New Toshiba High Definition Remote Head Camera Systems Offers Maximum Flexibility in an Ultra Tiny Package (IK-HR1H / IK-HR1CD / IK-HR1CS)

Two camera control units (IK-HR1CD/IK-HR1CD) and one interchangeable remote head camera (IK-HR1H) make Toshiba Imaging’s latest addition to their suite of HD cameras an instant success.

The new 1/3″ single-chip, true HD progressive scan color 2.1 Megapixel CMOS remote-head camera system is available in two configurations.

The IK-HR1H camera head, when used with the IK-HR1CD control unit, outputs full 1920 x 1080p via Digital DVI or Analog RGB interface at 60 frames per second and can switch between interlace and progressive scan.  When the camera head is used with the IK-KR1CS control unit, the system outputs are selectable between 1080i and 720p at 50 or 60Hz video via HDSDI at 60 frames per second.

Both remote head camera systems are identical to two of Toshiba’s already successful one piece models;

The IK-HR1H/IK-HR1CD system is a remote-head footprint of their one-piece IK-HR1D DVI-I model and the IK-HR1H/IK-HR1CS system is a remote-head footprint of their one-piece IK-HR1S HDSDI model.

Both camera systems carry the same popular features of their one-piece counterparts including; Auto and manual white balance, Auto and manual electronic shutter, C-mount lens adaptable and more.

These HD remote head camera systems are ideal for high speed, broadcast and medical imaging applications because they produce little or no motion artifacts while giving users outstanding color reproduction. The cameras are ideal for any application where a remote head is necessary.

On a side note, one important advantage of the DVI-I model (IK-HR1CD) is that it can be converted to HDMI for use with lower resolution monitors and once converted, can be used with Convergent Design’s nanoFlash Recorder.  The HDSDI model (IK–HR1CS) can also be used with the nanoFlash recorder. 

The IK-HR1CD will be available in September, the IK-HR1CS will be available in October 2009.

Dimensions:

IK-HR1H camera head –

W: 30, H: 35, D: 36 (mm)

Weight: ~50g

IK-HRCD/CS CCUs –

W: 44, H: 44, D: 77.5 (mm)

Weight: ~146g

*Information is preliminary and subject to change without notice.

New Toshiba Single-Chip CMOS HD Remote Head Camera @ 60fps via DVI-I (IK-HR1H/IK-HR1CD) To Be Available in August

A new single-chip CMOS remote-head HD camera was announced by shiba America Imaging Systems today.

The new IK-HR1H (remote camera head) and IK-HR1CD  (CCU) essentially has the same features as Toshiba’s current one-piece IK-HR1D model, but in a remote-head footprint and expands our HD camera lineup to target those applications for medical endoscopy (i.e. surgical endoscopes, ENT examinations, dental procedures), or anywhere a small remote head is necessary.

Utilizing a true HD 2.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, this tiny remote head camera outputs 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 60 frames/sec via a DVI-I. The color reproduction is outstanding and with very low signal to noise ratio, the camera is superb for those applications requiring superior image quality.

Delivery of the new remote head CMOS HD camera is expected to be available in limited supply on or about August 21.

More details will be released, information above is preliminary and subject to change without notice.

Toshiba to Display New HD POV Cameras including IK-HR1S with HDSDI at NAB Show

Toshiba Imaging’s suite of high definition POV cameras will be prominently on display at the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 20-23, 2009.

More than just broadcasting, the NAB Show™ is attended by leading media, entertainment and communications professionals who share a passion for delivering the next generation of audio, video, and filmed content across multiple platforms – from televisions, radios and computers to phones, the big screen and beyond.

Toshiba’s camera display will include their new, highly anticipated 1/3-inch CMOS IK-HR1S one-piece HDSDI camera with 2.1 mega pixels offering optional 720p or 1080i scanning operation, both with HD-SDI output.

The single-chip, high speed High Definition camera is extremely small (1 ¾ in. x 1 ¾ in. by 3 in), features an RS-232 serial interface, a C-mount lens interface, produces little to no motion artifacts and delivers very large bandwidth, hence a better signal, over longer distances.

Toshiba Ultra-Compact HD-SDI 1080i/720p HD Camera

Offering clear, crisp HD imagery and superior color resolution, this camera has already started capturing the interest of professional and specialty broadcasters in addition to industry professionals looking to ingtegrate a small HD camera into industrial imaging applications where the option to switch from progressive to interlace scanning operation is essential.

Ideal applications for this one-piece HD cameras include;

• Broadcasting
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Wildlife Observations
  • Reality Television
  • Head-Cams
  • News Cameras in Helicopters
• Scientific Imaging
  • Microscopy
  • Diagnostics
  • Teaching Hospitals
• Security/Surveillance

Toshiba will be located at booth number is C5119 located in the central hall.

Gary Pitre, Regional Eastern manager, Ian Tobi, Marketing support engineer and Vince Giovinco, National Sales Manager will be in attendance to answer any questions and to offer demonstrations for those who are planning to attend the show.

Products expected to be showcased

About NAB

Imagine an event powerful enough to lead an industry of converging technologies for more than 80 years. Imagine a gathering of global professionals and solutions providers from every stage of the content lifecycle, from creation to consumption. Imagine the ultimate educational experience.

From Hollywood to Bollywood, Beijing to Buenos Aires, Cannes to Cape Town, Montreal to Mexico City, and Sydney to St. Petersburg, the NAB Show is the essential destination for the information, innovations and connections powering the broader-casting^sm industry. Join your peers, stand side-by-side with industry idols, and enter a new world of content – where imagination meets technology.

Toshiba’s New One-Piece True 1080p HD Camera (IK-HR1S) available in March 2009

Toshiba America has just announced the impending mid March 2009 arrival of a limited amount of their highly anticipated new one piece IK-HR1S HD camera.  This new addition to Toshiba’s highly successful IKHR1 series incorporates HDSDI outputs switchable between 720p (60 fps) and 1080i (30fps) video and video outputs that operate at both 50 and 60 Hz for those export sales requiring it.

Since there will be limited quantity, the camera will surely go on allocation almost immediately.  Both manufacturers and distributors are encouraging those interested in the new camera to get your orders in immediately as it takes time to bring in more cameras from Japan.

True 1080p One-Piece CMOS HD Camera from Toshiba Imaging

For more information, please click here…

More posts on Toshiba’s IK-HR1 series here

Objects in motion call for camera offering clear imagery with no motion artifacts – Toshiba’s IK-HR1D Camera with 1080i/1080p @ 60fps

Ideal for applications where the objects or subjects are in motion, the ultra-compact, 1080i/1080p, single-body, single-chip, 1/3 inch HD CMOS IK-HR1D camera from Toshiba America outputs a full 1920 x 1080 resolution (12-bit) switchable between 1080i and 1080p at 60 fps via DVI-I.

Toshiba’s progressive scan technology offers clear imagery with no motion artifacts while the DVI-I output gives users the flexibility of interfacing this camera with less expensive High Definition monitors and recorders. It can also be converted to HDMI via an adaptor.

FEATURES:

• Economically priced
• 1/3″ 2 Million pixels CMOS sensor
• C mount
• DVI-I output (Digital and Analog RGBs)
• HDTV Format Output 1920 x 1080 in both Progressive & Interlace Switchable
• Ultra compact one-piece camera body (measuring just 1 ¾” x 1 ¾” x 4 1/16″ and weighing 4.3 ounces)
• Digital Noise Reduction
• Auto electrical shutter
• Auto / manual white balance
• Gain function in great detail
• Standard Power Supply
• Serial command setting via RS-232C

Toshiba’s progressive scan technology makes this camera ideal for applications where the objects or subjects are in motion including:

• Point of view camera (POV) for specialty broadcast
• Scientific
• Mobile
• Sports
• Homeland security
• Helicopter

“Applications: Change in Biomed Imaging” by Gary Pitre, Toshiba Imaging Systems

Advances in high-definition (HD) imaging technology and the development of ultracompact camera systems have brought rapid changes to biomedical imaging. More detail and richer color provide medical professionals valuable information for examinations, diagnoses and surgical procedures. Whether the diagnostician is searching for cancerous cells on a pathology slide, analyzing vibratory characteristics of vocal cords or repairing torn tissue, the clarity of the video image is crucial for making sound decisions.

If you have HDTV at home, you are aware of the difference between that and standard-definition transmission mode. Now the high-quality images that once were reserved for the professional broadcast market are available as an important scientific tool. Real-time images taken at 30 frames per second can provide physicians and clinicians the necessary information to diagnose, examine or perform the surgical procedure more effectively, and even to save lives.

High definition is a term that has often been misunderstood or misinterpreted. True high definition means a pixel resolution of 1920 × 1080. To get the best HD image quality and detail, both the camera and the display must be in “true” high definition. If you use an HD camera with a lower-resolution monitor, it defeats the purpose of capturing the imagery in HD. If you use a lower-resolution camera on an HD monitor, the image data can be up-converted to HD, but the pixel interpolation will not provide the most accurate information. Recent advances in imaging technology also include miniaturization and microelectronics.

Cameras, for example, are smaller and lighter than ever before. A new generation of HD cameras with a compact head and a lightweight control unit is now available and feature three-chip technology that can be integrated easily into new or existing systems. These more portable devices provide comfort, control and convenience for the physician, who, during certain exams and procedures, must stabilize the camera head while positioning it with precision.

Figure 1. Three-chip camera technology provides three image sensors within a prism block assembly.

In the scientific HD imaging world, two types of chip technology are offered: the single-chip and the three-chip camera. The less sophisticated single-chip camera consists of one sensor with a Bayer color filter between the sensor and the optics. In this setup, color information is interpolated from neighboring pixels, providing a complete color image. The three-chip camera technology, on the other hand, provides three separate image sensors within a prism block assembly. The prism divides the incoming light rays into their red, green and blue components, and each sensor receives a single color at full resolution, providing the best color reproduction available. Mainly because of the lower price, the majority of cameras on the market use single-chip technology, but the most complex scientific imaging applications rely on the precision of three-chip color cameras.

Figure 2. A Bayer color filter is situated between the optics and the sensor.

Most laboratories and scientific research facilities are equipped with standard-definition displays, but to take full advantage of the new technology, hospitals, clinics and labs soon will need to make the conversion to high-definition. One factor that will affect this transition is cost, but the consumer market continues to drive the price down.

The HD world is rapidly changing in the consumer market, and now, with affordable products available for the biomedical imaging market from companies like Toshiba Imaging Systems, medical diagnostic equipment manufacturers are introducing HD to provide health care professionals better tools to accurately and effectively perform their analyses, diagnoses and procedures.

Pitre, Gary (2009, January). Applications: Change in Biomed Imaging. Photonics Spectra Magazine. Retrieved on March 2, 2009 from http://www.photonics.com/Content/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=36216.