Motion systems in broadcast: trends and future

In this stand, Gerard Puig, CEO of Muxart, analyzes the current state of motion systems in broadcast, an expanding area that has seen significant conceptual and technical progress in recent years.

The evolution of movement systems in the broadcast environment in recent years has been as accelerated as it has been transformative. What I previously required large human teams and complex structures, today can be solved with digitalized, automated systems operated by a single person. This change has not only optimized technical and human resources, but has also greatly expanded the creative and narrative possibilities of television and audiovisual content.

Automation and integration: the new standard

From my point of view—from direct experience on sets and live production environments—the clearest trend is towards digitized and programmable systems, which allow you to preconfigure camera movements and positions with millimeter precision. A single operator can enter all parameters before the broadcast, and during the live simply execute what has already been programmed. This approach reduces the margin of error, streamlines workflows and minimizes the need for technical staff on set. Human support is reserved for supervision tasks, last-minute adjustments and incident resolution.

This type of automation is increasingly combined with virtual environments and augmented reality. The ability to synchronize physical camera movements with computer-generated environments has opened a new dimension to broadcast spaces, especially in news programs, entertainment programs and sports sets. It is no longer just about moving a camera, but about integrating it perfectly into a interactive digital scenery. This is where the importance of real-time tracking comes into play, protocols like FreeD and compatibility with graphics engines such as Unreal Engine o Vizrt.

PTZ cameras: from functional to professional

Another qualitative leap in recent years has been the evolution of cameras PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom). Traditionally associated with more functional or low-budget environments, new generations of PTZ cameras offer very high image quality. competitive, larger sensors, higher quality optics and one fluidity in movements which until recently was unthinkable.

Its integration with control software, position memories and synchronization with motion systems such as motorized sliders or robotic columns has made them become a usual tool even in high-end broadcast environments. Specialized companies have begun to develop exclusive supports and platforms for PTZ cameras, allowing programmable horizontal or vertical movements, with a stability and precision that a few years ago we only found in cinema or advertising.

The result is a complete, compact and very efficient system, capable of offering dynamic and professional visual results where camera operators program in advance and supervise during recording.

Growth in the use of stabilized heads

Another clear evolution, especially in the last three or four years, is the exponential growth in the use of stabilized heads. If before they were a resource limited almost exclusively to big-budget film productions or high-level series, today it is common to see them in all types of audiovisual projects, including some television formats. live television, concerts and sports broadcasts.

The democratization of these technologies—thanks to the appearance of more affordable, lightweight models adapted to broadcast environments—has meant that more and more productions choose to incorporate a stabilized head, whether mounted on a crane, on a vehicle or even combined with drones or cablecam systems and Spidercam.

These heads allow more movements fluid, enveloping and dynamic, improving the visual narrative and providing an added extra of spectacularity that is highly valued by audiences today. In addition, its compatibility with remote controls and automatic tracking systems facilitates its integration into complex productions without the need for large human teams.

An industry in motion

The evolution of motion systems in broadcast environments has been constant and, in many aspects, necessary to adapt to the new demands of the sector. The automation, integration with virtual environments and improvement in technical quality of the equipment have made it possible to optimize resources and expand the possibilities of realization.

As these technologies become consolidated, it is foreseeable that their use will become even more widespread, facilitating more versatile and efficient productions. Without a doubt, movement will continue to be an essential element within audiovisual language, although with tools increasingly adapted to new times and formats.