Nov. 28. 2022 - Lecture capture systems have become an integral part of online learning for educational organizations around the world. Over the years, lecture captures systems have advanced to include integrations with learning management systems (LMS) which automate much of the online video delivery process. As it becomes more common to have lectures made available online for students to review, AV and IT managers continue to look for ways to consistently produce high-quality lecture recordings in a manageable way.
One prime example of lecture capture automation is the integration of hardware lecture capture solutions such as the Epiphan Pearl. The Epiphan Pearl is a lecture capture device that is able to capture audio and video and send it directly to lecture capture systems such as Panopto, Kaltura, and Yuja. This type of integration allows educators to focus on their instructions and trust that the automated system will have their lecturers delivered into the LMS system the students use on a daily basis.
The Epiphan Pearl is just one of many lecture capture systems which can take video from sources such as an instructor's laptop, a document camera, and even an auto-tracking camera. In many cases, it's ideal to have an auto-tracking camera connected to the lecture capture system in order to provide a fully automated system. Auto-tracking cameras such as the SimplTrack Lite are able to be managed remotely on the network and set up for continual use without a camera operator.
When you are setting up an auto-tracking camera in a classroom you should consider some of the auto-tracking system features which can be used to ensure flawless operation. For example, using the SimplTrack Lite you can set up a custom preset you would like to use to frame your subject. This is ideal for keeping a whiteboard in view at all times even as the camera tracks the presenter left and right during a lecture. Another feature that is great in a classroom setting is called blocking zones. The SimplTrack 2 has a feature that allows you to block certain areas in a classroom from being tracked such as a doorway or a large window.
When you are choosing a PTZ camera with auto-tracking capabilities one of the most important features to look for is built-in tracking. Some PTZ cameras can now gain auto-tracking capabilities with the addition of software. For example, the PTZOptics Camera Management Platform (CMP) is capable of adding auto-tracking capabilities to any PTZOptics camera. While this is an awesome feature, it could be cumbersome to deploy in an educational setting because a computer would need to run the software for each classroom. Instead, many organizations look for auto-tracking cameras that have built-in auto-tracking capabilities which do not require additional computers and software running to work.
If you are interested in setting up a live demonstration of the SimplTrack cameras you can email partners@HuddleCamHD.com.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
