New Software Products Expand Versatility of Canon Network Video Solutions For Security Professionals Attending ASIS International 2004

Canon continues to intensify its commitment to the security market with the introduction of its VK-64 version 1.1 and VK-16 version 1.1 Network Video Recording (NVR) Software packages. Both products expand the versatility of security, surveillance, and remote monitoring by providing the ability to view and record high-quality video from multiple cameras on a single PC storage server. And because this video is recorded onto hard drives (instead of tape), archiving and search functions are greatly enhanced. Ideal for the multi-camera imaging needs of large-scale locations or multi-site organizations, as well as critical image access from remote locations, this advanced software gives users a wide variety of monitoring options.

"The demands of the security market continue to grow, including the need for more sophisticated video-recording options," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "In addition to our line of Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras and Servers, Canon's NVR Software provides a comprehensive solution for security professionals."

Used in combination with Canon's high-quality VB-C50i/R Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Camera or Canon's VC-C50i/R Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera and VB150 Network Video Server, both the Canon VK-64 ver. 1.1 and VK-16 ver. 1.1 NVR Software solutions deliver live, highly customizable video monitoring and recording over IP. Canon's VK-16 NVR Software can accommodate up to 16 live Canon Network Cameras on one storage server; the VK-64's capacity is 64 cameras. An additional feature of the software option for VK-64 ver. 1.1 allows for the monitoring and recording of up to three 64-camera storage servers simultaneously, yielding a total of 192 cameras. Client viewers monitoring multiple cameras can customize their screen layouts, displaying up to 24 cameras at any given time.

In addition to a wide variety of recording methods—including continuous, scheduled, sensor-triggered, motion-detection triggered, and pre/post alarm recording—features of Canon's VK-64 ver. 1.1 and VK-16 NVR Software include:

• E-mail Function — recorded video clips can be exported into a separate video file for emailing or viewed on another computer.
• Event Notification — sent to user via email.
• Layout Sequence — for programming monitor display templates to automatically switch according to a pre-set schedule.
• Full-Screen Function — for single-camera monitor display.
• Hide/Show Task Area — to maximize the display area by removing timeline and camera-selector portions from the screen.
• Event Type — for prioritizing system functions and reviewing video by event or time.
• Camera Operation Control — enabling operators to work Camera PTZ controls.
• Shade Correction — for balancing light and dark portion of the video image.
• Night Mode** — to activate an Infrared Filter.
• Backlight Compensation** — to heighten foreground picture detail in heavily backlit situations.
• Multi-Size — for recording at different resolutions when using different recording methods (e.g., motion detection, sensor trigger, etc.).

Canon's VK-64 ver. 1.1 and VK-16 NVR Software utilize M-JPEG compression, and are capable of recording up to 640 X 480-resolution video with a frame rate of up to 30fps (or approximately 2fps when 64 cameras are used with the VK-64 ver. 1.1). Playback can be viewed in fast-forward, rewind, or frame-by-frame modes even while recording continues.

Canon's VB-C50i/R PTZ Network Camera and VC-C50i/R PTZ Camera both feature a genuine Canon 26X optical zoom lens and 12X digital zoom that captures fine detail from long distances, making it possible to gather the kind of high-quality images essential for security, surveillance, and remote monitoring. Featuring a 340,000-pixel CCD, and low-light (1 Lux) sensitivity, the VC-C50i uses the same advanced optical technology that has made Canon a standard of excellence in digital video. With a wide-ranging pan of +/-100 degrees and tilt of +90/-30 degrees, the VC-C50i can quickly survey entire office areas and warehouses, covering far more territory than fixed cameras. (A reverse mount VC-C50iR, with a pan of +/- 170 degrees and tilt of +10/-90 degrees is also available.) Additionally, a motorized infrared (IR) cut filter can be turned off to significantly brighten the viewing area. A built-in IR light is effective at up to nine feet, allowing security administrators to increase their viewing options in dark parking lots, on university campuses, hospitals, and warehouse facilities.

Canon's VK-64 version 1.1 and VK-16 version 1.1 Network Recording Software will be available in October at authorized Canon dealers at an estimated selling price of $2,500 and $1,000, respectively.

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