How do you install a PTZ camera in your church?
Many houses of worship use a pan/tilt/zoom camera (PTZ) because of the many things it can do. PTZ cameras are great for close-ups and many other fancy tasks. However, they can be reasonably priced. They can be placed on a tripod or permanently mounted to set up anywhere. PTZ cameras can be used in most places of worship and are easy to install.
The majority of PTZ cameras come with everything needed to install them properly. This includes mounting equipment if you want to attach them to a ceiling or wall. In most cases, the package will include one or more of these items:
- Camera
- User manual
- Connector Ethernet (RJ45).
- Color-coded alarm outputs and inputs
- Power supply
- RS485 control wires
- Cables
Some models include a tool to ensure the camera fits on a tripod. Some PTZ cameras only include the essentials, while others include everything you need to get started with the camera. You won’t likely need any other tools than what is in the box, except for drills and screwdrivers.
Once you have taken everything out of its packaging, you must look at it. Also, make sure you double-check the item list to ensure that everything is correct. Only then can you begin installing your PTZ camera.
Mounting Locations and Mounts
Although there are many places where you can mount your PTZ camera permanently, most companies install it on the ceiling or the wall. They also set it up on a tripod so they could use the camera in different rooms. You must decide whether you want a mobile camera or one that can be permanently attached to something. It is easier to choose the best place to mount your camera.
There is a universal 1/4-20 (quarter-20yr) attachment for pole, ceiling, and wall mounts. It is available in black or white and will fit most cameras. You will have all the hardware you need to do the job.
Cable runs
Two types of cables are available for most PTZ cameras. They are the wireless cables and the camera cables. PTZ camera cables are available in various sizes, including 25-, 50, 75- and 100-foot. To give the cables a professional appearance, they can be placed high up on the ceiling or inside the walls. You may need a daisy chain configuration. This means the cable will be extended from the joystick or DVR to the second camera. The second camera will extend to the third camera so that your controller can manage all your cameras.
There are other wiring options, such as a star configuration. This means that the data cable will just run to each camera. When an organization uses multiple cameras, it may use both the daisy-chain and star configurations. They want the cameras to “communicate” while broadcasting is ongoing.
USB Less Than 15′
Although the “plug-and-play” option of a USB port is an easy way to install a PTZ cam, there are some things you should consider before making this decision. For many reasons, USB cabling should not be used if more than one camera is used or is located near a production computer. These reasons include the limitations of USB ports’ bandwidth for high-definition video (HD), the inability to provide positive locking connectors, the fact most computers can only support 1-2 HD cameras, and the fact that USB cables are limited to 15 feet without the need of a USB extender.
These are the things to remember if you use a USB Cable to attach your PTZ Camera.
HDMI Less Than 50′
It would be best to remember that HDMI cables can only connect your PTZ camera to the computer for approximately 50 feet before signal degradation occurs. Although you can extend the cable up to 50 feet, this doesn’t mean it is impossible. You will need to buy extension gear. This gear is costly, so most companies won’t use HDMI to extend cables for longer than 50 feet.
SDI Less Than 300′
The most popular cable for setting up PTZ cameras is SDI. They can be used up to 300 feet which is longer than the USB and HDMI options. The SDI cable is made from solid copper, which produces professional results. These cables also have 1/4-turn connectors in BNC style on both ends, which is the industry standard. While SDI cables are more expensive than other types of cables, the results are better than those offered by other types.
Wireless options
Wireless options also exist. Most of them use a wireless cable up to approximately 1300 feet. You can also use a daisy chain configuration for an additional 5200 feet. If you have a LAN connection, wireless options can be used for PTZ cameras. Professional-grade WAPS (or wireless access points) are the best wireless cables. They can be connected to any NDI/IP device for seamless connections and professional results.
