mini-II-vR-Cam – Specialized cameras for videoReferee® systems
Unique features of mini-II-vR-Cam
- Support for 3G and HD modes
- "Cloud" synchronization – CloudyGenLock®
- Controllable zoom
- Reliable and safe design
- Analog audio input with sound level indication
- Control and Power over Ethernet – PoE
- Absolute synchronicity including movement phase (when using cloud synchronization)
- Meets Technical requirements for VideoGoal systems (KHL, VHL, VAR)
Camera requirements for video-refereeing systems are always changing and becoming more and more complex. Therefore, we are constantly redesigning and improving our vR-Cams, using our extensive experience in many sports with video-refereeing systems (including VAR and Videogoal). The result of this process is the new mini-II-vR-Cam for videoReferee® systems.
For team sports, where controlling the attack time and detection of offside situations is of high importance, absolute synchronization of all cameras video streams is a key requirement. Both the correct decision-making and the result of the entire match depend on it. To synchronize video from non-synchronous cameras, slomo.tv servers use their proprietary algorithms that provide synchronization with an accuracy of 20/10 milliseconds. Sometimes even this is not enough.
Absolute synchronicity
In the world of television, synchronization is achieved by a special external Reference signal (Black Burst or Tri-level sync) provided to the cameras. This Genlock function requires a separate coaxial cable to be connected to the cameras.
The CloudyGenLock® technology developed by slomo.tv allows the mini-II cameras to synchronize with each other without an external synchronization signal. The frequency and phase synchronization is made possible because the mini-II cameras are connected to each other and to the server via an Ethernet interface.
Synchronization with the match-controller
Now every video frame generated by the camera has information from the scoreboard controller in it. In fact, all video frames generated by the mini-II contain information about the state of the match-controller.
Power and camera control
The mini-II cameras can be powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet) cables that are anyway routed to the cameras for control and configuration. Unlike non-specialized video-refereeing solutions that require separate cables for control and power, a single standard common inexpensive cable (twisted pair Cat5) is sufficient.
This also increases the reliability and safety levels, since no external power supply units and 220V mains are used (Often, for above-the-goal cameras, a 220V main line has to be installed).
The second power option is to use a standard 5V power supply with a micro USB connector. This is currently the most common power supply device in the world. These are easy to buy, unlike the specialized power supply units used by other manufacturers. You can even use a standard Power bank to power the camera! This allows you to organize the emergency power supply to the cameras at any location. It is also important that 5V is absolutely safe for "wet" areas. This power option was used during the FINA World Championships 2019 in Gwangju, South Korea.
Analog stereo sound
A new feature for mini-II cameras is the presence of analog stereo sound. The same USB connector is used for this purpose. By recording analog audio you can use the sound of the referee's whistles in the refereeing process.
For setup, the display of the sound level on the output video signal can be enabled.
The camera can be set up either via the videoReferee® server or using an external USB remote control with joystick and buttons.
Camera models
The cameras are available in 2 versions:
- mini-II-vR-Cam-zoom – cameras with built-in 10x zoom lens
- mini-II-vR-Cam-zoom-Wide – wide angle cameras with built-in 3x zoom lens and up to 105° angle.
All cameras work in 3G and HD-SDI modes. Shock-resistant aluminum housing has a standard two-point mount with a standard size for photo and cinema equipment 1/4".
Focus, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, sensitivity and color parameters can be controlled remotely via Ethernet.
Areas of use
The mini-II-vR-Cam is designed to work with video-refereeing systems including Videogol and VAR. Cameras are suitable for the following sports:
- Ice hockey
- Basketball
- Handball
- Water Polo
- Short Track
- Canoe Slalom
- Volleyball
- Fencing
- Wrestling
- Track and field
