Developed specifically for the World Cup, Camera Corps’ new Net-Cam is a miniature HD camera with a high-quality ultra-wide-angle lens, designed specifically to capture the entire goal-mouth from the rear corner of the net.
“Two Net-Cams have been installed at each of the ten tournament venues, capturing each goal-mouth plus the full length of the goal interior without wide angle distortion or aberration,” explained Camera Corps’ Sales & Project Coordinator, Tim Reynolds. “As well as providing television viewers with high-quality close-up views of goal-mouth skirmishes, Net-Cam assists with any goal line disputes. Each Net-Cam incorporates an ultra-compact remote-controlled pan, tilt and roll head which allows the viewing angle to be adjusted in the event of direct collision from a football. The head is controlled by an operator via the Camera Corps CCU panel, eliminating the need for anyone to wait at the pitch-side to adjust the camera by hand.”
Integral to Net-Cam is a 1/3 inch progressive-scan CMOS 2.1 megapixel sensor delivering 1080 and 720p video at 50 or 60 Hz. Operating from 12 V DC, the camera can be operated at illumination levels down to 8 lux across a temperature range of 0 to 40 Celsius at up to 90 per cent humidity. Control facilities include automatic and manual white balance, automatic and manual electronic shutter, HD-SDI video output and on-screen setup menu. Net-Cam’s lens captures a 125 degree horizontal field of view.
As well as the two Net-Cams, Camera Corps has provided ten Com-Cam systems, two robotic box cameras, one robotic tactical camera, and one robotic venue-wide camera at every one of the ten venues.
The 2010 South African tournament is supported by a Camera Corps crew of 29 technicians and engineers, plus spare and support equipment.
