LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2007 - The television industry‘s ongoing transition to HDTV is creating demand for a versatile and cost-effective means of capturing high-definition video in a wide variety of specialized environments. These include traffic and weather POV locations, houses of worship, legislative chambers, and even such non-broadcast applications as high-resolution outdoor security monitoring and remote-control Web cameras. Responding to this increasing demand, Canon U.S.A., Inc. has introduced the new high-definition BU-40H Remote-Control Robotic Pan-Tilt Camera system, which leverages Canon‘s advanced optics, pan-tilt and imaging technologies. This new product along with Canon‘s industry-leading HD studio, field, portable, and cine lenses at IBC 2007, Stand No. 11.431, at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam, Holland from September 7 to 11.
The successor to the highly successful standard-definition NU-700N robotic pan-tilt camera, the new high-definition BU-40H features a Canon HD camera equipped with three 1/3-inch (1,670,000-pixel) CCDs with a Genuine Canon HD zoom lens with 20X optical zoom ratio (4.5 - 90mm). In addition to providing exceptional controllability and smooth pan-tilt motion, the BU-40H also offers such advanced features such as a Canon Autofocus function and Canon‘s sophisticated Image Stabilizer technology.
“Canon recognized the need for a cost-effective, high-definition robotic camera system in a rugged outdoor housing,” noted Gordon Tubbs, director, Broadcast and Communications division, Canon U.S.A. “Our BU-40H Remote-Control Robotic Pan-Tilt Camera combines Canon‘s sophisticated pan-tilt technologies with its world-renown optical and HD camera technologies to produce an economical, turn-key solution that is completely designed and manufactured by Canon.”
The Canon BU-40H also provides genlock input for video system synchronization. Outputs include HD-SDI and SD-SDI with embedded audio or standard-definition composite NTSC. The BU-40H can output HD-SDI and NTSC simultaneously for high-definition recording and standard-definition monitoring at the same time. The BU-40H is capable of panning 340 degrees and tilting 80 degrees (30 degrees up, 50 down). Its outdoor pan-tilt head and weatherproof housing are designed for operation from -15 to +40 degrees Celsius (5 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). The BU-40H‘s housing also meets the IP-45 specifications for dust- and water-proof efficiency, and it has a “windshield-wiper” blade to keep its lens port clear. The total weight of the pan-tilt system, camera and housing is 17 kg. (approx. 37 lbs.).
The Canon BU-40H‘s control protocol is non-proprietary and open; users or system integrators can interface the camera with their own control system or that of third-party providers to create a robotic control system. The BU-40H can be operated in automatic mode or all of its main features can be controlled manually as well. Short and long-distance control systems interface via RS-422 connections. An optional third-party E/O (electrical to optical) converter enables worldwide connectivity via fiber optics or a connection to the Canon Canobeam DT-150 HD wireless data transceiver for transmission at distances of up to one kilometer.
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 on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006’, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company‘s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
’IFI Patent Intelligence, January 11, 2007
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