning'. They keep a focus on balancing their on-demand and remote learning sessions with in-person lectures and classes.
Case Study
MDH University
When a Swedish University wanted to build a new campus that would be the best place to study and work, it turned to Panasonic for its varied projector and camera requirements.
Sorry there was an error...
The files you selected could not be downloaded as they do not exist.
You selected items.
Continue to select additional items or download selected items together as a zip file.
You selected 1 item.
Continue to select additional items or download the selected item directly.
Share page
Share this link via:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Xing
Facebook
Or copy link: