Follow-Me Expands DELT∆ Performer Tracking System

Follow-Me has expanded its DELT∆ manual performer tracking system with a new Operator Box designed to give operators a dedicated, zoomable view of their assigned performer during complex live productions.

The hardware addition, which follows the company's Follow-Me 3D system, is aimed at productions where multiple performers are tracked simultaneously and a single shared camera feed can become difficult for operators to navigate.

As shows increase in scale and complexity, tracking systems may be required to follow five, six or more performers at the same time. With multiple crosshairs appearing on a shared screen, operators can find it increasingly difficult to maintain a clear view of their individual targets.

The challenge can be particularly pronounced when cameras are positioned at considerable distances from the performance area. According to Follow-Me, performers can appear very small on screen when cameras are located as far as 70 metres from the stage.

The new Operator Box is designed to address this by providing each operator with an individual view focused on their assigned performer. Operators can zoom in on their target while retaining accurate positioning, allowing them to work independently without being distracted by other tracked performers.

The compact Operator Box uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) and provides HDMI output. It connects to the system server alongside controllers such as a mouse and fader console, and can either sit on an operator's desk or be mounted to the back of a monitor.

A light on top of the unit indicates the colour assigned to the operator's target, providing a visual reference for identifying the performer at a glance.

The zoom functionality is designed to work alongside Follow-Me's upgraded 4K network-based camera, providing operators with a sharper view of the tracking area. Because the camera feed is network-based, it can be shared across multiple systems, allowing individual Operator Boxes to generate separate views from the same camera source.

The Operator Box also provides operators with control over the information displayed on their screen. Users can add notes and select target-specific data, including target intensity and Z offset, to create a workspace tailored to their requirements.

A built-in messaging function is also designed to improve communication between operators during performances. Users can send instructions to individual operators, such as cues for specific actions, or distribute a message to all operators simultaneously.

The feature is intended to provide targeted communication without interrupting other operators' workflows.

Follow-Me's 3D, DELT∆ and TRACK-iT systems are designed to track multiple performers within a single system. The company says the Operator Box builds on that capability by giving each operator a more focused working environment.

Rather than requiring operators to work from a shared view containing multiple targets, the new hardware provides a one-to-one view of each assigned performer.

Follow-Me says the approach is intended to improve tracking accuracy and operator confidence, particularly during large-scale live productions where multiple performers need to be tracked simultaneously.

www.follow-me.com