Unlock best-in-class auto-tracking for PTZ cameras, combining reliability with cinematic, intuitive controls suitable for any level of operator. Whether you're live streaming, in video conferences, or producing dynamic video content, mastering these features will ensure subjects remain well-framed and in focus, significantly improving the quality of your video.
Understanding Auto-Tracking Components
Component | Description |
Target Position | The target position determines where to place the subject in the frame. You can manually drag this position within the canvas, and will automatically move the camera to align the subject accordingly. |
Tracking Box | The green bounding box surrounds the subject’s head, providing a visual cue of the subject being tracked. |
Deadband | The red deadband represents the threshold at which auto-tracking starts. When the subject's head touches the deadband, the camera begins moving. Adjust the deadband size via croppers in the video feed or sliders in the bottom tray. |
If you want to learn about the specific auto-tracking tools and settings, check out our help desk article here.
How to Enable Auto-Tracking
Select the Auto-Tracking Tool:
Click the Auto-Tracking Tool in the top toolbar or access it via the bottom tray. This will enable tracking mode.Wait for GPU Connection:
After activating auto-tracking, a "connecting to GPU" status will be displayed. The connection should establish in a few seconds. If your system lacks a GPU or encounters issues, refer to the troubleshooting section below.Search for Subjects:
Once connected, it will scan the video feed for potential subjects. Detected subjects will be outlined with a white bounding box, indicating they are recognized and ready for tracking.Select a Subject to Track:
Hover over a white bounding box, which will turn green when ready for tracking. Click to initiate tracking.Tracking Active:
When active, the subject’s face will be outlined with a green bounding box, and the red deadband will appear. A tracking icon will also display in the left-hand tray next to the video source.Stop Auto-Tracking:
To stop tracking, click the red "stop tracking" button at the bottom of the canvas. This will return to the "searching for subjects" state.
Tip: You can use other tools like joystick control and fast frame adjustments while auto-tracking is active to fine-tune your shot.
Auto-Tracking Limits & Switching Sources
Single-Source Tracking:
Supports tracking for one source at a time. When tracking is active, annotations and bounding boxes are only visible for the tracked source.Switching Tracking Sources:
To switch tracking to another source:Navigate to the desired source in the left-hand tray.
Use the switch arrow next to the currently tracked source to stop tracking.
Click on a new subject in the new source to start tracking.
Auto-Tracking Limitations & Restrictions
Tracking for human subjects only. Objects or animals cannot be tracked.
Tracking is limited to one source at a time.
Using cloud mode adds approximately 200ms of latency, though performance remains high.
Detect and track subjects even if their full body or face is not completely visible.
Tips & Best Practices for Auto-Tracking
Local Mode for Low Latency:
Use local mode instead of cloud mode to minimize tracking latency.Adjust Deadband Responsiveness:
Modify the deadband size to control the sensitivity of camera movements. Increase tolerance for less movement and decrease it for more responsiveness.Acceleration Settings:
Adjust the acceleration slider to control the speed of camera movement. Use higher acceleration for fast-moving subjects and lower settings for smoother, cinematic motion.Shot Composition Tools:
Enable shot composition tools to automatically align subjects and achieve professional framing without manual intervention.Safe Shot:
Enable the safe shot feature and set a fallback position for the camera to revert to when the subject is lost, ensuring a consistent view.
Troubleshooting Auto-Tracking
GPU Connection Issues:
If the connection to your GPU fails, a reconnect arrow will display. Click this to retry connecting to your GPU. Refer to the help section on WebGPU and WebGL for more detailed troubleshooting steps.
FAQs: Auto-Tracking
How many subjects can be tracked at once?
Only one subject can be tracked at a time. Annotations and bounding boxes won’t appear for other sources when tracking is active.Do I need a GPU for auto-tracking?
Yes, the algorithm relies on your computer’s GPU for optimized tracking. For systems without a GPU, check the help section for more information.What happens if tracking loses the subject?
If safe shot is enabled, the camera will move to the predefined safe position. Otherwise, the camera will stop moving.Can I use other tools while auto-tracking is active?
Yes, you can use joystick control, fast frame, and other tools while tracking is active.How can I adjust the responsiveness of camera movements?
You can adjust the deadband tolerance in the auto-tracking settings. Increase tolerance for less movement and decrease it for more responsiveness.What is the purpose of shot composition tools in auto-tracking?
Shot composition tools allow you to automatically align the subject and set a predefined shot type (tight, mid, wide) for consistent framing.Is auto-tracking available in both local and cloud modes?
Yes, but local mode provides better performance with lower latency.How do I control camera speed during tracking?
Modify the acceleration setting in the auto-tracking tray. Higher acceleration is ideal for fast-moving subjects, while lower settings offer smoother motion.What should I do if the GPU connection fails?
If your GPU connection fails, use the reconnect arrow or refer to the GPU help desk article for further guidance.