Canon Launches Two Network Cameras with Two-Way Audio Communication, Built-In Servers, and 26x Zoom Lenses
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 31 — Expanded audio features, built-in servers
and powerful zoom lenses are the highlights of Canon’s newly expanded line
of Network camera products, making them great solutions for webcasting, distance
learning and teleconferencing needs and security monitoring. Both the new Canon
VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera and the new Canon VB-C50i/VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Network Camera feature an advanced 26X Optical Zoom Lens and a 12X Digital Zoom
to enable users to capture fine detail from far distances and crisp 640-by-480-pixel
resolution video with up to 30 frames-per-second quality.
The Two-Way Audio features provided on both new models and the Power Over Ethernet
advantages of the VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera provide new levels of performance
and versatility for professionals requiring compact remote-monitoring solutions
that meet a broad range of user needs.
“Whatever the needs of the Video-Over-IP-Camera-user may be, Canon has the
features and performance they’re looking for,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto,
senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.,
Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. “Whether it’s a Fixed Camera or a
Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera, Canon’s line of Network Video Solutions products now
includes models with versatile Two-Way Audio features designed to meet the critical
needs of an ever-wider range of applications, including telemedicine, distance
learning, Webcasting, video conferencing and security monitoring.”
The two cameras also feature a quarter-inch, 340,000-effective-pixel CCD for high-quality
image capture combined with powerful low-light (1 Lux at 1/30 shutter speed) capabilities.
In addition, a Motorized Infrared (IR) Cut Filter can be turned off to significantly
brighten the viewing area.
Power Over Ethernet
The new VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera is designed for advanced monitoring applications best satisfied by a stationary camera—such as building entrances and ATMs.
The VB-C50FSi’s Power Over Ethernet (PoE) feature – which takes advantage
of its IEEE 802.3af compliancy – allows the VB-C50FSi to receive both data
and power through a single Ethernet cable. Because PoE makes a separate cable
for electrical power unnecessary, this feature simplifies installation in single
or multi-camera systems, particularly at sites where AC outlets are not readily
accessible.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom Features
For applications where a moving camera is essential, such as warehouses or large
office areas, Canon’s new VB-C50i/VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Camera
provides a wide-ranging pan of +/-100 degrees and tilt of +90/-30 degrees to quickly
survey any site (the VB-C50iR is the Camera’s reverse-mount version, which
features a pan of +/- 170 degrees and tilt of +10/-90 degrees).
Audio Advantages
Both the new VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera and the new VB-C50i/VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Network Camera can capture, play back, and transmit two-way audio over an IP network.
The audio potential of these new cameras supports the needs of business people
who want to share information across continents; medical professionals who want
to transmit data from remote locations; educators who want to enhance their curriculum;
religious leaders who want to reach home-bound parishioners; Webcasters who want
to demonstrate product applications; security professionals; and all those who
want to transmit quality video and audio while saving time and money. Using Canon’s
optional VB-EX50 Multi-Terminal Module, users can take full advantage of both
cameras’ audio features, which include live audio transmission, motion-
or sensor-triggered playback of pre-recorded audio, and audio recording. The VB-EX50
Multi-Terminal Module enables users to connect a microphone to either the VB-C50FSi
Fixed Network Camera or the VB-C50i/ VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Camera to
not only see the video at the camera’s location but hear the audio as well
(using a speaker-equipped PC and either Admin Viewer or Viewer for PC software).
This feature is useful for such applications as customer-service monitoring, event
Webcasting, and video conferencing.
Live voice data can also be sent over an IP network to both cameras. Users can
speak into a microphone connected to their PC and be heard through a powered speaker
connected to the camera (also via Admin Viewer software). In addition, a pre-recorded
audio file can be played at the camera’s location at scheduled times or
when triggered by an event. In a security-monitoring application, a powered speaker
connected to the camera can play back a pre-recorded message any time visitors
approach the reception desk (for example, “Thank you for visiting, please
take a seat and we will be with you shortly”). Or, a department store could
alert customers to special sales promotions at pre-set intervals.
Both the new VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera and the new VB-C50i/VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Network Camera also include a Silence Detection feature that transmits audio data
only when sound is present, thereby reducing network traffic.
Video Monitoring Options
Both the new VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera and the new VB-C50i/VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Network Camera feature a Built-In Network Server that can provide viewing for
up to 50 clients simultaneously. An easy set-up feature enables both cameras to
be connected to a LAN or the Internet within minutes. And both cameras’
distinctive built-in motion-detection feature can send transmit an alert if motion
is detected in pre-selected portions of the picture. For added convenience, both
cameras offer pre-set zoom positions for easier monitoring. And to enhance visibility
in dark areas of the image due to backlight or shade, both cameras are equipped
with a Three-Step backlight control function. Also, supplied Admin Viewer software
provides for shade correction, which increases brightness of dark areas without
affecting other areas of the image. Both cameras offer simultaneous video distribution
in various frame sizes, including (640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120).
Bundled Software
Supplied software is available with a range of features including: VB Administration
Tools, which includes a panorama-creation tool, a view-restriction tool, scheduling,
and more; the VB Collector Software featuring schedule-based downloads of captured
images, automatic downloading, Web browser viewing, and more.
Optional Software
Optional viewing software for both cameras includes Canon’s WebView Livescope
MV 2.1 LE and WebView Livescope MV 2.1 for display of up to 16 Canon NVS Cameras
at a time on one computer screen. WebView Livescope Viewer for Pocket PC software
allows cameras to be accessed and controlled from a handheld PDA. Additional monitoring
versatility is provided by Canon’s optional VK-64 Version 1.1 or VK-16 Version
1.1 Network Video Recording Software, which provides the ability to view and record
high-quality, full-motion video over IP from as many as 64 Canon Network Cameras
on a single PC storage server. And because this video is nonlinear, archiving
and search functions are fast and efficient. Canon’s VK-64 Version 1.1 and
VK-16 Version 1.1 Network Video Recording Software also provides a wide variety
of recording and playback options.
To further enhance the new cameras, Canon is offering a software developer’s
kit (SDK). This SDK will permit developers to expand the functionality and performance
of the cameras. These customized software applications may then be shared or sold
independently amongst the community of users.
The Canon VB-C50FSi Fixed Network Camera has a suggested list price of $1349.*
The Canon VB-C50i/VB-C50iR Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Camera has a suggested list price
of $1799.* The VB-EX50 has a suggested list price of $149. * All models may be
purchased at authorized Canon dealers.
The VB-C50i, VB-C50FSi, and optional VB-EX50 will be available in mid September.
The reverse mounted VB-C50iR will be available in early October.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging
solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies
in America and is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands."
Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology,
ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2005, with global revenues of $33.3 billion.
For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
