Willy92 0 Posted March 21, 2012 We are trying to set up cameras to view LED digital signs. The video is always scrambled. It appears that the sign's refresh rate is much slower than any of the cameras we try, so we get flashes with the image, and then distrored noise. The cameras all work fine on the parts of the image that is not the led sign. Its like trying to use a camcorder to record a TV screen. The question is - are there any cameras anyone knows of that we can adjust the speed of the capture? Using a good quality digital SLR to photograph the signs we need to go to about 1/10th second shutter speed to get a 'full' screen. Changing the FPS on the DVR will not help, as its the camera itself that is capturing too fast. Any help would be appreciated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted March 21, 2012 You just need a camera that will let you adjust the shutter speed. There are lots out there - are you looking for analog or IP? What sort of price range? Does it need to be a box cam to use a bigger lens? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy92 0 Posted March 21, 2012 Thanks for the super fast reply. We are currently using rather cheap IR bullet cams, like what KGuard sells in their kits. The cam needs to be waterproof, IR should not be a necessity as its pointing at a LED sign thats on, and reasonably wide angle lens. The current lenses are just standard what comes with them and they are fine. Due to number we will eventually need - the cheaper the better, rather replace the odd camera than up the cost. The use is mostly to confirm sign is up and no missing modules etc, so hi quality is not the important factor here, just an image that you can see. Not and IP cam, current are bnc composite video out. Any suggestions? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted March 21, 2012 Hmm, I'll have to think about it for a bit to come up with a low-cost analog cam that does it. First ones that come to mind are the Panasonic SuperDynamic line, but those are pretty spendy. If you can find some used National NLC-5700s, those do it, but they're box cams and would require a lens and probably enclosure as well. I know several meagpixel IP cams that will do it, but that's not suitable in this case. Trying to remember if the CNB Monalisa domes have user-selectable shutter speeds besides "flicker" control (1/60s lock). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted March 21, 2012 Hmmm, looks like the VCM-24VF at least, only supports manual shutter as low as 1/60s: http://www.cnbusa.com/en/html/product/product.php?inc=spe&seqx_prod=1073#p_v1 You could also look into cameras that have DSS (Digital Slow Shutter), normally used as a trick for low-light performance (looks great until something moves, then you just get a blur). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ak357 0 Posted March 21, 2012 We are trying to set up cameras to view LED digital signs. The video is always scrambled. It appears that the sign's refresh rate is much slower than any of the cameras we try, so we get flashes with the image, and then distrored noise. The cameras all work fine on the parts of the image that is not the led sign. Its like trying to use a camcorder to record a TV screen. The question is - are there any cameras anyone knows of that we can adjust the speed of the capture? Using a good quality digital SLR to photograph the signs we need to go to about 1/10th second shutter speed to get a 'full' screen. Changing the FPS on the DVR will not help, as its the camera itself that is capturing too fast. Any help would be appreciated! Are you viewing signage remotely or just local view ? and if remotely how do u get network connection ? 3G, wifi, hardwired ? I was involve in similar project that why I am asking Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy92 0 Posted March 21, 2012 Each sign has a static ip hardwired to allow our update software to upload the spots, also used to allow the software we designed to control brightness etc to be controlled remotely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy92 0 Posted March 24, 2012 New Information The sign manufacturer now says we need 60 fps progressive scan in order to see the sign properly. Can anyone advise if progressive scan is necessary, or will shutter speed control all us to capture 1 field properly, and are cctv bullet cams even available in progressive scan?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ak357 0 Posted March 24, 2012 New Information The sign manufacturer now says we need 60 fps progressive scan in order to see the sign properly. Can anyone advise if progressive scan is necessary, or will shutter speed control all us to capture 1 field properly, and are cctv bullet cams even available in progressive scan?? Why do u need high quality capture ? in my case vendors simply want to know whether sign dead or alive just curios Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy92 0 Posted March 25, 2012 Same reason for me - but for some reason mfgr says manual shutter will not capture sign image, only progressive scan will. I can't see why and was wondering if anyone else had same issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ak357 0 Posted March 25, 2012 Same reason for me - but for some reason mfgr says manual shutter will not capture sign image, only progressive scan will. I can't see why and was wondering if anyone else had same issue. Sent me PM with your ph number I will call you Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites