Any video-refereeing system involves recording by a specialized video server material from cameras located in accordance with the technical regulations of a competition. Needless to say, specialized cameras are better suited for this task. These cameras were designed to take into account the conditions of use and peculiarity of the particular sport. Our slomo.tv specialized cameras for video-refereeing systems mini-II-vR-Cam have all the necessary features and functions - compact size, built-in controlled zoom lens, remote control settings, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, as well as CloudyGenLock® technology to synchronize cameras with each other and with the scoreboard controller.
Theoretically, similar results can be achieved using professional or prosumer cameras. These cameras have far more functions than needed, and can not be used in video-refereeing at their full potential. The price of such cameras is also higher.
In order to offer the customers complete video-refereeing solutions at a reasonable cost, we have created our own specialized referee cameras. If the project budget is limited, we recommend and can supply Marshall cameras that are small, lightweight and have SDI output.
Sometimes there are specific tasks, which, on the one hand, are characterized by a limited budget for the cameras, but on the other hand require the presence of wide zoom range lenses and time limits for system installation. Such specific tasks often arise in sports such as basketball, volleyball, water polo or wrestling.
In this case, as an alternative to specialized cameras, we recommend using consumer cameras. Modern consumer cameras feature high image quality, high-sensitivity matrix, a built-in zoom lens and a built-in LCD viewfinder screen, which allows quick positioning of the camera. At the same time, they are lightweight, have a well-tested design that allows safely using them in various projects. These cameras are offered at a very attractive price that makes it possible to buy several reserve cameras.
As a rule, modern video cameras are equipped with an HDMI™ video output. In order for the video server to record video from the cameras, HDMI™ to SDI converters are used. In this case, the cost of a camera place (a consumer camera with an HDMI™ to SDI converter) can be between $300 and $350. As an example of a consumer camera suitable for video-refereeing, we suggest considering the Sony HDR-CX405. Priced at about $250, this HDMI™ output camera has a built-in 30x zoom lens with a wide viewing angle. To convert signals from HDMI™ to SDI, we recommend the Blackmagic Design Micro Converters HDMI™ to SDI 3G.
When using consumer cameras special attention should be paid to the following:
- Some cameras go into "sleep" mode and stop outputting the image if no operations are performed. If this function cannot be disabled, the camera is not suitable for video-refereeing.
- Some cameras have a fixed image output mode. For example, if the video signal comes in 1080p50 format, the video-refereeing server, which works with interlaced (i) signals, will not be able to process it.
- When using such cameras, it is necessary to provide power supply to both the camera itself and the micro converter. Therefore, there should be a power source nearby - a power socket or a high capacity power bank.
Since video-refereeing systems are not always permanently installed and can be transported from one arena to another, it can be difficult to choose one appropriate lens for Marshall cameras. The purchase of additional lenses for each arena increases the cost of the system and requires careful handling of these lenses. In this case, consumer cameras have the advantage in terms of ease of use because they have built-in lenses with a wide zoom range.
Depending on the task, the budget and time limits of the project the following types of cameras can be used with slomo.tv video-refereeing systems:
- Specialized slomo.tv cameras mini-II-vR-Cam
- Marshall CV503 cameras with a suitable lens
- Consumer cameras (for example, Sony HDR-CX405) with HDMI™ to SDl micro converters
Slomo.tv video-refereeing servers are perfectly suited to work with different cameras. The use of specialized cameras is definitely an easier, more reliable and convenient option, but not always suitable because of the price. In this case, it is possible to replace them with simpler and more affordable cameras.
