Mar 11

When it comes to high-definition cameras, a few things come to mind: increased quality of image; if one is implementing it, increased cost, and size of hardware in the production environment. Of course today many people see HD as essential and feel that the pixels mean everything. There are even  8 mega-pixel cellphone cameras coming to market. However, as any good camera enthusiasts or professional will know, mega-pixels play a very small role. In fact if one combines poor lensing with high mega-pixel cameras, imaging can often suffer more and look worse with a high-definition choice. A paradox is reached when one wants to combine the enhanced images of high-definition with a minimal space. Often times, in these tight quartered, environments there is little room for quality lensing in addition to the bulk of a high resolution camera.

The Sony FCB-H11 combines quality lensing(10 x zoom, f=5.1mm (wide end) to 51 (tele end)F1.8 to F2.1) with a 1/3 inch CMOS sensor and supports 720P and 1080I as well as standard definition formats. All of this fits into a 1 7/8 x 1 3/4 x 2 7/8 inches (47.2 x 43.1 x 72.2 mm) and the whole camera weighs less than 5 ounces. The camera supports various HD outputs- YPBPR and HD-SDI - and standard definition outputs- RCA Video and S-Video. Communication for zoom and focus can be controlled via RS-232(serial bus or SONY Visca) and RS-485. This enables enhanced remote video capture, perfect for human inaccessible areas. This is all contained in a sleek black case for discrete placement and added durability.

FCB-H11 with Housing

FCB-H11 with Housing

Sep 23

There are many solutions today for medical cables and connectivity. However, not every cable solution will provide the actual connectivity required. There are two key factors that should be considered when selecting a cable.

The first item of consideration is the manufacturer of the cable. If you are purchasing the cable from the camera manufacturer, you will be certain to get the connectivity that you are looking for, however you may not get the best price or the desired cable length. Most camera manufacturers subcontract their cable assemblies out to cable manufacturers. This will lead to higher pricing due to multiple delivery channels.

The second item to consider when purchasing directly from the cable manufacturer is their understanding of the camera and its connectivity (pin outs, shielding, and length requirements). If this is not taken into account, you will certainly have a cable, but not necessarily the desired solution.

The use of a Value-Added Distributor and/or System Integrator will provide your best solution and value. They have the knowledge base of both camera and cable manufacturers, an in-depth understanding of what key connectivity factors are important, and can provide competitive pricing.

Here is a form that will help you and your value-added distributor decide what cables best meet your needs.

A small sample of available cables include:

  • Daisy Chain Cables
  • S-Video Cables
  • RS-232 Cables
  • BNC to BNC
Sep 16

If a “B-stock” item is as good as an “A-stock” item, then why go through the hassle of making the distinction?  The answer in most cases is because the item classified as “b-stock” has been slightly used or has been removed from the original manufacturer packaging. Once removed from packaging for use or even just for display, the classification is changed which usually reduces the purchase price of the item (in most cases).

Taking a closer look, the difference between the two classifications of inventory is as follows:

At first glance, “A” stock refers to brand new, unopened (factory-sealed) products that are purchased either directly from the manufacturer or though a manufacturer’s distributor. Prices are typically higher because it is a brand new item. Most people prefer “A-stock” products because it leaves a sense of security that this product comes with zero defects, a full manufacturer warranty and is yours and only yours.  Sorry to “burst your security bubble”, however, A-stock cameras are not immune to manufacturer defects right out of the box.  Faulty products, whether A or B are usually either sent to a repair house or replaced with a different unit depending on the status of the warranty.

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“B” stock - refers to

(1) items where the factory seal has been broken for one reason or another or

(2) unopened/factory-sealed products that might have been returned due to a manufacturer distributor’s yearly stock rotation of unsold products.

Products might be classified as B-stock because they were:

  • Used at a trade show booth by the manufacturer;
  • Used for product photography by the manufacturer,
  • Used as some other kind of display requiring it to be removed from the box.
  • Products with cosmetic blemishes (scratches, sloppy paint jobs, dents, gouges in rubber pieces, etc.)
  • In a box that has been damaged (not the item).

IMPORTANT: B-stock items are usually not customer returns or items that have been repaired but it has been known to happen which is why you should ask! In most cases, returns normally go back to the store or the manufacturer’s distributor the product was purchased from…it is not returned to the manufacturer, so those typically do not qualify as “manufacturer’s B-stock”. Items that have been to a service center, even if they were working fine when they got there, usually go into the “refurbished” or “reconditioned” categories, not B-stock.

To sum up WHY b-stock products should be considered - a small portion of b-stock inventory might have had operational problems but in MOST cases, the product has nothing wrong with it, comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty and can be purchased at a substantially lower price then it’s “A” stock counter-part.

Most manufacturers and their distributors carry a limited amount of B-stock, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you are looking to save money without ultimately giving up quality.

Aug 15
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icon1 carolynnaegis | icon2 Uncategorized | icon4 08 15th, 2008| icon3No Comments »

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Feb 1

We’ve all seen them, and even if you haven’t seen them, they have certainly seen you. Whether you are window-shopping at the mall, walking to your car through a parking lot or playing your favorite slot machine the odds of a dome security camera being somewhere in the vicinity are great. Mini-dome industrial security cameras have become popular when it comes to industrial video camera surveillance because they can be used for a wide variety of applications.

I remember my fascination with dome cameras began the day I walked through my first Las Vegas casino. They were everywhere and every time I tried to count how many there were I always got lost and had to start over again. Industrial dome cameras, with their small, sleek design and virtually flush ceiling or wall mount appearance have become the ideal tool for giving users the protection they desire in an aesthetically pleasing package.

These industrial security and surveillance dome cameras can be used for a wide variety of applications, which is why there seem to be so many different cameras to choose from. As always, the best dome camera for you will be the one that best meets the specifications for your application. A few questions to ask yourself before beginning your search could be:

What are the requirements for your application?

  1. Does the camera need to be weatherproof? If so, then the cameras without a rugged exterior design have just been eliminated from your search.
  2. Is the camera going to be in a high-risk vandalism area? This will again, eliminate certain camera models from your search based on the strength of the housing.
  3. Do you need color, black and white or both?
  4. What resolution are you looking for? Remember the higher the resolution, the crisper the picture given to you.
  5. What type of mount are you looking for? Wall or Ceiling mount?
  6. What type of lighting will you be working with? Decide whether or not you have a high level of lighting, a low level or both at given times during the day. The lower the light the more sensitive the camera needs to be.
  7. What type and size of lens are you going to need? Depending on the lens, Focal lengths can range from 2.5 mm-16.0 mm.
  8. Does the camera need to be fixed or have Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) capabilities?

There are probably 10-15 more questions you can ask yourself in order to find the right camera for your application but at least this gives you a head start. Used mostly for security and surveillance applications, if you look around, chances are you will see these “eye in the sky” industrial dome security cameras being used for:

  • Parking Lot Observation
  • Doorway Surveillance
  • Entrance Surveillance
  • Warehouse Surveillance
  • Bus Barn Surveillance
  • Gate Surveillance
  • Yard Surveillance
  • Dock Surveillance
  • School Surveillance
  • Bank Surveillance
  • Hotel Surveillance
  • Prison Surveillance
  • Parking Garage Surveillance
  • Casino Surveillance
  • Retail Surveillance
  • Commercial Surveillance
  • Vestibule Surveillance
  • Elevator Surveillance
  • Anywhere else extra protection is needed with a discreet look.

Among the manufacturers currently offering Industrial Security Dome Cameras are; JVC with their VN-C655U Indoor/Outdoor PTZ Dome Network Camera, Canon with their VCB-300 Security Communication Dome Cameras, ELMO’s PTC-400C and 401C PTZ Dome Cameras, and Sony VIP with their line of Industrial Security cameras.

Jan 16

Hello and Welcome All!