Modern digital devices: touch screens scanners cameras camcorders mobile phones web cameras document cameras video projectors wireless data transmission devices video surveillance systems e-books digital microscopes
Touch screens can be equipped on televisions, computer monitors and other screen devices. They can be installed in payment terminals, in trade automation equipment, in pocket computers, in operator panels in industry.
Scanning devices A scanner is a device designed to input various color and black-and-white images (photos, drawings, slides), as well as text information from a sheet of paper, from the page of a book or magazine, into a computer. A scanner is used when there is a need to enter text and/or a graphic image into a computer from an existing original for further processing (editing, etc.).
A scanner is a device for entering information from paper into the computer’s memory and further editing text or images.
Areas of application of cameras Widely used in printing, scientific research, medicine, geology, and forensics. In these and many other industries, quite often there is a need to obtain images almost instantly, then process them and send them over long distances via the Internet.
Webcams are digital cameras that can capture images in real time, which are then transmitted over the Internet or another video application.
A document camera is a special video camera. It is used when it is necessary to show something small that exists in one copy (books, pictures, microscope images). Connects to TV, projector, computer.
E-readers are a type of tablet computer. Their appearance is due to the development and specialization of tablet computers in general. Some modern devices are equipped with a touch screen and have an expanded set of functions, and allow you not only to read, but also to edit text.
Advantages Compact and portable. Hundreds and thousands of books can be stored in one device. In addition, the device is usually smaller and lighter than a paper book. Image settings. At the user's request, you can change the font style and size and the output format (one column or two, portrait or landscape). The ability to change the font size makes it possible to read books to people for whom the small, unregulated font of paper books fundamentally does not allow them to read. Additional features. The device can implement text search, hyperlink navigation, display of temporary highlights and notes, electronic bookmarks, and a dictionary.
Advantages Built-in programs - speech synthesizers allow you to voice texts. An e-book allows you not only to read texts, but also to display animated pictures, multimedia clips or play audiobooks. Cost of text. Many texts in electronic form are free or cheaper than in paper format. Availability. If you have an Internet connection, texts are available for downloading from the appropriate sites (electronic libraries) at any time.
Benefits Eco-friendly. To read texts in an e-book, you do not need paper, for the production of which forests are cut down. Safety for asthmatics, allergy sufferers, sensitive to house and paper dust.
Disadvantages Electronic books with TFT screens have an adverse effect on human vision, similar to a computer. Relatively low image quality, not comparable to paper books published on expensive high-quality paper[unspecified source 42 days]. Like any electronic devices, e-book readers are much more sensitive to physical impact (damage) than paper books. High price. Some publishers release the electronic version of the book with a delay. Some books are not officially published at all in the form of an electronic version
Disadvantages Some models [clarify] use DRM, which imposes restrictions, including on fair use, so the use of DRM leads to a situation where any book cannot be read on any device. One of the most striking examples was the remote deletion of legally purchased books from users’ devices. However, since it is not difficult to buy an e-book that reads formats that do not support DRM (for example, fb 2, rtf, txt, etc.), and not all e-books have communication capabilities, this can hardly be considered a disadvantage of e-books as a device class. Devices for reading e-books require periodic recharging of the built-in rechargeable batteries (batteries).
Digital microscope A digital microscope is a microscope equipped with a digital image capture system that transfers images to a computer. A digital microscope makes it possible not only to observe micro objects, but also to document images using an input system installed on the microscope, and, if necessary, to take measurements on images and analyze them using software.
Digital microscope Digital video cameras, digital still cameras, or analog input systems can be used to transfer images from a microscope or stereo microscope to a computer. With the help of these devices, the image from the microscope is transferred to a computer for subsequent archiving or processing if necessary. The choice of input system depends on the tasks that need to be solved and the requirements for image quality.
Digital microscope Digital microscopes allow you to transmit images at various magnifications, from magnification of several times to magnification of hundreds of thousands of times.
A graphics tablet, or digitizer, is designed for inputting graphic images into a computer and is used when working with professional graphics and CAD programs, as well as for creating or copying drawings or photographs. It allows you to create drawings just like on a piece of paper. This information input device consists of a tablet and a pointer. The image is converted into digital form, hence the name of the device (from the English digit - number).
Graphic tablet The operating principle of the digitizer is based on fixing the coordinates of the cursor on the surface of the tablet using a built-in grid consisting of wire or printed conductors. The device allows you to convert the movement of the pointer on the tablet into vector graphics format. The digitizer accurately determines the absolute coordinates of the pointer on the tablet and translates them into the coordinates of a point on the monitor screen.
Graphics tablet Special circular cursors and pens are used as pointers. Like mice, pointers have buttons. Cursors allow you to accurately specify the coordinates of a point; they are often used when working in CAD. Pens are used when working in graphic editors; some of them are pressure sensitive and allow you to change line parameters
Graphics tablet Tablets can be rigid or flexible. Flexible tablets can be rolled into a tube, they are convenient for transportation and storage, they are lighter, more compact and more expensive, but at the same time they have lower resolution and reliability than rigid ones.
Graphic tablet The result of the digitizer is reproduced on the monitor screen and, if necessary, can be printed on a printer. Digitizers are usually used by architects and designers. The high price of professional digitizers with a large tablet format and a high-quality, balanced pointer limits the use of this information input device.
What kind of digital information processing devices are these? Digital devices are devices for processing information presented in a form accessible to a computer. These are: touch screens scanners cameras video cameras mobile phones web cameras document cameras projectors wireless data transmission devices video surveillance systems
Video cameras A video camera is an electronic filming apparatus, a device for obtaining optical images of photographed objects on a photosensitive element, adapted for recording or transmitting moving images to television. Usually equipped with a microphone for parallel sound recording.
Web cameras A web camera (also webcam) is a digital video or photo camera capable of recording images in real time, intended for further transmission over the Internet (in programs such as Instant Messenger or in any other video application).
Projectors A projector is a lighting device that redistributes the light of a lamp with a concentration of luminous flux on a small surface or in a small volume. Projectors are mainly optical-mechanical or optical-digital devices that allow, using a light source, to project images of objects onto a surface located outside the device screen.
Bluetooth wireless data transfer devices ensure the exchange of information between devices such as pocket and regular personal computers, mobile phones, laptops, printers, digital cameras, mice, keyboards, joysticks, headphones, headsets on a reliable, inexpensive, universally available radio frequency for short-range communication.
Wireless data transmission devices GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is an add-on over GSM mobile communication technology that carries out packet data transmission. GPRS allows the user of a cellular network to exchange data with other devices on the GSM network and with external networks, including the Internet. GPRS involves charging based on the volume of information transmitted/received, and not the time spent online.
Wireless data transmission devices Allows you to deploy a network without laying cables and can reduce the cost of network deployment and expansion. Places where cable cannot be installed, such as outdoors and buildings of historical value, can be served by wireless networks. Unlike cell phones, Wi-Fi equipment can operate in different countries around the world. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a standard for Wireless LAN equipment.
Video surveillance Video surveillance (Closed Circuit Television, CCTV system) is a process carried out using optical-electronic devices designed for visual monitoring or automatic image analysis (automatic recognition of faces, state license plates).
Digital information processing devices Author: Dmitry Tarasov, 2009
The digital information processing device and the “brain” of the entire publishing system is the computer, which also represents a multi-level structure. It includes both processing elements (processor) and several types of information storage devices (RAM, hard drive, video memory), as well as a number of auxiliary elements (ports and other components)
Working with graphics, especially those intended for printing purposes, requires quite significant parameters of the computer used. Unfortunately (for the author only), the pace of technological progress in this area is unusually high, and the time frame for writing, preparing, printing and distributing a book cannot keep up with it, so we will consider only the fundamental parameters that every designer needs to understand when sitting down at a computer.
A personal computer is, first of all, a system unit in which all the main components of the computer are located. The "brain" of the computer is microprocessor - The central device of a computer is an electronic circuit several square centimeters in size, which ensures the execution of all application programs and control of all devices. The microprocessor is made in the form of an ultra-large (not in size, but in the number of electronic components, the number of which reaches several million) integrated circuit located on a silicon wafer.
Microprocessors can differ in the following basic parameters:
Type (model) means a generation of microprocessors, for example, there are series processors that are collectively called “286”, “386”, “486”, “Pentium”.
Clock frequency determines the number of elementary operations performed in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Clock frequency is the main parameter that ensures processor performance. The higher the processor type, the higher the clock speed. One of the first models of personal computers had a processor with a clock frequency of 4.77 MHz, and the latest processors have crossed the 1 GHz barrier.
Bit depth determines the number of bits transmitted simultaneously (synchronously) along information buses. Computer performance is also directly related to the bit capacity. This parameter changes in leaps and bounds: 8 bits, then 16, 32 bits and finally 64-bit buses.
The computer as a whole is characterized by a number of other parameters that affect its performance.
Operational memory ( or RAM - random access memory) determines the amount of memory that the processor “manages”. RAM is a fast and volatile (when the power is turned off, information is completely lost) memory in which the currently executing program and the data necessary for it are located. The higher this value, the more information can be simultaneously available for processing. The amount of RAM over a relatively short historical period has increased from 640 KB to tens of MB in modern systems (even in the most modest configurations). The performance (operating speed) of a computer directly depends on the amount of RAM.
Video memory - This is a separate RAM located on a specialized video card. This memory contains data corresponding to the current image on the screen.
A modern personal computer implements the principle of open architecture, which allows you to almost freely change the composition of devices (modules). A large number of peripheral devices are connected to the main information highway. It is very important that some devices can be replaced by others. Even the microprocessor and RAM chips are no exception.
The hardware connection of peripheral devices to the information highway is carried out through a special block, which is called controller(sometimes called an adapter). And software control of the operation of external devices is also provided by special programs - drivers, which are usually integrated into the operating system.
Lesson topic: “Digital information processing devices: digital video camera”
The purpose of the lesson:
create conditions for students to develop an understanding of the types and purposes of digital devices for information processing;
continue to develop skills in processing information using various devices;
continue to cultivate a caring attitude towards computer equipment, compliance with the rules of safe behavior in the office
DURING THE CLASSES:
1. Organizing time.
2.
Repetition of material from the previous lesson:
1) what device did we talk about in the last lesson?
2) What main elements of a camera can you name?
3) What are the advantages of digital cameras?
4) Where are the images stored in the camera?
5) How are images transferred from the camera?
3. Learning new material.
For today's lesson, you have prepared messages about digital video cameras - devices that greatly expand the capabilities of modern computers. We will get acquainted with this device according to the same plan as acquaintance with a digital camera, i.e.:
1 – main elements of a video camera
2 – advantages of digital video cameras
3 – devices for recording information in a video camera
4 - transferring information from the video camera to the computer
5– web cameras
Let's give the floor to representatives of the groups.
(students make messages and, if necessary, accompany the story with illustrations)
Material that can be offered to students is in Appendix 1.
4. Workshop on transferring video to a computer
Just like in the previous lesson, you can film fragments of students’ speeches and their activities during the lesson. In practice, show how to transfer video (as a last resort, from a camera). The form of work is individual.
5. Editing of a video about the study of Digital Information Processing Devices
Working with a video editor MoveMaker (front):
MoveMaker.2. Upload video images – Record video - Import video.
3. Upload Photo – Record Video - Import Images
4. Place video clips and photos on the storyboard panel (by dragging and dropping)
5. Add transitions: Editing a movie – Viewing video transitions – Select a video transition – drag it to the storyboard panel in the area between frames.
6. Add effects: Film editing – View effects – Select an effect – drag it to the storyboard panel directly onto the frame. To enhance the effect, it can be used several times.
7. Adding titles and captions: Editing a film – Creating titles and captions – Select a title or caption effect – enter text, set formatting – click “Finish”.
8. Adding music: Record video - import sound and music - drag the fragment to the storyboard panel.
9. Saving a movie in the format WMV – Completing the creation of the movie – Saving the movie on the computer - Confirm the requests of the Save Movie Wizard.
Give this algorithm to students as a reminder. We all do the work together, the teacher shows everything the same on the screen.
6. Homework: In the next lesson, students will complete a film making project. To do this, they will have to think about the theme of the project, what fragments and photographs they will use. During the lesson they will have to film material and edit a short film. (The topics are varied: My school, My class, Our computer science classroom, Our teachers, etc.) Work is expected in groups of 2-3 people.
Appendix 1. Video cameras
Video cameras are primarily divided into digital and analogue. Here I will not consider analog cameras (VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, Video-8, Hi-8) for obvious reasons. They have a place in a thrift store, or on the top shelf in a closet (what if someday they become a rarity), but analog video processing will definitely be considered, since, I think, everyone has a lot of cassettes. So, modern household video cameras differ in the type of video storage medium, in the method of recording (encoding) video information, in the size and number of matrices, and, of course, in optics.
1.1.1. Based on the type of storage media, cameras are divided into:
HDV cameras: the latest and, apparently, the main format in the future. Frame size up to 1920*1080. Imagine that each frame is a 2 megapixel photograph, and you will understand the quality of the video. Strictly speaking, HDV is a recording format, since there are HDD cameras that work in the HDV format. But I specifically put this format in this row, since most existing HDV cameras record on cassettes. If money is no object for you, these cameras are for you.
DV cameras: the main format of consumer digital video cameras. Frame size 720*576 (PAL) and 720*480 (NTSC). The recording quality largely depends on the optics and the quality (and quantity) of the matrices. DV cameras are divided into DV proper (mini-DV) cameras and Digital-8 cameras. Which one to buy depends on you, on the one hand, mini-DV cameras are more common, on the other hand, if you previously had a Video -8 camera, it makes sense to pay attention to Digital -8 cameras, since these cameras record freely on any format 8 cassettes (Video -8, Hi -8, Digital -8 (they can, of course, swear that Video -8 is a bit weak for me, but they write easily on them)), in addition, recording on better quality cassettes (Hi -8, Digital -8), you will get longer recording time compared to mini-DV.
DVD cameras. I'm not a fan of this type of camera. Their recording quality is lower than that of DV cameras, and even a disc with the best quality for them lasts about 20 minutes. But! If you are not picky about quality (especially since the difference is not so noticeable on an ordinary TV screen) and you do not want to bother with making a film and then encoding it into DVD format, you can easily use a DVD camera. Moreover, you can assemble a full-fledged DVD from the received files on a 1.4 GB DVD (used in DVD cameras) quite quickly using specialized programs (for example, CloneDVD and DVD-lab).
Flash cameras. Recording is done on a flash card in MPEG 4 and MPEG 2 formats. The duration depends on the size of the card, the selected frame size and the encoding quality. MPEG 2 is preferable because the quality is higher, but it takes up more space. But neither one nor the other format, when the camera processes video information for recording on a card, will be able to provide quality even slightly close to DV. Therefore, we can recommend such cameras as gifts for children or for filming in extreme conditions, since the undeniable advantage of these cameras is their compactness and the absence of mechanical parts (with the exception of a zoom lens).
HDD cameras. Recording is done to the built-in hard drive. Recording can be done in all formats from HDV to MPEG 4 (depending on the model). Perhaps, like flash cameras, this is the future of household video cameras, but unlike the latest HDD cameras, they can already provide excellent HDV quality, or up to 20 hours of recording of good quality MPEG 2 on a 30 GB disk. But let's look at this splendor from the other side, recording 1 hour of DV format takes up 13-14 Gb on the hard drive, and after making some simple calculations, say that it’s easier to rearrange the tape or copy the video to the computer after 2.3-3 hours of recording (to the good news) you get used to the quality quickly).
HDV cameras | High price |
||
DV(miniDV) cameras |
| De facto standard for home video recording | The problem of choice, cheap point-and-shoot cameras and semi-professional models coexist peacefully in this standard |
DV(Digital-8) cameras | Recording and playback on any format 8 cassettes Longer recording time per tape compared to miniDV | Low prevalence of the format |
|
DVD cameras |
| I recorded it, took the disc out of the camera, and put it in the player. | Low recording quality Short disk write time |
Flash cameras |
| No mechanical parts (except for the zoom lens), resulting in higher reliability | Low recording quality |
HDD cameras | Much longer recording time compared to cassette machines High speed of rewriting information to the computer hard drive | Frequently downloading videos to the computer In the field, you need a laptop with a fairly large hard drive. High price |
1.1.2. Any digital video camera uses compression (compression) of digitized video, because at the moment there are simply no media capable of supporting uncompressed video (one minute of uncompressed PAL 720*576 video without sound takes up approximately 1.5 GB on the hard drive, simple calculations allow you to see that for one hour you will already need 90 GB). And this huge amount of information still needs to be processed; even a simple rewrite of 90 GB will take about five hours. Therefore, video camera manufacturers simply need to use digitized video compression. Modern video cameras use the following types of compression: DV, MPEG 2, MPEG 4 (DivX, XviD).
DV is the main type of video compression in modern digital video cameras; it is used by HDV, miniDV, Digital 8 and some HDD cameras. The high quality of this type of compression, I think, will remain leading among other formats for a long time.
MPEG 2 is a format used for recording DVDs. Although it has a slightly worse recording quality compared to DV, depending on the bitrate (roughly speaking, the number of bytes allocated per second of video), using this type of compression you can get fairly high quality video (remember licensed DVDs).
MPEG 4 – to be honest, manufacturers of digital equipment (photo and video) have seriously “tarnished” the reputation of this format. To “squeeze” everything possible out of this format, you need to use a fairly powerful computer and spend a decent amount of time. Therefore, it turns out that the final video in MPEG 4 format on video cameras and cameras is of low resolution and low (to put it mildly) quality. Whether DivX or XviD is used is not that important; the (small) difference, again, can only be seen when processing video on a computer.
1.1.3. An important, or rather the main, influence on the final result is the quality of the matrix used to digitize the optical signal passing through the lens of the video camera. The bigger it is, the better. When choosing a video camera, do not be lazy to look at the specification and see the number of effectively used pixels (“dots” on the matrix). For example, the specification for the Sony XXXXXXX video camera states that with a frame size of 720*576 (0.4 Megapixels), 2 Megapixels of the matrix are used for video. Naturally, this has the most positive effect on the final result, since with any encoding (compression) the law strictly applies: the better the source material, the better the result, and the more light that hits the matrix, the less digital noise there will be, the darker the time it will be possible to use a video camera, etc. All of the above in triple size applies to three-matrix cameras; among other things, the system of three matrices can significantly reduce color noise due to the fact that the division of light into RGB color components (a prerequisite for receiving a video signal) is not carried out electronics, but an optical prism, then each matrix processes its own color.
The size and quality of the matrix can be indirectly judged by the digital camera built into the video camera; the higher its resolution, the better.
1.1.4. With video camera optics, everything is simple: the more, the better. The larger the lens diameter, the more light will hit the sensor. The greater the optical magnification of the lens... However, this is worth dwelling on in more detail. The first thing I want to say is: NEVER look at the proud inscriptions on the side of the video camera (X120, X200, X400, etc.). You only need to look at the optical zoom of the lens (either on the camera (optical zoom) or on the lens itself). Of course, digital zoom can be used, but do not forget that digital zoom limits the number of effectively used matrix pixels (see figure). And just a 2x digital zoom (for example, with a 10x lens, this would be a 20x total magnification) will result in a 4x reduction in effectively used pixels on the sensor!
Well, it would be nice to have an optical stabilizer, since in cameras with a digital stabilizer not the entire area of the matrix is used.
Webcams
Webcams are inexpensive network stationary devices that transmit information, usually video, over wireless or cross-connected Internet and Ethernet channels. The main purpose of “room” webcams is to use them for working with video mail and teleconferencing. Such cameras are widely used in “babysitting” - they do an excellent job as video nannies, transmitting the image of a child left to his own devices. “Street” anti-vandal web cameras serve as security video monitors. The ability to capture images in video or camera mode is an additional feature of web cameras. In this case, you should not expect high quality from recorded videos or digital photos. Because there is no point in equipping webcams with high-quality optics and expensive electronics - transmitting video data in real time requires incredibly high compression, which inevitably leads to loss of image quality. Although it is fundamentally impossible to obtain a great picture using webcams, it is the quality of the resulting image that is the main characteristic that allows you to subjectively compare and select cameras of this type. However, preference can also be influenced by an interesting design, software package and various options such as support for skins and additional communication interfaces. All webcams are equipped with a motion detection function and an audio input that allows you to transmit audio information; they are also often equipped with connectors for connecting various external sensors and devices such as lighting and alarms. World practice shows that the main manufacturers of web cameras are companies that manufacture computer peripherals (Genius, Logitech, SavitMicro) or network equipment (D-Link, SavitMicro), and not video or photographic equipment, which once again emphasizes the difference in the technologies used.
|
|
|
Video image compression formats
As an initial step in image processing, MPEG 1 and MPEG 2 compression formats split reference frames into several equal blocks, which are then subjected to diskette cosine transform (DCT). Compared to MPEG 1, the MPEG 2 compression format provides better image resolution at a higher video data rate through the use of new compression and redundant information removal algorithms, as well as encoding the output data stream. Also, the MPEG 2 compression format allows you to select the compression level due to the quantization accuracy. For video with a resolution of 352x288 pixels, the MPEG 1 compression format provides a transmission rate of 1.2 - 3 Mbit/s, and MPEG 2 - up to 4 Mbit/s.
Compared to MPEG 1, MPEG 2 compression format has the following advantages:
Like JPEG2000, MPEG 2 compression format allows scalability of different levels of image quality in a single video stream.
In the MPEG 2 compression format, the accuracy of motion vectors is increased to 1/2 pixel.
The user can select an arbitrary precision of the discrete cosine transform.
The MPEG 2 compression format includes additional prediction modes.
The MPEG 2 compression format was used by the now discontinued AXIS 250S video server from AXIS Communications, the 16-channel VR-716 video drive from JVC Professional, DVRs from FAST Video Security and many other video surveillance devices.
MPEG 4 compression format
MPEG4 uses so-called fractal image compression technology. Fractal (contour-based) compression involves extracting the contours and textures of objects from the image. Contours are presented in the form of so-called. splines (polynomial functions) and are encoded by reference points. Textures can be represented as coefficients of a spatial frequency transform (eg discrete cosine or wavelet transform).
The range of data transfer rates supported by the MPEG 4 video compression format is much wider than in MPEG 1 and MPEG 2. Further developments by specialists are aimed at completely replacing the processing methods used by the MPEG 2 format. The MPEG 4 video compression format supports a wide range of standards and data transfer rates. MPEG 4 includes progressive and interlace scanning techniques and supports arbitrary spatial resolutions and bit rates ranging from 5 kbps to 10 Mbps. MPEG 4 has an improved compression algorithm that improves quality and efficiency across all supported bit rates. Developed by JVC Professional, the VN-V25U webcam, part of the works line of network devices, uses the MPEG 4 compression format to process video images.
Video formats
The video format determines the structure of the video file, how the file is stored on a storage medium (CD, DVD, hard drive or communication channel). Usually different formats have different file extensions (*.avi, *. mpg, *.mov, etc.)
MPG - A video file that contains MPEG1 or MPEG2 encoded video.
As you noticed, MPEG-4 movies usually have the AVI extension. The AVI (Audi o-Video Interleaved) format was developed by Microsoft for storing and playing videos. It is a container that can contain anything from MPEG1 to MPEG4. It can contain streams of 4 types - Video, Audio, MIDI, Text. Moreover, there can be only one video stream, while there can be several audio streams. In particular, AVI can contain only one stream - either video or audio. The AVI format itself does not impose absolutely any restrictions on the type of codec used, neither for video nor for audio - they can be anything. Thus, AVI files can easily combine any video and audio codecs.
RealVideo format created by RealNetworks. RealVideo is used for live television broadcast on the Internet. For example, the television company CNN was one of the first to broadcast online. It has a small file size and the lowest quality, but without particularly loading your communication channel, you can watch the latest TV news on the website of the television company of your choice. Extensions RM, RA, RAM.
ASF - Streaming format from Microsoft.
WMV - Video file recorded in Windows Media format.
DAT - File copied from VCD(VideoCD)\SVCD disc. Contains MPEG1\2 video stream.
MOV - Apple Quicktime format.
Connecting to a PC or TV
The simplest connector - RCA AV output - simply put, “tulips” - is available in any video camera, is suitable for connecting to any television and video equipment, and provides analog video transmission with the greatest loss in quality. It is much more valuable to have such analog inputs in digital video cameras - this allows you to digitize your archives of analog recordings if you previously had a digital analog video camera. In digital format, their shelf life will be extended, and it will also be possible to edit them on a computer. Hi8, Super VHS (-C), mini-DV (DV) and Digital8 video cameras are equipped with an S-video connector, which, unlike RCA, transmits color and brightness signals separately, which significantly reduces losses and significantly improves image quality. The presence of an S-video input in digital models gives the same advantages to owners of archives of Hi 8 or Super VHS recordings. The built-in LaserLink infrared transmitter in Sony camcorders, using the IFT-R20 receiver, allows you to watch footage on TV without connecting to it with wires. Just place the video camera next to the TV at a distance of up to 3 m and turn on "PLAY". The more advanced Super LaserLink transmitter, which is equipped with all the latest models, operates at a greater distance (up to 7 m). The presence of editing connectors in the camcorder allows for linear editing by synchronizing the camcorder with VCRs and an editing deck. In this case, on all devices connected to each other, the tape counter readings and all main modes are synchronously monitored: playback, recording, stop, pause and rewind. In Panasonic camcorders, the Control-M connector is used for this purpose; in Sony camcorders, the Control-L (LANC) connector is used. Their specifications are incompatible, so we recommend checking the interface compatibility between the VCR and camcorder.
RS-232-C connector ("digital photo output")
A connector for connecting a video camera to a computer’s serial port for transmitting still frames in digital form and controlling the video camera from a PC. In “sophisticated” models, instead of RS-232-C, an even faster “photo output” is built in - a USB interface. All mini-DV and Digital8 camcorders are equipped with a DV output (i. LINK or IEEE 1394 or FireWire), providing fast transmission of digital audio/video signals without loss of quality. To do this, you need to have another device that supports the DV format - a DV video recorder or a computer with a DV card. More valuable, of course, are video cameras that, in addition to output, also have a DV input. Some companies produce the same model in two versions: the so-called. "European" (without inputs) and "Asian" (with inputs). This is explained by high customs duties in Europe on the import of digital video recorders, which rightly includes a video camera with a DV input. IEEE-1394, FireWire and i. LINK are three names for the same high-speed digital serial interface, which is used to transmit any type of digital information. IEEE-1394 (IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Designation of an interface standard developed by Apple Corporation (under the trade name FireWire). The designation is adopted by the American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Most mini-DV and Digital8 video cameras are equipped with an IEEE-1394 interface, through which video information, presented in digital form, is sent directly to the computer. The hardware includes an inexpensive adapter and a four- or six-wire cable. Allows you to transfer data at speeds up to 400 Mbit/s.
i. LINK
Digital input/output based on the IEEE 1394 standard. Allows you to transfer video footage to a computer. Models of video cameras with i. Link improves flexibility with interactive editing, electronic storage and distribution of images.
FireWire
Registered trademark of Apple, which took an active part in the development of the standard. The name FireWire (“fire wire”) belongs to Apple and can only be used to describe its products, and in relation to such devices on PCs it is customary to use the term IEEE-1394, that is, the name of the standard itself;
Memory card
On this card you can store photographs, videos, and music electronically. It can be used to transfer images to a computer.
Memory Stick
The Memory Stick memory card, a proprietary Sony development, is capable of simultaneously storing images, speech, music, graphics and text files. Weighing only 4 grams and the size of a stick of chewing gum, the memory card is reliable, has protection against accidental erasure, a 10-pin connection for greater reliability, data transfer frequency - 20 MHz, write speed - 1.5 MB / sec., read speed - 2.45 Mb/sec. Digital still image capacity on a 4 MB card (MSA-4A): in JPEG 640x480 format SuperFine - 20 frames, Fine - 40 frames, Standard - 60 frames; in JPEG 1152x864 format SuperFine - 6 frames, Fine - 12 frames, Standard - 18 frames. Capacity of MPEG Movies on a 4 MB card (MSA-4A): in Presentation mode (320x2.6 for 15 seconds; in Video Mail mode (160x1.6 for 60 seconds.
SD Memory Card
SD card - a new standard memory card the size of a postage stamp allows you to store any type of data, including a variety of photo, video and audio formats. SD cards are currently available in capacities of 64, 32, 16 and 8 MB. By the end of 2001, SD cards with a capacity of up to 256 MB will go on sale. One 64 MB SD card contains approximately the same amount of music as one CD. Since the data transfer speed to the SD card is 2 MB/sec, dubbing from a CD will take only 30 seconds. Since the SD Memory Card is a semiconductor storage medium, vibration does not have any effect on it, that is, there is no gap in sound, which is found in rotating media such as CD or MD. Maximum audio recording time on a 64 Mb SD card: 64 minutes of high quality (128 kbps), 86 minutes of standard (96 kbps) or 129 minutes in LP mode (64 kbps).
