Datavideo 4K Robotic Pan Tilt Head That Transforms Your Camcorder into a Remote-Controlled PTZ System
Aug 18 2025
Datavideo's award-winning PTR-15 is an innovative 4K robotic pan tilt head designed to bring precise remote control capabilities to camcorders. The PTR-15 revolutionizes professional video workflows by combining pan-tilt head automation with advanced connectivity and integration options. Recognized with the 2024 Taiwan Excellence Award, the PTR-15 exemplifies Datavideo's commitment to innovation, flexibility, and broadcast-grade performance.
The PTR-15 allows users to maintain their preferred camera and lens configurations while adding complete robotic control. Designed to accommodate video cameras weighing up to 4kg, the PTR-15 supports pan motion of up to 340° and tilt movement of ±45°, with up to 199 programmable preset positions for fast and repeatable operation.
Equipped with 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and HDMI 2.0 outputs, the PTR-15 supports up to 4K 60p video, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of broadcast and AV equipment.
The PTR-15 offers a wide range of control options, including Serial ports, Ethernet, and LanC. It is fully compatible with Datavideo's RMC-180 MARK II, RMC-300A, and SHOWCAST 100, as well as third-party controllers such as Skaarhoj. Making it ideal for diverse applications from live events and studio productions.
Beyond standard RS-232/422 control, the PTR-15 delivers advanced IP-based control, aligning with the modern shift toward IP production systems. This innovation brings the camera control protocols and parameter adjustments of high-end broadcast studios—such as aperture, shutter speed, red/blue gain—into an open IP environment. By eliminating the limitations of traditional one-to-one control, operators can switch freely between multiple cameras and achieve precise, real-time adjustments, ushering in a new era of flexibility and convenience for on-site camera operations.
For virtual production environments, the PTR-15 supports the Free-D protocol, allowing integration with AR/VR systems and virtual studios. It interfaces via RS-422 to transmit pan, tilt, and zoom data to the TVS-3000 Virtual Studio Production System. This ensures that camera movements in the physical space are perfectly mirrored in the virtual environment, enhancing realism and immersion.
Equipped with Genlock and Timecode synchronization capabilities, ensuring perfect alignment of video signals across multiple cameras for seamless multi-camera production. The genlock function allows interconnection of all cameras and display devices, ensuring precise synchronization at every frame, all operating on the same clock frequency. This prevents issues like tearing due to unstable frame transmission. The timecode calibration function enables the interconnection of all cameras and recording devices, providing the same time parameters. This establishes a unified time reference point for subsequent archiving or post-production, ensuring consistency.
The PTR-15 is designed for simplified installation, featuring Power over Ethernet++ (PoE++), which allows power and control through a single network cable. It also offers 12V and 24V D-Tap power outputs, making it easy to power the connected camera and accessories without additional power infrastructure.
From houses of worship, educational institutions to corporate events and high-end broadcast studios, the PTR-15 provides unmatched flexibility. It transforms static camera setups into fully dynamic, operator-free systems while maintaining cinematic quality and complete system integration.
"With the PTR-15, we are redefining the PTZ category," said Rob Read, Director of Business Development at Datavideo US. "It empowers producers to retain their preferred cameras while achieving the motion flexibility and control traditionally reserved for dedicated PTZ units. It's a solution built for today's dynamic video production world."
With its unmatched combination of 4K broadcast-quality performance, versatile control options, and future-ready integration for virtual production, the Datavideo PTR-15 stands as a game-changing solution for modern broadcast production. Whether you're producing live events, running a professional studio, or exploring immersive AR/VR workflows, the PTR-15 delivers the precision, flexibility, and reliability you need to take your productions to the next level.
