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AiRScouter: a viewfinder away from the camera

AiRScouter at NAB 2016

If you ask any camera operator, they will tell you they would rather not have to get into some positions to get their shots. Well, that’s where the AiRScouter comes in. With it you can always see what you’re shooting, even if you’re not looking through the camera’s viewfinder.

It looks a bit like science-fiction, but after all, much of what is on the show these days at NAB seems to come from the realms of fiction, so why not inspect what the AiRScouter offers?

The AiRScouter product is not something designed hastily. Brother has been exploring the possibilities for some time, and since 2011 that there is information about a product . showing how it has evolved to reach its actual stage. The AiRScouter WD-200B is presented as the ideal solution to display the information you need right in your field of view. The advanced head-mounted display (HMD) helps you work more efficiently by bringing your viewfinder to you. The high-quality color LCD panel and original optical design provides a bright, crisp 720p image (1280×720 pixels). The focus dial allows you to adjust the image distance from 30cm to 5m, which reduces eye strain.

The AiRScouter WD-200B supports HDMI connection. You can easily integrate the head-mounted display in to your system without significant changes. You can easily connect it to a wide variety of devices such as PCs, tablets, and smart phones. You can share your view with a remote expert if you use the HMD with a third-party attachable USB camera (not included) and a mobile network device.

It’s interesting to see images from earlier versions of the product and confirm the evolution that brought us to the actual model. Thanks to a newly designed headband, the AirScouter head-mount display attaches to your head securely. Brother’s flexible arm allows you to adjust the display position to fit your desired viewing position. You can wear it the same way with or without glasses.

The AiRScouter can be used in multiple areas, so it is not just a viable viewfinder for camera operators. Brother points on their webpage multiple areas where the system may be used, and amongst them shows two related to video: the actual act of filming and  flying drones. With AiRScouter, for example, you can see the drone and its point of view, with the use of a drone camera, at the same time.

There are two situations where the AiRScouter seems able to offer a welcome solution: when a camera operator has to lay on the ground to get a low-angle shot, and when the camera is held up over the head, to shoot over a crowd., Rotating LCDs present in some camera models may help, but under intense sunlight it is, sometimes, difficult to use them. So, the AiRScouter WD-200B may have a place to shine.

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