Iconix HDTV Camera
Progressive 3CCD HDTV Camera

A fledgling company called Iconix Video (Santa Barbara, Calif.) wants to change your point of view on HD acquisition, at least in terms of size and price. The new $16,000 HD-RH1 multiformat HD POV camera, which captures images in all common HD resolutions, including 1080p/60. It uses three 1/3-inch progressive 16:9 CCD imagers inside a compact camera head that measures 1.32" x 1.5" x 1.92". The camera should be a hit with motion picture and episodic television professionals looking for the highest quality when shooting from hard-to-reach angles. Another potential application is multi-head arrays for 360-degree HD shots (a la The Matrix).

It uses a controller the size of a small laptop (8.4" x 1.78" x 12") that remotely controls the head at distances of up to 30 feet. For $16,000, you get the 2.5 oz. camera head, 3.5 lb. controller, power supply and a video cable. In addition to its ability to acquire in 720p (actually about 700 lines) and 1080i (roughly 900 lines), frame rates supported include 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60. By using the dual link option, the camera can shoot 1080p/60. On the other end of the spectrum, the camera offers 525i/625i and analog outputs. It uses a 1/3-inch C-mount to accommodate a variety of lenses.

The HD-RH1 has a low noise threshold (greater than 54 db S/N, Y channel) and features retractable push knobs on the front panel to allow users to adjust gain, black and white balance and color, as well as three user-assignable presets. The back panel has SDI, DVI-D and analog outputs, along with genlock capability. Lens and iris control are also available on the panel and can be operated by menu, along with programmable gamma functions and electronic shutter enhancements. In a bit of a departure, the camera's three-CCD prism leverages an asynchronous signal processing architecture. In most digital cameras, the imager runs at the same rate as the output signal. With the HD-RH1, the CCD runs at a completely different clock rate from the output signal. This maintains the highest quality signal.

Specifications

HD-RH1 1/3" Progressive
3CCD HDTV Camera
A revolutionary High Definition remote head point of view camera system providing a high-performance, multi-format solution in a small package.

Multi-Format:
720p @ 24,25,30,50 and 60 Hz
1080i @ 50 & 60 Hz
1080p @ 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 Hz
700 Lines (720p), 900 Lines (1080i/p)
SDI, DVI-D, and Analog Outputs
14-Bit Quantization
Electronic Shutter and Enhancement
Programmable Gamma Function
Genlock and Remote Control

HD-RH1 Specifications:

Image Sensor
1/3-inch Progressive CCD
Optical System
1/3-inch 3-CCD Prism
Limiting Resolution
900 TV Lines (1080i/p) 700 TV Lines (720p)
Lens Mount
C-Mount
Scanning Systems
720p / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60Hz
1080i / 50, 59.94, 60 Hz
1080p / 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60Hz
525i / 59.94Hz
625i / 50Hz
Sensitivity f8 / 2000 lux
Signal/Noise Ratio
>60dB, Y Channel
Quantization Processing
14-bit
Gamma
On/Off, Five-Variable User Adjustable
White Balance
Automatic (AWB) or Manual
Black Balance
Automatic (ABB)
Shading Correction
Automatic
Gain
0 dB to 18 dB, Manual or Fixed
Electronic Shutter
Automatic or Fixed
Scene File
3 User-Programmable Profiles
Sync System
Internal or Genlock to Tri-Level Sync
Output Signals
RGB/YPbPr: BNC x 3, IVpp. 75 Ohm Sync on Y/G or YPbPr/RGB
HD-SDI (SMPTE-292M): BNC x 2 Two Single-Link 4:2:2 or Dual-Link 4:4:4 (RGB or YPbPr) or Dual-Link 4:2:2 (1080p50/59.94/60)
DVI-1
Input Signals
Genlock: BNC x 1, Tri-Level Sync
Remote Control: RS-232, DSUB-9
Power Requirements
12VDC, 30W
Weight
Head: 2.3 oz. (64g)
Controller: 2.6 lbs. (1.2 kg)
Dimensions
Head: 1.32”W x 1.50”H x 1.92”D (33.5 x38 x 48.8 mm) Controller: 8.4”W x 1.78”H x 12”D (213 x 45 x 305 mm)
Tripod Mount
Optional Adapter for Head with 1/4-20 Thread

NAB 2006 Awards

NAB 2006 was a smashing success for Iconix. Thousands of visitors to the Iconix booth were wowed by the vibrancy and clarity of the real time picture of a tropical saltwater tank. Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of Iconix fans and scores of judges, Iconix was the proud recipient of a bounty of awards from the industry - the "Vidy" from Videography; the "Star Superior Technology Award" from TV Technology; the "Top Innovation Award" from Television Broadcast; and "Pick Hit" sponsored by Broadcast Engineering and determined by 40 independent judges.