Control of Panasonic AW-H550 & AW=RP50 video switcher / camera controller via Qlab 3

ra byn (robin) taylor

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Nov 12, 2015, 11:26:53 PM11/12/15

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Video designer for a project at Indianapolis Zoo asked me if I would post about whether or not it's possible to control a Panasonic AW-H550 video switcher & AW-RP50 camera controller via Qlab 3.

ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/provideo/avhs50n/av-hs50n_oi.pdf
http://www.omnicam.pt/files/products/ptz/aw_rp50_manual.pdf

Both devices have software that can control all their functions on a host computer. Is it possible that a script cue could serve the same purpose?

The venue doesn't have professionals running the show so it would be good to automate as much of the rig as possible.

Anyone already doing this?

Thank you in advance,

ra byn (robin)

Rich Walsh

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Nov 13, 2015, 3:40:00 AM11/13/15

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Skimming those two manuals I don't see any evidence that the software controls all the functions: for example, the AV-HS50N manual you link to only covers image transfer to PC… The software is Windows only. The devices all connect via LAN, so they must be using TCP or UDP – so in principal you could send commands (but probably not parse any received) via the Terminal, etc – but you'd need to know the structure of the commands, which isn't in the manuals.

Rich

ra byn (robin) taylor

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Nov 23, 2015, 1:23:16 PM11/23/15

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http://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/guide/DEF/RP50_120/RemoteControllerInterfaceSpecifications-V1.00E.pdf

Steven Lemke

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Dec 1, 2015, 2:04:05 PM12/1/15

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Hi Ra Byn,

I recognize you from the Metric Halo group.

Here is an answer I got regarding a similar question involving my set up:

"The good news is that it appears we can control both the HS-50N switcher and the AW RP120 Controller from Q-Lab via TCP/IP. Q-Lab allows us to generate scripts and with a little Apple Script Utility we can send the correct commands to the Switcher and Controller. This will provide control of the PIP insert, input switching, and recall of camera presets or TMEM camera moves from the Q-Lab cue list."

This was going to involve using the GPI port on the switcher/controller and sending commands via QLab to recall camera presets and bring PIP windows in and out at the appropriate times.

I have debated going this route but I think I'm going to wait a bit as I like to have a bit more hands on involvement with the show. To much automation makes me a bit nervous.