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PHILIPS VSS3280 PRO-VISION SYSTEM
COPY
Philips are one of the leading innovators in
the field of modular surveillance systems, the Pro-Vision VCC3280 is a direct response
to the growing demand for simple to install, low-cost multi-camera packages,
for small and medium-scale applications. There’s a strong family resemblance with
the successful VCC8250 package, which is based around an integrated
monitor-switcher, that supports up to 10 line-powered colour cameras.
This variant follows the same overall design
theme, though this time it uses a compact 12-inch black and white monitor,
supplied with one or more VCM 8175 mono cameras. The on-board switcher can
handle up to four cameras as is, with the facility to expand coverage to a
maximum of 7 or 10 cameras, using one or two optional junction boxes.
Installation time is kept to a minimum; the
cameras link to the monitor switcher using pre-terminated cables fitted with modular
‘phone’ jacks at both ends. The 4-wire (2-twisted pair) cable carries power and
switching signals (for alarms or door locks), plus video and audio back to the
monitor. The supplied cables are 25 metres long, but these can be extended to up
to 400 metres, using adaptor modules. Flexibility is a key feature and cameras
other than the ones supplied can also be used, with an optional interface unit.
The 8175 cameras have built-in microphones, for one-way audio, the monitor can
be configured for two-way communications, when used with a separate intercom
box.
MONITOR
The monitor/switcher is built inside a distinctive
robust metal case with cream-coloured plastic trim and surrounds at the back
and front. The controls are all on the front and are divided into two groups.
Just below the screen there’s a set of buttons for the multi-lingual,
menu-driven on-screen display, camera selectors, auto sequence, push-to-talk and
action (door lock etc.) functions. Below that, behind a hinged flap are rotary
controls for volume, brightness and contrast, plus the main on/standby switch.
The on-screen display covers all of the
system’s housekeeping functions, including setting camera sequence, sequence
time (2, 4, 7, 10, 20 and 60 seconds), alarm set-up (more about that in a
moment), and installation pre-sets (number of cameras, time/date, control locks
and OSD language -- English, German or Dutch). On the back panel there’s a bank
of four modular jack sockets, six phono/RCA sockets for VCR recording and playback,
and a slave monitor, plus spring terminals for alarm connections.
The built-in alarm functions are activated if
any of the camera connections are lost, or in response to a signal from an
optional alarm box, (connected to a camera), that can be used with door
contacts or a PIR sensor. When triggered the sequencer automatically stops and selects
the appropriate camera input, the on-screen display puts up a flashing ‘AL’
indicator, along with the camera number. An alarm buzzer sounds for 15 seconds,
and the alarm contact on the rear panel closes for 30 seconds (or 3 minutes)
activating an external device, such as a VCR, siren or phone dialler. The alarm
programming menu allows for any of the inputs to be disabled when not in use,
or for daytime operation.
Video output can be configured for continuous
operation -- i.e. normal camera sequence -- or multiplex, where the camera
outputs are rapidly scanned (25 frames per second). When in this mode the
output cannot be displayed on the screen, and multiplexed recordings have to be
replayed through a de-multiplexer, or viewed using the VCRs still frame
facility.
The OSD also shows the last alarm event,
along with the time and date. The front-panel menu controls can be disabled
with a user-defined 4-digit PIN, to restrict access and prevent tampering.
CAMERAS
Cameras are housed in the familiar cream-coloured
square-shaped case used by other models in the Pro Vision range; it measures 60
x 72 x 92mm. They come supplied with a manually-focused 4mm, F1.2 lens, attached
to the cameras CS mounting thread. Other types of lens are available, including
DC-controlled auto-iris models; a standard 4-pin socket is fitted to the back
of the camera case. On the underside of the camera there’s a 1/4-inch UNC thread
for the supplied bracket (this differs from the illustration in the instruction
manual which shows the mounting boss on the rear). This bracket is a universal
type with a locking ball and socket head, suitable for wall or surface
mounting. Philips can also supply
suitable weather-resistant housings.
The camera uses a 1/3-inch CCD image sensor
with a 297k (512 x 582) pixel array. Low light sensitivity is quoted at 3.5
lux, resolution is 330-lines. Apart from a simple back-focus adjustment, and a
switch for the microphone there are no user controls, exposure is fully automatic,
using a combination of automatic gain control and a high-speed shutter
INSTALLATION
The Pro-Vision outfit is accompanied by a
detailed instruction booklet that contains comprehensive advice covering fitting
and alignment, including necessary data for non-standard applications.
With only one cable connecting each line-powered
camera to the monitor installation couldn’t be much simpler. Configuring the
monitor is equally straightforward and the on-screen display system is very
easy to use. The time and date display can be positioned in the top left or
bottom right corners of the screen, the date format is slightly unusual with the
year followed by the month and day. The clock has a battery back-up which keeps
it running during a power interruption
PERFORMANCE
Resolution on the sample supplied was within
a whisker of the quoted 330-lines (in good natural light). The auto exposure
system is reasonably responsive, able to cope with sudden changes in lighting
level reasonably quickly, though some care need to be taken to avoid bright
lights within the scene area as this can fool the AE into over compensating.
Bright lights also cause characteristic vertical streaking, though this is a
common effect with CCD image sensors. The lens gives a good field of view with
minimal barrelling or edge distortion. In low light conditions there’s a
significant increase in noise and grain though the image remains useable down
to the limits of the sensor.
The cameras are free-running, and there’s no
internal synchronisation, nevertheless there’s no significant instability at
the switchover points, which occur with a single frame period. If there’s an interruption
to the mains supply the switcher reverts to the previously selected settings.
CONCLUSION
Philips experience and expertise in this
market is clearly evident and the Pro-Vision has been well designed, taking
into account the needs of both installers and end-users. It’s not without its
foibles, though. The most striking one is the absence of the time/date stamp on
VCR multiplexed recordings, which can make it difficult to log events on a
lengthy recording.
The standard of construction is generally
very high, and they’ve paid a lot of attention to detail, with plenty of small but
useful touches -- like the fold-out stand on the base of the monitor -- that make it simple to install and use. The
alarm facility is very welcome, though a more detailed event logging facility
would have been useful. On a broader level, extra facilities that involve
additional plug-in modules, such as alarm operation, two-way audio and cable
extensions quickly ramp up the cost, and the installation time.
Overall performance is good and the cameras
produce a clear, well-defined image in all but the most extreme conditions.
Philips have identified the needs of their customers with a package that will
suite a wide variety of applications, from simple one or two-camera domestic installations,
to larger commercial premises. It’s virtually foolproof and judging by the
build-quality, should give years of trouble-free service.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Monitor
Screen size 12-inch monochrome
Resolution 650 lines
Video inputs 4, (10 with junction box)
Switching Interval 2 to 60 (6 steps)
Audio one-way, two way with optional
intercom box
Microphone unidirectional electret (built-in)
Connections VCR & slave monitor out
(phono/RCA), cameras (modular jack), alarms (screw terminal)
Alarm options interruption
on camera cable or optional external sensor
Power cons. 20 watts (1 camera)
Dimensions 350 x 325 x 385 mm
Weight 12.5 kg
Cameras
Type modular monochrome
Pick up device 0.3-inch CCD
Pixel array 512 x 582
Synch system internal
Resolution 330 lines
Min. Sensitivity 3.5 lux (f1.2)
Audio one-way
Microphone unidirectional electret
Connections video, audio & power (modular jack)
Dimensions 70 x 72.5 x 92mm
PSI RATING
Product
Product design 9
Build quality 9
Electronics quality 9
Installation
Ease of installation 9
Set-up functions 9
Instructions 8
Manufacturer’s support 9
Operation
Functions 7
Ease of use 9
Performance
Image quality 8
Audio quality 8
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Ó R. Maybury 1996 0107
Design and design features ****
Circuitry and components ****
Ease of installation and wiring *****
Range and variety of functions ****
Accompanying instructions ***
Technical advice and backup ****
Value for money ****
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Ó R.Maybury 1995 0609
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