Security Oxford

Sony has introduced View-DR and IR Illuminator to its new range of HD security cameras in order to improve image capture in challenging lighting environments.

The introduction of infrared and Wide-D technology to its range of HD video security cameras represents the first time Sony has embedded infrared technology within its surveillance range, enabling image capture in total darkness up to 50 feet away. Fumi Kawamura, the product marketing manager for Sony Video Security, told SMT Online: “High quality image capture in extreme dark and pitch black environments has traditionally been a real challenge for the security industry. Now, thanks to the introduction of the embedded IR illuminator, Sony’s HD cameras enjoy clear visibility even under 0 lux. In other words, complete darkness. This is absolutely vital considering that many criminal infractions take place in limited light conditions.” In addition to the infrared technology, Sony has announced the launch of View DR: a camera feature combining Sony’s full-capture Wide D technology, high-speed ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor and Visibility Enhancer to facilitate HD image capture even in high contrast lighting environments. Significance of View DR Mike Cole, the sales manager for Sony Video Security, explained the significance of the View DR technology. “At Sony, we work closely with our customers to add functionality that guarantees optimised images even in unpredictable monitoring environments,” he said. “In high contrast lighting conditions, such as at a train station where a light source – the sun, for example – is directly behind the subject, critical facial detail can be lost. Sony cameras equipped with View DR have an extremely wide dynamic range which resolves detail loss by adjusting the levels of chrominance and luminance. As a result, monitored images can be seen with even greater clarity than the naked eye.” The full-capture Wide-D technology captures images using a ‘standard’ exposure time and takes either one or three images (depending on the camera type) and makes use of very short exposure time. Doubling of camera sensitivity The newly-developed View-DR algorithm nearly doubles the cameras’ sensitivity when compared to conventional Wide-D technologies. To capture multiple HD resolution images at very high speed, the ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor uses its high-speed readout characteristics. Sony’s SNC-DH180, vandal-resistant IP mini-dome camera and Sony’s SNC-CH180 outdoor network HD bullet camera are fully integrated with both infrared and ViewDR technology.