Cartoni encoded E-Jibo
Cartoni, the Italian manufacturer of professional camera support systems, is expanding its product portfolio with a new range of solutions designed for modern broadcast, sports, and studio production environments. Debuting at NAB Show are the Master 30 OB, Mixo 21, the Ragno Pod, Lifto HP (Standard and Twin version) and the encoded E-Jibo for virtual production.
At Central Hall’s Booth C6540, Cartoni will have a “VR Portable package” and an operational encoded E-Master 30 & E-Jibo with Cartoni’s VR Box 2.0 and Miraxyz RigFX box. Cartoni has joined the SMPTE RiS’s Open Track IO Working Group, to serve as the foundation for Cartoni’s encoded camera support platforms.
OpenTrackIO is a free and open-source protocol designed by the SMPTE RiS-OSVP group that seeks to improve interoperability between devices in Virtual Production, ICVFX, and beyond.
Today’s process of Virtual Production (VP) encompasses a range of techniques that use camera and lens tracking systems to generate real-time visual effects (VFX) in a render engine. VP encompasses:
Augmented Reality (AR), Chroma key (both for live broadcast and 'Simul-Cam' for on-set VFX pre-visualization), and In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX), that include Extended Reality (XR for LED set extensions) and other Mixed Reality (MR) combinations. In these Virtual Production examples, the camera tracking system sends the relative position of the camera, lens modeling, and other metadata to the render engine every frame.
In Augmented Reality (AR) setups, this enables the render engine to generate virtual objects from the correct camera position and with correct lens distortions to match the real-world camera image. In the In-Camera Visual Effect (ICVFX) example, the tracking data is used to render the correct perspective on the LED wall to create the illusion of depth and with a sense of parallax.
In Virtual Production, it is critical that the camera capture, the tracking data, and the lens data are synchronized to each other in both space and time, to accurately reproduce the desired visual effect. A sample of the OpenTrackIO protocol contains all the required data in the appropriate formats to achieve this.
“Cartoni is proud to be working with SMPTE RiS and the leading companies working to unify the technologies around ICVFX to create a more open environment for Virtual Production, Mixed, and Extended Reality productions in the future,” the announcement states.
Lifto HP motorized elevation column
For virtual production workflows, the encoded E-Jibo integrates high-precision encoders capable of 4.1 million counts per turn (22-bit resolution), enabling accurate tracking of boom and pan movements. The system supports payloads up to 20 kg (44.1) and interfaces with tracking PTZ cameras and Cartoni E-Heads for AR and VR applications. Data is collected and transmitted via the Cartoni VR Box 2.0 or the Miraxyz RigFX box.
The Lifto HP motorized elevation column introduces a new universal Cartoni Control Unit compatible with major PTZ controllers from Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and Skaarhoj. The system can operate via batteries or mains power and features PoE+ capability, allowing a single connection to power both the Lifto motors and PTZ cameras. Designed for modern studio integration, the Cartoni Control Unit supports network connectivity, stores up to 100 preset positions, and can be operated with optional foot pedals.
Built for sports and outside broadcast environments, the Master 30 OB fluid head incorporates a dedicated slide compatible with V-shaped wedge camera plates. The head features a ±90° tilt range, continuous fluid drag and counterbalance, Mitchell base with optional 150 mm bowl adapter, and digital readouts with an illuminated spirit level for quick setup and precise balance.
Master 30 OB fluid head
The Mixo 21 fluid head combines Cartoni’s patented continuous counterbalance system with a new seven-step fluid drag mechanism for smooth motion control. Supporting payloads up to 21 kg (46.3 lb), the head is designed for a wide range of production scenarios, from mobile and lightweight setups to fully equipped ENG cameras, and is available with a 100 mm bowl.
MIXO 21 fluid head
Cartoni also introduces the Ragno Pod, a portable tripod riser that elevates camera setups by more than 629 mm (over two feet), enabling unobstructed shooting above crowds. The system supports payloads up to 100 kg (220.4 lb) and includes a foldable anti-slip operator platform rated up to 150 kg (330.7 lb).
Ragno Pod portable tripod riser
