From: Security Sales & Integration

Jun 19, 2008, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. -- Pixim Inc., a provider of image sensors and processors for enterprise security cameras, has solved a persistent technical issue affecting the accuracy and usability of CCD video security cameras.

Pixim-powered cameras using v3.2 firmware with Enhanced Flicker Reduction (EFR) mode are able to overcome video sampling issues that can diminish camera performance, including fluorescent light flicker, fluorescent color roll and frequency-modulated LED “blackout.” The issues are a result of differences between the video field capture frequency and local AC power frequencies.

As the use of incandescent lighting continues to be eliminated due to energy efficiency concerns, fluorescent and LED light sources will become increasingly widespread, and so will the video capture issues associated with them, says Mark Kirstein, president of Multimedia Intelligence, a market research firm.

“These video sampling issues range from an annoyance to a serious security hindrance,” says John Monti, vice president of marketing and business development, Pixim. “Pixim has devised the first solution that overcomes these industry-wide issues among CCD video cameras while also retaining wide dynamic range capabilities, meaning true natural color and accurate image capture under variable lighting conditions.”

The first Pixim-powered cameras with EFR are expected to reach the market in the third quarter of 2008. The EFR capability will be a standard feature with all future versions of Pixim’s Orca firmware.