R9-L420N Indoor PTZ Camera

User Guide

 

 

Contents

 

 

Important Information

What's In The Box

Optional Accessories

Recommended Peripherals

Overview

Camera Diagrams & Dimensions

Quick Start Guide

Connecting the Camera

Power

Network

Video Output

Control Input

Audio Input

Genlock

Tally Light

Web Interface Configuration

Updating the Firmware

System Menus

 

What's In the Box

 

R9-L420N - 1 Inch 4K60 PTZ Camera

VCC-RC-2 - IR Remote Controller

 
Lens Cap
P12-4L - Power Adapter 12VDC 4A with Lock

Power Cord Options Included :

United States, Europe, & China
VCC-CC45RS - RS422/232 RJ45 Adapter
4 - Screws
Safety Cable
Bolin Protective Dust Cover
Bolin Welcome Card

 

Optional Accessories

 

 

Recommended Peripherals

 

 

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Overview

 

The R9-L420N is a professional 4K60 PTZ camera designed for broadcast, live events, sports, corporate productions, and performance venues. Featuring a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor, 20x optical zoom, hybrid autofocus with AI-assisted subject detection, and support for both traditional and IP-based workflows, it delivers exceptional image quality and operational flexibility. With simultaneous 12G-SDI, HDMI, fiber, and IP outputs, integrated audio embedding, local USB-C recording, Genlock and LTC synchronization, and support for NDI®, SRT, and other industry-standard protocols, the R9-L420N integrates seamlessly into modern production environments while providing reliable, high-performance operation.

 

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Diagram & Dimensons

NOTE: All dimensions listed are in millimeters.

 

Quick Start

 

The R9 Series Indoor PTZ Camera has multiple connection options for video output, power input, control input, audio input and output, and synchronization. You can choose the appropriate connection points based on your requirements.

 

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Power Options

 

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Network Options

 

This camera offers a variety of functionalities via a network connection. Besides being powered over Ethernet, a network connection enables the user to adjust camera settings remotely, stream video from the camera to a distant location, and control the PTZ camera functions via the Web Interface. To set up your camera’s network connection, choose one of the following methods:

 

Option 1: Using the Power Adapter and a Network Switch

  1. Connect the provided power adapter to the camera’s DC input.
  2. Use a Cat6 Ethernet cable to connect the camera’s LAN port to a standard network switch.
  3. Ensure the network switch is connected to your network for data transmission.

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Option 2: Using a PoE++ Network Switch (Single Cable Connection)

  1. Connect a Cat6 Ethernet cable from the camera’s LAN/PoE++ port directly to a PoE++-enabled network switch.

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Option 3: Using the Bolin PoE Injector (BL-PP97) for Extended Distance

  1. Connect a Cat6 Ethernet cable from the PoE injector’s PoE output to the camera’s LAN/PoE++ port.
  2. Connect another Cat6 Ethernet cable from the PoE injector’s Data In port to a network switch.
  3. Plug the DC power adapter into the PoE injector.

Locating a Bolin camera on the Network

 

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Video Output

 

 

 

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Audio

 

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Control Input

 

The R9 PTZ cameras have multiple ways of being controlled that can be used simultaneously to provide the user with the flexibility they need for their setup. The control methods are as follows : 

 

Infrared (IR) Remote Controller

VISCA Serial Commands (RS-422/485)

 

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Synchronization (Genlock)

 

 

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Tally Light

 

 

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Web Interface Configuration

 

 

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Live View

 

Once logged in to the camera, the home page is the Live View page.

On the “Live View” page, the user has access to the following features:

Below the Live View image, the user will find the following icons:

Adjusting and Controlling PTZ Functions

On the right side of the "Live View" page (under Controls) and the "Image" page, there is a set of arrows and sliders that can be utilized to control the camera.

Use the arrows to pan and tilt the camera in its desired motion. The focus and zoom buttons allow you to zoom in (+) or out (-) and focus closer (+) or further (-) in manual mode. There are two modes of controlling the camera: Super Fine and Standard. Super Fine can be used for more precise, granular control, while Standard should be used for quick, general adjustments. The speed setting sliders can be used to modify the speed of pan, tilt, focus, and zoom accordingly.

In addition to the directional arrows available in “Panel Style 1”, you can use the drop-down menu to select “Panel Style 2”. This replaces the directional arrows with a virtual joystick that you can click and drag to control the cameras pan and tilt movements.


Setting and Recalling Presets

Through the camera’s web interface, the user can set and recall up to 64 camera presets. With the use of Bolin’s KBD-1020N, users can save up to 255 presets on the controller. These presets can then be recalled through the web interface, IR Remote, or PTZ Controller. To save presets, the user should follow these steps:

In addition to saving a recalling presets, the user can also select a number of other options from the “PTZ Setting” drop-down menu, their functions are listed below:
 

 

Camera Settings

Instead of interrupting the live video feed by accessing the camera’s On-Screen Display (OSD) menu directly, users can configure all camera parameters through the Camera Settings tab within the Web Interface under the Live View page. This page mirrors the available OSD menu options and provides access to advanced image, lens, pan/tilt, synchronisation, system, and monitoring settings. The available functions are detailed in the following sections.

4.3.1 Exposure

The Exposure menu allows users to configure how the camera manages light levels and image brightness.

Exposure Mode

Auto Mode Settings

When Auto is selected, the following settings are available:

Manual Mode Settings

When Manual is selected:


White Balance

White Balance adjusts colour accuracy based on lighting conditions.

White Balance Modes: Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/OPW (One Push White Balance)/ATW (Auto Tracking White Balance)/User/SVL/Manual

Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/OPW/ SVL Settings:

Available options:

OPW mode additionally provides a One Push Trigger button to capture the current white balance values from the current image

User Mode additionally include:

Manual Mode additionally include:

Picture

The Picture menu provides image quality adjustments.

Available controls:

Scene Modes

Effect

ND Filter

Applies built-in neutral density filtering to reduce light entering the sensor. Available settings are:

Additional Processing


Gamma

The Gamma settings control the tonal response of the image, affecting how brightness and shadow detail are distributed across the scene. These adjustments are used to fine-tune contrast handling, particularly in challenging lighting conditions where shadow detail or highlight roll-off needs refinement. Available modes are:

When Standard is selected:

 

Lens

The Lens settings control how the camera manages focus, zoom behaviour, and lens-driven automation features. These parameters are used to optimise image clarity and responsiveness depending on the shooting environment and operational requirements. Available setting are:

 

Pan Tilt

The Pan Tilt settings control the camera’s mechanical movement behaviour, including speed, direction, and preset recall performance. Available settings:

 

Genlock

Provides controls for synchronising the camera’s video output with an external reference signal

Genlock Status - Displays the current lock state of the camera’s synchronisation system This field is read-only and indicates whether the camera is successfully locked to an external reference signal.

H Phase: -127 to +127
Adjusts the horizontal phase alignment between the camera output and the external reference signal.

 

4.3.8 System

This menu provides quick access to core device configuration settings, including control protocol identification, serial communication parameters, on-screen display options, monitoring overlays, and general system behaviour.

Device IDs

IR Control

Serial Settings

Monitor Information Outputs

Controls which output channels display on-screen monitoring overlays.

Additional display options:

Other System Options

 

Status

The Status page provides a comprehensive, read-only overview of the camera’s current operating state. This section is intended for system monitoring, diagnostics, and verification of active configuration parameters. This includes:

Advanced

Use this page to enable or disable the camera’s OSD menu.

OSD Menu Trigger -  On/Off
Allows the user to remotely open or close the OSD menu using On/Off controls through the Web Interface.

The OSD Menu can be seen in 1 of 4 ways: WebUI, NDI, HDMI, and SDI outputs.



General Settings


Under the General Settings page, there are four tabs: Dashboard, Output, Genlock, and Timecode

Dashboard



The Dashboard tab gives you a single page where you can view details of the camera such as temperature, power consumption, bandwidth utilization, firmware versions, and device serial number.


Output

By selecting the "Output" tab on the General Settings page, users can define what resolutions/frame rates, color space, bit depth, and color format they would like the camera's physical ports to output. Users can click the parameter they would like to modify and select from the drop-down menu. Once the desired settings have been chosen, click on the "Apply" button for changes to go into effect.

At the bottom of this tab, there is a section for "Output Status" where users can see the settings of what is being output from the device.



Genlock

Genlock (generator locking) is a technique used to maintain synchronization. On this page the user can see the status of a connected Genlock device, as well as information on the Ref. Signal, and adjust the Horizontal Phase.

H Phase: This is used for finely adjusting the horizontal phase during Genlock.

4.4.4 Timecode

Note: A timecode generator must be connected before enabling Timecode
 

 

Note: A timecode generator must be connected before enabling Timecode

 

OSD Menu: Where can the OSD menu be seen? WebUI, HDMI, SDI, NDI, USB?

Output Display

Enables or disables the on-screen display of timecode information. When enabled, the active timecode value is shown in the video output or monitoring interface.

Mode: Selects the timecode operating mode:

Run: Controls how the timecode is generated or applied during operation:

 

Time Code Value: Defines the active timecode value used by the system:

Time Code Format

Selects the timecode format type:

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Image Settings


Under the Image Settings page, users can monitor some of the camera current parameter settings, and various overlays to the camera outputs, and adjust the colour balance of the image.

Monitor

The Monitoring Information page allows the user to overlay real-time camera status data onto selected video outputs. This feature is designed for system monitoring, technical verification, and production environments where live diagnostic information is required during operation.

The following data parameters can be displayed as on-screen overlays:

Monitoring overlays can be independently enabled for each available output. The following output channels are supported:

To enable or disable overlays, simply select the corresponding output name. Each output acts as a toggle, allowing monitoring information to be shown or hidden per channel as required.

The temperature display format can also be configured between:


Crop

 

The Crop tab allows the user to define and output cropped regions of interest (ROI) from the camera’s full-resolution image. This feature is intended for workflows where multiple independently framed outputs are required from a single camera source.

A resolution drop-down menu is used to select the crop processing mode:

When either 1080P or 720P is selected, up to three independent crop regions can be enabled using the Crop A, B, and C checkboxes.

Each crop region can then be assigned to an output destination using the available routing options:

This allows individual cropped regions to be independently routed to different outputs depending on system requirements.

On the live preview image, active crop regions are displayed as colour-coded overlays:

These crop regions can be repositioned by clicking and dragging directly within the preview window, allowing precise framing of areas of interest within the main image.

Apply Button: Any changes made within the Crop tab must be confirmed by selecting the Apply button. Settings will not be saved or take effect until Apply is pressed.


OSD Overlay

The Bolin PTZ cameras feature an OSD overlay (on-screen character generator) function, which allows users to embed important information (text or image) onto their IP video feed. To add an on-screen overlay, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the "OSD Overlay" on the Image Settings page.
  2. Select the type of overlay you need by clicking on the relevant checkbox and entering the information. Options include a title (customizable text), Date & Time, or Logo. Up to 32 characters per overlay are supported.
  3. To adjust the overlay, click on the "Adjust" button next to the overlay you'd like to modify. Then use the "Position Adjustment" section to move the overlay to the desired position and use the "Transparency" slider to adjust accordingly.
  4. You can adjust the color of the text by clicking the box to the left of the input field and selecting white, black, yellow, or blue
  5. You can adjust the transparency of the selected text or image by using the Transparency slider
NOTE: Only PNG format image are supported, with a resolution of 640*480 or lower


Color Matrix

The Colour Matrix page provides advanced colour adjustment controls for fine-tuning the camera’s image reproduction. It allows independent adjustment of Hue, Saturation, and Value (brightness/gain level) for the primary and secondary colour channels:

These controls are used to refine colour accuracy, correct colour shifts in different lighting conditions, and match camera output to other devices in a multi-camera setup.

Hue - Adjusts the overall colour tone of each channel by shifting its position on the colour spectrum. This affects the perceived colour identity (for example, shifting red toward orange or magenta).

Saturation - Controls the intensity or purity of each colour. Increasing saturation makes colours more vivid, while decreasing it produces a more muted or desaturated image.

Value - Refers to luminance level of the selected colour channel. This controls how light or dark that specific colour appears within the image. Increasing value makes the colour brighter, while decreasing it makes it darker.

 

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AV Setup


Under the AV Setup page, users are able to configure and enable IP streams, manage the video codec settings, adjust audio settings, and configure NDI streams and features

Streaming Server

From the Streaming Server tab, users can set up an IP stream to be sent from the camera to any destination via the network connection. This camera is capable of sending up to IP stream via RTSP, RTMP, SRT, MPEG-TS UDP, and MPEG-TS RTP.



To stream video from the camera to a destination, follow these steps:

  1. Choose whether you want to stream the "Main Stream" or "Sub Stream" by selecting the appropriate stream type. Both streams contain the same video signal but can be configured with different codecs and resolutions under the Codec tab.
  2. Enable the stream by toggling the button below the desired stream type. The stream has been turned on if the slider is red.
  3. Click the "Edit" button that corresponds to the desired stream type. Enter the relevant details for the stream (Stream Key, URL, Stream Mode, Max Connections, etc...) Optionally, name the stream by its destination, title, or other desired name.
  4. The Stream URL is displayed in red at the bottom of the RTSP and SRT stream settings. This link can be copied and pasted onto a video viewer, ingest server, etc... to access the stream anywhere on the network.
  5. Streaming Server:
    1. RTSP Connection String: rtsp://IP address:RTSP port/media/video<1/2>
      RTSP port is 554
    2. SRT Connection String: srt://<IP address>:<SRT port>?streamid=live/channel/<0/1>
      Default SRT port is 8001
    3. RTMP Connection String: RTMPstreamURL/Key
      RTMP Port is 1935
      Note: To stream video, the user must first log in to their video streaming platform. After logging in, they need to obtain the RTMP stream URL and key. Once they have these details, they can enter them into the RTMP settings page on the camera’s IP web interface. This will configure the camera for streaming.
    4. MPEG-TS UDP Connection String: udp://@<ipaddress>:<UDP port>
      MPEG-TS UDP port 7000
    5. MPEG-TS RTP Connection String: rtp://@<ipaddress>:<RTP port>
      MPEG-TS RTP port 7004


Codec

From the Codec tab, users can configure the video encoding settings for both the Main Stream and Sub Stream independently. These settings determine how video is compressed, transmitted, and optimised for network performance and system compatibility.

 



Stream Type: The Stream Type field defines the format of the outgoing video stream. This setting is dependent on system configuration:

This field is read-only and cannot be manually adjusted.

Video Compression: Users can select the video compression standard used for encoding the stream:

Recommended: H.265 (HEVC)

 

 

H.264 (AVC)

H.265 (HEVC)

Minimum Bandwidth Needed

720P - 3 Mbps

1080p - 6 Mbps

4K - 32 Mbps

720P - 1.5 Mbps

1080p - 4 Mbps

4K - 15 Mbps

Intraframe Prediction

9 Modes

35 Modes

Color Depth

8-Bit

10-Bit

Pros

Higher compatibility with devices

Uses less computing power

More efficient codec, less bandwidth utilization

Near lossless encoding

Better motion prediction & compensation.

 

Cons

Uses more bandwidth

Doesn't support HDR & resolutions higher than 4K

 

Not as widely adopted; limited compatibility

Requires more powerful equipment for processing

 

Frame Rate (fps): Controls the number of frames transmitted per second:

Higher frame rates provide smoother motion but require increased bandwidth.

Recommended: Follow Input

Bitrate Type & Bit Rate (Kbps): Sets the encoding bitrate for the stream (measured in Kbps). This setting is not available when NDI HX3 is enabled, as bitrate is managed automatically by the NDI encoder.

Bitrate refers to the number of bits (data) that are encoded within a unit of time and is typically measured in Kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second). Higher bitrate mean that more data is being encoded, which leads to a better-quality image, but encoding is dependent on the bandwidth and network speeds available. Even if the video signal being encoded is high resolution, the outgoing video may still be low resolution if the bitrate isn't high enough. On the flip side, if the bit rate is too high, it may cause buffering as there is too much data to be processed and not enough resources on a device.

There are two methods of encoding video: constant bitrate and variable bitrate. Constant bitrate encodes data at a consistent rate throughout the stream, while variable bitrate change based on the bandwidth required to encode the data. While there are advantages to both, variable bitrate are recommended to more efficiently encode video streams.

Recommended Bitrate for Video Streaming

Quality

Resolution

Bitrate

720P

1280x720

1200 - 4000 Kbps

1080P

1920x1080

4000 - 8000 Kbps

4K

3840x2160

8000 - 14000 Kbps

 

I Frame Interval: Defines how often full image frames (I-frames) are inserted into the stream. Range: 5–250.

Lower values increase image refresh rate but require higher bandwidth. Higher values improve compression efficiency.

Video streams consist of I-frames (Intra-frames) and P-frames (Predictive frames). I-frames capture the full image of everything the camera sees, while P-frames only capture elements of the image that are moving/changing. I-frames are followed by p-frames in a video stream. The reason for this is to compress the camera's bitrate and utilize less bandwidth. Rather than capturing/encoding a full image for every frame, the camera only needs to encode what has changed in one frame. A lower I-frame interval means a higher bitrate/bandwidth is needed to accommodate the number of full images being sent. This is recommended if a camera needs to refresh the image more often due to a scene with heavy motion.

Recommended: Set to match the frame rate for balanced performance.

Smoothing: Options are Levels 1-9

Smoothing reduces abrupt changes or fluctuations in video playback, commonly seen as visual jitter or abrupt transitions between frames. This aims to deliver a more consistent and visually pleasing viewing experience by minimizing disruptions caused by variations in network conditions or data transmission. Smoothing may add some buffer or frame interpolation to be achieved.

Time Code SEI Messages: Options ON, OFF.

In video streaming, supplemental enhancement information (SEI) is additional data, not related to audio/video, inserted into the bit stream to send extra information which is then received in synchronization with the audio and video data. Examples of this extra data include time codes, closed captioning, copyright information, etc... While standards are in place for how these SEI messages are encoded, there is no official requirement on how these are processed. If this setting is toggled off, the data will be discarded in the signal chain.

Quantization: Options are Full (0-255), Limited Range (16-235).

Controls the level of compression applied to video data:

Quantization is a lossy compression technique where a determination is made about the amount of color data that will be encoded into a video stream. This is possible by compressing a range of color values into a single value, usually in a manner that is not discernable to the human eye. The quantization setting determines the amount of compression for all the macroblocks in a frame. Large values of quantization mean more compression, lower quality, and lower bandwidth, while lower values of quantization mean less compression, higher quality, and higher bandwidth being utilized.

Recommended: Limited Range

GDR Frame Enable: Enables Gradual Decoding Refresh (GDR), which improves stream stability by gradually refreshing image data rather than using full I-frame refreshes.

When enabled, GDR can reduce visible compression artifacts during motion-heavy scenes and improve streaming efficiency in constrained bandwidth environments.

4.5.3 Audio

From the Audio tab, users can configure the camera’s audio input and encoding settings to match their production requirements. These settings determine how audio is captured, processed, and embedded within the video stream.

Audio Enable / Disable: A master toggle switch is used to enable or disable audio processing on the camera. When disabled, no audio is captured or transmitted.

Audio Input Select: Selects the physical audio input source:

This determines which hardware input is used for audio capture.

Audio Channel Mode: Configures the input signal type:

Audio Compression: Sets the audio encoding format:

Bit Rate (bps): Defines the audio encoding bitrate:

Higher bitrates provide improved audio quality but require more bandwidth.

Sampling Rate (SPS): Sets the audio sampling frequency:

Higher sampling rates provide better audio fidelity, with 48 kHz being the standard for broadcast and video production.

Phantom Power: Enables or disables 48V phantom power for supported microphones when using the XLR input.

This feature supplies DC power directly through the XLR connection, removing the need for external microphone power sources.

CAUTION: Ensure the connected microphone explicitly supports 48V phantom power before enabling this setting. Using incompatible equipment may cause damage.

Audio Level: Adjusts the input gain level for the selected audio source:

This control allows fine tuning of audio input levels to avoid clipping or low signal levels.

All changes made in the Audio tab must be confirmed using the Apply button. Settings will not take effect until applied.
 

4.5.4 NDI

From the NDI tab, users can configure all settings required for NDI video streaming, discovery, and network integration. This includes encoder configuration, device identification, multicast settings, access control, and NDI Bridge connectivity.

These settings determine how the camera appears on the NDI network and how video is transmitted to compatible production systems.


NDI Encoder Enable: Enables or disables the NDI stream protocol. When enabled, the camera outputs video using that NDI protocol.

The encoder section includes on/off toggles for NDI HX and NDI High Bandwidth protocols, and separate bandwidth control for each one:

NDI HX mode also allows selection between:

Each mode includes an adjustable bandwidth control slider to optimise performance based on network capacity.

NDI Name

Defines the device name used for NDI discovery on the network. This name is how the camera appears in NDI-enabled software and systems.

Channel Name: Defines the stream name associated with the camera. This is useful for identifying individual video feeds when multiple streams are available.

Multicast: Enables or disables multicast streaming.

When enabled, the camera can send NDI streams to multiple destinations simultaneously.

Multicast configuration options include:

Web Control: Enables or disables remote control of the camera via its web interface.

When enabled, users can access and control camera settings through a standard web browser.

Failover: Enables or disables failover functionality.

When enabled, the camera can switch to a backup source or stream path if the primary NDI connection is interrupted.

Access Manager: Controls network access permissions for the camera.

Group Name - Defines the NDI group used for access control. Default is Public.

Discovery Server - Enables or disables use of an NDI Discovery Server for network device registration and management.

When enabled, the camera will register with a central discovery server instead of relying solely on local network discovery. Use the NDI  Discovery Server IP Address field to specify the IP address of the NDI Discovery Server.

NDI Bridge: Enables integration with NDI Bridge for remote or cross-network streaming workflows.

When enabled, the following parameters become available:

 

All changes made in the NDI tab must be confirmed using the Apply button. Settings will not take effect until applied.

NOTE: Proper network configuration is essential for stable NDI performance. Bandwidth availability, multicast support, and discovery configuration should be verified before deployment.

 

Tips for Configuring Your NDI Camera


4.7 Network

4.7.1 Common

From this tab, users can configure the camera’s primary network settings, including IP addressing, DNS configuration, and network fallback behaviour. Proper configuration of these settings is required for web access, IP streaming, NDI operation, and remote control.



Pattern: Selects the method used to assign the camera’s IP address:

By default, the camera is configured for DHCP to simplify initial setup.

IP Protocol Version: Displays the network protocol version currently in use. Currently on IPv4 is supported.

IP Address: Displays or defines the IP address assigned to the camera.

When Static mode is selected, this must be entered manually. When DHCP is selected, this field will display the address assigned by the network.

Subnet Mask: Defines the subnet the camera belongs to, allowing it to communicate with other devices on the same network segment.

Default Gateway: Defines the IP address of the network gateway (typically the router). This allows the camera to communicate with devices outside the local subnet, including internet-connected services.

Preferred DNS Server: Specifies the primary DNS (Domain Name System) server used for resolving domain names into IP addresses.

Alternate DNS Server: Specifies a secondary DNS server used if the preferred DNS server becomes unavailable.

MAC Address: Displays the camera’s unique hardware network identifier. This value is factory assigned and cannot be changed.

DHCP Fallback Settings

When DHCP is selected under Pattern, an additional DHCP Fallback section becomes available.

This allows users to predefine backup network settings that the camera will use if no DHCP server can be found on the network. This ensures the device remains accessible even if automatic IP assignment fails.


4.7.2 Port

TCP Port: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a reliable, connection-oriented protocol used to ensure the secure and ordered delivery of data. TCP guarantees that transmitted video frames are received without loss and in the correct order, making it suitable for applications where data integrity is crucial, even though it may introduce slightly higher latency.

NOTE: This port is predetermined as port 36666 and cannot be modified.

 

NOTE: This port is predetermined as port 37778 and cannot be modified.

 

NOTE: Commonly, RTSP uses port 554, but the specific port can be configured between 1-65535 based on system requirements.

 

NOTE: By default, ONVIF uses port 2000, but the specific port can be configured between 1-65535 based on system requirements.

 

NOTE: By default, VISCA over IP uses port 52381 for communication. This is the standard used by Bolin's PTZ controllers as well. The port number can be configured between 1-65535 to match with third-party controllers.

NOTE: By default, HTTP uses port 80, but the specific port can be configured between 1-65535 based on system requirements.


4.7.3 Tracking Data Output

1. Enable: This parameter acts as the primary control for the PTZF tracking metadata transmission. You can turn the tracking data output on or off using this setting. When enabled, the system will transmit tracking metadata; when disabled, the transmission will be halted.

Note: The R9-L420N supports D1 and Extended type FreeD protocols.[RM1]

2. Destination IP Address: This parameter refers to the IP address of the device (usually a PC) that is set to receive the FreeD protocol. It should match the IP address of your tracking system device. This parameter specifies the remote address of the FreeD client that is intended to receive the metadata stream. Please note, that this parameter is only utilized when in “always” mode.

3. UDP Port Number: This parameter represents the remote UDP port number associated with the FreeD client. It is used to establish the connection for data transmission.

4. Transfer Mode: This parameter allows you to choose the stream mode for sending FreeD data. Currently, we only support the “Always” mode.

5. Camera ID: This parameter is used to designate the Camera ID value. This value is inserted into the first byte (<CA>) of the FreeD D0 message. It uniquely identifies the camera in the FreeD protocol.

FreeD Camera ID

Up to 0-255

Default value: "255"

Specifies FreeD Camera ID (<CA>) in decimal form

 

4.8 Storage Settings

The Storage Settings section allows users to configure file storage, remote upload, and recording behaviour for the camera. This includes FTP transfer settings and local recording management.

4.8.1 FTP

The FTP page allows the camera to automatically upload recorded files or captured media to an external FTP server.

FTP Enable: Enables or disables FTP transfer functionality. When enabled, the camera will connect to the configured FTP server and upload files based on the selected recording or transfer settings.

Server IP: Defines the IP address of the destination FTP server.

Server Por: Defines the communication port used by the FTP server.

Server Username: The username used to authenticate with the FTP server.

Server Password: The password used for FTP server authentication.

Path Type: Defines how the upload directory path is structured.

Path: Specifies the destination directory on the FTP server where files will be uploaded.

Sub Stream Settings: The Sub Stream section allows configuration of a lower bandwidth stream for FTP-based recording or transfer.

Channel Enable: Enables or disables Sub Stream FTP transfer.

Level: Defines the quality level of the Sub Stream

Interval: Defines the time interval between file uploads or capture events.


NOTE: Ensure the FTP server is reachable on the network and that user credentials have write permissions to the selected directory.


4.8.2 Record

The Record page allows users to configure onboard recording behaviour and manage stored files.

The Video Record window displays the current storage capacity and usage

The Record Settings button opens the recording configuration menu.

Split File options:

File Name: Defines the naming convention used for recorded files.

Recording Strategy: Determines how the camera behaves when storage reaches capacity:

Period: Defines the recording duration in hours, minutes or seconds. This controls recording length when timed recording is used.

The Files List displays all files currently saved to storage. This list allows users to review stored recordings and monitor storage usage.

NOTE: For critical recording workflows, it is recommended to regularly monitor storage capacity and use Loop recording only where overwriting older footage is acceptable.


4.9 System Settings


4.9.1 Firmware

There are two parts to the Firmware tab. The upper part identifies the firmware versions that the device is currently running. The lower part is where users can upload a new firmware file to update the device firmware.

To update the firmware, follow these steps:

  1. Visit Bolin Technology’s official website at www.bolintechnology.com
  2. Navigate to the “Support Center” and select the “Download Center” option.
  3. Search for the model number of the device and select the correct device from the results.
  4. Download the firmware file and save it to a location on the computer.
  5. Access the web interface of the device. The downloaded firmware file can be dragged and dropped into the designated box or the box can be clicked to manually select the file for upload.
  6. After the device has verified the validity of the file, initiate the update process by clicking on the red “Update” button. During the update process, refrain from navigating away from the current tab, page, or window, and avoid clicking elsewhere on the page to prevent the update from failing.
  7. Upon successful installation of the update, a prompt will appear instructing to restart the device. Follow this prompt to complete the update process.

NOTE: It is crucial to maintain the current page active during the update process to ensure a successful update. Any navigation away from the page could result in a failed update.


4.9.2 User

The User tab, found under the System section, is where operators who have access to the camera can be managed. It should be noted that operators do not possess the same level of access to system settings as administrators.

To add a new operator, follow these steps:

  1. Under the System section, find the User tab.
  2. Click on the ‘Add User’ button.
  3. In the new window that appears, enter a username that is between 3–12 characters long, and a password. As you type the password, you can click on the eye icon to preview it. It’s recommended to use a strong password that includes a capital letter, a lowercase letter, a number, and a special character.
  4. Once you’ve confirmed the password, click on ‘Add’ to save the new operator. You can add up to 12 additional operators.

Note: Only administrators can delete users.


4.9.3 Date & Time

The Date and Time tab allows users to configure the camera’s system clock, display format, and time synchronisation method.

Current Time: Displays the camera’s current date and time, along with the source used to set it (for example, Manual or NTP Sync).

Date Format: Allows selection of the preferred date display format.

Time Format: Allows selection of the time display format.

Time Zone: Allows the user to select the local time zone for the camera.

Time zones can be selected either from the drop-down list or by clicking directly on the interactive world map shown on the page. This provides a quick visual method for selecting the correct regional time zone.

Mode: Selects how the camera’s system time is maintained:

Using NTP is recommended for systems requiring accurate long-term timekeeping.

Manual Time Sync: When Manual mode is selected, this option allows the user to open the time adjustment settings and manually set the current date and time.

Sync with PC Time: When enabled, the camera will copy the current date and time from the connected computer running the web interface. This provides a quick method for synchronising time without manual entry.

Any changes made within the Date and Time tab must be confirmed by selecting the Apply button. Settings will not be saved or take effect until Apply is pressed.


4.9.4 Reset

The Reset tab allows users to restart the camera, configure scheduled automatic restarts, restore factory default settings, and export system log files for diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Device Restart: The Device Restart section provides options for manually restarting the camera or scheduling automatic restarts.

Scheduled Restart - Allows the user to configure automatic reboot intervals.

Available options include:

After selecting the desired interval, press the Set button to save the restart schedule.

Manual Restart - Pressing the Manual Restart button will immediately reboot the camera.

NOTE: Video output, network access, and active streams will be interrupted during the restart process.

Factory Default: The Factory Default section restores the camera to its original factory settings. Pressing the Reset button will return all system settings to default values.

NOTE: Restoring factory defaults will also reset the Device Name and Login Password to their original factory settings.

CAUTION: Performing a factory reset may remove custom configurations, presets, and integration settings. Ensure important settings are documented before proceeding.

Log: The Log section allows users to export system log files for technical support and troubleshooting.

Export -Pressing the Export button downloads the system log files from the camera to the connected computer These logs can be used to diagnose errors, review system activity, or provide information to technical support teams.


5. Control Integration

The R9-L420N supports a wide range of control protocols and integration methods, allowing it to be used in professional broadcast, live production, AV, and automation environments. Control can be achieved over IP or serial communication, depending on the user’s workflow and infrastructure. Supported methods include industry-standard VISCA protocols, third-party PTZ controllers, and automation platforms for integrated production systems.

5.1 VISCA Control

VISCA is a widely used control protocol that enables remote operation of PTZ camera functions such as pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and preset recall. The R9-L420N supports both VISCA over IP and VISCA over RS-422, allowing integration with a wide range of broadcast controllers, software systems, and automation platforms.

VISCA control can be used in both single-camera and multi-camera setups, providing flexible control options for professional production environments.

For physical connection details, refer to Section 2.5 (Control Input).

5.2 Third-Party Controllers

The R9-L420N is compatible with a variety of third-party hardware controllers and software platforms that support VISCA, ONVIF, or other supported control protocols. These controllers allow users to operate one or more cameras from a centralized interface.

Compatible control solutions may include:

• Dedicated PTZ hardware controllers
• Broadcast switchers with integrated PTZ control
• Production software platforms
• Remote production systems
• Mobile and desktop control applications

To integrate a third-party controller:

  1. Verify that the controller supports one of the camera’s available control protocols.
  2. Connect the camera via IP or serial depending on the controller requirements.
  3. Configure the camera’s network or serial settings.
  4. Add the camera to the controller using its IP address, port, and camera ID.
  5. Test pan, tilt, zoom, and preset recall functionality.

NOTE: Some third-party systems may require custom protocol settings or firmware updates for full compatibility.

5.3 Automation Systems

The R9-L420N can be integrated into larger AV and broadcast automation systems, allowing camera movement and settings to be triggered automatically as part of a programmed workflow. This is commonly used in conference rooms, lecture halls, houses of worship, and live production environments.

Automation systems can be used for:

• Automatic preset recalls during scheduled events
• Camera movement tied to room control systems
• Triggered recording and streaming workflows
• Speaker tracking and production sequencing
• Integration with lighting and switching systems

To configure automation:

  1. Connect the camera to the automation network or control system.
  2. Enable the required control protocol (VISCA, API, or ONVIF where applicable).
  3. Program commands or macros within the automation platform.
  4. Test all trigger events and camera responses.

For advanced integrations, refer to the camera’s API documentation and protocol command list in the Appendix.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Camera Not Found on Network

If the camera cannot be discovered on the network or accessed via its IP address, check the following:

6.2 No Video Output

If no video is present on HDMI, SDI, or IP streams, verify the following:

NOTE: Some outputs may display a brief startup splash or configuration overlay before the active video signal appears.

6.3 PTZ Control Not Working

If pan, tilt, or zoom controls are unresponsive:

6.4 Image Quality Issues

If the image appears poor, unstable, or incorrectly exposed, check the following:

 

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