News & Events

Toshiba Network Camera Brings Wireless Video Streaming To U.S. Navy Unmanned Watercraft

DALLAS, TX, SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 (ASIS SHOW) – Toshiba Security & Network Video, a leading supplier of video surveillance solutions, has brought reliable, high-resolution video capability to a new unmanned watercraft vehicle employed by the United States Navy for homeland security and other critical military operations.

“SEA FOX” PROVIDES VIDEO FROM ONE MILE AWAY
Two Toshiba IK-WB11A wireless network cameras, along with network video equipment empowered by netSCOPE Inc. software, were recently mounted on a remote-controlled, 16-foot Zodiac-style watercraft dubbed the “Sea Fox” to enable transmission of live color video from the boat to an on-shore base station. Sharp and bright, even in low light environments, the video streams can be clearly viewed on a Microsoft Windows notebook PC from up to one mile away.

The pole-mounted cameras — one mounted to face forward and the other aft — provide a full 115-degree horizontal viewing area. The operator can view them individually (640x480) or side by side (320x240). The remotely controlled pan-tilt-zoom functions maximize flexibility of this advanced surveillance system. Pointing and clicking on the navigation panel displayed on the notebook’s monitor alongside the video images administer the PTZ controls.

The Sea Fox was designed to be sent into areas, such as a harbor or marina, ahead of troops to provide visual detection of land- or water-based dangers. Powered by a 200 horsepower, jet fuel engine, the GPS-equipped Sea Fox is capable of running 45 knots in 8-foot seas for upwards of 24 hours straight. The Office of Naval Research publicly debuted the Sea Fox at this years Fleet Week event in New York City from May 26-June 2.

“The Sea Fox camera system performed extremely well at Fleetweek and received high marks from attending members of the defense community,” noted Jeff Dodge, President, netSCOPE, Inc, Charleston, South Carolina. “We had only three daysbefore Fleetweek to put the video system together for the Sea Fox so it was only by the skill of our software programmers combined with the high quality and ease-of-use of the Toshiba cameras that made it possible.”

The Sea Fox system was developed by netSCOPE, Inc. through a joint program with Charleston SPAWAR and other private businesses transferring technology to the defense industry.

ABOUT THE IK-WB11A
The Toshiba IK-WB11A ($599 U.S.) is a wireless network camera that allows users to remotely view live, high-resolution (up to 1280 x 960) video streams with audio of homes, day care centers, schools, or businesses from anywhere in the world, via the internet, using a standard web browser.

Versatile, affordable and simple to install for seamless network connectivity, the IK-WB11A offers these key features: a 1.4 megapixel progressive scan CCD, an SD card slot, remote Pan and Tilt control, an alarm function, motion detection, and a privacy mask. The compact camera measures a mere 5.0 x 5.0 x 4.7 inches and can be mounted virtually anywhere.

The IK-WB11A has its own built-in video server, so there is no need for an on-site PC for operation. Only a power source and an Ethernet network (10/100) connection or a wireless router is required. This all-in-one system architecture permits the IK-WB11A to be used for virtually any monitoring scenario.

For more information, U.S. customers can call 1-877-MYNETCAM. Or visit www.netcam.toshiba.com. Go to www.shoptoshiba.com to purchase Toshiba items on-line.

ABOUT netSCOPE, inc.
netSCOPE, inc. is a professional, webcamera production company based in Charleston, South Carolina. The company has remained at the vanguard of webcamera technologies, since 1998. Products include, MEDUSA, a multiple webcamera technology that webcasts images from up to 24 cameras, per PC. In addition, netSCOPE offers, PTZoom, a browser based, remote controlled pan, tilt, zoom webcamera product and PDAir, the first-ever application written to webcast images using wireless network cameras, a PDA and 3G wireless data service. netSCOPE provides webcasting services to NASCAR.com, Turner Sports, SPAWAR and Nextel, among others. Contact: Jeff Dodge, tel: 843.971.4850, email: jdd@netscopeinc.com

ABOUT TOSHIBA AMERICA INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
With headquarters in Irvine, California, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS) is comprised of multiple divisions that provide computer, communications and imaging products and services. Products include industry leading portable computers, PDAs, mobile computing accessories, servers, including communications and portable servers, storage subsystems, cable modems, digital business telephone systems, voice mail, digital cameras, security systems and projectors. TAIS provides sales, marketing, services and manufacturing for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corp., which is a world leader in high-technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems. Toshiba has global sales of more than $40 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.

©2004 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Information in press releases, including without limitation product prices, specifications, and contact information, is current on date of the release, and is subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.