Universal Pixels has expanded its investment in Panasonic’s AV technologies. The company recently deployed its stock of Panasonic’s AK-UC4000 4K studio cameras, AW-UE150 4K PTZ cameras, and AW-HE145 HD PTZ integrated cameras across a series of complex global music tours for major artists.
One of these standout projects includes Oasis’ long-awaited Live ’25 Tour, reuniting Noel and Liam Gallagher for their first performance together in 16 years. With sell-out audiences keen to capture every moment, Universal Pixels equipped all tour dates with Panasonic’s Advanced Auto Framing Software (AFS), running on six UE150 PTZ cameras.
AFS is a plug-in for Panasonic’s Media Production Suite that uses AI-powered subject and face detection to deliver automated, high-quality camera framing. Operators can set up to 20 custom framing presets, allowing PTZ cameras to automatically adjust as performers move across the stage.
With at least two of the seven Panasonic UC4000 4K studio cameras always trained on Liam and Noel, AFS provided cut-away shots of other band members. This reduces operator workload – particularly valuable when a single operator typically manages three of four PTZ cameras at a time.
Using AFS, the pan and tilt functions of the UE150 PTZs are fully automated, ensuring performers remain perfectly framed as they move. The UE150’s advanced light sensor maintains image quality regardless of changing stage lighting.
Once AFS is configured for each band member, it provides directors with useful shots that are framed as desired, consistently. This eliminates the need to constantly monitor every camera. In addition to Panasonic AFS, Universal Pixels utilised Panasonic’s Panapod elevation system with full manual control.
Panasonic’s PTZ and studio cameras integrate seamlessly. With shared protocols, a single Remote Operation Panel can engineer both UC4000 and UE150 cameras, which is invaluable for operators and directors.
The UC4000’s support for a 1G network trunk allows Universal Pixels to use the additional bandwidth to remotely operate pan and tilt cameras, including those placed in hard-to-reach locations.
“Panasonic’s RP150 camera controller and Panapod greatly enhance the performance and versatility of each UE150 PTZ. With customisable presets for pan, tilt, zoom and extenders, the controller becomes incredibly powerful. And the UE150s themselves are exceptionally reliable; after being shipped around the world between de-rigs, they still perform as though they’re brand new,” commented James Morden, Technical Specialist Universal Pixels.
Robbie Williams’ sell-out 38-date 2025 European Stadium tour, Britpop, Universal Pixels provided advanced real-time V-Log colour grading. This delivered the best camera images delivered to servers to complete a more visually compelling experience to audiences.
Universal Pixels supplied eight Panasonic UCX100 4K studio cameras for the tour. The UCX100s can shoot in ‘Log’ format, delivering exceptional colour accuracy and image quality. This gives Universal Pixels the precision required for real-time grading and seamless colour matching throughout each show.
Outdoor concerts in midsummer and autumn presented unique lighting challenges, particularly around maintaining natural skin tones as daylight faded. To address this, the Universal Pixels team created custom workflows and logs tailored to Robbie Williams’ stage conditions, ensuring consistent and flattering visuals from sunset into nighttime.
“Panasonic’s UCX100 performs brilliantly in low light and has proven extremely reliable. The team loved using it, and Panasonic’s strong service and support make it a fantastic investment. Its impressive image quality has helped us win customers from competitors, and its intuitive single-sensor design has been a real differentiator for operators,” added Morden.
