Shotoku will bring to IBC, SmartRail, its latest robotic system on suspended rails

Robotic systems, including lifting ceiling mount rails and fully robotic XY pedestals, will share space with new handheld tripod systems at Shotoku's booth at IBC

Shotoku Broadcast Systems will showcase your technology at IBC (booth 12.E42), highlighting its robotic rail system SmartRail ceiling mounting. This system, which can also be configured for floor operations, will join the company's other "smart" solution, SmartPed, a fully robotic XY pedestal installed in broadcast environments around the world. On the manual side, Shotoku will introduce a new series of ENG/EFP camera support tripod systems to the European market.

James Eddershaw, Managing Director of Shotoku UK, highlights that "Shotoku changed the playing field from floor to ceiling in 2015 when we installed our first roof rail system with full elevation control, and that same system has been in the air every day ever since."
"Shotoku has successfully installed SmartRail and SmartPed systems around the world, across a wide range of customers, from small studios to large broadcast facilities. They all benefit from the high levels of performance and flexibility that customers have come to expect from Shotoku," he adds.

The advanced design of the lift column allows the cameras to be raised to new heights, while maintaining the stability and smoothness of control in the air. The lift control works upright for floor rails or inverted for ceiling rails to allow for maximum creativity in production design.

As with all Shotoku robotics systems, SmartRail is already being used in virtual sets with tracking data for augmented and virtual reality on both the floor and ceiling.

Eddershaw adds that "the design and installation of a roof rail system is different than other types of robotic installations; It is even different from other rail systems. A roof system requires an understanding of the key elements of rail design and shape and positioning planning, as well as the optimal column elevation range. Shotoku's experienced engineering team, which has been supplying roof rail systems to major broadcasters for many years, is uniquely qualified to assist in the design of the best solution and meet the challenges by engineering a well-designed and capable system."

SmartPed

The robotic pedestal SmartPed Shotoku supports the creative and commercial demands of countless channels in broadcast environments around the world. Designed for continuous use in high-profile live TV productions day in and day out, SmartPed's design has reliability and ease of use built in right out of the box. SmartPed now supports the new Absolute Navigation Interface (ANI) system that allows an external absolute navigation system (i.e. optical tracking) supplied by Shotoku or by the customer, to provide always referenced pedestal position data.

We will also be able to see the head of the TG-18 PT Universally usable, designed for any studio application requiring a full-size payload and instant switching between manual or remote operation, it will be introduced with its new fully integrated electronic control system. The same powerful CMC electronic module used in all standalone TG-18 systems can now optionally be integrated into the TG-18's own body, providing a compact unit with AC power and network connections directly to the head. Fully compatible with the traditional external CMC solution, the TG-18i offers an additional option for customers who are dependent on their system configuration.

ENG SX200 & SX260 Tripod

The new camera support systems SX200 and SX260 ENG/EFP They feature a completely new design. The systems incorporate the Truebalance Shotoku, which provides a perfect counterbalance and is easy to adjust across the range with an intuitive display that indicates the current setting. The drag system uses Shotoku's well-known "Viscam" design, but adds a new drive system that combines the convenience and speed of selecting a staggered focus, with the fine-tuning and timing of a continuously variable design. These two main features are poised to set the new standard of motion and control for high-end ENG support systems.

The SX200 has a maximum payload of 20Kg (44Lbs) and the SX260 25Kg (55Lbs). Partnered with a new 2-stage ENG carbon fiber tripod with quick-action dent-detached leg closures for quick installation and disassembly, the system is also one of the lightest on the market at this level of payload and performance.

Shotoku también mostrará la recientemente lanzada serie de trípodes manuales SD & SE. La gama SD, disponible en 2 variantes, ha sido desarrollada para proporcionar un sistema de calidad y asequible para las cámaras de mano. La gama SE ofrece soporte con una alta funcionalidad y un amplio abanico de aplicaciones para la amplia gama de sistemas de cámaras disponibles en la actualidad.