Bosch’s AutoDome modular camera system is a revolutionary new concept in dome cameras. More than just a series of cameras, it’s a dome platform built around a system of intelligent, interchangeable modules that allow you to update camera functionality quickly and cost effectively.
Using common components lets you install a basic camera system today and migrate to a more advanced version tomorrow – without having to replace the entire dome, thus protecting your initial investment.
Interchangeable modules
The entire
AutoDome system is based on five interchangeable modules: the CPU, camera, housing, communications, and power supply. Simply swap one of
AutoDome’s interchangeable modules and quickly upgrade from analog to IP, color to day/night, or add motion detection, image stabilization, and AutoTrack. Never before have you had the ability to adapt a security system to your changing needs this quickly or inexpensively. By using the same housing components, all installations have a consistent look, and observers have no idea which type of camera (if any) is watching over them. This unique, modular design also gives you the flexibility to move cameras between different housings when special coverage is needed, or as site plan requirements change. For example, an 18x PTZ camera over a specific area could easily be “hot-swapped” to a 26x or 36x day/night without removing the power. AutoDome’s Ethernet communications module allows you to add IP functionality while maintaining connectivity to existing analog inputs and outputs.
500i Series highlights
AutoDome 500i Series adds real intelligence to your video surveillance applications. Equipped with AutoTrack II the latest version of Bosch’s award-winning motion tracking software, built-in image stabilization, motion detection, and a sophisticated alarm handling “rules” engine, the AutoDome 500i Series incorporates advanced, intelligent video features unmatched by any other camera system.
The AutoDome 500i Series supports a variety of standard and optional video and data transmission methods, including Bilinx (over coax and UTP), fiber, and even TCP/IP over Ethernet. Remote control, configuration, and firmware updates can also be performed over these cables, offering you unparalleled control of your cameras. Cable compensation provides extended coaxial and UTP distance runs while preventing the image quality degradation caused by signal losses from long cable lengths.
The optional IP Communications Module has hybrid functionality to protect your current analog technology investment while providing a clear and stable migration path to fully digital, IP-based solutions. This allows you to move to IP video at your own pace – all at once or one camera at a time. And since all AutoDome modules are completely interchangeable, there is no need to replace expensive components (e.g., cameras) or labor-intensive components (e.g., mounts and housings).
The following are some of the features that make the AutoDome 500i Series the most flexible PTZ dome camera systems in the security industry.
High-performance PTZ day/night cameras
Image control and quality are integral aspects of any PTZ dome system, and the AutoDome delivers. The 500i Series is available with a choice of 18x, 26x, and the industry leading 36x optical zoom lens, and all 500i Series systems offer a full 12x digital zoom. The 18x and 26x cameras provide 470 TVL (NTSC/PAL), and the 36x camera provides a full 540 TVL of horizontal resolution for outstanding clarity and image detail. The 36x camera also incorporates technology that dramatically improves the dynamic range by 128 times. Also known as WDR (wide-dynamic range), it results in clear image reproduction in extreme high-contrast environments.
The patented AutoScaling (proportional zoom) and AutoPivot (automatically rotates and flips the camera) ensure optimal control. Day/night capabilities and outstanding sensitivity make 500i Series cameras exceptional performers in all lighting conditions. In low light, these cameras automatically switch from color to monochrome by removing the IR filter to boost the infrared illumination sensitivity, while maintaining superior image quality. For operation in the darkest conditions, the SensUp control feature automatically reduces the shutter speed to as little as one second. This increases sensitivity by more than 50 times. With super-quick, 360° per-second pan and tilt speeds, the AutoDome 500i Series outperforms other domes in its class.
The 500i Series supports 99 pre-positions and two styles of Guard Tours: Preset and Record/Playback. The preset tour has capability for up to 99 pre-positions with a configurable dwell time between pre-positions, and can be customized as to the order and frequency each preset is visited. AutoDome 500i Series also provides support for two recorded tours, which have a combined duration of 15 minutes of movements. These are recorded macros of an operator’s movements, including pan, tilt, and zoom activities, and can be played back in a continuous manner.Supported menu languages include: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, and Polish.
AutoTrack II
Bosch introduced the industry’s first automated motion tracking system, and now we’ve made this award-winning technology even better. The AutoDome 500i Series contains an advanced DSP that provides real-time video processing for incredibly smooth object tracking. AutoTrack II utilizes Bosch’s unique “virtual masking” technology. These “invisible” masks are created to act just like privacy masks, except that only the AutoTrack can see them – and it knows to ignore any motion behind them. This enables the AutoTrack to ignore extraneous background motion, such as a tree blowing in the wind, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Video motion detection (VMD)
With AutoDome, you can create a “region of interest” within a preset position where motion is to be detected. The AutoDome 500i Series supports a total of 10 individual regions of interest (one per pre-position). VMD also takes advantage of virtual masking to ignore areas of unwanted motion.
Image Stabilization
As PTZ cameras continue to improve their optical zoom capabilities, image stabilization becomes critical to eliminate movement caused by unstable camera mounts. A mere quarter-inch of movement of the camera mount can shift the field of view by more than 20 feet when the camera is zoomed to a high value. This can render images unusable. Image stabilization algorithms included with the AutoDome 500i Series reduces camera shake in both the vertical and horizontal axis, resulting in exceptional image clarity (pixel displacement up to +/- 10% for frequencies up to 10 Hz). Bosch’s unique image stabilization solution does not reduce camera sensitivity, unlike competitive systems.
Alarm management
The AutoDome 500i Series takes alarm handling to new levels of flexibility and power.
Inputs and outputs
The AutoDome 500i Series can handle seven alarm inputs, two of which are analog inputs that can be programmed for EOLR (End-of-Line Resistor) supervision whenever true security applications require it. These inputs enable the dome to “sense” if the contact is opened or closed and whether the wire has been tampered with (either by being cut or shorted). In addition, the AutoDome 500i Series supports four outputs: one relay rated at two amps and three additional open collectors for driving external devices. Each can be programmed individually.
Advanced alarm control
This new concept in flexibility goes beyond simple alarm handling. Advanced alarm control uses sophisticated rules based logic to determine how to manage alarms. In its most basic form, a “rule” could define which input(s) should activate which output(s). In a more complex form, inputs and outputs can be combined with pre-defined or user specified keyboard commands to perform advanced dome functions. There is virtually no limit to the number of combinations that you can program, making the standard software in the dome ready for any application.
Superior privacy masking
The AutoDome 500i Series allows for a total of 24 individual privacy masks, with up to eight displayed in the same scene. Unlike conventional privacy masks, these can each be programmed with three, four, or even five corners to cover more complex shapes. Each mask changes size and shape smoothly and quickly – ensuring that the covered object cannot be seen. You also have a choice of colors: black, white, and blurred. Blurred comes in handy when privacy is an issue, but determining the presence of motion is still required.
Optional hybrid analog/IP operation
Optional hybrid connectivity allows the AutoDome to simultaneously stream IP video across a local or wide area network, and CVBS video via coaxial cabling to support existing analog equipment. Network video streams are sent over IP networks and can be viewed with the Bosch DiBos Digital Video Recorder or on a PC running VIDOS video management software. Alternatively, a Bosch IP video decoder can be used to display the video on an analog CVBS or VGA monitor. For maximum accessibility, video can be viewed using a Web browser. The BNC connection provides direct input to a conventional analog matrix switcher or DVR, further enhancing AutoDome’s viewing and recording flexibility. Hybrid operation allows simultaneous dome control over the network and via biphase analog controllers.
MPEG-4 encoding
AutoDome’s IP Communications Module uses the latest MPEG-4 compression technology to provide DVD-quality 4CIF video at frame rates up to 25/30 PAL/NTSC images per second (IPS). The IP module also leverages bandwidth throttling and multicasting capabilities to efficiently manage bandwidth and storage requirements while delivering the best possible image quality and resolution.
Tri-streaming video
Bosch’s innovative tri-streaming feature enables AutoDomes equipped with the optional IP Communications Module to generate two independent MPEG-4 streams and a JPEG stream simultaneously. This feature allows you to stream high-quality images for live viewing while recording at a reduced frame rate, and at the same time, stream JPEG images to a remote PDA device.
Unsurpassed reliability
All housings feature recessed screws and latches for increased tamper resistance. AutoDome pendant housings (indoor and outdoor) are rated to provide IP 66 protection. In addition, the pendant housings come equipped with a low-impact, high-resolution acrylic bubble for enhanced image clarity AutoDome in-ceiling housings provide IP 54 protection and are rated IK 8 (IEC 62262). These housings feature an impact-resistant polycarbonate Rugged Bubble to protect your camera from vandalism. The Rugged Bubble can withstand impacts equivalent to a 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight dropped from a height of 3 m (10 ft). Outdoor EnviroDome housings provide an operating temperature range down to -40°C (-40°F). The optional “XT” extreme temperature kit allows an AutoDome to operate in temperatures down to -60°C (-76°F), ensuring reliable operation in even the harshest environments.
The Pressurized Environmental Housing is rated to provideIP 67 protection for a VG4 Series AutoDome® Modular Camera System from the elements, both natural and manmade. It is the ideal surveillance solution for applications that require frequent wash-down, including traffic, transit, bridges, tunnels and coastal installations where salt, moisture, dust, insects and fumes threaten the long-term operation of the camera.
Ease of installation and servicing
Bosch’s innovative software, the Configuration Tool for Imaging Devices (CTFID), allows operators or technicians to control the PTZ, change camera settings, and even update firmware from virtually anywhere without need for additional wiring. For the new Ethernet versions, an embedded Web server lets the installer access all the user settings, make camera adjustments, and update firmware via a standard Web browser.
AutoDome’s innovative design simplifies installation and servicing. AutoDome reduces maintenance costs because you can replace individual modules instead of entire camera assemblies. Simply pop out the old module and slide in the new: it’s almost as easy as changing a light bulb. All tethers have been replaced with hinges, making installation and servicing safer and easier. You can even access the built-in power supply without taking down the dome. The AutoDome 500i Series has advanced built-in diagnostics to simplify service and minimize downtime. Using the On Screen Display (OSD), a technician can quickly and easily check critical parameters (such as internal temperature and input voltage level) to verify that the dome is functioning within acceptable operating limits. If video is not present, a local inspection of three diagnostic LEDs at the camera site can identify the presence of video and control data.
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ID Series sets a new standard for features and performance. High-quality interchangeable CS mount lenses, along with an optional 15-50mm lens, further enhance versatility. Contact 800-270-1669 or email the sales (
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