Turn-Key Three-CCD HD Camera Features Canon 20X Zoom Lens, Auto-Focus Function, Optical Image Stabilization, Genlock Input, HD-SDI and SD-SDI Video Output With Embedded Audio, Quiet Operation, and Non-Proprietary Control Protocol

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 12, 2008 – Following on the success of its BU-45H remote-control outdoor robotic pan-tilt HD 16:9 camera system, the Broadcast and Communications division of Canon U.S.A., Inc. has now introduced the BU-50H for indoor POV (point-of-view) applications. The BU-50H remote-control robotic indoor pan-tilt HD camera system is engineered to provide exceptional HD video imagery and versatile performance in such locations as houses of worship, legislative chambers, studio POV camera positions, indoor security areas, and many other environments. The BU-50H is an extremely quiet P/T system and features a maximum noise level of NC30. It is well suited for operation in very quiet environments, including studios, conferences, lectures, and classical music concerts. The BU-50H  was formally introduced along with Canon’s industry-leading HD studio, field, portable, and cine lenses at IBC 2008, at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam, Holland from September 12 to 16, 2008.

“The television industry’s ongoing transition to HDTV has created demand for a versatile cost-effective, remote-controlled means of capturing HD video in a wide variety of specialized POV environments,” stated Larry Thorpe, national marketing executive for the Canon Broadcast and Communications division. “For outdoor environments, Canon addressed this need with its BU-45H remote-control outdoor robotic pan-tilt HD camera system. Now Canon has followed with the BU-50H for indoor POV applications. Both camera systems leverage Canon’s global leadership in advanced optics, camera pan-tilt control technologies, and HD video imaging. Both products are economical, turn-key solutions that are completely designed and manufactured by Canon.”

The BU-50H remote-control robotic indoor pan-tilt HD camera system incorporates a Canon HD camera equipped with three 1/3-inch (1.67 million-pixel) CCD sensors (1440 H x 1080 V), a  Canon HD zoom lens with 20X optical zoom ratio (4.5 - 90mm), an advanced Canon Auto Focus function, and Canon’s sophisticated Image Stabilizer technology.

Advanced connectivity features of the Canon BU-50H remote-control robotic indoor pan-tilt HD camera system provide the versatility needed to address a wide variety of video-capture applications. These include genlock input for video synchronization in broadcast television systems. Outputs include uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI with embedded audio, or standard-definition (SD) composite NTSC video. The HD-SDI can be used for HD recording and the HD-SDI or NTSC will support simultaneous SD monitoring.  The BU-50H pan-tilt HD camera is capable of extremely smooth 300-degree pans and 40-degree tilts.

The Canon BU-50H remote-control robotic indoor pan-tilt HD camera’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 operate the pan/tilt system while also facilitating remote operational control of the HD camera lens and video functions. Short- and long-distance control systems interface via RS-422 connections. An optional third-party E/O (electrical-to-optical) converter is available to enable worldwide connectivity via fiber optics or a connection to the Canon Canobeam DT-150 HD wireless video transceiver for transmission at distances of up to one kilometer.

The total weight of the pan-tilt system, camera and housing is 11 kg. (approx. 24 lbs.).

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." 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.

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†IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 2008
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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• Part-Time – actuates the autofocus system as long as a control button is depressed.
• Full-Time – actuates the autofocus continually on selected moving objects such as racing cars (which might be speeding toward the camera position), or for shooting situations entailing full-servo robotic operation.
• Off – allows for normal, unassisted lens focus.

Canon USA introduces the DIGISUPER 27 HD Studio Lens at IBC 2007.

The new XJ27x6.5B HD studio lens provides unprecedented wide performance, an increased zoom ratio and servo-zoom speed, and new multi-layer optical coatings.

As HDTV program production continues to accelerate, Canon U.S.A., Inc. continues to improve High-Definition lens technology with new and advanced features for enhanced performance and ease-of-use. Canon’s latest addition to its acclaimed line of HD lenses is the DIGISUPER 27 studio lens (model XJ27x6.5B), which is being introduced at IBC 2007, the International Broadcasting Conference held in Amsterdam, Holland, from September 7 to 11. This new HD lens along with Canon’s industry-leading HD studio, field, portable and cine lenses can be seen at Stand No. 11.431, at the RAI Convention Center.

With the widest angle of any lens available, the DIGISUPER 27 has a focal length of 6.5mm to 180mm. The lens offers the optional BWA-271 0.9x Wide Attachment, the industry’s first wide-angle attachment for an HD studio lens. This “zoom-through” Wide Attachment enables users to begin with a wide shot and go telephoto without experiencing negative effects on light transmission. This feature alters the range of the zoom on wide settings by ten percent toward the wide side, making a new zoom range of 5.85mm to 162mm.

Improvements in the new Canon DIGISUPER 27 also include a servo-zoom speed of 0.5 seconds and a new optional remote-controllable macro-focus feature that allows the camera operator to perform macro focusing from the pan bar (a helpful tool for focusing on jewelry and other small objects).

As with Canon’s other DIGISUPER HD studio lenses, the new DIGISUPER 27 features the highest possible optical quality and is among the best HD studio lenses available today. Canon, a world leader in optics, utilizes advanced technologies in its lens design and manufacturing processes, including advanced computer-aided design techniques, special optical materials, and specialized multi-layer coatings on each optical element. All Canon DIGISUPER lenses incorporate the second-generation Digital Servo System, which makes zoom and focus controls precise and repeatable. Canon’s Digital Servo System provides microcomputer compensation of lens focus-breathing (the inadvertent alteration of field of view when operating the focus control) as well as a host of other improved digital operational features for focus and zooming control. These include an information display that enables the camera operator to select and customize zoom-servo settings. The DIGISUPER 27 is equipped with virtual output as a standard feature, thanks to unique Canon built-in encoders. This positional data output provides added versatility and allows for greater precision of both the zoom and focus controls.

Canon USA announces the High-Definition BU-40H Remote-Control Robotic Pan-Tilt Camera.

The versatile three-CCD High-Definition camera in rugged weatherproof housing offers genlock input, HD-SDI and SD-SDI output, and is ideal for outdoor applications.

 

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.

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.

Canon USA introduces DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF, Auto-Focus versions of our acclaimed Long-Field Zoom lenses.

The tremendous picture detail contained in High Definition television (HDTV) makes anything in less-than-perfect focus immediately obvious. As a result, shooting HD video poses new challenges for camera operators, who must simultaneously pay close attention to picture framing and physical control of their camera and lens, while also continually maintaining sharp focus of selected objects within complex scenes.

Canon’s extensive experience in long-zoom HD field-lens design provides a unique understanding of the challenges that HDTV presents to camera operators, which is why Canon developed a powerful new automated solution to assist in the task of maintaining constant and perfect HD lens focus. The new Canon DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF auto-focus long-field HD zoom lenses feature sophisticated auto-focus capabilities based on a proprietary HD implementation of Through-the-Lens Secondary Image Registration Phase Detection Method technology. These new lenses will be featured at the Canon U.S.A. booth #SU 3020 at the NAB 2007 trade show in Las Vegas.

The new DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF lenses are designed to help camera operators ensure that their shots are always in exact focus, even in challenging situations. These lenses assist camera operators to create the highest quality video images possible, knowing they can always achieve exact focus with the push of a button. This is especially helpful in situations where the operator is unsure due to poor lighting or cannot otherwise determine exact focus just by looking at the viewfinder.

In addition to the Part-Time focus-check mode there’s a Full-Time mode to help camera operators during long shoots. Either way, the Canon DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF auto-focus lenses enable camera operators to apply their full attention to the creative aspects of framing HD images and following the action in the scene.

The Canon DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF lenses (model numbers XJ100x9.3B AF and XJ86x9.3B AF, respectively) create an operator-controllable window in the HD camera’s viewfinder that targets the object operators want to focus most sharply on in the scene. Camera operators can change the window’s position and size by means of a miniature joystick on the camera handle’s focus servo control. An additional button provides three modes of operation:

1) Part-Time – actuates the auto-focus system as long as a control button is depressed.

2) Full-Time – actuates the auto-focus continually on selected moving objects such as racing cars (which might be speeding toward the camera position), or for shooting situations entailing full-servo robotic operation.

3) Off – allows for normal, unassisted lens focus.

In addition to their auto-focus capabilities, Canon’s new DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF long-field HD zoom lenses feature Canon’s highly acclaimed built-in Optical Image Stabilizer, or “Shift-IS” system, to help create rock-solid images even at telephoto distances.

The DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF lenses are based on Canon’s DIGISUPER 100xs and DIGISUPER 86xs long-field HD zoom lenses, which are among the most widely used lenses in HD sports and entertainment production. (The Canon DIGISUPER 100xs was the world’s first triple-digit HD zoom lens.)

All Canon DIGISUPER lenses feature the HD optical precision and heightened long-range zoom capabilities that have made Canon a global leader. All of Canon’s DIGISUPER HD field lenses also feature Canon’s unique XS technology for improved optical performance and lighter weight, as well as Canon’s second-generation Digital Servo System, which provides microcomputer compensation of lens-focus breathing (the inadvertent alteration of field of view when operating the focus control).

The new DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF long-field HD auto-focus zoom lenses are Canon’s latest advancements designed to provide camera operators with the industry’s most sophisticated tools for television production.

Canon USA introduces nine new Cost-Effective HDgc lenses to a family now numbering sixteen for cameras with 2/3”, 1/2” and 1/3” imagers.

Consistent with its industry leadership position and in-step with the proliferation of cost-effective portable High Definition television (HDTV) cameras designed for the production of news and other programming, Canon U.S.A. Broadcast and Communications Division has introduced nine additional models in its HDgc line of cost-effective portable HD lenses, offering a broad product line to best meet customer needs.

An established leader in high-end HD lens technology, Canon has leveraged the advanced image quality and superior operational capabilities of its eHDxs line of portable lenses to engineer its new line of HDgc lenses for 2/3," 1/2" and 1/3" video camera imagers. First introduced at last year’s NAB, the HDgc line now includes a total number of 16 lenses in both ENG and remote-control versions with the addition of these latest models. This new line of Canon HDgc lenses will be featured at the Canon U.S.A. booth #SU 3020 at the NAB 2007 trade show in Las Vegas.

The higher-end eDrive Series of HDgc lenses includes three models – the KJ16ex7.7B IRSE, KJ21ex7.6B IRSE and KJ10ex4.5B IRSE lenses – which are designed for cameras with 2/3-inch imagers. All three of these lenses feature a built-in 2x extender and Canon’s digital eDrive feature, which enables users to easily program such functions as zoom and focus settings into the lens for precise, automated repeatability. The three new additional HDgc lenses that comprise the Economical Series include the KJ13x6B KRS (for 2/3"), KH13x4.5 KRS (for 1/2") and the KT20x5B KRS lenses (for 1/3"). The third category of new HDgc lenses is the Remote-Control Series, which includes the KJ20x8.5B KTS (for 2/3") and KT20x5B KTS lenses (for 1/3").

Canon’s HDgc line was very well received at NAB 2006. Smaller, more affordable portable HDTV cameras for news and other applications are increasingly popular and are being made available to broadcasters and program producers by all the major camera manufacturers. Canon has conceived and engineered its entire line of HDgc lenses to match the different imager sizes these new cameras employ as well as the price points appropriate to those cameras. The wide range of features and price levels of these cost-effective HDgc lenses means there’s a model to suit every one of these new portable HD cameras.”

All 16 HDgc lenses combine the best characteristics of Canon’s world-leading optical expertise and engineering innovations, including a well-controlled Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) profile over their entire respective image planes. Furthermore, the HDgc lenses feature excellent contrast performance, reduced chromatic aberration, compact size and weight (in direct response to the equally compact new affordable HD camcorders), and eDrive, which is featured in Canon's eHDxs series portable lenses. In addition, these lenses incorporate special elements, including “Flourite” with extraordinary dispersion characteristics and the newly developed high index ultra low dispersion (Hi-UD) glass.

The Canon eDrive technology included in the HDgc model KJ16ex7.7B IRSE, KJ21ex7.6B IRSE and KJ10ex4.5B IRSE lenses is a feature previously found only on Canon’s eHDxs line of high-end portable HD lenses. Canon eDrive represents an advanced way to control portable lenses. Utilizing three Canon ultra-high-precision, microprocessor-driven digital servos with miniature 16-bit optical encoders, eDrive enables users to easily program such functions as zoom and focus settings into a lens for precise, automated repeatability via an easy-to-use display menu, assignable “soft” function buttons and the rocker switch built into the lens grip. Users can program multiple settings or none at all, depending on their personal needs and preferences.

Among the lenses in Canon’s HDgc Economical Series, the KJ13x6B KRS lens (2/3") features a wide angle of 6mm, for a focal length of 6-78mm. The KH13x4.5 KRS lens (1/2") has the same 13x zoom ratio, but with a wide angle of 4.5mm and a focal length of 4.5-59mm. The KT20x5B KRS lens (1/3") has a longer (20x) zoom ratio, with a wide angle of 5mm and a focal length of 5-100mm, joining its counterparts for 2/3" and 1/2" imagers.

The three models in Canon’s Remote Series of HDgc lenses feature servo-controlled zoom, focus, and iris to allow for remote-controlled operation. Each of the three lenses has a 20x zoom ratio and offers the same viewing angle for all imager formats.

All HDgc lenses feature new, smaller ergonomic drive units with grip support and a ribbed surface that is tilted at an ideal angle to achieve optimum balance and comfort to reduce operator fatigue.

Canon’s HDgc portable lenses combine high picture quality, ease of use, sophisticated operation, lighter weight, compact size, and price-performance that is appropriate to the new HD cameras that manufacturers such as Grass Valley Group, Hitachi, Ikegami, JVC, Sony, and Panasonic are making for the expanding universe of cost-effective HDTV production.

Canon USA introduces the BU-50L Remote-Control PAN-TILT Head Providing Cost-Effective HD capture in indoor locations. Remote operation of Pan and Tilt functions can be controlled locally via RS-232C cable or long-distance over public telephone lines.

As the worldwide transition to HDTV (high definition television) continues to accelerate, broadcasters, cable networks, and other video-content creators are demanding cost-effective cameras, lenses, and pan-tilt heads to produce news and other programming in this new format. In response, leading camera manufacturers have introduced economical, mid-range portable HD cameras. Canon, an established leader in both high-end and cost-effective HD lens design and manufacture, has leveraged its advanced technology expertise to create the BU-50L, its latest and highest-quality pan-tilt head. Designed to address the specialized market for remote-control HD cameras in news studios and unmanned satellite locations, Canon’s BU-50L robotic pan-tilt head features control of its pan and tilt functions locally via RS-232C cable as well as over long distances via public telephone lines, thus allowing for remote-studio operation.

HD production is expanding in multiple video markets simultaneously. This includes not only the HDTV being produced by the major networks and broadcasters, but also by local cable systems for telecasts of government meetings and arts performances, by regional news networks, and by corporations, high schools and colleges, and medical organizations. Canon’s new BU-50L robotic pan-tilt head provides a cost-effective solution for remote-control HDTV capture in a multitude of interior locations.

Specifically designed for indoor use, Canon’s BU-50L is an extremely quiet pan-tilt head featuring a maximum noise level of just NC30. This quiet operation makes the BU-50L well-suited for installation in concert and lecture halls, conference rooms, and other noise-sensitive environments. The BU-50L is also perfect for use in studios. The camera portion of the BU-50L is controlled by its own remote-control unit; the BU-50L’s pan-tilt head and lens are remote-controlled separately. An economical solution, the BU-50L features sturdy construction with an easily adjusted center of gravity for simple, fast installation. In addition, Canon’s design of the BU-50L excludes ecologically harmful substances such as cadmium, PBBS, PBDPE, or mercury from its mechanical parts.

Canon USA introduces Canobeam DT-150 HD for wireless uncompressed bi-directional HD and SD SDI Transmission. The 1.5 GB/s link transmits digital HD/SD video, audio, and control signals without delay via Free Space Optics at up to one kilometer for sports and other productions

The dramatic growth in HDTV sports and entertainment production, as well as the need for permanent HD and SD video links at broadcast facilities, has provided the impetus for a new and versatile uncompressed, high-bandwidth (HD-SDI and SD-SDI) digital-transmission solution. This solution is known as the DT-150 HD Canobeam Transceiver and is designed for situations where fiber-optic cables or microwave are impractical and/or the simplicity of Free Space Optics is preferred.

The DT-150 HD Canobeam is the newest member of Canon’s acclaimed series of point-to-point optical beam transceivers that use infrared light to bridge gaps in high-bandwidth transmission situations. The DT-150 HD Canobeam provides bi-directional, uncompressed 1.5 Gbps transmission of embedded digital video, audio, and camera control signals on a single HD-SDI or SD-SDI stream with no delay. The Canobeam can also relay embedded HD-SDI and SD-SDI video from multiple cameras or other HD/SD video sources, along with embedded return video and audio to the camera operator, camera control signals, and robotic camera-control data. The DT-150 HD Canobeam has a range of up to one kilometer and - like all Canobeam DT-100 series products - features Canon’s exclusive Auto Tracking feature to maintain beam alignment despite vibration due to wind, rain, or unsteady camera platforms. The DT-150 HD Canobeam has an estimated selling price of $40,000* per pair.

“This is a great leap forward for Canobeam, in terms of performance and price,” says Gordon Tubbs, director of Canon U.S.A.’s Broadcast and Communications division. “HD is such a common factor in everybody’s lives now, especially at most broadcast facilities. By seamlessly providing users with affordable, wireless, point-to-point uncompressed digital transmissions, the DT-150 HD Canobeam is playing a major role in revolutionizing the broadcast industry as the transition to HDTV accelerates.”

The DT-150 HD Canobeam also features an important advance in the Canobeam DT-100 series with the addition of a Small Form Pluggable (SFP) module system. Use of an SFP HD module allows the DT-150 HD Canobeam to interface via single-mode fiber LC connectors. Users who are already using single-mode fiber connections can simply plug it into the DT-150 HD Canobeam and instantly transmit embedded video, audio, and camera controls via the FSO connection. Users who do not have an existing single-mode fiber connection will be able to use third-party media converters to convert HD-SDI signals or SD-SDI signals from either coaxial or SMPTE hybrid fiber cable into single-mode fiber for transmission. As with any SDI stream, audio and/or multiple video signals will be embedded into the stream via a multiplexer.

As with all of Canon’s Canobeam products, the DT-150 HD uses Free Space Optics, which requires no FCC licensing or frequency coordination. Free Space Optics provides a highly secure and reliable video/audio link that is free from RF interference and signal interception. Canon’s other DT-100 series Canobeam systems are proven high-bandwidth data-networking solutions used by corporate and university campuses, government and military facilities, and other situations where existing bandwidth is insufficient, fiber is cost-prohibitive or logistically impossible, or a redundant disaster/recovery system is essential.

The DT-150 HD Canobeam offers multiple applications, from permanent installations (including such uses as STL), to live HD and SD television events. These events may include golf matches where ponds and fairways can’t be bridged by fiber cables, major outdoor concerts where remote camera platforms make fiber links impractical, or sports where images from manned and robotic cameras may need to be relayed to a central point from inaccessible locations. With the combination of Canon’s exclusive Auto Tracking feature and the ability to embed camera control and robotic control signals into the bi-directional HD-SDI or SD-SDI stream, the Canobeam DT-150 HD Canobeam is the perfect solution for the television broadcast and mobile production industry’s dramatic increase in HDTV sports and entertainment telecasts.