Insta360 Connect: video bar with two 4K cameras
Actioncam manufacturer Insta360 has unveiled a video bar with two 4K cameras and 14 microphones for conference rooms. AI selects the image section.
The elongated Insta360 Connect fits underneath monitors or screens and captures the action via a wide-angle and a telephoto camera.
(Image: Insta360)
Insta360 is best known for its action cameras: The Insta360 X4 films in 360 degrees – The image section is selected later in the app or on the PC and is assisted by artificial intelligence. The Insta360 Connect video bar for conference rooms works in a similar way.
The elongated device fits underneath a monitor or projection screen – either standing up or mounted on the wall. It is just under 70 centimeters wide and weighs just under 2.3 kilograms. It is connected to the network via Gigabit Ethernet or WLAN. It can also connect via Bluetooth 5.1 and comes with an HDMI input and two outputs as well as USB-C 3.0 ports.
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Cameras and microphones
Two 4K cameras record a total field of view of 110 degrees horizontally. They contain 1/1.33-inch image sensors, which usually have a diagonal of around 13 millimetres (10 x 7.5 mm). According to the manufacturer, the CMOS sensors have a resolution of 48 megapixels.
One of the two cameras captures the entire room with a wide-angle lens, while the other is mounted on a gimbal with a telephoto lens and records individual conference participants. The video bar outputs 4K video at 30 frames per second and compresses the signal using either H.264 or H.265.
The device also contains a loudspeaker and an array of 14 microphones. The audio algorithm is designed to eliminate background noise, reverberation and echoes so that spoken language can still be transmitted clearly from up to ten meters away.
(Image:Â Insta360)
Image selection with AI
Software is designed to bring the person speaking into the picture. There are various operating modes for this. According to Insta 360, in "Group Framing" mode, the AI image selection adjusts the group picture so that all participants can be seen.
In "8K Gallery Mode", the device displays up to eight windows simultaneously. A tracking algorithm localizes the person speaking via facial recognition and the direction from which the sound is coming and selects a suitable image section. This should work for all people at the same time.
The "Whiteboard Mode" automatically recognizes a whiteboard, cuts out the image area and prepares it digitally. It should remain visible even if someone temporarily blocks the view.
Prices and availability
The Connect can be ordered immediately from Insta360 for 2399 euros. A stand, two HDMI cables, a USB-C cable and a power cable are included in the scope of delivery.
(akr)
