Visca over IP
Middle Control Pro now includes a built-in VISCA over IP server, enabling camera and gimbal control using industry-standard VISCA commands. This allows seamless integration with external control panels, third-party controllers, and automation systems.
VISCA over IP support is available in Middle Control Pro for macOS only.
Controller Support List
Middle Control follows the Sony VISCA over IP standard as closely as possible. Compatibility depends on each controller manufacturer implementing that standard correctly, which is outside our scope of support. The following controllers are confirmed compatible:
- Skaarhoj PTZ Extreme
- Skaarhoj PTZ Pro
- Skaarhoj PTZ View
- Skaarhoj PTZ Fly
- AVMatrix PKC3000
- AVMatrix PKC3500
- AVMatrix PKC4000
- Zowietek KBD
For Skaarhoj panels, you can learn more about Middle Things integration at: https://devices.skaarhoj.com/
How to Set Up VISCA over IP
To use the VISCA server, ensure you have an active Middle Control Pro license. Then follow the steps below:
- Open Middle Control → Preferences
- Navigate to Middle Control Pro
- Click Activate VISCA Server
- Note the Middle Control IP address in Preferences
- Enter this IP address in your VISCA-compatible controller. If prompted, set the port to 52381.
- Select VISCA IP or SONY VISCA as the protocol. Middle Control does not support VISCAIP-TCP.
Adjusting White Balance and Tint
Since many generic VISCA over IP controllers do not expose dedicated White Balance and Tint knobs, Middle Control remaps them to the following standard controls:
| VISCA Control | Middle Control Parameter |
|---|---|
| Blue Gain | White Balance |
| Red Gain | Tint |
Showing the Active Camera Video Feed on the controller LCD
Activating the VISCA server also starts an ONVIF device that advertises the camera's stream at rtsp://<your-ip>:8554/live. ONVIF-capable controllers (for example the AVMatrix PKC series and Zowietek KBD) can show that feed on their screen once RTSP Video Output is enabled in the Middle Control Pro panel.
Controlling Multiple Cameras
Most VISCA controllers identify cameras by IP address — one IP = one camera. Since Middle Control appears as a single IP address regardless of how many cameras you have connected, camera selection cannot be done from the controller directly.
Instead, you can switch the active camera in two ways:
- In Middle Control — select your camera number directly in the Camera page.
- Via Stream Deck + Bitfocus Companion — use Companion to trigger camera switches, and pair it with your VISCA controller for physical PTZ control. This is a great combination: the VISCA controller handles pan, tilt, zoom, and basic actions, while Companion handles camera selection and any other actions your controller can't reach.