Follow-Me has expanded its Follow-Me DELT∆ manual performer tracking system with the new Operator Box. The hardware addition generates a dedicated view of the stage, allowing operators to zoom in on their assigned performer to transform the way large multi-performer shows are run with Follow-Me.
Productions can often end up tracking five, six, or many more performers simultaneously. With one camera feed, the screen an operator relies on can become crowded with crosshairs. When cameras are also positioned far from the performance area (sometimes 70 meters), performers can appear very small on screen, making accurate tracking challenging. The Operator Box addresses this directly by giving each operator a clean, individual view focused exclusively on their assigned target, and provides a zoom option to get close without losing the exact positioning of the performer. This capability works in conjunction with the upgraded 4K network-based camera, which provides a sharp, clear view of the tracking area. Because the camera is network-based, its feed can be shared across multiple systems simultaneously, allowing each Operator Box to draw from a single camera source whilst creating individualised views for every operator.
The Operator Box is a compact, PoE (Power over Ethernet) device with HDMI output. It connects to the system server alongside the controllers, including the mouse and fader console. The Operator Box can be placed on the desk or mounted on the back of a monitor to keep the operator station compact. A light on top of the unit displays the color of the performer (target) assigned to the operator.
Each Operator Box is highly configurable. Operators can write notes directly on their screen and choose to display target-specific data such as target intensity and Z offset, tailoring their view to show exactly the information most useful to them.
The system also introduces a built-in messaging feature, enabling users to send instructions to individual operators, for example, cueing specific actions during a show or broadcasting a global message to all operators at once.
Follow-Me’s 3D, DELT∆ and TRACK-iT systems have always been capable of tracking multiple artists in one single system; however, the Operator Box builds on this foundation by making multi-performer tracking more efficient for an individual operator. It brings a one-on-one focus to what was previously a shared workspace, improving both accuracy and operator confidence during live performances.
