SoftRail, a software-defined rail system that uses projected light to create a path for robotic camera systems, has been launched by Shotoku.
It combines the path-following capabilities of a physical rail system with the total freedom of a free-roaming pedestal, which Shotoku claims will open up studio floor space to limitless software-defined paths while eliminating the restrictions of physical floor tracks on presenters, guests, and other cameras.
James Eddershaw, Managing Director, Shotoku UK, said: “Around 12 years ago, rail camera systems that were built ‘into’ the set began to appear in TV News studios. While these systems follow every arc and contour of a set beautifully, they seriously hinder future production design flexibility and new creativity. That’s why we have developed SoftRail.”
The virtual tracks work with Shotoku’s TR-XT studio control system and operators use TR-XT’s enhanced StudioView mode to design a SoftRail. Once enabled, SmartPed behaves as if it is physically mounted on rails. A simple XY joystick moves the SmartPed left or right along the rail path allowing the operator to focus on the other axes and maintain perfect framing.
Stand Number 12.F47
Company Shotoku Broadcast Systems
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