Model 617 combines the functions of a 16 x 4 video crosspoint switch, a frame grabber, hardware JPEG compression and digital I/O into one PCI board.
The 617 accepts sixteen composite video inputs and routes any four of them to separate video decoders for digitizing. The use of four decoders eliminates losing frames during channel switching. At least two decoders are always in sync and ready for the JPEG compression circuit.
The 617 uses multiple frame buffers to interlace full size images before they are compressed. This allows the 617 to generate just one compressed image per frame instead of two per interlaced frame.
Frame rates
Each of the four decoders digitizes 30 frames per second to give an overall board throughput of 30 fps for 640 x 480 interlaced frames. These throughputs include JPEG compression. If all sixteen channels are used the frame rate per channel is 1.8 fps.
| Number of Cameras |
NTSC frames/sec |
PAL frames/secReleased 11/8/02 |
| 1 |
30 |
25 |
| 2 |
15 |
12.5 |
| 4 |
7.5 |
6.25 |
| 8 |
3.75 |
3.12 |
| 16 |
1.88 |
1.56 |
Hardware compression
Model 617 executes hardware JPEG compression to greatly reduce the amount of memory needed to store images. Hardware compression reduces the CPU and PCI bus loading.
Multiple boards
Sensoray’s software supports multiple 617’s in the same PCI bus. For example, two 617’s may be used to expand the number of video inputs to thirty two.
If sixteen inputs are distributed between two boards the overall capture rate increases to 3.7 fps per channel.
Real-time outputs
Any four of the sixteen inputs may be routed to four output channels for display on video monitors. A software-selectable switch after each buffer amplifier allows multiple 617’s to share the same video monitor.
Input Clamping
Each input channel has a clamping circuit to minimize the effects of switching from one floating camera signal to another. Image artifacts from a previous channel will not affect the current channel.
Text caption buffer
The 617’s caption buffer allows overlaying text on each frame. The text is within a transparent box that may be positioned anywhere within the frame. The text size and color are programmable.
Special Output
The 617 also supplies small-size uncompressed frames suitable for motion detection by the host computer. These are 128 x 96 pixels or 256 x 192.
Model 617-4, 4 Channel Output
Model 617-4 is lower cost version of the 617 with just four video inputs, four real-time video outputs, and 16 digital I/O signals. Video inputs are connected directly to BNC’s located on the board’s hold-down bracket. The 617-4 has a faster frame capture rate than the 617.
The overall board throughput is 120 fps for 320 x 240 size frames, 60 fps for 640 x 240 size frames and 30 fps for 640 x 480 interlaced frames.
Model 817TA Distribution Amplifier
Model 817TA is an indispensable tool for application development and troubleshooting with Sensoray’s 16-channel frame grabbers (models 615, 617 and 817). Model 817TA takes one standard composite TV video signal (BNC connector) and splits it into 16 buffered outputs of standard amplitude and impedance. The outputs are connected to a 34-pin ribbon cable connector standard for above mentioned frame grabbers. A combination of models 817TA and 609TC, TE or TG yields a splitter with 16 BNC outputs. Please see 817TA installation diagram.
Termination Boxes
A termination box is recommended for interfacing the video signal to the Model 617. Please see 609/617 installation diagram.
Sensoray offers the following termination boxes. A flat cable, Model 609C1 (video in) is needed.
Model 609TA-ND provides sixteen BNC’s for inputs and eight BNC’s for video output. Also requires cable 609C2 (video out) and 7409C1 (digital I/O) .
Model 609TA provides sixteen BNC’s for inputs, eight BNC’s for video output and captive terminals for the digital I/O signals.Also requires cable 609C2 (video out) and 7409C1 (digital I/O) .
Model 609TB optional termination box supports 32 cameras. Also requires Cable 7409C1.
Model 609TC provides 16 BNC's for camera connections and is 2U height.
Model 609TE provides 16 BNC’s for camera connections and fits in the space of a CD player.
Model 609TG supports 32 camera connections and is 2U height for 19” enclosure.
