New Panasonic Network Cameras Improve Imaging And Access Making Zero Distance Management A Reality

Panasonic today announces the availability of three powerful new members to its family of Pro-Line Network Cameras, bringing added clarity and access to the growing home and business monitoring industry. The new mega-pixel BB-HCM515A network camera offers users a simple plug-and-play connection using the Power Over Ethernet (PoE) standard, and high-quality video in MPEG4 and MJPEG formats at up to 1280x1024 resolution. The powerful unit, is joined by the new BB-HCM511A and the outdoor-ready BB-HCM531A.



These new models offer high-quality video in MPEG4 and MJPEG formats at up to 30 frames per second at 640x480, with the mega-pixel BB-HCM515A offering resolution up to 1280x1024. With a simple plug-and-play connection using the Power Over Ethernet (PoE) standard, users can monitor from a cell phone, PC or PDA, raising the bar for true Zero-Distance Management. Zero Distance Management is a new business style made possible by Panasonic network cameras, allowing safe, smooth, economical business management that is totally free from conventional distance and time limitations. The network cameras PoE capability allows units to be installed in locations that don’t have nearby power outlets. This enables safe, smooth, economical business management that is totally free from conventional distance and time limitations.



“Small business owners and consumers today are looking for improved ways to monitor and manage their businesses and from remote locations, and their expectation of the quality of this monitoring is growing" says Mike Timar, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, National Manager. “The new Panasonic network cameras deliver on these expectations, and provide seamless integration with a network of current products for anywhere, anytime management.”



The new mega-pixel BB-HCM515A network camera’s improved imaging allows users to check corner-to-corner images even when they are enlarged to fill the screen. When recording in situations with strong contrast, such as backlighting, the camera automatically compensates for the dark and light parts of the image. In addition, the entire 2007 line of cameras comes equipped with high-speed 100-degree per second remote pan/tilt and digital zoom control that allows users to monitor larger areas and more angles simply through remote control functionality.



These compact cameras can easily be placed where there is an Ethernet (10/100 BaseT Switch) connection, and can be monitored from the camera’s built-in Web page for viewing from virtually any location. For easy access to the camera’s video, special software embedded in all Panasonic network cameras can create a personal, permanent Web address using the free Viewnetcam.com service, or other compatible DDNS services. Up to 30 users can view images simultaneously, and access to the camera can be password-protected with different access privileges for up to 50 different user IDs. Control software and e-mail software (SMTP) are included.



Other camera features include image date, time and text overlay, audio and video recording onto an SD Memory Card with the built-in SD Memory Card reader slot, built in motion detection, a two-way audio feature and the ability to capture live video in low-light situations. Additional optional features include: two way audio using the built-in microphone and a separately purchased speaker; optional connection to other security devices, such as a motion sensor or smoke detector that can be programmed to e-mail an alert when the alarm has been triggered.