A&V Delay System

DelaySystem is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade a standard time-lapse VCR to offer pre-event recording. This advanced feature, normally associated with costly digital recording systems, offers the advantage of capturing the complete event of interest rather than a second or two after the trigger.

Delaysystem operates by utilizing large banks of high-speed memory to provide a 1 to 120 second video delay with a negligible loss in quality. (custom delays are available) The system consists of a small DC powered unit that is very simple to operate, ideal for covert installations. DelaySystem also offers a number of operational benefits. For example, in battery powered remote surveillance applications, installing DelaySystem can significantly improve battery life by storing video while a VCR is completely powered-down. When a trigger is received, the VCR may be powered-up and start recording well before the delay cycle is completed.

Delaysystem can also improve the performance of low-cost motion detectors by allowing decision times to be increased, dramatically reducing the number of false triggers.

DelaySystem video delay line temporarily stores up to 2 minutes of video. It is therefore possible to use the delay line to replay an event of interest without the need to stop and rewind a video recorder. For example, a CCTV operator can double-check if an offence has taken place by switching to the delayed video, which will replay the event a few seconds later. Installation is very straightforward. Simply take the video out from the viewing monitor and feed it into the DelaySystem unit. The output of the DelaySystem video delay unit can then be viewed on a second monitor or by connecting to the monitor’s “B” input, if available.

Event Capture / Repeating Action Replay

With an external video switch and monitor, DelaySystem can be used to capture an event and constantly repeat it. With the switch in the normal “view” position the operator sees the live video. If an event of interest occurs, the operator may switch over to the delayed version, which will replay the event (of say 10 seconds duration) and then constantly repeat the event as it is fed back into the DelaySystem.

(Note: The same video is being fed into the Delay Line each time, and therefore degradation occurs over a period of time. However, the system is capable of at least 10 to 20 repeats of good quality video.)

Time-Lapse VCR Pre-Event Recording

DelaySystem can be used to upgrade a standard time-lapse VCR to pre-event recording. This is an advanced feature, which is normally associated with digital hard-disk recorders rather than traditional VCRs.

A time-lapse VCR can normally be set to record in real-time form either time-lapse or standby under the control of an external alarm input. The major problem with this approach is that it takes time for the VCR to change mode, which can result in a vital loss of footage. By introducing a delay in the video feed (and not the alarm input) of the VCR, the change of mode takes place before the event, resulting in pre-alarm recording.

Digital video and audio compression and transmission systems can introduce differing amounts of delay to video and audio signals. “Lip-Sync” requires video and audio synchronization otherwise the viewer becomes distracted by the lack of coordination between the subject’s lips and voice. If the audio is delayed more than the video, DelaySystem can be used to synchronize the two feeds.