WolfVision's High Quality Standards |
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Mechanical quality is a basic requirement for all WolfVision products. WolfVision units are solid and can hardly be damaged. They are built to last a very long lifetime. |
(Metal bottom plate) |
| If you want to check out the difference in mechanical stability and reliability between a WolfVision Visualizer and any other document camera on the market, just "touch" the units. You will immediately "feel" the difference. |
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WolfVision Visualizers have always been famous for their outstanding picture quality, which is due to a perfect mixture of high end components and remarkable know-how.
Perfect picture quality means high resolution throughout the whole picture (including the edges), lifelike colors, high frame rate, fast and precise auto focus, smooth zooming, an overall distortion free picture, even lighting without reflections or hot spots and much more.
WolfVision's high priority on perfect picture quality can be seen on the wohle product line - from the entry level to the top of the line Visualizers.
The picture quality of a Visualizer or camera can only be as good as its weakest component. The following 5 basic elements are responsible for perfect picture quality, as found on all WolfVision units: |
High End
Camera Lens |
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High End
Image Sensor (CCD) |
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High End
Electronic Hardware |
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High End
Software (Firmware) |
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High End
Light System |
Click here for more details on WolfVision picture quality
Extremely High Resolution -
Native SXGA- and 720p High Definition NEW
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The most important new feature of the "third generation" of VZ-8 Visualizers is the upgrade to a higher resolution CCD camera with 1280 x 960 pixels and 30 frames per second. This is native SXGA- resolution with an aspect ratio of 4:3.
The camera also outputs native 720p HD (High Definition) with 1280 x 720 pixels at a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9.
The VZ-8plus3 and VZ-8light3 offer 750 lines of resolution. Naturally these 750 lines are visible in every part of the picture, including the edges, as WolfVision only uses high-end lenses.
Besides the native image formats SXGA- and 720p HD, both Visualizers can also output the image scaled to XGA and WXGA. The quality of the scaling is exceptional. The signal is better than with an original XGA or WXGA camera.
Additional image formats of the Visualizer VZ-8plus3 are SXGA+, SXGA and SVGA. Plus it can also output the original Progressive Scan signal
converted into PAL or NTSC video
(switchable).
All widescreen
projectors, monitors or plasma displays on the market can display
at least one of these standards. |
All current WolfVision Visualizer models can pick up 30 pictures (frames) per
second in every resolution. There is almost no difference in the smoothness of motion,
when compared to PAL/NTSC video cameras. But the resolution is much
higher! |
Connectors / DVI-port NEW |
Connectors of VZ-8plus3
Connectors of VZ-8light3
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VZ-8plus3 and VZ-8light3 output the image on RGB (15-Pin D-Sub)
and DVI outputs.
(The DVI port on the VZ-8light3 is a new feature of the "third generation". There was no DVI port on VZ-8light2.)
Auto
Resolution: The
Visualizer recognizes units connected to the DVI and RGB output and
automatically selects the perfect output mode. |
Camera Head / Zoom Wheel / Easy Handling Concept
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For smooth presentations, it is necessary that the Visualizer is very easy to use. Everyone should be able to operate the unit immediately, without any instructions.
Normally users need only to use the zoom wheel on top of the camera head. Everything else (focus, iris etc.) is adjusted automatically.
The zoom wheel offers the possibility to zoom with two speeds.
The other 5 keys on the camera head include important functions like autofocus on/off, manual focus, freeze and Ext/Int. More functions are available on the remote control of the VZ-8plus3. |
Most functions on the Visualizer can also be controlled without remote control. Functions like menu settings and Preset 1 are availble as double functions if the keys on the camera head are pressed for 1 second.
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No Focus Adjustments Necessary
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The continuously working autofocus recognizes every object quickly and precisely. As a result, the presenter never needs to worry about focusing. The high speed of the autofocus is due to a special WolfVision software, which is analyzing 30 frames per second.
For special objects, a manual focus is also available. |
No Light Adjustments Necessary |
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The light system is optimized for the working surface and there is never a need for any light adjustments. The camera arm can be moved up and down at an angle of 90 degrees. The light is fixed onto the camera arm and moves together with the camera. Therefore, it is also possible to illuminate the area in front or behind the working surface. The light of the Visualizers is focused on the working surface. Neither the audience nor the speaker will be blinded in a darkened room and there is no disturbing stray light from the Visualizer on the projection screen.
For recording objects at greater distances to the device, the close-up lens of the Visualizers can be hinged away from the camera. It won't get lost because it remains attached to the unit. |
Recordings
Behind the Unit |
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When
objects are too big to be placed on the working surface or need
to be shown from the side (like glasses of liquids etc.), the
camera head and the light of the portable Visualizers can be turned
to accommodate them.
In this way a Visualizer can be used like a video camera, to record people, large objects, pictures or charts in a room.
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Recordings
in Front of the Unit, with Image Flip |
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The Visualizer can not only record objects from behind the unit. The camera head can also be turned to record in front of the unit.
This is perfect for recording a speaker or charts on a wall behind the speaker. When the camera is turned to record in front of the unit, the image is automatically turned around 180 degrees ("image flip"), because normally such recordings would be upside down. |
220° Tilt Range of Camera |
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Not many Visualizers can record outside of the working surface because tilting the camera and light requires high-grade mechanical components.
WolfVision's VZ-8 series Visualizers feature a very sophisticated camera/light hinge which provides a large shooting area outside of the working surface.
The total tilt range of the camera is 220 degrees.
The camera can be tilted 100° towards the audience and 120° towards the speaker. |
Unique Folding System / Set up in Seconds |
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The
Visualizer can be set up in seconds. A gentle tug lifts the arm and light
into the working position. The user then needs only to turn the camera head to the desired viewing angle.
Just as easily, it folds back into its compact size with just one pull
on the center ring, to be neatly stored during or after a presentation.
The units fit perfectly in a drawer. The height when folded is only 122mm / 4.8" (same outside dimensions as previous units).
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100% Reflection
free Working Surface / Slide-through |
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Due to the
clever design of the Visualizer's housing, the whole working surface is completely reflection free.In the upper
part the working surface, where the light is normally reflected
into the camera, the surface is slightly curved, so that reflections
are not possible on any part of the working surface.
The flat design also allows moving objects around on the whole working surface without any obstacles. Even oversized documents (like the calendar seen in the picture on the left) can be moved to the back without being blocked by the device. |
Firmware
Updates through RS232 or USB |
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WolfVision's
Visualizers are the only units on the market that offer upgradeable
firmware. This
allows new features and technical improvements to be added
at no cost!
Downloading
firmware updates from the internet and uploading them onto a
Visualizer can be done in 2-3 minutes, with just 4 mouse clicks, using the latest version of WolfVision's Connectivity Software.
Firmware Updates can be made using the Serial (RS232) or USB port of the Visualizer. |
WolfVision's engineers are constantly working on new improvements and
features to keep your units up to date with the technology of tomorrow!
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USB
2.0 Port / Twain / Video Capture / AVI |
The USB port of the Visualizer can be used to transfer images from a Visualizer to a computer
and save them in JPG, TIF or BMP format. This way, Visualizers can be used as scanners for 3-dimensional objects.
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WolfVision's
USB Software (Connectivity Software) works under Windows 2000, XP and Vista
and is fully Twain compatible. This is important when using Visualizers in connection with popular graphic programs such as Photoshop, or for connecting them to Interactive Whiteboards (Smart Boards). A USB Software for Apple Macintosh is also available. Click here for a detailed description of the WolfVision Connectivity Software
WolfVision Visualizers are equipped with a fast USB 2.0 port. This allows for uploading
images onto a PC in a fraction of a second. It can also output live motion. The WolfVision Connectivity Software can store AVI-files and includes a video capture driver. You can view and save the live image from the Visualizer on your computer in almost every modern video editing software. |
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Slides
can be picked up in exceptional quality without an external bottom
light by just putting them into the slide drawer on the camera head
of the VZ-8plus3. |
"Image
Turn" Mode for Higher Resolution ** |
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Picking up a complete vertical (portrait) letter or A4 sized page has always been a critical issue for a Visualizer because the image has always been picked up in a horizontal (landscape) format. As a result, only 50% of the camera pixels could be used to pick up the vertical (portrait) document.WolfVision's
unique "Image Turn" mode solves this problem.
The user places the document on the working surface horizontally
and zooms in on it completely. In doing so, approximately 90%
of the camera's effective pixels are used to pick up the document.
WolfVision's state-of-the-art electronics turn the image to a 90 degree angle and output it in a vertical format with 40% higher resolution. The margins left and right are blacked out.
In this mode, the resolution of a complete vertical (portrait) document is much better. Even 8-point characters are now readable. Another advantage
of the image turn mode is that very long vertical pages (like US legal format) can be picked up completely. |
24x
Zoom (12x Optical and 2x Digital) |
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A large optical zoom range is one of the most important features of a Visualizer.
It is absolutely necessary that objects in every size can
be picked up in full resolution.WolfVision's optical 12 times zoom offers the possibility to pick up
objects as large as an open book (370 x 276mm / 14.6"
x 10.9") and as small as a stamp (33 x 25mm / 1.3"
x 1") in full size to fill the screen.For enlarging
even smaller objects down to 17 x 13mm (0.7" x 0.5")
the Visualizers also offer a 2x digital zoom. This enables users to enlarge objects such as a very small coin.
Due to the large range optical zoom, it is not necessary to use much
of the digital zoom, so in most cases, you can work with full resolution. |
Split image of
9 picture memory |
The VZ-8plus3 can store 9 images and
recall them by just pressing one of the numerical keys on the
infrared remote control.
By pressing
the "All" key, a split image with all 9 pictures
of the memory can be displayed, enabling easy selection. The
9 pictures in the memory can also be downloaded to a PC via USB and they remain in the memory even when the power is disconnected.
The
VZ-8light3 offers a 1 image freeze function, instead of the 9 picture
memory. |
Special
Surface for Transparencies |
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All WolfVision Visualizers have a special crystalline white working
surface for perfect reproduction of transparencies. The quality
of a transparency on this surface is even better than with a bottom
light, because there is more contrast and the colors are not "washed
out".
The whole working surface has the same even color thus providing the perfect background for transparencies and other objects.
For x-rays
or oversized slides, external lightboxes are available.
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Optimized
for Video Conferencing |
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WolfVision's camera electronics produce a very strong and stable
picture, which is very important when a Visualizer is used
as a document camera for videoconferencing systems.
The even lighting, smooth auto iris and perfect focus are very important features, enabling video conferencing systems
to digitize and transfer the picture from a WolfVision Visualizer much faster than pictures from other document cameras.
Furthermore there is no blinding stray light from a WolfVision
Visualizer, which could disturb the auto iris of the room camera. |
Of
course these features are equally important for live image presentations
with a data projector and for other Visualizer applications.Due to the "Image Flip" feature the Visualizers can also be used as an additional
room camera of a videoconferencing system.
The VZ-8plus3 also provides PAL/NTSC video outputs for video conferencing systems without data input. |
Computer
Input (Internal/External Switch) |
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A computer can be connected to the RGB input (15-pin D-Sub-plug) of the Visualizer. With the Ext/Int switch, a user can
switch between the Visualizer image and computer image to be output by the Visualizer's RGB output (15-pin D-Sub-plug).
Therefore, only one RGB cable is required to be attached to the display unit (projector, monitor, video conferencing system
etc.) and no separate remote control has to be used for switching between the two image sources. |
Text
Enhancer / Negative / Negative-Blue |
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Original |
with
Text Enhancer |
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Negative |
Negative/Blue |
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WolfVision Visualizers offer many possibilities to improve the readability of
text:
With the "Text Enhancer" function, the outstanding contrast of the picture is improved even more with colors only slightly darker than before. Dark text on a bright background can sometimes be easier to read if the Visualizer is switched to "Negative" or "Negative/Blue".
For special applications (like analyzing x-rays), the image can also be switched to Black and White. |
Infrared
Remote Control ** |
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The VZ-8plus3 is supplied with a remote control. In addition to the
features described above, the remote control also offers:
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Manual focus
- Auto focus on/off
- Manual iris
- 3 user programmable presets
- Laser pointer
- Easy navigation for on-screen menu and on-screen help
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There are 3 different possibilities to control the Visualizers from
external devices, such as a room control system, a video conferencing system or a computer:
- Serial
RS232
- USB
- Infrared (VZ-8plus3 only) |
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The Visualizer has two anti-theft devices.
On the bottom of the working plate is a thread for attaching the unit to a table with the supplied Table Lock Bolt. T-Lock (Kensington® Lock) devices can also be used. The connection can be found on the bottom of the arm. |
WolfVision offers 3 years warranty on all Visualizers and Cameras!
Technical Data
Support Documents / Downloads
Brochures in PDF format
Features
marked with ** are only available on VZ-8plus3 (not on VZ-8light3).
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