The new patent-pending product is said to replace the existing need for fixed or PTZ cameras in a video system environment, reports David Davies. The Vaddio Video Whiteboard can be used in a variety of applications, including videoconferencing, content creation, IMAG, rich media systems, or in any system designed to incorporate a whiteboard as a video input device.
Since no dedicated PC is required, Vaddio’s Video Whiteboard is compatible with any videoconferencing, telepresence, distance education or video media distribution system. In addition to HD/SD video outputs, data can be captured and stored as a JPEG image onto any USB flash drive.
Using Vaddio’s EZCamera Cabling System with HSDS, power and USB data are run over a single Cat5 cable up to 100ft from the whiteboard to the Video Whiteboard Quick-Connect interface. The Video Whiteboard Quick-Connect outputs DVI/HDMI or analogue component HD video with supported HD resolutions of 720p and 1080i, as well as analogue composite SD video (both NTSC and PAL). The front of the Video Whiteboard Quick-Connect features a USB port for plugging in a USB flash drive and saving a JPEG image of the whiteboard if required.
Presenters’ whiteboard marker pen strokes are captured on the whiteboard service, while the digital control panel offers users the choice of three market stroke sizes, a clear-all option and a save to JPEG option. A calibration button is also available from the digital control panel for easy set-up and installation.
The Video Whiteboard includes the Video Whiteboard Quick-Connect, four markers (red, green, blue and black), four marker sleeves and one electronic eraser. Available in two sizes (4 x 6ft and 4 x 8ft), Vaddio’s Video Whiteboard is fully compatible with all existing Vaddio Automated Content Presentation Systems.
Vaddio president Rob Sheeley commented: “Shooting a camera at a whiteboard has always been an unpleasant experience at best. Whether its light reflecting from the whiteboard surface into the camera lens or the presenter blocking the whiteboard camera shot with their body, using cameras to capture whiteboard content to a video source has not been an ideal solution. While using interactive whiteboards has been a popular solution as a stand-alone learning device in a classroom, they are not really designed to be used as an HD/SD video output device in videoconferencing applications where the whiteboard content must comply with videoconferencing and bridging standards.”
Speaking to IE, Sheeley added: “The Video Whiteboard is a logical peripheral choice for an automated content presentation system. The groundbreaking concept is perfect for presentation videoconferencing, distance learning and media retrieval.”
