Date: 21/10/2010

New modular IP streamer/server for remote video monitoring apps in defense

Advanced Micro Peripherals has launched a modular IP streamer / server for remote video monitoring applications in defense and critical infrastructure. The HYDRA system supports up to 9 channels of video streaming along with a single audio input channel. HYDRA has been designed and tested for both fixed and mobile applications in the toughest conditions, making use of military grade MIL-DTL-38999 connectors (with dust covers), input power protection for compatibility with vehicle power systems and infra red reflective paint. The system was also created as a modular solution to facilitate the integration of other functions and application code to meet the requirements of specific applications - aservice option not available on most streamer products.

The standard IP streamer/server system can be quickly configured over a LAN connection using a regular browser with the operating parameters for each video channel being set individually or as a group. Furthermore, the image quality and bit rate can be optimized to suite the available network bandwidth.

Advanced Micro Peripherals has also introduced two high performance frame grabbers for the PC/104-Plus and mini PCI markets - both supporting 4 analog input channels with full frame rate video acquisition at full D1 NTSC / PAL image size (up to 720 x 576 pixels). These cards are well suited for applications in defense, traffic systems and instrumentation projects, providing full frame rate acquisition with options for color space conversion and flexible re-sizing / cropping of the video images during the capture process -helping to reduce the demands on the host CPU platform. The video data is efficiently transferred over the PCI bus using DMA for further processing, analysis and display within your custom application.

The microGrabber variant is a low power, standard Type IIIB mini PCI card fitted with industry standard U.FL connectors - making it easy to use off-the-shelf cables. This tiny card is suitable for integration into a wide range of ruggedized laptops, industrial embedded PCs and low power embedded ARM / XScale motherboards.

Both the microGrabber and QuadGrabber cards are available with extended temperature range options (-40°C to +85°C) and a commitment to 5 year availability. The cards also support four audio inputs and are supplied with DirectShow drivers for Windows XP, XP Embedded and Video4Linux drivers for use with most distributions of Linux. Other embedded operating systems may be supported on request.