Panasonic introduces i-Pro SmartHD, the impressive new range of security cameras

Panasonic System Networks Europe launch six intelligent new i-Pro SmartHD cameras

The smart six i-Pro SmartHD cameras:

With increased market demand for truly converged IP surveillance and communications systems added to a greater than ever expectation for high resolution images, the new range will satisfy both trends whilst also minimising total cost of ownership and maximising efficiency. 

The first three clever cameras in the i-Pro SmartHD line-up are box type network cameras that yield high data compression rates to minimise network data traffic through the H.264[1] format. WV-SP306 and WV-SP305 HD network cameras plus the WV-SP302 network camera are all scheduled for release in June, 2010. 

Additionally, Panasonic is also showing off a further three fixed dome network cameras, equipped with 3.6 variable focal auto iris lens, the WV-SF336 and WV-SF335 HD fixed dome network cameras plus the WV-SF332 fixed dome network camera will all become available in July, 2010. 

Smart thinking redefines image quality and efficient use of networks: 

The new i-Pro SmartHD cameras are all equipped with Panasonic's proprietary platform UniPhier®[2], and with their H.264 high profile format, high definition video[3] transmission is made possible at up to an impressive 30 frames per second. This brings two immediate advantages from installing i-Pro SmartHD CCTV solutions in any environment. Firstly, a reduced total cost of ownership is achievable because existing secure IP networks can be used. Network data traffic created by CCTV content is squeezed through the high quality H.264 format, more video data can be transmitted down the same cables than before, so for new systems additional costly network cable infrastructure and the labour cost associated with installing it is substantially reduced. Further, new cables may not need to be run in order to support existing IP based systems such as computers or telephony equipment. 

The second advantage is that the resulting images that are transferred from the camera and seen by the end user are of a crystal clear quality, with nearly one million pixels[4] visible. With standard definition systems that produce lower quality images, small details such as clothing material, identifiable by observing textures, might not be present in the captured content. With small and subtle details like this acknowledged by security professionals and police around the globe as factors all too often critical to solving serious crime, i-Pro SmartHD brings more powerful tools to bear in the fight against crime. 

Further features which can additionally reduce bit rates and network bandwidth consumption include low burden image transmission, high quality 1/3^rd MOS sensors, 3D Digital Noise Reduction to produce the cleanest images possible and 0.3 Lux high sensitivity to replicate vivid colourful images. 

With smart use of network resources and crystal clear crime beating images covered, PSNE have also considered environmental resources and Panasonic's Eco Ideas initiative has enabled the reduction of power consumption by up to 45%[5]. 

Smart features: 

With increased market demand for truly converged IP surveillance and communications systems i-Pro SmartHD CCTV systems answer also with the capability to transmit two kinds of H.264 encoded video simultaneously. This is in order to further reduce network data traffic and maintain provision of network services at required speeds. For example, for Panasonic Network Video Recorders a 1.3 megapixel 30 FPS video can be recorded whilst another video stream is transmitted simultaneously in VGA resolution for a multi-screen camera display in a security office. VRS[6] is a sophisticated new function that further decreases the burden of CCTV data traffic on the network through capturing images only at HD resolutions in specified sections of the image, for example where property most at threat is located. A camera overlooking a car park need only produce HD images in the areas where cars are parked and not on the walls surrounding that area or an owner of a chain of stores may only require high resolution images of high risk merchandising areas and is less concerned in capturing HD footage of other areas of the shop. 

The new i-Pro SmartHD cameras are also equipped with Panasonic Super Dynamic technology for a superior dynamic range and face detection capability. With this combination, faces can be detected automatically and are clearly visible even in a strongly backlit situation where previously suspects couldn't be seen. 

Smart technology, smart investment, smart security: 

The latest i-Pro SmartHD cameras not only improve image quality to a high definition resolution, but through a simpler, easier to operate and maintained security system, better answer end user needs. They also save time and other resources which reduces total cost of ownership. Where PSNE brings something truly different to the security market is in the ability to offer a wide range of solutions to a wide range of users that answer their needs and with the latest i-Pro SmartHD innovations PSNE's security customers will be sure to be making the most intelligent security choice.

Note:

1. H.264/AVC/MPEG-4 Part 10 (Advanced Video Encoding) is a standard for video compression
2. Panasonic's Proprietary system LSI platform, UniPhier®
3. 1280 (H) x 960 (V) 30FPS or 720p HD video (1850 (H) x 720 (V))
4. 1280 (H) x 720 (V)
5. 45% power consumption when compared with conventional CCTV cameras
6. VRS Variable Resolution at specific area