Sony Expands Line Of "Intelligent" Multi-Codec Network Security Cameras At ASIS 2007

Sony is expanding its line of network security cameras at the ASIS International 2007 conference here this week.

The new models, SNC-RX530N and SNC-RX570N, join Sony’s current third-generation of network cameras that support “Intelligent Video Analytics” and multi-codec capabilities. They are designed to address specific end-user requirements in An array of security applications, such as increased sensitivity and wider dynamic range.

“These new models use Intelligent Motion Detection and Intelligent Object Detection to maximize the efficiency of a monitoring system,” said Miguel Lazatin, senior marketing manager for security products at Sony Electronics. “By creating object tags or IDs and other position data within the cameras, this metadata can be streamed independently or along with video over an IP network and works with the rules and filters defined in our application software to perform actions such as initiating alarms or initiating recording.”

The SNC-RX570 model features a 36x optical zoom lens, allowing for a zoom capability of up to 432x when used with its 12x digital zoom. The SNC-RX530 camera has an 18x optical zoom lens.

The SNC-RX570 unit also incorporates a feature called DynaView™ technology, which can help to improve camera dynamic range by 128 times, when compared to conventional cameras, for clearer image reproduction, even in extreme high-contrast environments. The camera captures the same image twice – first with a normal shutter speed, and then with a high shutter speed. The dark areas captured at normal shutter speed and the bright areas captured at high shutter speed are then combined into one image using an advanced DSP LSI. For high-contrast scenes with varying lighting conditions, two white balance circuits are employed – one for normal shutter speed and the other for high shutter speed. This advanced technique reproduces high-contrast images with proper color.

Both new cameras use advanced compression technologies to transmit image data in three different formats: JPEG, MPEG-4, and H.264. Users can choose any of these compression formats to match their system’s network environment and application requirements.

These dual-encoding cameras can generate and stream both MPEG-4 and JPEG images simultaneously.

“You can transfer MPEG-4 images over a WAN or an Internet VPN, where network bandwidth is limited, while storing high-resolution JPEG images on a server configured on the LAN,” Lazatin said

These cameras support Sony’s own wireless cards, including the newly introduced SNCA-CFW5 CompactFlash card, which can offer 802.11g wireless capability for users of SNC-RX series, SNC-CS50N, and SNC-RZ50N cameras.

In addition, an optional SNCA-AN1 external antenna can transmit wireless signals over longer distances.

According to Lazatin, 802.11g wireless capability means users can deploy more cameras through an access point, due to the 54mbps bandwidth.

The cameras can switch from day mode (color) to night mode (black-and-white) by replacing the infrared cut filter with a clear filter. Users can manually toggle between the two modes on a pre-defined schedule, using an external sensor, or automatically in response to surrounding light conditions.

In night mode, the cameras are sensitive to near-IR illuminators, allowing them to operate even in zero lux, or extreme low-light, conditions.

The Voice Alert function allows users to upload up to three pre-recorded audio files, for playback upon an alarm trigger or on a pre-specified time schedule.

Key features of the new cameras also include:

Bi-Directional Audio – Users can connect an external microphone to these cameras to pick up audio from a preferred location.
Sensor IN/Alarm OUT Ports – With two sensor inputs, these cameras can receive triggers from external sensors. Two alarm outputs can also be used to trigger other devices to perform a variety of actions.
Pre-/Post-Alarm Image Storage – These cameras are capable of storing both pre-and post-alarm images on 16 MB of built-in memory or on removable storage media.
Image Transfer Using FTP/SMTP – Pre-/post-alarm images stored in these cameras at the time of an alarm event can be transferred to an FTP server for viewing at a later time. Also, a still image generated at the time of an alarm event can be sent to a designated e-mail address.
Adaptive Rate Control – To control quality of service levels over a network, these cameras employ an adaptive rate control function to automatically vary the video bit-transfer rate to meet changing network conditions, select the most appropriate frame rates and help prevent video breakup.
Simultaneous Access – Up to 20 users can simultaneously access these cameras and monitor images separately.
Multicasting Capability – These cameras can stream MPEG-4 and H.246 video and audio to a large number of users, when configured with a multicast router.
RS-232C Interface Transparency Function – External equipment connected to these cameras via the RS-232C interface can be controlled or monitored by a PC over a network.
VISCA™ Protocol – These cameras can interface with external control equipment using the Sony VISCA protocol, allowing for local control of Pan/Tilt/Zoom and adjustment of camera settings.
In addition to the new cameras, Sony’s current third-generation line-up also includes the SNC-RZ50N, SNC-CS50N, SNC-RX550N, SNC-DF50N and the SNC-DF80N models. Each model includes Intelligent Video Analytics.

The SNC-RX530N and SNC-RX570N cameras are both expected to be available in December, with suggested pricing still to be announced.