Free Tally Light for PTZ Camera Operators
PTZ operators need to know when their camera is live so they don't pan, tilt, or zoom mid-shot. Cue Light puts that signal on their phone — free, works over the internet, compatible with any PTZ setup and any switcher.
Why PTZ operators need tally
With manned cameras, the operator can see the tally light on the camera body and feel when the switcher cuts away. PTZ operators are different — they're often at a control panel or laptop, watching multiple camera feeds, repositioning cameras between shots. If they don't know which camera is currently live, they risk:
- Panning or zooming a live shot — visible to the audience
- Moving to a new position on a camera that's still live
- Missing the cue to get a camera ready for the next cut
- Reframing a shot that the director is using as a cutaway
Hardware tally boxes solve this for on-site operators — but at $150–$300 per unit and LAN-only connectivity. For remote PTZ operators controlling cameras over IP from another room or building, hardware tally doesn't reach them at all.
Compatible PTZ systems
Cue Light has no direct connection to PTZ cameras or controllers — it works independently alongside any PTZ system:
| PTZ System | Controller | Cue Light works alongside |
|---|---|---|
| PTZ Optics cameras | PTZ Optics joystick / software | ✓ Any configuration |
| Sony PTZ (BRC series) | RM-IP500 / software | ✓ Any configuration |
| Panasonic PTZ (AW series) | AW-RP150 / software | ✓ Any configuration |
| Marshall PTZ | Any controller | ✓ Any configuration |
| Lumens PTZ | Any controller | ✓ Any configuration |
| Any IP PTZ camera | Any software controller | ✓ Any configuration |
Setup for PTZ operators
- TD opens Cue Light alongside the switcherOpen cuelight.io/app on the TD's device — same machine running vMix, ATEM Software Control, or any other switcher software.
- PTZ operator opens display on their phone or laptopOperator scans QR code or opens the display link. Works on any device — useful when the PTZ operator is at a separate control station.
- TD signals when cutting to each PTZ cameraTap Live when a PTZ shot is on air — operator knows to hold position. Tap Preview when the PTZ is about to go live — operator gets ready. Tap Standby when done.
Remote PTZ operator setups
Church with remote PTZ booth
PTZ operator in a separate room controls cameras via IP. Cue Light reaches them over the internet — no LAN dependency.
Corporate with IP PTZ
Remote PTZ operator in another building or city. Paste the display link before the event — they see tally over any internet connection.
Multi-camera broadcast
Multiple PTZ operators each with a phone display. All update simultaneously when the TD signals.
Lecture capture
Automated or semi-automated PTZ with a human override operator. Tally tells them when their camera is being used.
Tally for your PTZ operators — free
Any phone. Works over the internet. Compatible with any PTZ system. 30-second setup.
Start free — no signup