Preparation

1. Preparations before shooting: A teacher, a director and three camera crews (one camera crew is adequate if PTZ camera is used). However, if in the regular classroom, the teacher normally just has to speak on the stage without having to do extra preparations.

2. Precautions: Actually, using the PTZ camera in the lecture recording system solves the issues of small space and lack of operators. You will be able to control the three PTZ cameras at a remote location using a remote control such as panning and zooming. Before shooting, the cameras are set up according to the room layout and then the pan, tilt and zoom features are used to follow the movements of the teacher. The workflow complexity is reduced to the minimum.

 Shooting in the “Mobile Classroom”

PTZ camera is another option in video production.

Equipment Setup

Live camera setup includes camera mount and setup of the switcher system. After full body shot, zoom shot and close-up shot are configured, you should also make sure all lenses are correctly positioned for live production to avoid mistakes due to carelessness. Level, height and position of the lens for full body shot must be properly aligned with the speaker. For close-up shot, you should make sure when the lens moves, anti-shock feature is enabled. Zoom shot should avoid classroom windows to mitigate the backlight effect.

You should try to set up the mobile switcher in another classroom or along the hall way. The mobile switcher should be placed on a firm and stable table with the power connected so that recording can be successful. While installing the cameras, you should make sure video and network cables are well laid and fixed for safety purpose as this prevents students or other staffs from being accidentally tripped by the cables. In addition, the PPT slides can also be connected to the switcher via one channel to add more flexibility to video switching.

Set up cameras along the hall way.

Video Production

The director, after communicating with the teacher, can start recording the lecture. During video switching, the director should also pay attention to camera images and the audio volume control of the teacher’s voice. Images are captured and recorded according to the lecture content.

Video switching and audio recording