SCCC enhances its video productions with Canon PTZ
SCCC enhances its video productions with Canon PTZ
Officially opened in May 2017, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) is a well-regarded institution for local Chinese culture. It houses several facilities such as an auditorium, multipurpose hall (MPH) and a recital studio for performances, exhibitions, workshops and other events. To complement the flexible use of its MPH in addition to delivering professional quality multicamera productions, SCCC recently upgraded its filming equipment.
Measuring 1850m2, SCCC’s MPH is able to house 50 banquet tables for seating up to 550 guests and can support a portable stage setup in different locations within the space. Equipped with an audio, lighting and video inventory including a podium with a gooseneck microphone, four wireless handheld microphones, three projectors with portable screens and a foyer display, filming remained a challenge without any fixed or portable cameras.
In a bid to enhance venue versatility, the technical operators were tasked to create a varied stage layout that could adapt to each event’s bespoke requirements. Foreseeing an increase in demand for video filming of events, SCCC explored technical options that could provide smooth and sharp video capture for its users.
With Electro-Acoustic Systems (EAS) appointed as the systems integrator for the project, SCCC identified the Canon PTZ cameras and infrastructure as the preferred equipment to meet their needs for video capture capabilities. This was followed by a demonstration that was conducted to highlight the differences between 1-inch and 1/2.3-inch sensors in addition to the zoom capabilities of the CR-N700 and CR-N300 models. Aligning with the venue’s varied stage requirements, EAS also noted the smooth capture, high colour reproduction and sharp images provided by Canon’s PTZ solutions.
Subsequently, the MPH is now equipped with two mobile Canon CR-N700 cameras and six fixed CR-N300 models managed from a single RC-IP1000 controller. Auto tracking is enabled with the acquisition of two Auto Tracking Licences. To ensure seamless integration and networkable operation, EAS installed an infrastructure that includes a racked Furman power sequencer, Blackmagic Videohub 10 x 10 12G-SDI router, Netgear AV network switches and a Datavideo HDR-90 video recorder.
“Eliminating the need for a dedicated camera operator, one of the standout aspects of the demo was Canon’s auto tracking capability, which delivered smooth, reliable tracking of onstage performers,” commented EAS service division general manager Sunny Leow. Following installation, the SCCC team received comprehensive training, including an overview of the intuitive and logically designed Web User Interface (WebUI).
In line with SCCC’s existing Panasonic PTZ camera set up in the Auditorium, the Remote Camera Control Application (RCCA) is paired with the MPH’s RC-IP1000 controller, allowing SCCC to view and control all eight remote cameras from a single platform. Simplifying multicamera production and ensuring visual consistency across brands, Canon’s Camera Colour Matching Application equalises the CR-N700’s colour profiles with pre-existing Panasonic and third -party cameras.
According to SCCC, the Canon PTZ camera lineup was specified for its visual quality when showcasing the nuances of cultural arts. The institute also highlighted how the cameras’ smart auto‑tracking functions free operators from having to constantly monitor dynamic live events. Furthermore, the team noted that the Dual Pixel AF’s deep‑learning detection provides accurate, focussed quality during fast paced stage movements, further enhancing the production quality of performances and livestreams.
