OBSBOT Tail Series: VISCA Protocol Guide

VISCA (Video System Control Architecture) is a professional camera control protocol in broadcast systems. Developed by SONY, it allows for comprehensive control over camera functions such as zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed, and white balance.

There are two common ways to apply the VISCA protocol: VISCA over IP and VISCA over UART.

Note:

The OBSBOT Tail 2 supports both VISCA over IP and VISCA over UART.
The OBSBOT Tail Air only supports VISCA over IP.

1. VISCA over IP

The benefits of integrating VISCA over IP with OBSBOT Tail cameras are undeniable. This protocol allows real-time remote control of camera settings and movements over an IP network, empowering creators to make precise adjustments from anywhere within the network's reach. This is particularly transformative for OBSBOT Tail cameras in live production and broadcast environments, where rapid adjustments are essential.

Furthermore, VISCA over IP simplifies multi-camera integration. By using flexible network topologies, creators can integrate multiple OBSBOT Tail cameras into a single system without complex cabling. This scalability enables centralized management of PTZ movements, AI tracking, and exposure settings across all devices, streamlining workflows for large-scale events or multi-location broadcasts.

2. VISCA over UART

VISCA over UART relies on the Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) for serial communication. With the interfaces of RS-232, OBSBOT Tail 2 uses this protocol for stable but short-range connections.

This protocol requires direct physical cabling. Its transmission distance is restricted, usually within several dozen to a hundred meters. Beyond this range, the signal quality degrades. It generally supports one-to-one or limited one-to-many connections via a specific bus structure. However, issues like bus load and signal interference limit the number of connectable devices. Despite its relatively low data transfer rate, it's pretty stable over short distances.

Conclusion

For dynamic, large-scale environments like live broadcasts or multi-location streaming, VISCA over IP excels with its scalability and remote control capabilities. In contrast, VISCA over UART remains ideal for small, localized systems that prioritize simplicity and stability over advanced flexibility.