Ocean Telepresence Network

First Ever Underwater High-Definition PTZ-IP Camera

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:11:25 +0000

January 6, 2010, Ocean Presence Technologies (OPT), Santa Cruz, California announces that the first in a new family of high-definition (HD) cameras are now being delivered. The OceanCam® OPT-10HD, can be controlled and viewed over the Internet. The pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras transmit H.264 compressed 720p video with audio and can be configured to stream live video to thousands of viewers simultaneously.

Building on the proven reliability of our standard definition (SD) underwater cameras, the OPT-10 has several advanced features. The Internet-ready HD camera supports H.264, MPEG-4, and JPEG compression and delivers excellent 16:9 picture quality at 30 fps. The imaging system uses a HD-CMOS with approximately 2 million effective pixels and a 10x optical zoom.

The HD-PTZ can cover a wide monitoring area with great efficiency. It features a high-speed 360° endless pan capability that can make a complete revolution in under one second. With a total tilt range of 210°, this camera is perfectly matched with the hyper-hemisphere dome employed by the OPT-10 housing enabling downward viewing. All cameras have a standard depth rating of 180 feet with special models that can reach 600 feet or more.

Cameras are connected using hPoE (High-Power-over-Ethernet, IEEE802.3at compliant) or fiber-optic marine-rated cables. Solar-powered wireless networks enable remote deployments with up to a ten-mile range. Floating battery packs and wave generator power systems are also available.

The high-definition camera features visibility-enhancing technologies developed to improve performance in challenging lighting conditions. These include high-contrast situations with harsh backlit and fast-moving images in low light.

For more information on our HD-PTZ-IP cameras please visit www.oceanpresence.com or email: Robert.Aston@oceanpresence.com.

Ocean Presence Technologies
OPT designs and manufactures a full product line of high and standard definition underwater IP video equipment. Products include: cameras, underwater lighting, remote power systems, data recorders and wireless network components. Originally designed for research with manta rays, the OceanCam is now being employed in research, education, security and other commercial oceanographic applications. Its products are sold through international distributors and through direct sales staff at the Santa Cruz, California facility.

Goliath Grouper Camera is Live

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:45:02 +0000

Kent Denver School Goliath Grouper Research Project

The Goliath Grouper OceanCam is back online after the Florida Department of Transportation finished their bridge maintenance project.

[View Goliath Grouper Video]

One of OPT’s OceanCam is positioned facing northwest, about 12 feet apart, between the northbound and southbound lanes of the Bahia Honda Bridge. The best times for viewing are at slack high tide or anytime on the flood tide. The above-water cameras are in two positions, one viewing the equipment and one in the electronics enclosure. The enclosure camera allows us to monitor solar, wind and battery operations.

The Goliath Grouper Project was teens4oceans first “Whale Project”, a venture chartered by Kent Denver School in Denver, Colorado. Headed up by science teacher Trevor Mendelow and a group of ninth grade students, the project aimed to install live video cameras in the Florida Keys with underwater listening devices and lights. Schools will have the opportunity to view the two cameras live on the web, and can join the Kent Denver community in their research efforts. Schools that join the project can be given control of the cameras, on a limited basis, and can access archive high resolution footage for study purposes.

When using Flip4Mac (Quicktime plug-in), if you would like to have better capability for enlargement of the window, control-click on the window and select options. You can select for streaming video to open automatically, and select for the Quicktime application.

For more information about the Kent Denver School Goliath Grouper Research and the teens4oceans Project visit: teens4oceans.org

World Oceans Day 2009

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:35:31 +0000

The Manta Network applauds the United Nations for their efforts! Become part of our mission to save the manta rays before they disappear. Visit http://www.mantas.org

June 8, 2009

   The United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janerio in 1992.

    The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

    The theme of the inaugural observance of the World Oceans Day by the United Nations in 2009 is “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility”. The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, in cooperation with the Department of Public Information, is organizing a number of events and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 8 June 2009.

Press Release

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MESSAGE ON WORLD OCEANS DAY

8 June 2009

The first observance of World Oceans Day allows us to highlight the many ways in which oceans contribute to society. It is also an opportunity to recognize the considerable challenges we face in maintaining their capacity to regulate the global climate, supply essential ecosystem services and provide sustainable livelihoods and safe recreation.

Indeed, human activities are taking a terrible toll on the world’s oceans and seas. Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals, and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from land-based sources. Increased sea temperatures, sea-level rise and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose a further threat to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies.

Oceans are also affected by criminal activity. Piracy and armed robbery against ships threaten the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping, which transports 90 per cent of the world’s goods. Smuggling of illegal drugs and the trafficking of persons by sea are further examples of how criminal activities threaten lives and the peace and security of the oceans.

Several international instruments drawn up under the auspices of the United Nations address these numerous challenges. At their centre lies the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It provides the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and is the basis for international cooperation at all levels. In addition to aiming at universal participation, the world must do more to implement this Convention and to uphold the rule of law on the seas and oceans.

The theme of World Oceans Day, “Our oceans, our responsibility”, emphasizes our individual and collective duty to protect the marine environment and carefully manage its resources. Safe, healthy and productive seas and oceans are integral to human well-being, economic security and sustainable development.

via World Oceans Day.

New Underwater Video From Florida

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:37:04 +0000

The Goliath Grouper cameras have now been working for more than three months and continue to capture the daily interest of hundreds of people, students and educators.

[View Goliath Grouper Video]

Now you too can be an underwater videographer!
Collect hours of underwater video without leaving your computer. Create your own underwater action video and post it on YouTube.

See the Bahia Honda Underwater Webcams post below to view the live cameras. The dropdown-arrow in the lower right corner of the video will allow you to save the video for future editing. Please let us know of your efforts by posting a comment here and have fun!

Don’t forget to give credit to the teachers and students at Kent Denver School and the Teens 4 Oceans Program

Please mention the efforts of Ocean Presence Technologies and link to this blog. A trackback or RSS link would also be appreciated Blog RSS Comments RSS

Like to know how you can sponsor a Live OceanCam?

Bahia Honda Underwater Webcams

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:53:08 +0000

Kent Denver School Goliath Grouper Research Project

The two OceanCams are positioned facing northwest, about 12 feet apart, between the nothbound and southbound lanes of the Bahia Honda Bridge. The best times for viewing are at slack high tide or anytime on the flood tide. The above-water cameras are in two positions, one viewing the equipment and one in the electronics enclosure. The enclosure camera allows us to monitor solar, wind and battery operations.

The Goliath Grouper Project was teens4oceans first “Whale Project”, a venture chartered by Kent Denver School in Denver, Colorado. Headed up by science teacher Trevor Mendelow and a group of ninth grade students, the project aimed to install live video cameras in the Florida Keys with underwater listening devices and lights. Schools will have the opportunity to view the two cameras live on the web, and can join the Kent Denver community and assocatied scientific advisors in their research efforts in the coming years. Schools that join the project can be given control of the cameras, on a limited basis, and can access archive high resolution footage for study purposes. More information about the Goliath Grouper will be posted in the “current projects” section of their site.

When using Flip4Mac (quicktime plug-in), if you would like to have better capability for enlargement of the window, control-click on the window and select options. You can select for streaming video to open automatically, and select for the Quicktime application.

For more information about the Kent Denver School Goliath Grouper Research and the teens4oceans Project visit: teens4oceans.org

Nat. Geo.’s WildCam Belize Barrier Reef Highlights

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:26:24 +0000

Visit NGS’s Live WildCam Belize

WildCam Belize Image Gallery

[PSGallery=1qtc6d69dc]

Also see behind the scenes of this exciting technology. Tell us what you think below.

Welcome to Ocean Presence Technologies

admin — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:02:44 +0000

OPT designs and manufactures a full line of advanced underwater IP video products including cameras, lighting, data recorders and wireless network components. Originally designed for research with manta rays, the OceanCam is now being employed in research, education, security and other commercial oceanographic applications.

Our PTZ (pan-tilt and zoom) video camera systems are now deployed in almost every ocean and are finding home in major aquariums and marine research facilities worldwide. Join us as we feature new live underwater cameras as they are being deployed in many of the world’s most exciting locations.

Underwater Video Camera Model OPT-06