Canon Launches Two Network Cameras with Two-Way Audio Communication, Built-In Servers, and 26x Zoom Lenses

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 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.