Installation Guide

Installation Guide

About Pixellot

Pixellot offers automated sports production solutions that provide affordable alternatives to traditional video capture, production, and distribution systems for professional and semi-professional sports events. Founded in 2013, Pixellot’s AI technology solution streamlines production workflow by deploying an unmanned multicamera system in a fixed location, with additional angles as required, to cover the entire field, offering a stitched panoramic image. Advanced algorithms enable automatic coverage of the flow of play and generate highlights. Pixellot systems are deployed by broadcasters, production companies, clubs, federations, universities, high schools, sports portals, and coaching solution providers around the globe.

For more information visit: www.pixellot.tv


Legal Notice

This document contains proprietary and confidential material of Pixellot Ltd. Any unauthorized reproduction, use, or disclosure of this material, or any part thereof, is strictly prohibited. This document is solely for the use of Pixellot employees and authorized Pixellot customers.

The material furnished in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Pixellot Ltd. for the use of this document or any material included herein. Pixellot Ltd. reserves the right to make changes to this document or any material included herein at any time and without notice. 

For more information visit: www.pixellot.tv 

Copyright © 2022 Pixellot Ltd.

All Rights Reserved.





1.0 Introduction

Pixellot’s CricketTV solution offers automated video production of CricketTV games. Based on Pixellot's patented, fully automated end to end production workflow, Pixellot CricketTV generates and delivers TV-like footage without a person in the loop. The fully automated production system enables amateur clubs, schools, federations, media platforms and venues to generate live HD content at dramatically reduced costs, and then stream it to fans, players and coaches, live or on demand.

1.1 System Features

·       Fixed Installation: Indoors or outdoors, weatherproof

·       Unmanned capture: Panoramic field capture in 8 Megapixel resolution

·       Automated production: Auto-tracking algorithms follow the flow of play and produce TV-like footage

·       Distributed to any device: Streamed in HD quality to mobile devices and web platforms

·       Personalized viewing experience: Zoom into any scene, replay, clip and share

1.2 Easy Installation

Pixellot CricketTV is weatherproof and suitable for installation at any sports arena, both indoor and outdoor. The system is easily installed by any experienced technician who has been trained in the installation process. Some minor infrastructure preparations may be required prior to the system installation. Once installed, the system is maintenance free and can be fully programmed and managed remotely. This manual describes the procedures for installing the system at a fixed location.

For additional information and/or consultation go to https://helpdesk.pixellot.tv.


Please read the entire manual before beginning the installation to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place before starting the actual installation process.


1.2.1  CricketTV System Schematic Diagram

The following schematic diagram shows the setup of the CricketTV system.




2.0 Safety Instructions

  1. Read this user manual carefully before operating the system.
  2. Follow the authorized maintenance and repair procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
  3. Do not open the unit as this may void the warranty.
  4. Installation should be done by an experienced technician who has been trained for Pixellot installation.
  5. Ensure that all electrical connections are properly grounded.
  6. Ensure that all components and cables are installed in a manner that does not pose a threat of tripping, collision etc. to the players and/or spectators.

3.0 System Components

3.1  Overview

The primary components of the Pixellot CricketTV system, which must be installed at the sports venue, are the Camera Head Unit (CHU) and the Video Processing Unit (VPU).

The customer should provide the cables needed to connect the CHU to the VPU as well as all connectors and infrastructure elements needed for the cable connections.

3.1.1 Required Equipment

Make sure you have received the following:

 ·     Camera Head Unit (CHU)

·       Visual Processing unit (VPU) or Computer

3.2  Document Scope

This document describes the installation of the S2S units in a CricketTV environment.

3.3 Main Components

3.3.1  Camera Head Unit (CHU)

The CHU is the specially designed Pixellot camera unit which captures a panoramic view of the action on the court/field. The S2S CHU consists of a wide angle camera which provides up to 180° video coverage. The alignment of the cameras is adjustable, enabling you to optimize the positioning of the camera for your deployment location. The video feed is delivered to the VPU through two cables that are attached to ports on the bottom of the CHU.

  1. Camera – The camera captures wide angle video at up to 8 MP resolution
  2. Mics – The CHU contains two microphones to capture the ambient sound.
  3. Mode Selection Pin/Mode Selection Groove – The alignment of the camera can be optimized by adjusting the Mode (i.e. the angle at which the camera is aligned). This is done by positioning the Mode Selection Pin in the proper Mode Selection Groove. (See Cable Configuration.
  1. You need to determine the path through which the cables will pass in order to connect the CHU to the VPU.
  2. You will also need to determine how the cables will be terminated and what additional components and parts will be needed to complete the cable connections.

Choosing the Cable Route

Choose the route using the following guidelines:

·       Ensure that the cables and their conduits do not obstruct movement of players or spectators.

If the cables are to run along the floor/ground, ensure that they are below ground or flush with the ground so that they don't pose a tripping hazard.

Measuring the Cable Length

Measure the total length of cable needed to cover the route from the CHU to the VPU and record it. If the cable length is greater than 100 m then you will need to use the Extended Range Kit. If it is greater than 200 m then you will need to use two Extended Range Kits.

Required Components

Determine how the cables will terminate (connectors, outlets) and what additional components and parts will be required.

For outdoor installation, heavy duty outdoor cables should be used.

·       Use Pixellot Connect App to calculate the CHU Tilt and Mode.

·       Top Mounting Interface – The CHU is mounted on a wall or pole using the mounting arm which attaches to the Top Mounting Interface. (The Bottom Mounting Interface is not used for permanent installation.)

·       Safety Loop – The CHU is secured to a stable surface by passing the Safety Cable through the Safety Loop.

·       Bayonet Connector Ports - The CHU is connected to the VPU by two Ethernet cables which are attached, using bayonet connectors, to ports on the bottom of the CHU.

 

CHU Front View





3.3.2  Video Processing Unit (VPU)

The VPU is the workstation that processes the video data that is input from the CHU. The VPU applies Pixellot's patented AI auto-tracking algorithms to produce a professional quality broadcast of the sports event for cloud-based distribution to mobile devices and web platforms. The VPU is set up in a secure location at the sports venue, where it is connected by two ethernet cables to the CHU. During the installation process, you will need to connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse to the VPU to set up the initial configuration and internet connection.

 ·       AC Power – an AC power adapter plugs into a standard AC outlet.

·       Ethernet Ports – can be used to connect to the Internet.

·       USB3 Ports – The USB cable from the Audio Interface is connected to a USB3 port on the VPU.

·       PoE Ports – the Cat6a STP cables from the CHU connect to these four ports, receiving video input and providing power to the CHU.


 



4.0 Installing the Camera

4.1  Installing the CHU

4.1.1  Configuring the CHU Junction Box

1.      Open the CHU Junction box by turning the four bolts on the corners.

2.      Remove the middle strip gland from the box.


3.      Using a screwdriver, open the strip gland, using the teeth to lift it from both sides, so the gland splits into two parts, and the grommets can be removed safely.


4.      Tighten the gland to the box using the white nut. (Make sure the sealing ring is attached to the gland).

5.      Connect the ethernet cable to the camera’s black female connector in the box.


6.      Close the box and test the system before proceeding with the installation.

4.1.2  Installing the CHU on a Wall or Pole


The CHU base is used as a mount for attaching the CHU on a wall or a pole.

1.      Use the four holes to on the base to attach the mounting screws directly onto a wall.


2.      Alternatively, you can install the CHU onto a pole using steel bands.

3.      Release the bands and thread them through the mount holes.

4.      Circle the pole with the bands and tighten until the mount is secured to the pole.  


The CHU is now attached in place.



4.1.3  Installing the Cables


Two Cat7a STP cables are used to connect the CHU to the VPU. They must be installed along the entire path from the CHU to the VPU and connected using the appropriate connectors. You will use the same items that were used in the PRE-INSTALLATION CHECK, but you will now attach the cables in their permanent positions. 

If you will be using direct scoreboard integration using the Integrated Scoreboard Kit then you will also need to pass a cable from the scoreboard or scoreboard controller to the VPU. If you are using an OCR Scoreboard Kit then you will need to pass a cable from the Scoreboard Camera to the VPU.

  All infrastructure installation should be done by a trained technician.


Step 1 – Preparing the cable path

Starting from the CHU side prepare a path by which the cables can pass from the CHU to the VPU. It is recommended to prepare a conduit through which the cables can pass along the entire route.

For outdoor installation the cables should pass through a waterproof protective conduit or tubing. 

Prepare the route using the following guidelines:
Ensure that the cables and their conduits do not obstruct movement of players or spectators.
If the cables run along the floor/ground, make sure that they are below ground or flush with the ground so that they don't pose a tripping hazard.

Step 2 – Installing junction boxes and Repeater Units
If you are using a junction box/s (required for outdoor installation) use the following procedure:
1. Attach the junction box to a pole or wall within 2 meters of the CHU. 
2. If you are using repeater units (required for long range installation), install a junction box housing the repeater units at intervals of no more than 100 m (328' 1").


Step 3 – Installing the cables
Once the path has been prepared, install the cables along the entire path form the CHU to the VPU, being careful not to damage the cables. Make sure that the cables are secured in place along the entire route.

Don't connect the cables to the CHU and VPU until they have been tested.


Step 4 – Re-testing the cables

Once the full route of the cables is set up and attached along the entire route. Re-test each of  the cables to make sure that none of the wires were damaged during the installation. This is done using a cable testing device (e.g. Fluke Cable device). 

Step 5 – Attaching the bayonet casings to the cables

Attach the bayonet connector casings to the male connector on the end of each of the jumper cables that will connect to the CHU. 

The female side of the bayonet connectors come pre-installed on the CHU.


To assemble the bayonet connector casings:

1. Remove all parts from the plastic bag and lay them out on a clean work surface.
            

 
2. Make sure that the RJ45 male connectors don't have any protruding moldings (aside from the connector pins) as this will interfere with the insertion of the cable into the bayonet casings.      

 
3. If the connectors do have a protruding molding, you may be able to strip it with a utility knife. Otherwise, the connector will need to be replaced.
 

4. Attach all washers and casing parts to the cable in the order shown below (as shown in the instructions included in the bayonet connectors package).
 

5. Push the end of the connector through the bayonet casing with the pin aligned with the channel in the casing. Push it through fully until you hear a 'click'. 
 

  If the cable is not properly inserted into the bayonet casing then the connection with the CHU will not be effective.

6. Perform the identical procedure on the second cable.

  Don't attach the cables to the CHU until the CHU has been mounted in it's final position.
 


1.      Download the Pixellot Connect app.

QR Code for Downloading Pixellot Connect App:




Another method of installing the Pixellot Connect App, on a mobile device, is to download and install the app from the App Stores.

For Android version: Click Here.


For IOS (Apple) version: Click Here.



2.      Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

3.      If you encounter any issues or have any questions contact Pixellot support at: helpdesk.pixellot.tv




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