Panasonic expands network camera line

Panasonic announces the continuation of its successful line of network cameras — and the introduction of a new Pro-Line model.

“Targeted to the home and small business user, Panasonic network cameras are appropriate for a variety of applications,“ said Mike Timar, National Product Manager of Facsimile and IP Products, Panasonic Communication and Home Office Electronics Division. “For example, use it in your home for monitoring the baby, or to keep an eye on elderly parents or activity in a swimming pool. In business, it can be used to monitor everything from a cashier to its warehouse.”

With Panasonic network cameras and an Internet connection, users can monitor their homes or offices from virtually anywhere in the world.  The cameras, which boast the slogan, “See There When You Can’t Be There™”, are capable of creating high-quality, 640 x 480 live video images that can be remotely viewed from any network-connected PC*, or over the Internet.**   The cameras require no direct PC connection and can be placed wherever there is an Ethernet connection and a power source.

Once the camera is connected to a network or the Internet, you can view live, full motion video or still pictures and utilize the camera’s features such as 21x Optical zoom, full 350-degree movement, low-light operation, preset positions, password protection, multi-camera views and more.

The cameras can also connect to standard optional security devices, such as a motion sensor or smoke detector.  You can program the camera to e-mail you an “alarm” should one of these devices be triggered.  Or, you can connect the camera to a door opener to allow access to certain people when you are not home.

And, with Panasonic BB-HNP60 Camera Management software, users can view, control and record images from their Panasonic network camera(s).  The Management software can record all of your cameras, both on and off site, as Motion JPEG or JPEG files with time and date stamps attached. 

New for 2004

New for this year is the Panasonic BB-HCM411 Pro-Line camera.  While a full release is available on this model, its special features include:

·         The ability to capture video images at 30 frames-per-second;

·         Two-way audio capability that lets you hear what’s going on in the rooms being monitored, as well as the ability to speak back to them;

·         Low light capability (3 lux/ 0.2 lux in Color Night View Mode) for chronicling the action in dimly-lighted situations;

·         Remotely controlled pan/tilt motion.

It will be available May, 2004 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $549.95.

Continuing Models

Continuing model KX-HCM8 can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or a tripod.  It features a frame rate of up to 15 frames/sec and approximately 80 frames image buffer (320 x 240).  Users can program the camera to automatically upload images to an FTP server or web page, or to automatically send images via e-mail, anywhere in the world, at designated intervals.  Access can be administrator- or user- password protected. The KX-HCM10 adds remote tilt and pan control, allowing users to view different angles.

The KX-HCM230 is considered the outdoor version of the KX-HCM10.  It performs all the same functions but is operational between -20° C ( 7° F) and 50° C (122° F) and is also splash resistant.

For those who need a wider viewing range, the KX-HCM280 is the answer.  This indoor-use camera offers a remotely controlled 42x zoom (21x optical and 2x digital zoom), wide 350° pan and 120° tilt.

The innovative KX-HCM250 features 802.11b wireless connection for flexible use.  It works with any Wi-Fi certified router or hub and an AC source.  The KX-HCM270 adds splash resistance and outdoor operation to the KX-HCM250.

All Panasonic network cameras can be automatically configured by the KX-HGW600 Concourseâ„¢ Home Gateway router, including a built-in launch page from the router to view and control up to 16 cameras.

Panasonic network camera consumers can choose to subscribe to the free Viewnetcam.com service.  It provides a convenient, personalized, permanent Internet address ¾  for example, bob.viewnetcam.com ¾ to access images via the Internet.  The Panasonic network cameras already contain embedded software for the Viewnetcam.com service that is ready to be activated.   With this service, users need not worry about having a static or dynamic Internet address, remembering numerical addresses assigned by their Internet providers or changing Internet providers. 

Panasonic network cameras are marketed by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. The company is a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE:MC), one of the world’s largest developers and producers of innovative digital and other electronic products for consumer, business and industrial use. Media can access press releases via the Panasonic Pressroom web site, www.panasonic.com/pressroom, or through the company’s toll-free fax-back system at 888-734-7490.