Key Takeaways
- Bolin Technology has launched two new PTZ cameras (Range PTZR and R9‑L420N) and an updated KBD Plus production controller targeting live‑production workflows.
- The Range PTZR is an all‑weather indoor/outdoor camera with a 1/1.8‑inch Sony sensor, 4K 60 fps video, 25× optical zoom, and IP65 durability (‑40 °C to +60 °C).
- It offers high‑speed brushless motors (up to 300°/s pan/tilt), a 270° rotating image module for vertical video, and versatile I/O including 12G‑SDI, HDMI 2.0, USB‑C (UVC), Ethernet, plus NDI, SRT, RTMP, RTSP, and ONVIF support.
- The R9‑L420N features a larger 1‑inch sensor, 4K 60 fps video with 20× zoom, and 1080p 120 fps capture, hybrid autofocus, adjustable cropped outputs, built‑in ND filters, and dual 12G‑SDI/HDMI plus Optical SDI and IP outputs.
- Both cameras support timecode (LTC), Genlock, and a range of streaming protocols; the R9‑L420N adds NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX3, and MPEG‑TS.
- The KBD Plus controller provides centralized camera control, monitoring, and automation with decoding for up to four IP sources, HDMI 2.0/USB‑C video output, a 4‑inch LCD touchscreen, precision joystick, user‑definable buttons, and protocol support including VISCA over IP/serial, NDI, ONVIF, with upcoming AI‑based subject tracking.
Overview of Bolin Technology’s New PTZ Camera Line
Bolin Technology’s latest hardware release expands its live‑production portfolio with two purpose‑built PTZ cameras and an enhanced controller. The Range PTZR is positioned as a rugged, all‑environment solution suitable for studios, outdoor events, and harsh‑climate installations. In contrast, the R9‑L420N targets high‑end production scenarios that demand superior image quality, flexible framing, and precise synchronization. Together, these cameras address a broad spectrum of use‑cases, from fixed‑installation broadcast to mobile‑unit workflows, while the KBD Plus controller serves as the nerve center that integrates device management, monitoring, and automated functions into a single ergonomic unit. The combination reflects Bolin’s strategy of delivering interoperable, protocol‑rich products that fit seamlessly into existing IP‑based and SDI‑centric infrastructures.
Technical Specifications of the Range PTZR Camera
At the heart of the Range PTZR lies a 1/1.8‑inch Sony CMOS sensor capable of delivering 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The optical system provides a 25× zoom range, allowing operators to capture wide‑establishing shots and tight details without changing lenses. Built for durability, the camera carries an IP65 rating, protecting it against dust ingress and low‑pressure water jets, and it operates reliably across an extreme temperature spectrum from –40 °C to +60 °C. This makes the PTZR suitable for outdoor sports venues, concert stages, and industrial environments where weather conditions fluctuate. The sensor’s performance is complemented by a low‑noise architecture that maintains clean images even in challenging lighting, ensuring consistent quality for both live broadcast and recorded content.
Features and Capabilities of the Range PTZR
Motion is driven by high‑precision brushless motors that achieve pan and tilt speeds of up to 300° per second, enabling rapid subject tracking and smooth cinematic moves. The image module itself can rotate up to 270°, facilitating vertical video capture (ideal for social‑media formats) and horizon correction when the camera is mounted at unconventional angles. Connectivity is extensive: 12G‑SDI and HDMI 2.0 ports provide uncompressed video output, while a USB‑C (UVC) interface offers plug‑and‑play webcam functionality. Ethernet carries IP video streams, and the camera supports a suite of protocols including NDI, SRT, RTMP, RTSP, and ONVIF, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of production switchers, streaming platforms, and network‑based workflows. An integrated LCD screen on the camera body allows quick access to settings and a live preview, and a built‑in carry handle with accessory mounting points simplifies rigging and transportation.
Technical Specifications of the R9‑L420N PTZ Camera
The R9‑L420N steps up the imaging performance with a 1‑inch sensor, a format renowned for its superior low‑light sensitivity and dynamic range. This sensor enables 4K video at 60 fps with a 20× optical zoom, and it can also output 1080p at up to 120 fps for slow‑motion capture. Hybrid autofocus combines phase‑detect and contrast‑detect methods to maintain sharp focus on moving subjects, while adjustable cropped outputs let operators derive alternative framings (e.g., a tight shot from a wide sensor readout) without needing additional cameras. Exposure control is handled via built‑in ND filters, which can be engaged electronically to manage bright lighting conditions without altering aperture or gain. For synchronization in multi‑camera setups, the R9‑L420N provides LTC timecode input/output and Genlock capability, ensuring frame‑accurate alignment with switchers, audio consoles, and other equipment.
Advanced Features of the R9‑L420N
Beyond core imaging, the R9‑L420N includes a suite of professional‑grade features tailored to complex live productions. Dual 12G‑SDI outputs allow simultaneous delivery of different signals (e.g., a clean feed and a program feed), while HDMI 2.0 offers a consumer‑friendly monitoring option. An Optical SDI interface extends reach over fiber for long‑distance runs, and IP outputs support NDI High Bandwidth, NDI HX3, SRT, RTMP, RTSP, ONVIF, and MPEG‑TS, giving users flexibility in choosing between low‑latency, high‑quality, or environmentally robust streaming protocols. The camera’s user interface includes programmable presets and remote controllability via VISCA over IP or serial, enabling seamless integration with existing robotics controllers. Its robust metal chassis and thoughtful cooling design ensure reliable operation during extended shoots, making the R9‑L420N a strong candidate for flagship broadcast, esports, and live‑event productions that demand both image excellence and operational versatility.
KBD Plus Production Controller: Control, Monitoring and Automation
The KBD Plus controller acts as the central hub for managing Bolin’s PTZ cameras and other IP‑based sources. It can decode up to four simultaneous IP camera streams, routing them to HDMI 2.0 or USB‑C (UVC) outputs for monitoring, recording, or feeding a switcher. The front panel features a 4‑inch LCD touchscreen that provides visual feedback on camera status, waveform vectorscopes, and audio levels, complemented by a precision joystick for smooth pan/tilt/zoom manipulation and a set of user‑definable buttons that can be mapped to presets, trigger macros, or launch automation routines. Supported control protocols encompass VISCA over IP, VISCA over serial, NDI, and ONVIF, as well as Bolin‑specific commands, ensuring backward compatibility with legacy systems and forward compatibility with emerging IP workflows. A forthcoming software update will introduce AI‑based subject tracking, allowing the controller to automatically keep a moving subject in frame based on depth‑map or silhouette analysis, thereby reducing operator workload in dynamic scenes. Overall, the KBD Plus consolidates control, monitoring, and intelligent automation into a single, ergonomically designed unit that streamlines live‑production operations.