JVC INTRODUCES UNIQUE HIGH-RESOLUTION RGB FRAME-CAPTURE CAMERA

Wayne, NJ...JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY has introduced the TK-F7100U RGB Frame-Capture camera, the first camera of its type designed exclusively to act as a high-resolution input device to a personal computer-based graphics system.

The TK-F7100U has a wide variety of applications, including electronic publishing (including pre-press and desktop publishing), business graphic design, medical imaging, and textile fabric design. Output can be a color slide, hard copy printout, color separations, video, and virtually any format that can be derived from the output of a personal computer.

The TK-F7100U produces images of 1024 x 1024 pixels, nearly twice the resolution of ordinary video cameras. While its resolution is not as high as that of a flatbed scanner, the TK-F7100U can capture any type of object, including three-dimensional objects, which are beyond the capability of a scanner. It can also be attached to a microscope to provide crisp color images in medical and scientific applications. Capture time of the TK-F7100U is only 0.4 seconds. It has no registration error, is easy to focus, provides auto-white balance, and can be used in either normal or low-light environments.

The TK-F7100U is an unconventional camera in many ways. Its output is not a standard NTSC video signal, which means it cannot be connected to a video monitor. Instead, the camera works through a PC-AT or compatible computer equipped with an image-capture board, such as the VISTA from Truevision. In this way, analog images are converted to digital images with amazing accuracy.

Because of its standard C-mount, many types of lenses can be used on the TK-F7100U. The highest resolution is obtained with the type of lenses used on single-lens reflex cameras. The camera needs only an inexpensive C-mount lens adapter, available in most camera stores, to accommodate them. These lenses are designed to focus the image onto a larger image area (the 35-mm film plane), rather than the 2/3-in. pickup tube of a video camera. When used with the TK- F7100U, only the center (undistorted) portion of the glass is used, so while the image is magnified, it is very sharp.

The TK-F7100U can also be used with the JVC H6X12.5CL 6:1 zoom lens. This is a fast, C-mount lens with an aperture of f/1.2 and a focal length of 12.5 to 75 mm. The lens is supplied with a close-up adapter for use when the camera is mounted on a copy stand. JVC has also introduced the HL-C25, a 25mm fixed focal length lens for use with the TK-F7100U.

Most commercially available paint programs are designed for use with NTSC signals. Since the output signal of the TK-F7100U is not NTSC, JVC has developed a software utility that allows the TK- F7100U to be used easily with these programs regardless of whether they include drivers for the TK-F7100U. This utility is included at no extra charge with the TK-F7100U. JVC is also working with several software firms to develop drivers for their paint programs. The first of these companies to provide a TK-F7100U driver is Time Arts, Inc. The driver is now included in the Vista version of its "Lumena" paint program.

The TK-F7100U requires an IBM PC AT or compatible computer, VISTA board, multi-scan monitor such as JVC's new GD-H3220US, composite focusing monitor, C-mount lens, copy stand or tripod, video light, and software. It is supplied with an AC power unit, power cable, a cable to connect the camera with a VISTA board, and a jumper for the VISTA board.

The TK-F7100U is available for immediate delivery, and is priced at $7,995. For additional information on the TK-F7100U or its applications, please contact Barry Manz, ANR Advertising, at (201) 299-8000.