New product launch - The TG-47

Cameras have reduced in size and weight consistently over the last several years, and you might think that the need for a strong, powerful pan and tilt head declines accordingly.  But it’s not always that simple.

If the camera was the only item that a head supported then it would be simple, but the camera is of course only one part of the payload.  Most lenses have reduced in size too but remain a significant part item and may weigh more than a modern box camera.  The need for a teleprompter is a prime example, requiring considerable strength to support and move smoothly.  Teleprompters themselves have reduced in weight too but they must be of a certain size to be useful in a studio space and they are, by definition, larger than the camera and lens.  Furthermore, because they are always mounted well forward of the camera, they invariably require counterbalance weights - especially so when used with box cameras which offer little counterbalance themselves.   So, a studio PT head designed for these smaller cameras still needs much of the strength and power of a traditionally larger head.

Shotoku has long been recognized as a leader in the design and development of high performance, reliable robotic camera systems.  This tradition continues with the latest addition to the family of PT heads, the TG-47.  This new model, with a 22kg/48lbs payload, sits between the TG-27 (17kg/37lbs payload) and the TG-18 (56kg/123lbs).

The TG-47 is a perfect combination of small size, high strength, and built-in reliability.  At its core is the same advanced digital servo systems of the well-established TG-27 providing exceptional on-air performance at a wide range of speeds. As with all our P&T heads, it's available fully encoded for AR/VR studio support.

While offering great flexibility as all Shotoku camera support systems do, the TG-47 addresses two primary applications.

The first key application is smaller national or regional studios where the quality and performance of broadcast cameras and lenses is demanded by the production and where a typical 15-17” teleprompter is required, but there is no requirement for manual pan-bar control or large camera configurations with viewfinders, hand controls and talent monitors.   In this application, the head can be mounted on a manual pedestal or tripod or used in combination with Shotoku’s TI-11 elevator to create a powerful and highly cost-effective PTZF&H package.

The second and equally important application relates to studios using Shotoku’s SmartRail ceiling track system – providing a perfect solution for ceiling-mounted cameras with track-dolly movement and a long robotic descender column, but still supporting a usefully-sized teleprompter for the presenter’s use.

Under the TG-47 covers you will find the familiar advanced digital motion control electronics designed and manufactured by Shotoku specifically for our heads, along with completely new mechanical loadbearing structural elements giving the strength and durability expected of all Shotoku heads.

The new design allows for easy maintenance with removable lightweight moulded covers providing simpler construction and complete freedom of access to the internal components - as well as a great new appearance.  The centralised connector panel combines all the necessary network and power connectivity as well a lens control and general-purpose IO into one convenient place.

To discuss this new member of the family - or indeed any of Shotoku's products and services - reach out to a member of the Shotoku Sales team. For more information on this product specifically, please visit the product page www.shotoku.co.uk/products/tg-47/