This document outlines the installation and setup procedures for the Pixellot System, a streaming system designed for capturing and broadcasting sporting events. The system is primarily used by the NFHS Network for high school sports.
Function Description:
The Pixellot System is an automated sports production system that uses artificial intelligence to capture, produce, and stream live sporting events without the need for a human camera operator. It consists of a Pixellot camera, a computer, and a Scorelink device (for outdoor installs). The system is designed to provide a wide, unobstructed view of the playing field or court, allowing for automated tracking of the game and players. For indoor installations, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) scoreboard camera is also used to capture scoreboard information. The system can be installed both indoors and outdoors, with specific considerations for each environment.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Pixellot Camera: The core component of the system, responsible for capturing the wide-angle video feed. It connects to the computer via two Cat6 ethernet cables and is powered by the computer.
- Computer: Processes the video feed from the Pixellot camera and manages the streaming. It requires a hardline internet access and power.
- OCR Scoreboard Camera (Indoor Installs Only): Connects to the computer via one Cat6 ethernet cable. Its purpose is to capture and integrate scoreboard data into the stream.
- Scorelink Device (Outdoor Installs Only): Connects to the computer via one USB cable. This device is used to interface with the scoreboard controller for outdoor installations. The serial cables for the Scorelink device vary based on the scoreboard type (e.g., Grey = Daktronics/Electromech, Red = Fairplay/Spectrum, Black = Nevco).
- Point-to-Point (P2P) Wireless Bridge (Outdoor Installs Only): For outdoor units where a hardline internet access is not available, a point-to-point wireless bridge can be installed. These dishes run on 24V, with 48V supplied by powered network switches. It's crucial to ensure a clear line of sight between the transmitting (Side A) and receiving (Side B) dishes, avoiding trees or bleachers.
- RJ45 Pinout (T-568B): The document provides a diagram for terminating Cat6 cables using the T-568B standard, which is essential for proper network connectivity within the system. The pinout is as follows:
- White Orange
- Orange
- White Green
- Blue
- White Blue
- Green
- White Brown
- Brown
Usage Features:
- Automated Production: The system automatically tracks the game and produces a broadcast-quality stream without human intervention.
- Indoor and Outdoor Compatibility: The system is designed for both indoor gymnasiums and outdoor sports fields, with specific installation guidelines for each.
- Camera Placement:
- Indoor: The camera is generally mounted on a wall or beam. A 1:1 standoff (distance from sideline) to height ratio is recommended, but placement may vary depending on the gym setup. The mounting area should provide a clear, unobstructed view of the entire playing area.
- Outdoor: The preferred camera placement is on the exterior of the press box, as close to the 50-yard line as possible.
- Computer & Cabinet: The computer should be installed in a secure location, ideally in a mounted cabinet, ensuring it's high enough to prevent students from sitting on it but low enough for ladder-free access.
- Mode Configuration: The Pixellot camera's mode (1-6) needs to be configured based on the camera's field of view and the determined standoff and height. A video guide is provided for this process.
- Mounting: The Pixellot camera is mounted using a camera arm and an angle bracket. For beam mounting, a ceiling mount may be used. Video guides are available for both changing the mode and attaching the mounting bracket.
- Scoreboard Integration:
- Indoor: The OCR camera directly captures scoreboard information.
- Outdoor: The Scorelink device connects to the scoreboard controller to integrate data.
- Computer-Side Camera Check: After installation, a calibration team will check the camera's cable connections, field of view, and OCR angle. The software setup guide provides instructions. The document illustrates correct and incorrect camera settings, emphasizing the importance of the whole field being clearly visible and positioned in the center of the frame, avoiding views that are too wide or too narrow.
- Post-Install Survey: After installation, users are required to complete a post-install survey and upload photos of the installation. Examples of required photos include the outdoor camera setup, indoor wall, computer cabinet, and the computer screen showing the system's interface.
Maintenance Features:
- Tools Required: The installation process requires a specific set of tools, including a Phillips screwdriver, measuring tape, level, 3/16" cement drill bit, hex keys (Metric 8, 5, 4), sockets (Metric 14, 11), ratchet, adjustable wrench or channel locks, hammer drill, power drill, extension cable, RJ45 connectors, cable crimper, Cat6 ethernet spool, and a monitor with HDMI cable. Recommended tools include a ladder, computer keyboard, and zip ties.
- Onsite Verification: Upon arrival for installation, it's crucial to meet with onsite contact, determine camera and computer placement, acquire Pixellot equipment from the onsite contact, and verify that the part manifest is complete and the shipment is not damaged.
- Cable Management: Proper termination of Cat6 cables using the T-568B standard is critical for network connectivity.
- Troubleshooting: The document implicitly suggests troubleshooting by providing examples of incorrect camera settings (too wide, too narrow) and guiding users to achieve the correct field of view.
- Additional Guides: The manual refers to additional guides for specific maintenance and setup tasks:
- Computer Cabinet Guide: How to install the computer cabinet.
- Software Setup Guide: How to pair and configure the cameras.
- Tycon User Manual: Tycon's point-to-point wireless bridge manual (relevant for outdoor installs using P2P).
Need help?
General
To Next Page