JVC, a world leader in color video cameras, is proud to announce the new TK-870, a state-of-the-art solid state color camera designed specifically for computer imaging applications. Using a single CCD pick-up device, this camera is capable of producing a detailed image with a resolution of 440 X 400 pixels.

CCD IMAGE SENSOR

The TK-870U incorporates an advanced 2/3" CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor, capable of resolving an image to 176,000 individual picture elements. In addition to the detailed picture, the CCD produces a picture with no trails, image lag, or burn. It's shock and vibration resistant, and can withstand extremely intense light. An advanced RGB filter offers excellent color reproduction, approaching that found only on more expensive 3-tube cameras.

RGB OUTPUT

In addition to the standard composite video output, the TK-870U provides separate Red, Green, Blue, and Sync signals for computer digitizer systems. Using discrete RGB signals enables these systems to reproduce more accurate, true-to-life colors with better resolution than with composite video signals. The TK-870U outputs the RGB and Sync signals through a single 9-pin "D" computer connector. Composite video is output through a standard BNC connector.

C-MOUNT FOR LENS

To allow for a wide variety of lenses, the TK-870U is equipped with a standard C-Mount. This enables the camera to be used with many video camera lenses and with numerous other devices such as microscopes, endoscopes, telescopes, etc. Even lenses designed for 35mm still cameras can be used with the TK-870U with the appropriate adapter! Connectors are provided for auto-iris, and for an optional JVC auto-focus lens with power zoom.

SELECTABLE COLOR BALANCE

A two position switch makes it easy to adjust for indoor (3200K) and outdoor (5500K) lighting conditions. Fine adjustment of color balance is also possible with the Red/Blue adjustment on the rear panel.

GENLOCK

It is possible to synchronize the TK-870U to an external video source. By feeding a composite video or black burst signal to the SYNC-in (BNC connector), the camera will lock to the external signal. This makes it possible to use the camera in a system with other video cameras. Controls are provided for adjusting subcarrier and H-phase, to facilitate matching the TK-870U with other cameras in the system.

POWER SOURCE

The TK-870U is powered by 12V DC through a 4-pin DIN connector on the camera. A cable (4 pin DIN to 10 pin) is supplied with the camera for connection to the AC-C412 AC adapter (optional). 12V DC power supplies are also commercially available at relatively low cost.

APPLICATIONS

Computer imaging has become very popular, with the recent advances in personal computers and peripherals. It is possible to "capture" a video image and store it in computer memory. Many software programs now make it possible to manipulate the picture, as a graphic artist would, compress it, and store it on a computer disk. The final image can then be added to a data base, transmitted over telephone lines, and even output to a printer for hard copy. A number of firms make "image capture boards" for personal computers and offer related software for these applications. The TK-870U is ideally suited for use with image capture boards such as the AT&T Truevision (TARGA 16, 24, 32) series.

These computer digitizer systems all process the image in the component (RGB) form. To obtain the best image quality with these systems, it is best to simply feed RGB from the camera directly without encoding and decoding. Both resolution and color reproduction are improved using this technique. The TK-870U's single 9-pin RGB connector is the best and easiest way to do this. It is also pin compatible with the AT&T TARGA series.

The CCD image sensor is also good for these applications because the camera is likely to spend most of its time on a copy stand. Image retention found in typical tube-type cameras is usually a problem, because the camera operator frequently leaves the same image in front of the camera lens for long hours. The image can "burn" into the camera tube and in some cases, permanently damage the tube. Tube cameras can also be affected by vibration, shocks, and magnetic fields. The CCD sensor used in the TK-870U eliminates these problems, and can withstand abuse far better than any camera tube.

Because of the numerous uses for computer digitizer systems--computer graphics, picture databases, medical applications, mechanical inspection, image analysis, etc.--the TK-870U's C-Mount lens capability makes good sense. It is easy to adapt the camera to the requirements of a specific situation since there are hundreds of commercially available lenses that can be used.