When dirt racing broadcast provider DIRTVision needed a rugged camera solution capable of taking viewers trackside to capture all the motor sports action, it turned to Marshall Electronics’ CV506 Miniature Full-HD device.

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Marshall Electronics: Marshall CV506 cameras are placed around each track and venue

DIRTVision is owned by parent company World Racing Group. The company’s largest brand and premier racing series, World of Outlaws, races coast to coast. DIRTVision streams all 155 World of Outlaw races each year and 400 dirt races annually in total. It has been using Marshall cameras as part of its workflow since 2015.

“We had looked at the Marshall CV505 at NAB a few years ago and were immediately impressed,” explained Brian Dunlap, director, broadcast services, World Racing Group. “We had the opportunity to see them in action through some of the production companies we work with and were really happy with the results. One of the main factors for us is being able to keep the cameras safe from crashes during races. Once we found a way to further protect them, using a custom aluminium enclosure, it was a no brainer and we made the purchase. We then transitioned to the company’s 506s when they were introduced last year.”

Every DIRTVision-covered race features three to four man operated full-size cameras with an additional four or five Marshall CV506 cameras placed around the track and venue. “We set up the 506s in its custom housings, which also has a screw- on lens filter,” added Dunlap. “This really keeps the camera protected and we just replace the lens filter, if needed. The cameras move with us from racetrack to racetrack, so it is really helpful that they are so easy to set up. The 506’s size, functionality, ease of use and durability is fantastic. They’ve been great and there really is no reason to consider going with anything else.”

The Marshall CV506 Miniature Full-HD Camera is built around a next-generation 2.5-Megapixel, 1/2.86in sensor and delivers Full-HD video up to 1920x1080p at 60/59/50fps and interlaced 1920x1080i at 60/59/50fps as well as 720p. It utilises full-sized BNC (3G/HDSDI) and HDMI outputs on its rear panel and locking I/O connection for power, control and stereo audio input (embedded on either output). The CV506’s threaded M12 lens mount offers a wide range of prime and varifocal lens options to use for different looks.

“The CV506’s low angle closeup shot capabilities is the one shot that really helps us illustrate the true speed of the car over video,” said Dunlap. “Sometimes that’s difficult from manned cameras that are at a safe distance away, but when you’re able to put Marshall cameras right up next to the cars as they go by, it really portrays that speed.”

The CV506 can capture detailed shots while maintaining an ultra-discreet miniature point-of-view perspective without sacrificing versatility or convenience. Remote adjustment and picture settings commands are delivered via common RS485 (Visca) or OSD menu joystick on locking breakout cable. A wide range of picture adjustment settings are available and adjustable from a distance including paint (red/blue), white balance, exposure, gain control, pedestal (blacks), white clip, gamma and more.