Why use SKAARHOJ?
With a SKAARHOJ controller, you can control multiple equipment like cameras, switchers, routers, etc., from multiple brands, all on one control surface. 

All SKAARHOJ controllers are fully user-programmable, modular, and PoE – meaning less cables to work with. Our products are truly ideal for any application in the Broadcast and A/V space, and completely made and assembled in our headquarters in Denmark using the highest quality components. 

What is Blue Pill? 
Blue Pill is SKAARHOJ’s software platform, that allows you to control more products than ever before. Blue Pill allows SKAARHOJ products to integrate with the latest cameras and switchers out on the market today. For a complete list of what SKAARHOJ can control on Blue Pill, please check out https://devices.skaarhoj.com/

What is Blue Pill Reactor? 
Blue Pill Reactor is SKAARHOJ’s new software platform to configure your device. This intuitive Web-based OS makes programming your device much easier, including automated network discovery for supported devices. This “drag and drop” interface allows you to add panels, switchers, and cameras with just a single click! Simply type in the IP address of the Blue Pill, or Blue Pill Inside device, and you are ready to explore Reactor. 

What is the difference between Blue Pill Server & Blue Pill Inside? 
The Blue Pill Server is a standalone product that brings the world of Blue Pill to your pre-existing Unisketch Device. Once added to your network, the Blue Pill Server will act as the “brain” to your Unisketch device, never allowing your previous investment to become obsolete. 

Blue Pill Inside products have the Blue Pill Server built inside. No need for an additional Blue Pill Server purchase. 
What is Unisketch?
Unisketch is SKAARHOJ’s legacy OS. It is the core system running on our Unisketch controllers like the RCPv2, XC-8, and PTZ Wiz, for example. 

How does VISCA over IP work?
VISCA (Video System Control Architecture) is a communication protocol used for controlling and operating video cameras. VISCA allows for remote control of various camera functions, such as pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and other settings.

VISCA protocol can be implemented over different types of connections, including serial, Ethernet, and IP networks. When implemented over IP (Internet Protocol), VISCA over IP enables the control of cameras over a local network or the internet, providing flexibility and remote access to camera controls.

In the VISCA over IP protocol, camera control commands and responses are encapsulated within IP packets. The communication between the controller and the camera occurs using standard IP networking protocols, such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). 

What is a M/E (Mix Effect)?
In live video production and broadcast, a Mix Effect (M/E), also known as a Mix/Effects Bank or Mixer, refers to a video switching and mixing functionality found in production switchers. An M/E is a powerful feature that allows for complex video composition and the creation of multiple layered video effects.

The primary purpose of an M/E is to combine multiple video sources, such as cameras, graphics, prerecorded content, and other inputs, into a single output. It enables the production team to create sophisticated visual effects, transitions, and compositions in real-time.

Switchers on the market can vary from 1M/E to 4M/E. SKAARHOJ offers a variety of panels that you can mix and match using our Blue Pill platform, to customize the M/E panel to your exact preference, to control vMix, KAIROS, ATEM, Tricaster, and more! 

What is an RCP?
RCP stands for Remote Control Panel. It refers to a dedicated hardware interface used by video engineers or operators to remotely control and adjust various parameters of video devices, typically cameras.

RCPs are commonly used to control broadcast cameras, especially in live production environments such as television studios, sports events, concerts, and newsrooms. The RCP provides a convenient and intuitive interface for camera operators or engineers to make real-time adjustments to camera settings and parameters without physically accessing each individual camera.

The SKAARHOJ RCP Pro can be used regardless of which camera brand you shade. It brings additional features such as an LED on the Joystick to display Iris levels, Four-way buttons with OLED legends for dynamic labeling and functionality, and a tilted screen to view parameters with ease. And with Blue Pill built inside, there is no need for a separate Blue Pill Server purchase.

What is Camera Shading?
Camera Shading consists in making multiple cameras match by adjusting Color Parameters such as Iris, Pedestal, & Colorimetry. SKAARHOJ offers three different types of Camera Shading Devices, including the RCP Pro, Color Fly, and RCPv2.

How to shade multiple cameras?
To shade multiple cameras easily, SKAARHOJ has developed the Color Fly: a universal RCP for multiple cameras bringing you innovative iris control with 4 motorized faders. You get the tactile position feedback of the classic iris joystick but can easily manage 4,8 or 12 cameras from the same compact panel.

What is remote production?
Remote Production simply means that your Cameras can be at the location of the Show/Event, and the Control Room is at a different location. The control of the cameras (including input switching, PTZ control, tally) is done through a VPN Connection over a public internet by a remote switcher. Also called REMI or “At-Home” Production, Remote Production requires Multichannel Encoding and Decoding, a built-in VPN, and a stable bandwidth to ensure no latency issues. Remote production will help you work safely, and more cost-efficient by sending a limited team on site!

What is a GPI?
GPI stands for General Purpose Interface (GPI). It is a high/low voltage signaling protocol, that allows a switcher to send or receive simple commands to or from an external device. SKAARHOJ offers a product called the SDI-GPI Link which will enable any video switcher with tally contact closure outputs to send essential tally information to your supported Blackmagic cameras such as URSA Mini or Pro, or Studio Camera series, for example. 

How to control a PTZ Camera?
The basic controls of a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera typically include the following:

•    Pan: refers to the horizontal movement of the camera. You can control the camera to pan left or right, allowing you to change the camera's viewing angle horizontally.

•    Tilt: refers to the vertical movement of the camera. You can control the camera to tilt up or down, adjusting the camera's viewing angle vertically.

•    Zoom: controls the camera's focal length, allowing you to change the magnification level. PTZ cameras usually offer optical zoom capabilities, which adjust the lens physically, and digital zoom, which enlarges the image digitally but may result in reduced image quality.

•    Focus: controls the camera's sharpness and clarity of the image. You can adjust the focus manually or rely on autofocus features, depending on the camera model and capabilities.

•    Presets: PTZ cameras often provide the ability to save and recall preset positions. Presets allow you to define specific camera positions and angles, enabling you to quickly move the camera to predefined locations with a single command.

•    Speed Control: PTZ cameras allow you to adjust the speed at which the camera pans, tilts, zooms, or performs preset movements. Speed control ensures smooth and precise camera movements according to your requirements.

These basic controls provide flexibility in adjusting the camera's position, angle, and zoom level to capture the desired view. The specific control options and interface may vary depending on the PTZ camera model and the control software or system used.

Why use a Universal Controller?
SKAARHOJ Universal Broadcast Controllers are compatible with many devices and brands of Cameras, Video Mixers, Audio Equipment, Routers, and more. What makes our panels even more unique is that you can control multiple devices, from multiple brands, all on the same control panel. And now, with our new platform Blue Pill, our Controllers are integrated with more products than ever before! 

How does Tally work?
The SKAARHOJ Tally System is a great add-on for your live video-production. The Tally Lights have two LEDs: one facing the Camera Operator and a larger one facing the On-Screen Talent. The operator LED has both Program and Preview Tally, while the Presenter LED is just for Program. The two switches on the Tally Light enables the operator to turn on/off the main LED, and to dim the Operator LED. The Tally Box System handles up to 8 Tally Lights, connecting either directly via the SKAARHOJ Tally Box, or by a Daisy Chain running from each light. You can also work with the SKAARHOJ Tally System in a Remote Environment as well.

What is the benefit of a TCP Interface?
As the Blackmagic ATEM Switcher does not have a TCP interface for easy integration with AV Systems, SKAARHOJ has created the TCP-LINK-4ATEM, which provides a simple TCP Interface to almost any feature in the Switcher. It will report State Changes of the Switcher and Accepts and Forwards commands to the Switcher as well. This product is exactly what you’ll need for A/V projects with systems like Crestron & Extron, for example. 

What is NDI?
Network Device Interface (NDI) is a new protocol for sending video over IP. It has been developed by NewTek in 2015 and is shared by many manufacturers to enable video-compatible products to communicate, deliver, and receive high-definition video (1080i). NDI runs over Gigabit Ethernet, with TCP/UDP transport . SKAARHOJ products are compatible with many NDI devices such as Tricaster, vMix and cameras such as Newtek, Birddog, SONY...

What is Visca?
VISCA is a protocol to control PTZ Camera.This protocol has been designed by SONY and is shared by many manufacturers. It works on RS232 / RS422  serial communication.  SKAARHOJ devices are all compatible with VISCA . We control all the main functions included in the documented VISCA of the supported devices.

How does Visca over IP work?
VISCA over IP is the protocol to control a device using VISCA on a controller equipped with IP connection (LAN). The interface is RJ45. SKAARHOJ devices are all compatible with VISCA over IP. We control all the main functions included in the documented VISCA of the supported devices.

What is a M/E (mix Effect)?
A Mix Effect (M/E) consists of a crosspoint, a transition area with cuts and a true mix or wipe, a T-Bar, keyer, and special outputs. The actual switchers on the market offer from 1 M/E to 4 M/E. SKAARHOJ offer panel of multiple sizes and designs to operate the main switchers : Black Magic Design, Tricaster, Roland, Panasonic or software platform such as VMIX or LIVESTREAM STUDIO (Vimeo).

What does Cruise control for PTZ camera mean?
PTZ Cruise is a SKAARHOJ controller feature, that lets you continue a movement that you initiate. So you start a zoom in, then press the cruise control button, and then let go, and now your zoom continues. It will stop after a certain amount of time, or after it registers a defined input to stop.

What does PTZ Trace mean?
"PTZ Trace allows you to record a move with your PTZ camera, store it, and then replay it later.
This gives an operator the benefit of doing handsfree moves, while setting up the next shoot.
Very useful for the one man band. To learn how to do it you can check this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yQ2hS18zxo&ab_channel=SKAARHOJ "

What is a RCP?
RCP stands for Remote Control Panel . Such a controller is used for the shading , which consists in adjusting all camera parameters such as iris, colorimetry, pedestal..... Generally you should use a RCP from the camera manufacturer and 1 RCP per camera. SKAARHOJ introduces universal RCP that can be used regardless of which camera brand you shade. It brings additional features such as motorized fader (option) or encoder wheel, Four-way buttons with OLED legends for dynamic labeling and functionality, Super crisp window with large display tiles for settings and many others.

What is camera shading?
The camera shading  consists in making multiple cameras match by adjusting  parameters such as iris, pedestal, colorimetry … SKAARHOJ introduces 2 RCP devices, the RCPV2 and the COLORFLY (for multiple cameras)

How to shade multiple cameras?
To shade multiple cameras easily, SKAARHOJ has developed the COLORFLY, a universal RCP for multiple cameras bringing you innovative iris control with 4 motorized faders. You get the tactile position feedback of the classic iris joystick but can easily manage 4,8 or 12 cameras from the same compact panel.

What is remote production?
Let’s only bring your cameras at the place of the show(s) and install your control room in another location. The control of the cameras (including input switching, PTZ control, tally) is done through a VPN over a public internet by a remote switcher. Remote production, also called REMI or At Home production, requires multichannel encoding and decoding, a built in VPN, a stable bandwidth  to ensure a reliable connection without too critical latency issues. Remote production will help you work safely by sending a limited team on site!

What is a GPI?
GPI stands for General Purpose Interface (GPI) . It is a high/low voltage signalling protocol that allows a switcher to send or receive  simple commands to/from an external device. Skaarhoj introduces valuables devices such as SDI-GPI Link (this will for instance enable any video switcher with tally contact closure outputs to send essential tally information to your supported Blackmagic cameras such as URSA Mini (+Pro) or Studio Camera series).

How to control a PTZ Camera?
Controlling PTZ camera consists in Pan, tilt and rotate the handle to control your cameras. Skaarhoj introduces all form factor  PTZ controllers, from the smaller ones to large panels with  buttons and knobs for direct access to all settings and actions. SKAARHOJ makes the worlds most comprehensive universal VISCA controllers - thanks to UniSketch and our dedication to quality integration.

What is UniSketch?
UniSketch is our own developed OS. It is the core system running on all of our UniSketch compatible controllers. In short this means functionality is not limited to a specific controller - they can all do the same with the apparent limitation different hardware interface components provides.

 Why should I use SKAARHOJ?
"With a SKAARHOJ controller, you can control multiple equipment from multiple brands at the same time.
If you would like to go for a more flexible workflow; you can also change functions & program it easily with its operating system by drag and drop function selection.
You will have less cables, more space, less controllers, more flexibility, more freedom and less dependency.
SKAARHOJ's main Unique Selling Points:
- Graphical OLED displays to support buttons, knobs and faders with dynamic labels.
- UniSketch OS connects a button press with a command sent to any of the supported broadcast devices, simply speaking.
- Four-way buttons - custom molded tactile elastomer buttons, that detect whether a button is pressed on the left, right, lower or upper edge..
- RGB backlight and LED bars provide the operator with instinctive clues which can be the critical difference between success and failure.
- Renown Industrial Design - custom elastomers, aluminum extrusions and front panels creates unique, beautiful and strong controllers.
- 100% IP & PoE: One cable carries power and the signals for as many devices as you control."

Why use a universal controller?
SKAARHOJ panel are compatible with many brands of cameras, video mixers, router…  All SKAARHOJ devices work on a common OS called UniSketch that connects a button press with a command sent to any of the supported broadcast devices. So you can design your solution using the devices from multiple brands, and SKAARHOJ panel will bring you the possibility to have all these equipments work together and controlled by one single panel.

How does tally work?
The SKAARHOJ Tally System is a great add-on for your live video-production. The tally light have two LEDs - one facing the camera operator and the big one facing the presenter. The operator LED have both program and preview tally while the presenter LED is just for program. The two switches on the tally light enables the operator to turn on/off the main LED and to dim the operator LED. The Tally Box System handles up to 8 tally lights, connecting either directly via the box, or by daisy chain running from tally light to tally light. Tally can also work during a remote production scheme.

What is the benefit of a TCP Interface?
Blackmagic Design ATEM switcher has no TCP interface for easy integration with AV-systems, so SKAARHOJ has created this tool, the ATEM-TCP Link, which provides just that: A simple TCP interface to almost any feature in the switcher. It will report state changes of the switcher and accept and forward commands to the switcher. Exactly what you need for AV projects with various AV systems like Crestron, Extron and so forth.