Intelligent Video in a Single Device: The Crestron 1 Beyond i12D Camera
Professional-grade speaker tracking and dynamic video in a plug-and-play device
March 20
Intelligent Video in a Single Device: The Crestron 1 Beyond i12D Camera

There’s a philosophy underlying Crestron’s solutions for the modern hybrid workplace: It’s something we refer to as “engineering a culture of collaboration.” Part of what defines that mission is the design and creation of purpose-built solutions for every space. If there’s a need, we’ll find it — and fill it.

That’s how we developed the new Crestron 1 Beyond i12D camera. “The goal behind this solution is all about bringing professional-grade speaker tracking and dynamic video to everyday meeting rooms,” says Cara Shannon, senior manager of product marketing at Crestron. “The modern workplace has really embraced larger intelligent video systems, so this was the next logical step in the evolution of this technology.”

The result: An intelligent three-lens array with built-in speaker tracking, delivering advanced video features like group framing and intelligent switching in a single, elegant device with no complex programming. These 4K cameras feature built-in microphones and Visual AI for speaker tracking, all in a single, streamlined device that enhances everyday meeting rooms.

“The 1 Beyond i12D solution brings high-quality, multi-camera intelligent video to more spaces, which is precisely what our customers were asking for,” adds Joel Mulpeter, Crestron’s senior director of product marketing. “It’s designed for smaller rooms, spaces with wiring constraints, or rooms with fewer people joining remotely.”

How It Works

“We have three total cameras in this device,” explains Joel Mulpeter, Crestron’s senior director of product marketing. “There's one camera in the base and then there's the two PTZ heads on top. The main base camera is our AI camera: It's doing a lot of processing in the background that no one sees on the front end, but it does a lot of number crunching to understand what's happening in the room and how to make the best decisions.”

That base camera features a wide-angle lens that provides a complete view of the room. “The two PTZ heads on top react to what's happening in the room,” says Mulpeter. “Because of the Visual AI that we have built into that camera, we can do things like group framing where a PTZ head can zoom in directly on just the people in the room, removing the ‘dead space’ in the shot.”

By turning on the speaker tracking function in the device, the image will alternate between various collaborators with its “Conversation Mode.” “So as someone speaks, we zoom on that person speaking,” Mulpeter explains. “As soon as the second person speaks, the camera trained on the first person doesn’t move — the second camera moves first, and then the device performs a clean video switch.” As a result, the viewer is seeing a smooth edit from one shot to another, without pans, tilts, or zooms, making for a broadcast-quality experience for the end user. Meanwhile, the wide-angle camera can provide a small picture-in-picture inset in the bottom corner of the screen to give the viewer context of the entire room at any given moment.

Beyond the Frame

In addition to bringing professional-grade speaker tracking and dynamic video to everyday meeting rooms, the 1 Beyond i12D camera offers plug-and-play simplicity and scalable deployment. The device’s onboard microphones are built for tracking only, allowing teams to use their preferred audio system. The 1 Beyond i12D camera supports USB and HDMI® connectivity for BYOD and standardized environments, as well as offering seamless integration with Crestron AirMedia® technology solutions. “It’s flexible, too,” says Shannon. “This device fits into both simple setups and more advanced configurations that might include companion cameras.”

That flexibility extends into the camera’s deployment options. “It supports control via network, USB, and serial connections,” says Shannon. And that’s one of several aspects that make it appealing to specifiers, she adds: “This is one of many Crestron solutions that help reduce IT overhead, as there’s no need for external processors, third-party control systems, or specialized programming. It’s a true plug-and-play solution.”

The Results

“We wanted to come up with an intelligent video solution that was ideal for medium to large rooms,” says Mulpeter. “And by building a device that combines multiple lenses, built-in microphones, and Visual AI into one package, we’ve really filled that gap.” The 1 Beyond i12D camera’s 4K PTZ lenses and wide-angle lens deliver crisp speaker close-ups and full-room framing — coupled with the intelligent switching the 1 Beyond line is known for — creates a polished, immersive experience that mirrors in-room conversation.

“The 1 Beyond i12D camera also boasts a sleek, minimalist design, and the reliability and ‘fit and finish’ that Crestron devices are known for,” says Shannon. That includes Crestron’s attention to detail, such as a lightbar on the front of the camera that dynamically changes color and length depending on the camera’s current mode. “You can see if the device is in tracking, non-tracking, or privacy mode at a glance,” she adds. Crestron 1 Beyond cameras also offer optical zoom — images aren’t “blown up” digitally, which can lead to a diminished, “pixelated” look for the remote viewer.

“The 1 Beyond i12D camera allows organizations to standardize an intelligent video solution on a single device that delivers speaker tracking, dynamic composition, and platform flexibility — all with plug-and-play simplicity.”

“And it’s the experience this solution delivers that’s key to its success: dynamic video that keeps remote participants engaged.” 

Learn more about the Crestron 1 Beyond i12D Camera

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