TVU Networks Adds Subject-Tracking Functionality to TVU Anywhere
Leverages Apple Center Stage to Improve Operator-less Productions
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – June 8, 2021 – TVU Networks, the market and technology leader in cloud and IP-based live video solutions, today announced its TVU Anywhere solution has integrated support for Center Stage, a new iPad Pro (M1 Chip models) feature that automates subject tracking, a feature that eliminates the need for a camera operator in many situations. Integrating technology like this new release from Apple opens the door to more professional production experiences that do not require a camera operator, complicated and expensive workflows, or purpose-built broadcast hardware.
TVU prioritizes continuous improvements to its platforms to keep pace with its customers’ rapidly changing requirements. The integration of Center Stage frees the reporter or anchor using TVU Anywhere from the constraints of holding a fixed position, using AI to automatically recognize the subject and tracking her as she moves. Also, as additional subjects enter the shot, such as an interviewee, the camera will automatically zoom out to capture the additional subject and then zoom back in again once the interview is complete. Center Stage is fully Integrated with TVU Anywhere via API, so no external controls are required.
TVU Anywhere is a simple, downloadable app that turns any smartphone or tablet into a production camera, leveraging the universal availability of these devices to provide “on-air in an instant” convenience. Already in use by large media organizations around the globe, it has a wide range of capabilities such as dual-camera support, facial skin smoothing, remote pan-zoom and other camera settings that enable home, remote or field-based professionals to deliver high quality content using their mobile devices.
“TVU is focused on empowering our customers to take advantage of all the increasing power of phones and tablets, using these commonly available tools to deliver the highest-grade solutions for everyone from large broadcasters to home content creators. As consumer technology reduces the gap of quality and functionality between prosumer and professional workflows, our goal is to quickly integrate every meaningful functionality into our solutions that utilize these devices,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “TVU Anywhere usage soared by over 900 percent in 2020 and we expect continued growth beyond the pandemic. Our commitment is to give customers options to do with mobile devices what used to be reserved for only high-end, purpose-built broadcast technologies.”
TVU Anywhere can deliver a full HD transmission from phones, tablets, and other mobile devices with latency as low as a half-second. With TVU’s patented Inverse StatMux Plus (IS+) technology, it aggregates cellular with WiFi connections to provide reliable video transmissions. In addition to bi-directional IFB, TVU Anywhere features dual camera technology for simultaneous broadcast from front and rear cameras in a picture-in-picture or split-screen option. It also offers a unique video return feed feature for confidence monitoring.
About TVU Networks®
TVU Networks is a global organization with more than 3,000 customers using its IP and cloud-based workflow solutions across multiple industries including news, entertainment media, sports, corporate, streaming, houses of worship and government. Through the use of AI and automation driven technology, TVU helps broadcasters realize an efficient metadata and story-centric workflow through its TVU MediaMind platform for live video content acquisition, indexing, production, distribution and management. The company has been on the forefront of developing the tools needed to revolutionize and streamline the Media Supply Chain. TVU is a critical part of the operations of many major media companies worldwide and is a Technology and Engineering Emmy® Award winner.