New SONY FCB / EVI Handheld, Programmable Camera Controller Increases Flexibility and Ease of Use of Camera Assemblies

October 3, 2009 – Arizona based Aegis Electronic Group, Inc., a stocking distributor specializing in the distribution, integration and support of visible and Near IR cameras, components and modified integrated system solutions for industrial and machine vision imaging applications has announced the upcoming release of a new configurable, push button controller created specifically for SONY’s lines of FCB block cameras and EVI P/T/Z cameras.

Designed to work with one or multiple cameras via RS232, this small form factor controller is extremely flexible, ruggedized for use in harsh environments and can be programmed to control a majority of FCB/EVI SONY camera functions based on the needs of individual applications.  

The FCB/EVI controller, because of its portability, size and ease of use is suitable for a variety of applications, especially where space and control capabilities are issues.  Remote monitoring and harsh environment applications are just a few examples, and the controller is also ideal for adjusting and bench testing cameras before field installation/integration with minimal hardware requirements.

In addition to standard command capabilities, users are given the ability to control the cameras independently, allowing them to zoom in and out without disturbing any other controls and eliminates the need to switch back and forth between screens and programs.

“We are excited to be able to offer this new controller to our customers because there aren’t too many options available for users looking to control a SONY FCB block camera.  The controller’s small form factor will also benefit those currently using one of the bulkier EVI pan/tilt/zoom controllers already available,” said Nicole Zamora, business development manager at Aegis Electronic Group, Inc.  “Our customers rely on us to help guide them towards the best possible solutions available for each individual application.  Different applications come with different equipment demands and we feel it is our responsibility to be able to offer our customers a wide range of components that, at the end of the day, can be custom tailored to be exactly what they need at a reasonable price.”

Zamora added that having a “universal” controller of this size and flexibility is great because of the versatility and future potential it holds when looking at its capabilities.  Right now this controller model is created specifically for the control of the SONY FCB and EVI series cameras, but because it can be configured and programmed based on individual application needs, the number of camera models this controller might one day control is endless.

The FCB/EVI push button controller is currently available only through Aegis Electronic Group, Inc.

About Aegis Electronic Group
Aegis Electronic Group, Inc., specializes in the distribution, integration and support of visible and Near IR cameras, components and modified integrated system solutions for industrial and machine vision imaging applications.

Committed to delivering value added solutions with the highest levels of technical support, customer service and quality hardware, Aegis, over the last 20 years, has transformed from a hardware provider into a full systems integrator of industrial analog and industrial digital camera systems.

Aegis works extensively with the latest digital technologies including FireWire®, Camera Link®, USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet (GigE)® to meet the ever changing needs of our customers.

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For more information:

Nicole J. Zamora, Business Development Manager
Aegis Electronic Group, Inc.
(760) 729.2026
http://www.aegis-elec.com

New EVI-HD7V & EVI-3V HD PTZ Cameras Hit Shelves, Cameras Now Available

Featuring many of the same features found on the EVI-HD1 high definition PTZ camera, including smooth, high-speed pan/tilt operation, six position presets, 16:9 aspect ratio images and a built-in 10x optical zoom/wide angle lens, Sony’s two new HD pan/tilt/zoom cameras the EVI-HD7V and EVI-HD3V have finally arrived and are available for immediate shipment.

At suggested list prices of $4,728 for the EVI-HD7V and $3,499 for the EVI-HD3V, the new additions to the EVI-HD camera line, along with the EVI-HD1, eases the transition to HD.

Sony EVI-HD3V

• The EVI-HD1 provides options for both standard definition and 1080i,
  
• New EVI-HD3V offers an economical upgrade path with 720P, and the
  
• New EVI-HD7V offers high-end, full HD (1080P).

Offering camera settings and pan/tilt/zoom functions performed remotely at high speed via the RS-232C interface (VISCA™ protocol), these cameras are engineered for exceptionally quiet operation.

The EVI-HD7V (1080/60P) and EVI-HD3V (720/60P) cameras both use a 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor with 2 million pixels. They can be used with a combination of any number of codecs and systems to produce high-resolution images on a low-noise pan/tilt mechanism. These cameras also incorporate a DVI-I output that can be connected as DVI-D or DVI-A to produce Y/Cb/Cr, Y/Pb/Pr, or RGB formats. The DVI-I output is HDMI-compatible with a simple DVI-D to HDMI adapter, as well as VGA (component) compatible with a simple DVI-A to VGA adapter.

All three Sony EVI-HD PTZ cameras are available for sale and immediate shipment through your local distributor.

Trio of EVI-HD P/T/Z cameras gives Video Conferencing and Distance Learning Greater Realism

Complementing the successful EVI-HD1 (standard definition and 1080i) model, the new additions of the EVI-HD7V and EVI-HD3V form a comprehensive line of cameras ideally suited for videoconferencing settings where exceptional imaging is essential, such as boardrooms, courtrooms and distance learning classrooms.

“The expanded EVI series answers the call for greater realism and, delivering the next best thing to everyone being in the same room,” said Ken LaMarca, vice president of visual imaging and security systems at Sony Electronics. “The full line eases the transition to HD, with the EVI-HD1 providing options for SD and 1080i, the new 720P EVI-HD3V offering an economical upgrade path, and the 1080P flagship EVI-HD7V setting the bar for high-end, full HD.”

The EVI-HD7V (1080/60P) and EVI-HD3V (720/60P) cameras both use a 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor with 2 million pixels. They can be used with a combination of any number of codecs and systems to produce high-resolution images on a low-noise pan/tilt mechanism. These cameras also incorporate a DVI-I output that can be connected as DVI-D or DVI-A to produce Y/Cb/Cr, Y/Pb/Pr, or RGB formats. The DVI-I output is HDMI-compatible with a simple DVI-D to HDMI adapter, as well as VGA (component) compatible with a simple DVI-A to VGA adapter.

The new cameras share many features of their predecessor , including smooth, high-speed pan/tilt operation, six position presets, 16:9 aspect ratio images and a built-in 10x optical zoom/wide angle lens. Camera settings and pan/tilt/zoom functions can be performed remotely at high speed via the RS-232C interface (VISCA™ protocol). They are also engineered for exceptionally quiet operation.

Both new EVI cameras will be available in July, at suggested list prices of $4,728 for the EVI-HD7V and $3,499 for the EVI-HD3V.

New Sony EVI-HD7V & EVI-HD3V are similar to EVI-HD1 but now offer DVI-I Output and Different Video Formats

Anticipated to be released sometime in July 2009, the primary difference between Sony’s new EVI-HD cameras are:

EVI-HD1 – standard definition & 1080i , HD-SDI outputs

1. Video formats: 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/29.97p, 1080/25p, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 720/29.97p, 720/25p, NTSC, PAL
2. Video Outputs: HD-SDI, HD Analog component(Y/Pb/Pr), VBS, Y/C

EVI-HD7V – full HD 1080p/59.94 format & DVI-I added output

1. Video formats: 1080p/59.94; 1080p/29.97; 1080i/59.94; 720p/59.94; 720p/29.97; 640×480p/59.94 (letterbox); 1080p/50; 1080p/25; 1080i/50; 720p/50; 720p/25
2. Video outputs: Video Output: DVI-I (digital and analog), Y/Cb/Cr, Y/Pb/Pr, or RGB selectable

EVI-HD3V – low cost HD option 720p & DVI-I added output

1. Video formats: 720/59.94; 720p/50;720p/29.97; 720p/25; 640 x 480p/59.94 (letterbox)
2. Video Outputs: DVI-I (digital and analog), Y/Cb/Cr, Y/Pb/Pr, or RGB selectable

Sony reveals two new additions to EVI-HD Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera Line – EVI-HD7V (1080i) and EVI-HD3V (720p)

Here’s the preliminary information on both HD P/T/Z cameras. More to come as information is received.

SONY EVI-HD7V 1080i 1/3-type CMOS PTZ Camera

Sony's new EVI-HD7V 1080i and EVI-HD3V 720p P/T/Z cameras

• 1/3 type CMOS image sensor
• Approximately 2M effective pixels
• Signal System: 720p/60; 1080i/60
• Video Output: DVI-I (digital and analog), Y/Cb/Cr, Y/Pb/Pr, or RGB selectable
• 10x Optical, 40x digital and optical zoom
• VISCA RS-232C Camera Control Interface
• 6 position presets
• Pan: -100 to +100 deg. (Max. speed 300 deg./sec)
• Tilt: -25 to +25 deg. (Max. speed 125 deg./sec)
• Minimum Illumination: 15 lux (50 IRE, F1.8)
• Horizontal viewing angle: 8˚ (Tele) to 70˚ (Wide)
• Power requirements: 12 V dc (10.8 to 13.0V dc)
• Dimensions: 250 x 152 x 135 mm
• Mass: approx. 1.6kg

More EVIHD7V Features:

• Multiple Selectable Video Formats
  • By use of a rotary switch or VISCA command, the EVI-HD7V has the ability to switch the video system signal to the following: 1080p/59.94; 1080p/29.97; 1080i/59.94; 720p/59.94; 720p/29.97; 640×480p/59.94 (letterbox); 1080p/50; 1080p/25; 1080i/50; 720p/50; 720p/25
• Quiet, High-Speed Pan/Tilt Action
  • The EVI-HD7V utilizes a direct drive motor mechanism for achieving high-speed, quiet and smooth P/T/Z operations to capture images. The EVI-HD7V covers a wide shooting range, ideal for capturing extensive areas where face-to-face discussions are critical.
• RS-232C Remote Control (VISCA Protocol)
  • The EVI-HD7V enables cameras settings and P/T/Z control functions to be performed remotely at any location and at high communication speeds via the RS-232C interface.
• Six Position Presets
  • The EVI-HD7V can store up to a maximum of six preset settings for P/T/Z, focus position, exposure mode and white balance mode.
• Customizable Settings via On-Screen Menu using IR Remote Commander® Unit
  • Users are able to adjust various camera settings on the EVI-HD7V using an IR Remote Commander unit.

SONY EVI-HD3V 720p 1/3-type CMOS PTZ Camera

• 1/3 type CMOS image sensor
  
• Approximately 2M effective pixels
• Signal System: 720p/60
• Video Output: DVI-I (digital and analog), Y/Cb/Cr, Y/Pb/Pr, or RGB selectable
• 10x Optical, 40x digital and optical zoom
• VISCA RS-232C Camera Control Interface
• 6 position presets
• Pan: -100 to +100 deg. (Max. speed 300 deg./sec)
• Tilt: -25 to +25 deg. (Max. speed 125 deg./sec)
• Minimum Illumination: 15 lux (50 IRE, F1.8)
• Horizontal viewing angle: 8˚ (Tele) to 70˚ (Wide)
• Power requirements: 12 V dc (10.8 to 13.0V dc)
• Dimensions: 250 x 152 x 135 mm
• Mass: approx. 1.6kg

More EVIHD3V Features:

• Multiple Selectable Video Formats
  • By use of a rotary switch or VISCA command, the EVI-HD3V has the ability to switch the video system signal to the following: 720/59.94; 720p/50;720p/29.97; 720p/25; 640 x 480p/59.94 (letterbox)
• Quiet, High-Speed Pan/Tilt Action
  • The EVI-HD3V utilizes a direct drive motor mechanism for achieving high-speed, quiet and smooth P/T/Z operations to capture images. The EVI-HD3V covers a wide shooting range, ideal for capturing extensive areas where face-to-face discussions are critical.
• RS-232C Remote Control (VISCA Protocol)
  • The EVI-HD3V enables cameras settings and P/T/Z control functions to be performed remotely at any location and at high communication speeds via the RS-232C interface.
• Six Position Presets
  • The EVI-HD7V can store up to a maximum of six preset settings for P/T/Z, focus position, exposure mode and white balance mode.
• Customizable Settings via On-Screen Menu using IR Remote Commander® Unit
  • Users are able to adjust various camera settings on the EVI-HD3V using an IR Remote Commander unit.

Sony adds BRC-Z330 HD/SD 1/3-type 1CMOS 2MP Camera – Smaller with Minimal Vertical Smear & Color Masking

Sony BRC-Z330 HD/SD CMOS P/T/Z Camera

Sony VIP has released information on their new 1/3-type 1CMOS, HD/SD 2MP Camera, the BRC-Z330.  The camera can output 1080i, 720P, and standard-definition content and has an 18x optical zoom wide-angle lens (72x with digital zoom).

A new “entry-level” addition, as it is being coined, to the BRC series of high-definition compact pan-tilt-zoom cameras, the new BRC-Z330 remote control camera is designed for an array of remote acquisition applications, such as television production for recording programs and for use as a weather or traffic camera.

Compact and lightweight, the new camera maintains the design elements of its predecessors but uses a specially designed read-out from its CMOS imaging technology to significantly shorten image delays.

“This camera meets a professional shooter’s need to combine high resolution images with high performance,” said Mark Bonifacio, group marketing manager for professional video at Sony Electronics. “It achieves high accuracy and wide-range PTZ performance without the need for complicated cable connections and installation.”

A new direct-drive motor eliminates the need for gears and belts, enabling a silent, smooth pan/tilt mechanism. The new camera can be controlled by external devices via Sony’s VISCA™ protocol (RS-232C / RS-422). Additional features include enhanced phase control in genlock operation and a new auto-focus assist function.

The camera can display images onto a large screen in houses of worship, auditoriums, teaching hospitals, corporate boardrooms, and at sporting events, trade shows, and concerts. The unit can also be used for distance-learning applications in which clear, high-definition images need to be projected onto electronic whiteboards during a presentation, for example.

Anticipated to be released in July 2009, this camera with its smaller size and slightly smaller price tag should make a nice addition to the BRC family…only downside is that you must purchase the optional  BRBK-HD2 HD-SDI Output card to achieve high definition which adds to the cost of the camera system.