Following the launch of four HD cameras in 2009, the new camera completes Sony's HD camera offering. Customers can now choose from a full line up of HD cameras including fixed, minidome and PTZ cameras suitable for both indoor and outdoor recording conditions. Through this launch Sony is demonstrating its commitment to HD as a format, but also its understanding of market conditions.

As Simon Nash, Head of Video Security, Sony Professional, Europe explains; "There is undoubtedly increasing market demand for HD products for the security industry but until now there has not been the breadth of products to provide the motivation and means to move from analogue to IP. By offering customers a complete range of fully compatible HD cameras, we are fulfilling all recording needs but also enabling customers to make the transition to HD."

Sony's HD innovation has already had a significant impact on the industry. As Henrik Friborg Jacobsen, Vice President of Milestone Systems, a leading ISV, notes; "Sony's HD PTZ models were the first on the market and the HD quality of Sony's image sensor is a really valuable innovation for the video surveillance industry. Milestone was one of the first VMS providers to support HD cameras and it was natural for us to integrate the full line of Sony HD cameras into our XProtect platform, thereby strengthening the HD capabilities for the end user."

Despite the benefits of IP HD technology, Sony maintains its commitment to offering a true hybrid offering through the new launch. As Nash, reiterates; "IP cameras undoubtedly boast better picture quality than analogue but system investment often delays upgrades. Sony helps to overcome this issue by offering a range of hybrid products that support and aid the migration to IP." Case in point is the NSR-1000 series, a hybrid recorder that can manage both analogue and IP input, while Sony's SNT encoder range supports migration by converting analogue video signals to IP thereby adding value to existing systems such as picture enhancement technologies and intelligent video and audio analysis technologies.

To this end, a new feature in the cameras is designed to improve image quality. The SNC-CH240 is equipped with Sony's unique View-DR Wide Dynamic Range technology. Designed to allow users to see normally in extreme light conditions, View-DR helps users to see figures more clearly in backlit conditions. With the strongest recording range currently on the market, Sony's cameras are an ideal choice for quality-conscious customers in the railway, airport, education, financial and sports industries.

As Nash concludes; "HD has the potential to transform the security industry but to date this capability has not been fully tapped. With the launch of these new HD cameras we are now able to offer customers a complete HD security solution, from the initial image capture to playback, regardless of the recording scenario. When combined with our HD compatible recorders and HD display units, we have a unique advantage over our competitors who still only offer a limited range of HD technology."