Paul Richards, Chief Revenue Officer of PTZ Optics, on Pioneering Live Streaming Technology and Expanding Global Reach
In an exclusive interview, Paul Richards, Chief Revenue Officer of PTZ Optics, shares insights into the company's cutting-edge advancements in live streaming technology and its growing influence in the global market. Richards discusses PTZ Optics' innovative approach to meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry, the challenges of expanding into new international territories, and the future of video production in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a professional in the field, Richards' vision offers a compelling look at the next steps for PTZ Optics and the broader tech landscape.
Can you provide an overview of your company’s latest innovations and products that will be showcased at the International Broadcasting Conference?
PTZOptics is excited to launch our new remote production camera technology, Hive. Hive is a new platform that allows users to easily remotely control video productions from anywhere in the world. At IBC, we will be releasing our new Hive-Linked cameras which can be set up to connect to the cloud and sent anywhere in the world for remote control. Hive itself will include video switching, recording and remote control for over 400 PTZ cameras, allowing producers to cut down on travel costs and secure production contracts for installed systems.
How do you anticipate the trends and developments in broadcasting technology influencing the industry in the next few years?
Remote production allows production companies to permanently install PTZ camera systems and remote control all aspects of the production from a central location. Remote production is a huge trend because it reduces travel costs and allows producers to work from home. PTZ cameras truly unlock the value of remote production by giving producers the ability to frame shots, automatically track subjects, and focus on what the client really cares about. Production companies are now using PTZ cameras to secure long-term contracts for productions that can be anywhere in the world. The opportunity to expand your production business globally is within reach of many of our customers.
In what ways do you believe your products can address the evolving needs of broadcasters and content creators?
Hive has a share button built into the video production interface. We have noticed that each Hive users is sharing access with many colleagues, and collaborators. In Hive, you can have a viewer, a producer or an admin and the admin has controls for allowing access to specific cameras and capabilities. In the past, most production systems were only used by a few people who were physically present at an event. Today, teams are able to collaborate and share responsibilities for the production from anywhere.
Can you share any case studies or success stories where your products have significantly enhanced broadcasting operations or content production?
A Tennis organization we worked with wanted to live stream their matches each week. Once they had access to Hive, coaches from each team wanted to have access to the video so that they could review the games and see how players could improve. They coaches were then sharing access with scouts and family members. We are going through a moment similar to the typewriter evolving to word pressing evolving to Google docs. Production companies are finding that it’s much easier to deploy cameras that are cloud-connected and pre-setup, than to send people to do all the set up on site. We are seeing a lot of demand for corporate events, and music festivals that want to have everything set up and deployed so it’s ready to be controlled from a remote location.
How does your company approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in the design and manufacturing of your products?
PTZOptics has recently transitioned all of our packaging to recyclable materials. Our boxes, bags, and packaging accessories are made with eco-friendly materials guided by international standards for sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint and minimizing waste and pollution. Our company has also had a solar array at our headquarters for over 10 years. We have a fleet of hybrid vehicles and feel strongly about sustainability and our responsibility to the environment.
Where can we find you (booth number) at the show and keep up with you (social media handles?)
You can find us at Hall 11 C01. Follow us at @ptzoptics on all social media.
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