Ceiling mounted classroom camera

Gypo · 26 Jan 2021 at 08:26

Can anybody recommend a solution to my problem

Due to social distancing we need to live stream home economics (cooking) classes via Google Meets / Google Classroom and also show live video on an interactive whiteboard in the classroom itself.

I need 2x ceiling mounted cameras that will link to the teachers PC in the classroom, one will be around 10 feet away and the other around 20-30 feet away. Ideally they would play in software with the ability to zoom in/out.

I've had a look and can only really find enterprise solutions, USB signal limitations could also be an issue due to cable distance.

Donnie Fisher · 28 Jan 2021 at 07:57

Cable length may be an issue as you say. What are you going to film from 30ft away ?

I’ve had good results with old HD camcorders and the cheap hdmi capture devices from the jungle in terms of quality suitable for online video calls.

the camcorders have decent zooms and picture quality along with a flip out screen to see picture. Remote control may be an issue though.

andicole0 · 28 Jan 2021 at 08:09

Take a look at active usb cables, 10m is easy. I used one from my loft to a bedroom.

Savan_P · 2 Feb 2021 at 09:02

Given the wide-angle viewing that Go-pro's offer, I would be tempted to try these first.

Setup multiple camera streams on software called OBS Studio and link that up to your meeting stream.