FOR-A has collaborated with Canon to integrate PTZ camera control into the software-defined MixBoard® production switcher. The resulting seamless operations were unveiled at IBC2026 and are now available for shipping.
MixBoard is a powerful production switcher and audio mixer, aimed at live events and small studios. Software powered, it gives the user flexibility to use the dedicated control panel, as well as create tailored on-screen control layouts. This agility makes it an ideal platform to bring on board control of other devices to simplify workflows.
Canon is a leader in high quality, remote PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) cameras at up to 4K resolution for professional applications. Canon’s optical heritage in lens design means the cameras are recognized for their exceptional image quality. Operation of the PTZ functionality is normally from either a dedicated hardware panel or from software.
“At the MPTS exhibition in London in May, FOR-A technology was being demonstrated on our UK partner’s booth (Digi-Box) which happened to be close to Canon,” said Fabio Varolo, sales manager Europe and UK for FOR-A. “The Canon PTZ team were impressed with the intuitive workflows in FOR-A MixBoard and its potential for integrated production environments. The potential for co-operation was obvious, and after the show, our technical teams continued the conversation.
“Initial tests showed that MixBoard could reliably control Canon PTZ cameras, so our two companies moved to a more formal collaboration,” Varolo explained. “Less than four months from that initial, informal conversation, the results were demonstrated at IBC and are now available.”
As well as managing the audio balance, production switching and graphics in MixBoard, users will now be able to control one or a number of Canon PTZ cameras. That includes recalling preset positions, moving and zooming the cameras in real time, and managing tallies.
Unified control also gives users greater creative freedom through a complete overview of the production. In smaller installations, putting PTZ control inside MixBoard means less desk space is needed, and reduces the hardware footprint, a significant consideration in terms of energy consumption and the rising cost of COTS computers.
“We are pleased to collaborate with FOR-A, combining Canon’s imaging expertise with FOR-A’s production technologies to deliver greater value to broadcasters and content creators,” said Shun Takagi, Marketing Specialist at Canon Europe.
Varolo added “FOR-A is committed to developing flexible, software-based production solutions that reduce complexity. We are also dedicated to open and flexible production environments, enabling customers to combine best-of-breed technologies into the workflows that deliver their creative requirements. This is a very exciting collaboration for us.”
For more information on MixBoard and the whole range of FOR-A media technology, please visit for-a.com and for Canon and its PTZ camera range, please go to canon-europe.com.
