Follow-Me, leader in tracking solutions, is announcing the Follow-Me Operator Box, a new hardware addition to the Follow-Me DELT∆ manual performer tracking system, the successor to the Follow-Me 3D manual performer tracking system. The Operator Box can be added to the system to generate a dedicated view of the stage and allow operators to zoom in on their assigned performer, transforming the way large multi-performer shows are run with Follow-Me.
Productions scale in complexity and often track five, six, or many more performers simultaneously. With one camera feed, the screen an operator relies on can become crowded with crosshairs. The Operator Box has been introduced to give operators the opportunity to focus fully, allow them their own way of working, and ensure an optimal result. Also, when cameras are positioned far from the performance area (sometimes 70 meters), performers can appear very small on screen, making accurate tracking challenging. The Operator Box addresses this directly by giving each operator a clean, individual view focused exclusively on their assigned target, and provides a zoom option to get close without losing the exact positioning of the performer.
A DEDICATED VIEW FOR EVERY OPERATOR
The Operator Box is a compact, PoE (Power over Ethernet) device with HDMI output. It connects to the system server alongside the controllers including mouse and fader console. The Operator Box can simply be placed on the desk or mounted on the back of a monitor to keep the operator station compact. A light on top of the unit displays the colour of the performer (target) assigned to the operator, providing an immediate at-a-glance identifier.
Operators can zoom in on their assigned artist, which is particularly valuable when cameras are positioned far from the stage. This capability works in conjunction with the upgraded 4K network-based camera, which provides a sharp, clear view of the tracking area. Because the camera is network-based, its feed can be shared across multiple systems simultaneously, allowing each Operator Box to draw from a single camera source whilst creating individualised views for every operator.
TAILORED INFORMATION AND TARGETED COMMUNICATION
Each Operator Box is highly configurable. Operators can write notes directly on their screen and choose to display target-specific data such as target intensity and Z offset, tailoring their view to show exactly the information most useful to them.
The system also introduces a built-in messaging feature, enabling users to send instructions to individual operators, for example, cueing specific actions during a show or broadcasting a global message to all operators at once. This supports clear, targeted communication throughout a performance without disrupting others.
MULTI-PERFORMER TRACKING, REFINED
Follow-Me’s 3D, DELT∆ and TRACK-iT systems have always been capable of tracking multiple artists in one single system. The Operator Box builds on this foundation by making multi-performer tracking more efficient for the individual operator. It brings a one-on-one focus to what was previously a shared workspace, improving both accuracy and operator confidence during live performances.
“The Operator Box is a direct response to listening to the people doing this job night after night on major productions,” says Tim van Dijck, Product Manager at Follow-Me. “When you’re tracking one performer out of 10 on a large stage, with cameras at the back of the house, every pixel counts. We wanted to give operators a tool that puts them completely in control of their own workspace during these high pressure and large productions. A dedicated zoomable view of their target, with the data they need and nothing they don’t. That focus translates directly into more accurate tracking results and more confident operators. This efficiency and stability are essential for these productions to achieve best results and create an unforgettable experience.”
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