AJA said software for controlling its new RovoCam block cameras will soon be available as a free download.

The RovoCam is a UHD/HD camera with an integrated HDBaseT interface for a single cable connection carrying video, audio, power and RS-232 control signals. 

Features in the first version of AJA's RovoControl software are set to include zoom, focus and iris control; an "electronic PTZ" feature allowing users to control a 1080p extraction frame with a UHD picture for outputting region-of-interest video at HD resolution, and the ability to switch between HD and UHD resolution. The software will be available for Windows, OS X and Linux, AJA said. 

"RovoCam opens up many new possibilities for high-quality video capture where space and infrastructure limitations pose a challenge," said AJA President Nick Rashby in a prepared statement. "With RovoControl software, we're offering easy control for RovoCam with unique features suitable for a range of applications from live events to broadcast, security and more."

The AJA RovoCam is really a Sony FCB-ER8300 camera block coupled with an AJA-designed HDBaseT interface. The camera hooks up to the new RovoRx-HDMI, a receiver unit with HDMI 1.4b output in UHD and HD as well as stereo RCA audio out, RS-232 and USB, or certain third-party receivers. The camera also has dedicated power and RS-232 connections for users who want to run those cables separately and supports the VISCA control protocol.