Professional-grade speaker tracking and dynamic video in a plug-and-play device.
There is a philosophy underlying Crestron’s solutions for the modern hybrid workplace: what is referred to as “engineering a culture of collaboration”. Part of this mission is defined by the design and creation of purpose-built solutions for every space. If there is a need, it is identified and addressed. This is how the new Crestron 1 Beyond i12D camera was developed.
The goal of this solution is to bring professional-grade speaker tracking and dynamic video to everyday meeting rooms. The modern workplace has embraced larger intelligent video systems, so this was the next logical step in the evolution of this technology, says Cara Shannon, senior manager of product marketing at Crestron.
The result: an intelligent three-lens system with built-in speaker tracking, delivering advanced video features such as group framing and intelligent switching in a single, elegant device with no need for complex programming. These 4K cameras feature built-in microphones and Visual AI for speaker tracking, all in a compact device that enhances everyday meeting rooms.
“The 1 Beyond i12D solution brings high-quality, multi-camera intelligent video to more spaces, which is exactly what customers have been asking for”, adds Joel Mulpeter, senior director of product marketing at Crestron. “It’s designed for smaller rooms, spaces with wiring constraints, or rooms with fewer remote participants”.
How it works
“This device incorporates three cameras in total”, explains Joel Mulpeter. “There is one camera in the base and two PTZ heads on top. The main base camera is our AI camera: it performs significant background processing that is not visible to the user, analyzing data to understand what’s happening in the room and make the best decisions”.
This base camera features a wide-angle lens that provides a complete view of the room. “The two PTZ heads respond to what is happening in the space”, adds Mulpeter. “Thanks to the built-in Visual AI, we can perform functions such as group framing, where a PTZ head can zoom directly onto the people in the room, removing ‘dead space’ from the image”.
When the speaker tracking function is activated, the image alternates between participants using conversation mode.
When someone speaks, we zoom in on that person. As soon as a second person starts speaking, the camera focused on the first person does not move; the second camera responds first, and the system performs a clean video transition, he explains.
As a result, the viewer experiences a smooth transition between shots, without visible pans, tilts, or zooms, delivering a broadcast-quality experience. At the same time, the wide-angle camera can display a picture-in-picture window in the corner of the screen to provide context of the room at any moment.
Beyond the frame
In addition to delivering professional-grade speaker tracking and dynamic video to meeting rooms, the 1 Beyond i12D camera offers plug-and-play simplicity and scalable deployment. The built-in microphones are designed for tracking, allowing teams to use their preferred audio system. The camera supports USB and HDMI® connectivity for BYOD and standardized environments, as well as integration with Crestron AirMedia® solutions.
“It’s also very flexible”, says Shannon. “This device fits into both simple setups and more advanced configurations that may include additional cameras”.
This flexibility also extends to deployment options. “It supports control via network, USB, and serial connections”, adds Shannon. This makes it an attractive solution for integrators, as it “helps reduce IT workload by eliminating the need for external processors, third-party control systems, or specialized programming. It’s a true plug-and-play solution”.
Results
“We wanted to develop an intelligent video solution ideal for medium to large rooms”, says Mulpeter. “By creating a device that combines multiple lenses, built-in microphones, and Visual AI into a single unit, we’ve effectively filled that gap”.
The 4K PTZ lenses and wide-angle lens of the 1 Beyond i12D deliver sharp speaker close-ups and full-room framing. Combined with the intelligent switching characteristic of the 1 Beyond line, they provide a polished, immersive experience that mirrors in-room conversation.
“The camera also stands out for its sleek, minimalist design, as well as the reliability and build quality that Crestron devices are known for”, adds Shannon. Among these features is a front light bar that dynamically changes color and length depending on the camera’s mode. “It allows you to see at a glance whether the device is in tracking, non-tracking, or privacy mode”. In addition, Crestron 1 Beyond cameras feature optical zoom, avoiding digital enlargement that can degrade image quality and result in pixelation for remote viewers.
The 1 Beyond i12D camera enables organizations to standardize an intelligent video solution in a single device that delivers speaker tracking, dynamic composition, and platform flexibility — all with plug-and-play simplicity. And it is precisely the experience it delivers — dynamic video that keeps remote participants engaged — that is key to its success.
