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Getting Started

PTZOptics Voice Tracking is an audio-driven camera automation system that uses a supported microphone to detect where sound is coming from in a room and automatically directs PTZOptics cameras to the active speaker. When paired with a video switcher, it can also trigger live camera cuts, creating a fully automated, operator-free production. To set up Voice Tracking, you will need to activate the license on your camera, connect a supported microphone, and configure the system to recognize which zones in the room correspond to which camera presets.

Access

Voice Tracking is accessed at http://[camera-ip]/voice-tracking or from the Voice Tracking link in the Horizon Web UI sidebar. It is a licensed add-on that requires activation before use.

How It Works

Voice Tracking connects three systems together:

Microphone → Voice Tracking Application → Camera(s) + Optional Switcher
  1. A microphone listens for audio and reports which zone(s) in the room are active.
  2. The Voice Tracking Application (running on the camera) evaluates zone activity against configurable thresholds to confirm a real speaker is present.
  3. The assigned camera recalls a saved preset position corresponding to that zone.
  4. An optional video switcher simultaneously cuts the live program feed to the active camera.

The result is a hands-free system where the camera follows the conversation automatically.

System Architecture

Single Camera, No Switcher

Mic → Voice Tracking Application → Camera (recalls preset per zone)

The simplest deployment. One camera moves between preset positions as different zones activate. Best for conference rooms, classrooms, or single-presenter environments.

Multi-Camera with Switcher

Mic → Voice Tracking Application → Camera 1 + Camera 2 + Camera 3
→ Switcher (cuts to active camera)

The most capable setup. Each zone maps to a specific camera and/or switcher source and preset. The switcher cuts the live output to whichever camera is covering the active zone. Ideal for studios, podcasts, panel discussions, and large conference rooms.

Compatible Cameras

Voice Tracking is supported on the following PTZOptics camera models:

CameraNotes
Move 4KAll variants
Link 4KAll variants
caution

Verify your camera is running the latest production firmware before attempting to activate Voice Tracking.

Supported Microphones

Voice Tracking integrates with a wide range of microphone systems. Each reports zone-level audio activity over your local network.

MicrophoneManufacturer
ATND1061Audio Technica
HDL410Nureva
MXA920Shure
TeamConnect Ceiling 2Sennheiser
TeamConnect Ceiling MediumSennheiser
Speechline Digital WirelessSennheiser
ConferoTelevic
RM-CGYamaha

See Supported Microphones for connection details and per-device setup instructions.

Supported Switchers

For multi-camera setups, Voice Tracking can simultaneously control one of the following video switchers:

SwitcherType
OBS StudioSoftware (WebSocket)
vMixSoftware (Web Controller API)
INOGENI CAM230Hardware (REST API)
INOGENI IP2USBHardware (REST API)
Epiphan ModelsHardware (Remote Control API)

See Switcher Configuration for per-switcher setup guides.

Prerequisites Checklist

Before beginning setup, confirm:

  • Camera is a PTZOptics Move 4K or Link 4K.
  • Camera is running the latest production firmware.
  • You have a PTZOptics Community account (for online activation) or have received a registration key (for offline activation).
  • A supported microphone is installed and configured on your network.
  • The camera and microphone are on the same local network.
  • You have the microphone's IP address and port available.
  • Camera presets are saved for each zone/position you want to track.
  • (Optional) A video switcher is configured and reachable on the network.

Section Guide

PageDescription
Voice Tracking ActivationActivate Voice Tracking using the online or offline method.
Supported MicrophonesPer-device setup for all supported microphone systems.
Microphone ConfigurationThe Voice Tracking interface, toolbar, config menu, and threshold tuning.
Zone ConfigurationZone map setup, silence zone, rotation, zone naming, and exclusion.
Switcher ConfigurationConnect OBS, vMix, INOGENI, or Epiphan for automated camera cuts.
Multi-Camera SetupMap different zones to different cameras for multi-camera productions.