Flexible Miniature HD RubiCam Launches At IBC2008

At IBC2008, systems engineering company Miniature Broadcast Cameras is launching RubiCam, a miniature HD/SD broadcast camera.
Its extensive features, that can include a full duplex video and audio link, mean RubiCam has many applications, such as use in remote camera positions, such as OB commentaries, as well as in studio productions.
Measuring 2x2x3 inches (55x55x82mm) and weighing in at about 1lb (500g), the RubiCam camera head is very compact and lightweight and yet offers HD output and includes an integral 10:1 zoom lens. It has a 1/3" CMOS sensor revolving around 2M pixels to produce 16:9 HD 1080i and 720p pictures. The camera control unit (CCU) connects to the camera head by up to 30 metres of Toshiba 6mm camera cable.
The CCU outputs includes a full duplex SMPTE hybrid fibre-optic interface as well as HD-SDI, component and SD-SDI, composite and Y/C outputs. For those seeking extra wide-angle shots, a lens converter is available.
The remote control panel (RCP) can operate over a considerable distance to the CCU via RS 232 (and up to many km using the fibre link) and can control up to seven RubiCam camera heads. The RCP controls zoom, focus and iris as well as the full electronic parametres of the camera, making it suitable for an OCP position vision control area in a studio or an OB truck. Furthermore, with the Embedded Audio option, the CCU can accept two audio or data channels, which are embedded in the HD-SDI over coax or, with the full duplex fibre port, over SMPTE fibre camera cable. There is also a return path for video and audio making the RubiCam camera system especially suitable for all studio productions and remote commentary camera positions where space is often limited and reverse video and talkback are essential. RubiCam is equally well suited for mobile applications by land, sea and air.
Further information is available at: www.minibroadcastcameras.co.uk and www.rubicam.com.
(KMcA/JM)