PTZOptics Joystick Keyboard Gen 4

Product Overview

The PTZOptics Joystick Keyboard Gen 4 (PT-JOY-G4) is a fourth-generation PTZ camera joystick controller that supports both IP and serial control of up to 255 cameras via VISCA over IP, VISCA serial, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P protocols. Designed for broadcast studios, houses of worship, conference rooms, and corporate AV production environments, it features a 3-axis joystick with twist zoom and focus control, an expanded LCD status display, multi-camera matrix mode, and a programmable custom button at the top of the joystick. PoE (802.3af) powers the unit from a single Ethernet cable, and a browser-based web UI simplifies camera setup and configuration.

Product Description

The PT-JOY-G4 is PTZOptics' fourth-generation IP and serial joystick keyboard controller, built for production teams that need tactile PTZ camera control over IP-networked or serially connected cameras without the overhead of the SuperJoy's multi-group architecture. The controller supports VISCA over IP (PTZOptics and Sony protocols) or serial control (RS-232, RS-485, Pelco-D, Pelco-P) — the operator switches between protocols with a button press. Over the network, the PT-JOY-G4 controls up to 255 cameras; via serial VISCA, it controls up to 7. Compatible brands include PTZOptics, HuddleCamHD, Sony, BirdDog, Lumens, Marshall, JVC, AIDA, AVer, Bolin, ClearOne, DataVideo, and others that support standard protocols. The 3-axis joystick with twist control provides variable-speed pan, tilt, zoom, and focus, with dedicated knobs and buttons for direct exposure, white balance, and red/blue gain adjustment without navigating camera menus. An expanded LCD screen shows controller status at a glance. Three operation modes — Basic, Matrix, and Normal — allow the controller to be configured for single-camera or multi-camera operation depending on the production. The programmable custom button at the top of the joystick stick is configurable for triggering recording in OBS, vMix, or other production software, or for activating auto-tracking on the selected camera. Automatic triggers send IP/HTTP commands to connected switchers or production equipment when the operator switches cameras, enabling integration with hardware and software video systems. A browser-based web UI allows camera assignment and controller configuration in as few as five minutes; settings can be imported and exported for different production setups. The unit is PoE (802.3af) capable, operates on DC 12V, and ships with a 12V 2A international power supply and 8-foot RS-232C cable. It is NDAA 2019 Section 889 compliant and backed by a 2-year warranty.

Key Features

• IP or Serial PTZ Control — Controls cameras via VISCA over IP (PTZOptics/Sony) or serial (RS-232, RS-485, Pelco-D, Pelco-P) with protocol switching on the fly.
• 3-Axis Joystick with Twist Control — Variable-speed pan, tilt, zoom, and focus control; twist the joystick for zoom, push for focus.
• 255-Camera IP Capacity — Controls up to 255 IP cameras over the network; up to 7 via serial VISCA.
• Programmable Custom Button — Joystick-top button configurable for recording triggers or auto-tracking activation.
• Automatic Triggers — Sends commands to production switchers or software on camera change events.
• Direct Image Controls — Dedicated knobs for exposure, white balance, red gain, and blue gain without entering camera menus.
• Browser-Based Web UI — Camera assignment and configuration in under five minutes; import/export settings per production.
• PoE Powered — 802.3af PoE enables single-cable deployment; DC 12V also supported.
• Multi-Brand Compatible — Works with PTZOptics, Sony, BirdDog, Lumens, Marshall, JVC, AIDA, AVer, and other standard-protocol PTZ cameras.
• NDAA 2019 Section 889 Compliant — Qualified for government and education deployments.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Conference room
• Government space
• Training room
• Auditorium
• Multi-purpose room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the PT-JOY-G4 and the PTZOptics SuperJoy?

A: The PT-JOY-G4 supports IP or serial control (not simultaneously), controls up to 255 cameras over IP or 7 via serial, and does not include the SuperJoy's Super-Preset multi-group architecture or NDI control. The SuperJoy supports simultaneous IP and serial control, NDI control, five camera groups (including a 225-camera group), and advanced Super-Preset synchronized multi-camera preset recall. The PT-JOY-G4 is better suited for single-protocol installations; the SuperJoy is preferable for complex multi-brand or multi-group systems.

Q: Can the PT-JOY-G4 control cameras from brands other than PTZOptics?

A: Yes. Any camera that supports VISCA over IP (Sony or PTZOptics protocol), RS-232 VISCA, RS-485 VISCA, Pelco-D, or Pelco-P is compatible. Confirmed brands include Sony, BirdDog, Lumens, Marshall, JVC, AIDA, AVer, Bolin, ClearOne, DataVideo, and RGBLink.

Q: How do I switch between IP and serial control on the PT-JOY-G4?

A: Protocol switching is performed with a button press on the controller. The unit operates in either IP mode (VISCA over IP) or serial mode (RS-232, RS-485, Pelco-D, Pelco-P) at a time; users switch as needed based on the connected camera.

Q: Does the PT-JOY-G4 support PoE, or does it require a separate power supply?

A: The PT-JOY-G4 supports PoE (802.3af) for single-cable deployment over Ethernet. A DC 12V 2A power supply is included in the box as an alternative. Either method provides the 6W required.

Q: Can I use the PT-JOY-G4 with OBS or vMix?

A: Yes. The programmable custom button on the joystick can be configured to send an HTTP or IP command to trigger recording in OBS, vMix, or similar production software. The Automatic Triggers feature can also send commands to connected switchers on camera change events.

Q: How quickly can cameras be set up in the web UI?

A: PTZOptics states that the web UI allows users to get multiple cameras up and running in as few as five minutes. Settings for specific productions or camera configurations can be exported and re-imported, making it practical to manage multiple show configurations on the same controller.

Q: What operator modes does the PT-JOY-G4 support?

A: The controller supports Basic, Matrix, and Normal modes. Basic mode restricts operation to preset recall and single-camera control, suitable for volunteer or novice operators. Matrix mode allows preset recall across multiple cameras. Normal mode provides full access to all controller functions.