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PTZ Control Overview

Overview​

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Control enables remote operation of motorized cameras, allowing operators to adjust camera position, angle, and zoom level in real-time from the GCXONE interface. This feature is essential for active surveillance, investigation, and dynamic monitoring scenarios.

What you'll learn:

  • How PTZ control works in GCXONE
  • Supported PTZ operations and capabilities
  • Preset positions and tours
  • Use cases and best practices

Key Capabilities​

Basic PTZ Operations​

  • Pan: Horizontal rotation (left/right) - typically ±360° continuous or limited range
  • Tilt: Vertical rotation (up/down) - typically ±90° or more depending on camera
  • Zoom: Optical and/or digital zoom for closer views
  • Focus: Automatic or manual focus control (on supported cameras)
  • Iris: Aperture control for light management (on supported cameras)

Advanced Features​

  • Preset Positions: Save and recall up to 255 preset camera positions for quick access to critical viewing angles
  • Preset Tours: Automated sequences visiting multiple preset positions on a schedule
  • Pattern Recording: Record and replay movement patterns for consistent monitoring
  • Speed Control: Adjustable movement speed (1-8, varies by device) for precise positioning
  • Relative Movement: Move camera by specific increments for fine adjustments
  • Absolute Positioning: Move camera to exact coordinates (on supported devices)
  • Rectangle PTZ (Milestone-specific): Draw a rectangle on the screen to optically zoom into that specific area - exclusive to Milestone-integrated PTZ cameras
  • Point to Center (Milestone-specific): Click a point on the screen to center the camera on that exact spot - exclusive to Milestone-integrated PTZ cameras

Control Methods​

  • On-Screen Controls: Click-and-drag or directional buttons in GCXONE interface
  • Keyboard Controls: Arrow keys for pan/tilt, +/- for zoom
  • Mobile App: Touch-based PTZ controls on mobile devices
  • Preset Selection: Quick access to saved preset positions

Supported Devices​

PTZ control is supported on:

  • PTZ Cameras: Motorized cameras with pan-tilt-zoom capabilities
  • PTZ Domes: Dome cameras with internal PTZ mechanisms
  • Speed Domes: High-speed PTZ cameras
  • Integrated PTZ: Cameras with built-in PTZ functionality

Device Requirements:

  • Camera must have PTZ hardware capabilities
  • Device must support PTZ protocol (ONVIF, manufacturer SDK, etc.)
  • PTZ functionality must be enabled in device settings
  • Appropriate user permissions required

How It Works​

PTZ Protocol Communication​

  1. User Input: Operator initiates PTZ command via GCXONE interface
  2. Command Translation: GCXONE translates command to device protocol
  3. Device Communication: Command sent to camera via network
  4. Camera Execution: Camera motor executes movement
  5. Feedback: Camera position/status updated in interface

Supported Protocols​

  • ONVIF PTZ: Standard protocol for PTZ control
  • Manufacturer SDKs: Native protocols (Hikvision, Dahua, Axis, etc.)
  • Pelco-D/P: Legacy protocol support
  • HTTP/HTTPS: Web-based PTZ control

Use Cases​

Active Surveillance​

  • Monitor moving subjects across large areas
  • Follow suspicious activity in real-time
  • Cover wide areas with single camera
  • Respond to alarms by positioning camera on event location

Investigation​

  • Review incidents by positioning camera for optimal view
  • Zoom in on specific details or areas
  • Capture multiple angles of incident scene
  • Document evidence with preset positions

Site Monitoring​

  • Routinely scan large areas (parking lots, warehouses, perimeters)
  • Use preset tours for automated monitoring
  • Quickly access critical viewing angles via presets
  • Monitor multiple zones with single PTZ camera

Emergency Response​

  • Rapidly position camera on alarm location
  • Zoom in on emergency situations
  • Provide detailed view for security personnel
  • Document emergency situations

Best Practices​

Preset Management​

  • Organize Presets: Use descriptive names (e.g., "Front Entrance", "Parking Lot North")
  • Number Presets: Assign logical numbers for quick access (1-10 for critical positions)
  • Test Presets: Regularly verify preset accuracy and adjust if needed
  • Document Presets: Maintain list of preset positions and their purposes

Movement Control​

  • Use Appropriate Speed: Faster speed for large movements, slower for precision
  • Avoid Excessive Movement: Limit rapid movements to reduce wear on camera mechanism
  • Consider Delay: Account for camera movement time when positioning
  • Use Relative Movement: For fine adjustments after reaching preset

Power Management​

  • Limit Continuous Movement: Avoid leaving camera in continuous pan mode unnecessarily
  • Return to Home: Configure camera to return to default position after inactivity
  • Use Presets: Reduce wear by using presets instead of manual movement when possible

Integration with Alarms​

  • Configure Alarm Presets: Set camera to move to preset when alarm triggers
  • Use Alarm Tours: Create tours that visit alarm locations
  • Automate Response: Configure automatic PTZ movement based on events

Limitations and Considerations​

Physical Limitations​

  • Movement Range: Cameras have physical limits to pan/tilt range
  • Movement Speed: Maximum speed varies by camera model
  • Zoom Limits: Optical zoom has maximum range; digital zoom reduces quality
  • Wear and Tear: Excessive use may reduce mechanism lifespan

Network Considerations​

  • Latency: Network delay affects real-time control responsiveness
  • Bandwidth: PTZ control uses minimal bandwidth but requires stable connection
  • Local Mode: P2P connections provide better PTZ responsiveness

Operational Considerations​

  • Concurrent Control: Only one user should control PTZ at a time per camera
  • Preset Conflicts: Multiple users changing presets simultaneously may cause conflicts
  • Permission Requirements: Appropriate user permissions required for PTZ control

Need Help?​

If you're experiencing issues with PTZ control, check our Troubleshooting Guide or contact support.