How To Control The OBSBOT Tail Air With A Stream Deck

Controlling your OBSBOT Tail Air with a Stream Deck can significantly improve your live streaming and content creation experiences. OBSBOT Tail Air is an AI-powered camera that follows your movements and automatically adjusts its framing and zoom to keep you in focus. By combining this cutting-edge technology with the Elgato Stream Deck, you gain easy access to numerous camera controls right at your fingertips.

Before diving into the setup, ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as the OBSBOT Tail Air camera and an Elgato Stream Deck. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the Bitfocus Companion software, which will be used to bridge the gap between your camera and the Stream Deck. With all the tools in place, you’re ready to enhance your live streaming and content creation experience.

Features Of OBSBOT Tail Air

The OBSBOT Tail Air is an impressive 4K PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) streaming camera designed for various uses such as live streaming, video conferences, and content creation. This camera offers many convenient features, such as Human Tracking, Animal Tracking, and Object Tracking¹, allowing it to follow subjects automatically during recording or streaming.

Here are some steps you can follow to control your OBSBOT Tail Air with a Stream Deck:

1. Download and install the Stream Deck app on your computer.
2. Connect your Stream Deck device to the computer via USB.
3. Configure the Stream Deck app with your OBSBOT Tail Air settings.
4. Assign preferred shortcuts to the Stream Deck buttons for controlling OBSBOT Tail Air functions (e.g., PTZ, camera settings, etc.).

This camera also offers Gesture Control 2.0¹, which allows you to control it with simple hand gestures or specific button combinations on the device’s Smart Remote Controller¹.

In terms of connectivity, the OBSBOT Tail Air offers three charging methods: USB-C to C cable, Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable, and an external 360-degree rotating base³. Moreover, the camera supports various tech and protocols like VISCA, OSC, and NDI¹, ensuring greater control flexibility and compatibility with different devices.

How To Set Up OBSBOT Tail Air?

1. Initial Setup

In this section, we’ll guide you through the initial setup process of your OBSBOT Tail Air camera. Follow these steps to get your camera up and running:

1. Charge the Remote Controller using the included USB-C cable. The LED indicator will turn blue while charging and turn off once it’s fully charged. More information here.
2. Install the OBSBOT Start app on your mobile device.
3. Turn on the OBSBOT Tail Air and connect it to your mobile device via Bluetooth.

2. Firmware Updates

It’s essential to keep your OBSBOT Tail Air updated with the latest firmware for optimal performance. Here are the steps to take:

1. Open the OBSBOT Start app on your mobile device.
2. Check the Settings menu in the app for any available firmware updates.
3. Download any updates and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

3. Positioning And Angles

Finding the right angles and positioning helps you get the most out of your OBSBOT Tail Air. Consider these steps for optimal results:

1. Place your OBSBOT Tail Air on a flat and stable surface.
2. Adjust the camera angle to ensure it’s pointing at your desired subject or area.
3. Use the Smart Remote Controller or the OBSBOT Start app to control the camera and fine-tune its position.

How To Do Stream Deck Configuration?

In this section, we will guide you through the process of configuring your Stream Deck to control the OBSBOT Tail Air. We will cover the installation of the necessary software and how to customize the buttons for the OBSBOT Tail Air functions.

1. Installing Stream Deck Software

Before you can begin customizing your Stream Deck, you must install the Stream Deck software on your computer. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Elgato Stream Deck download page and download the software for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Stream Deck software.
3. Open the Stream Deck application after installation is complete.

2. Customizing Buttons For OBSBOT Tail Air

After installing the Stream Deck software, you can start customizing the buttons for controlling the OBSBOT Tail Air. Here’s how:

1. Download the OBSBOT plugin for Stream Deck and install it within the Stream Deck application.
2. Create a new profile in the Stream Deck software for your OBSBOT Tail Air controls.
3. Drag and drop the OBSBOT functions you wish to control (e.g. PTZ, color features) onto the desired buttons.
4. Configure each button’s settings, such as assigning a specific camera or selecting a preferred preset.
5. Test your newly configured buttons to ensure they properly control the OBSBOT Tail Air functions.

What Are The Basic Controls?

1. Starting And Stopping Recordings

Starting and stopping recordings with a Stream Deck and OBSBOT Tail Air enables smoother control over your video capture. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Install the OBSBOT Start App on your device.
2. Set up OBSBOT Tail Air and Stream Deck according to their respective user guides.
3. On the Stream Deck interface, create a button for starting/stopping recordings.
4. Configure the button to send appropriate commands to the OBSBOT Tail Air.

2. Switching Camera Modes

Switching camera modes is essential for adjusting your output based on your filming needs. Here’s how to switch modes using a Stream Deck:

1. Ensure OBSBOT Tail Air and Stream Deck are properly set up and connected.
2. Create a button on your Stream Deck interface for switching camera modes.
3. Program the Button to send mode change commands to OBSBOT Tail Air.
4. Press the button to cycle through available camera modes while filming.

3. Adjusting Focus And Zoom

Controlling focus and zoom settings allows you to capture more professional and engaging videos. Manage these settings using a Stream Deck:

1. Set up your OBSBOT Tail Air and Stream Deck devices.
2. Create buttons on your Stream Deck interface for controlling focus and zoom.
3. Program the buttons to send focus and zoom commands to OBSBOT Tail Air.
4. During recording, use the buttons to adjust focus and zoom in real-time.

Make use of these basic controls to enhance your video recording experience with the OBSBOT Tail Air and Stream Deck combination.

4. Using Presets For Quick Actions

Make your OBSBOT Tail Air control even more efficient by using preset actions on the Stream Deck. Presets are a set of predefined actions that you can associate with a button on your Stream Deck, allowing for quick adjustments during a live stream or recording.

1. Create a new preset: In the Elgato Stream Deck software, click the plus icon to create a new button.
2. Choose an action: Select one of the available actions to perform with the OBSBOT Tail Air, such as PTZ presets, color presets, or other control options.
3. Configure the action: Customize the settings of your chosen action, for example: set a specific position for the PTZ preset.
4. Save the preset: Assign a name to your new preset and save it.
5. Apply the preset: Drag the preset to the desired button on your Stream Deck.

With presets, you can easily switch between different camera angles, lighting, and color profiles on your OBSBOT Tail Air. This helps you to make your streaming and video productions more dynamic and engaging.