Sony Announces Discontinuation of Popular FCB-H10 High Definition Color Block Camera

In a surprise move by Sony Visual Imaging, they have officially announced the discontinuation of their popular FCB-H10 10x zoom, High Definition Color Block Camera as of May 1, 2009.

The good news?

Sony’s new FCB-H11 HD Color Block Camera is virtually identical except they’ve acutally added features that will benefit the users…this new version of the FCB-H10 is now equipped with:

• Auto ICR for Day/Night function,
• Increased sensitivity (1.0 lx with ICR-on mode) and
  
• Multi-format video outputs -  1080i / 720p.
  

For those not acquainted with the FCB-H11, this HD Color Block Camera is ideal for almost any imaging application including;

• Broadcasting,
• Inspection,
• Surveillance/Security
• Traffic Cams
• IP Monitoring
• and more…
  

The FCB-H11 color block camera is available with or without a customized housing, interface board and cables.

Not only does the FCBH11 inherit many outstanding features from Sony’s previous FCB cameras, other features include:

• 1/3 type CMOS imager
• Approx. 2M effective pixels
• 16×9 Aspect Ratio
• Auto ICR for DaylNight function
• Minimum Illumination – 1.0 lx (ICR On Mode – F1.8 50 IRE)
• High-speed serial communication (max. 38.4 kbps)
• TIL signal-level control (VISCA1M protocol)
• 120x optical zoom (10x zoom/12x digital)
• Programmable factory preset
• High Performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
• Various customizable settings
• Electronic Shutter/Slow Shutter
• VBS and Y/C video output (SD modes only)
• Picture Freeze Function
• Spot AE
• Internal/External sync
• Small and Compact

According to Sony, the last day to place orders will be June 1, 2009 and the last delivery date will be Setember 23, 2009.

Aegis offers new solution adding customized housing to Sony FCB-H11 HD block camera

Heeding the call of its customers, Aegis Electronic Group is pleased to offer Sony’s new FCB-H11 High Definition block camera in a customized housing.

The FCB-H11, Sony’s latest addition to its FCB color block camera series and the second addition to it’s popular HD series, provides a high-quality image that is further enhanced by the inclusion of 10x optical zoom (up to 120x including digital), a weight of around 120g, measurements of 47.2 x 43.1 x 72.2mm and the ability of the

Sony FCB-H11 HD Color Block Camera and Housing

camera to be used across the 0 to 45°C temperature range, all while requiring a single 6-12V-power supply.

This camera also extends application possibilities by incorporating a new Day/Night function that enables the camera to capture high quality color images during the day and clear, black-and-white images at night and the flexibility to capture and output from standard definition (SD) to full high definition (HD).

FCB-H11 Interface Board

The FCB-H11 is ideal for medical imaging, conferencing, cable TV broadcasting, sports and POV applications.

Sony’s FCB-H11 HD Color Block Camera finds Early Success in Machine Vision and Broadcasting Applications

Since its debut, Sony’s new FCB-H11 high definition color block camera has found incredible success with Integrators and OEMs for Machine Vision, Broadcasting and Surveillance applications.

This camera is quickly gaining in popularity due in part to its high sensitivity (1.0 lx with ICR-on mode), multi-format video outputs (1080i/720p and NTSC/PAL) and auto ICR for day/night function.

Incorporating a 1/3″ type HD CMOS image sensor with a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 120x zoom ratio (10x optical + 12x digital), Sony’s new HD color Block Camera also inherits many outstanding features from Sony’s previous FCB cameras and couples these with superb HD picture quality.

In addition to videoconferencing, machine vision and broadcasting applications, this new block camera is ideally suited to potentially low light situations that require high resolution images, particularly, intelligent CCTV/security, and environments that require high-quality remote monitoring such as surgery lamps, crane control, remote vehicle, motor sports and more.

Sony's new FCB-H11 HD Color Block Camera

FEATURES

• 1/3 type CMOS imager
• Approx. 2M effective pixels
• 16×9 Aspect Ratio
• Auto ICR for DaylNight function
• Minimum Illumination – 1.0 lx (ICR On Mode – F1.8 50 IRE)
• High-speed serial communication (max. 38.4 kbps)
• TTL signal-level control (VISCA1M protocol)
• Video output include 720p (progressive) or 1080i (interlaced), with 730 and 580 TV lines respectively
• 120x optical zoom (10x zoom/12x digital)
• In HD mode, the camera delivers a 16:9 aspect ratio; a 4:3 ratio is also available in standard definition mode.
• Programmable factory preset
• High Performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
• Various customizable settings
• Electronic Shutter/Slow Shutter
• VBS and Y/C video output (SD modes only)
• Picture Freeze Function
• Spot AE
• Internal/External sync
• Small and Compact
• Operates from 0 to 45ºC.

Sony Officially Announces new 1/3″ CCD II, Day/Night FCB-EX20D/DP Color Block Camera

Today, Sony officially announced the impending release of their new addition to the already popular FCB block camera series, the FCB-EX20D/FCB-EX20DP color block camera, a new version of their popular FCB-EX11D/P.  These new cameras have a new 1/3-type Super HAD™ CCD II sensor that provides increased sensitivity compared to previous block cameras featuring the successful 1/4-type Super HAD CCD.

With a boost in sensitivity, these new camera can operate under a minimum illumination of 0.25 lx and their small size make them a perfect fit for 4” mini speed domes. They also feature a “Day/Night” function for optimized sensitivity in changing light conditions, which is a typical challenge for 24/7/365 surveillance monitoring applications.

Sony FCB-EX20D/DP Color Block Camera

When combining Sony’s advanced Digital Signal Processing technology with this new CCD, the FCB-EX20D/20DP achieves a horizontal resolution of 530 TV lines, providing extremely clear and detailed images. In addition, the camera provides an extremely wide horizontal angle of view (5.4° to 50°) with 120x (optical and digital) zooming capability for exceptionally close inspection to capture detailed information.

The FCB-EX20D and FCB-EX20DP cameras also offer a number of sophisticated functions such as advanced spherical privacy zone masking with mosaic effect, video motion detection, a multiline on-screen display, and slow AE function.

With its superb picture quality, outstanding features and compact size, the FCB-EX20D/20DP cameras are the ideal solution for a wide range of applications. When utilized in a fixed-type, mini speed-dome, or as Pan/Tilt/Zoom (P/T/Z) camera, the FCB-EX20D/20DP is the definitive choice for security and monitoring systems.

The programmable slow Auto Exposure feature makes the FCB-EX20D/P cameras ideal choices for night time applications such as traffic monitoring and control as well as vehicle dash board and police car applications. For night time surveillance and other limited light monitoring and inspection applications, the FCB-EX20D/P camera is the only choice that provides 0.25lux sensitivity. A new Auto Focus mechanism has been implemented to allow the FCB-EX20D/P to be used in the most demanding environments.

These cameras are so versatile that they can be used in low vision systems, underground and underwater inspection (oil and gas pipelines, sewer ducts, nuclear fuel rods, etc.)! Their applications are endless.

FOR FULL LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS PLEASE CLICK HERE

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• New version of the FCB-EX11D/P
• NEW 1/3 type Super HAD CCD
• Day/Night function (Auto ICR)
• Minimum Illumination – 0.25 lx
• 120x optical zoom (10x zoom/
• High Performance Digital Signal
• Small and lightweight size
• High-speed serial communication
• TTL signal-level control (VISCA
• SMART Lens Control (Sony Modular
• Various customizable settings
• Electronic Shutter/Slow Shutter
• Internal/External sync
• Slow AE Response Function
• Advanced Spherical
• Advanced Spherical Privacy Zone Masking with Mosaic Effect
• Multi-Line On-Screen Display
• Video Motion Detection
• Electronic-Flip (e-Flip)
• 16 Bytes of Memory for storing data (such as product serial number and camera/system ID number)

The FCB-EX20D and FCB-EX20DP are planned to be available for sale in November 2008.

Sony FCB-H11 SD/HD Block Camera Now In Stock and Available for Purchase

The new Sony FCB-H11 SD/HD 1/3-type CMOS block camera is in stock at Aegis Electronic Group and is now available for purchase!  Haven’t been following the blogs or don’t know what I am talking about? This new camera is virtually identical to to the very popular FCB-H10, HOWEVER, the H11 has:

• Increased sensitivity (1.0 lx with ICR-on mode),
• Auto ICR for day/night function and
• VISCA commands.

Not quite ready for High Definition? The FCB-H11 has a flexible multi format feature that also allows for NTSC and PAL Standard Definition (SD) modes.

The FCB-H11 is also equipped with a variety of convenient features found in the current line of Sony’s world renowned FCB Series Cameras including:

• Built-in 10x optical zoom lens,
  
• Picture Freeze Function,
• SPOT AE Function, and
  
• Slow Shutter

With its high sensitivity , multi-format video outputs (1080i/720p, and NTSC/PAL) and auto ICR for day/night function, The FCB-H11 HD color video camera module is ideal for applications that require real and dynamic, high resolution images, including (but obviously not limited to):

• Medical imaging
• Conferencing
• Cable TV broadcasting,
  
• Sport
• POV applications

For a more in depth look at the differences between the FCB-H10 and the FCB-H11, please click here

Fore more information about the FCB-H11 or to request a quote, please click here.

Sony FCB-EX20D (NTSC)/ FCB-EX20DP (PAL) Specifications*

New 1/3″ Super HAD CCD II, 10x Zoom, Color Block Camera

Anticipated Release: December 2008

	FCB-EX20D	FCB-EX20DP
Image Sensor	1/3-type Super HAD CCD II
Signal System	NTSC	PAL
Number of Total Pixels	Approx. 380,000 pixels	Approx. 440,000 pixels
Lens	10x zoom, f=5.1mm (wide end) to 51 (tele end)F1.8 to F2.1
Digital Zoom	12x (120x with optical zoom)
Horizontal Resolution	On/Off (On: 530 TV Lines)
Angle of View (H)	50.0° (Wide end) to 5.4° (Tele end)
TV Distortion	4.2%
Min. Working Distance	15 mm (Wide end) to 800 mm (Tele end)
Sync System	Internal/External (V-lock)
S/N Ratio	More than 50dB
Electronic Shutter	1/1 to 1/10,000s, 22 steps
Minimum Illumination	1/60s, 1/50s mode: 0.25 lx (typical) (F1.8, 50IRE) 1/4s, 1/3s mode: 0.015 lx (typical) (F1.8, 50IRE) 1/4s, 1/3s mode & ICR on: 0.0004 lx (typical) (F1.8, 50IRE)
White Balance	Auto, ATW, Manual, One push, Indoor, Outdoor
Gain Control	Auto, Manual (-3dB to +28dB, 2 dB steps)
AE Control	Auto, Manual, Priority Mode, Bright, EV Compensation, Backlight Compensation, Slow AE
EV Compensation	-10.5 to 10.5 dB (1.5 dB steps)
Backlight Compensation	On/Off
Privacy Zone Masking	On/Off (24 positions, 8 positions per screen, 14 colors & mosaic)
Character Generator	Mode display: On/Off (White Balance, Gain, etc.) Title display: Max. 11 lines (20 characters per line)
Flicker Cancel	Auto	Auto
Focusing System	Auto (Sensitivity: normal, low), One-push AF, Manual, Infinity, Interval AF, Zoom trigger AF
Picture Effects	E-flip, Nega Art, Black & White, Mirror Image
Video Output	VBS: 1.0 Vp-p (sync negative), Y/C
Camera Control Interface	VISCA (TTL signal level), baud rate 9.6 Kb/s, 19.2 Kb/s, 38.4 Kb/s, 1 or 2 Stop bit selectable
Storage Temperature	-20° C to 60° C
Operating Temperature	0° C to 50° C
Power Consumption	6.0 V to 12.0 V DC, 2.4 W (motors inactive) 6.5 W (motors active)
Weight	140 g (5 oz)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 45.9 x 43.1 x 67.2 mm1-13/16 x 1-3/4 x 2-3/4 inches

*Information/Specifications listed above are preliminary and subject to change without notice.