Mixed format media transmission systems and methods
Systems and methods for operating cameras are described. An image signal received from an image sensor can be processed as a plurality of video signals representative of the image signal. An encoder may combine baseband and digital video signals in an output signal for transmission over a cable. The video signals may include substantially isochronous baseband and digital video signals. The baseband video signal can comprise a standard definition analog video signal and the digital video signal may be frequency modulated before combining with the baseband video signal and/or transmitting wirelessly. The digital video signal may be a compressed high definition digital video signal. A decoder demodulates an upstream signal to obtain a control signal for controlling the position and orientation of the camera and content of the baseband and digital video signals.
1. A system, comprising:
a first modem configured to receive one or more video signals derived from an imaging device, the first modem being further configured to transmit an analog video signal in the baseband of a coax cable and to transmit a modulated digital video signal in the coax cable within a band of frequencies that are separated from the baseband of the coax cable, wherein the analog video signal and the modulated digital video signal are representative of video images produced by the imaging device; and
a second modem configured to receive the modulated digital video signal from the coax cable and that demodulates the modulated digital video signal to obtain a high-definition video signal, wherein the high-definition video signal is transmitted by the second modem to one or more of a digital video recorder, a video server and a digital display.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a filter that separates the analog video signal from the modulated digital video signal, wherein the analog video signal is provided to a standard definition monitor.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first modem modulates a compressed video signal derived from the imaging device to obtain the modulated digital video signal.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein, at least one of the one or more video signals derived from the imaging device is compressed by the first modem.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second modem modulates an upstream control signal and transmits the modulated control signal in a channel of the coax cable, wherein the modulated control signal is received and demodulated by the first modem, and wherein the upstream control signal controls content of one or more of the analog video signal and the modulated digital video signal.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the upstream control signal determines a portion of a video image captured by the imaging device carried by one or more of the analog video signal and the modulated digital video signal.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the modulated digital video signal carries a panoramic view of an area, and wherein the analog video signal carries a portion of the panoramic view.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the upstream control signal determines the portion of the panoramic view carried by the analog video signal by controlling one or more of a zoom and a pan.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the modulated digital video signal carries a fish-eye field of view of a location monitored by a camera, and wherein the analog video signal carries a portion of the fish-eye field of view.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the upstream control signal causes the portion of the fish-eye field of view to move virtually.
11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the upstream control signal causes the fish-eye field of view to change by initiating physical movement of the camera.
12. An apparatus comprising:
a modem configured to couple the apparatus to a coax cable; and
a processing system coupled to the modem and configured to:
receive one or more video signals derived from an imaging device;
cause the modem to transmit an analog video signal in the baseband of the coax cable; and
cause the modem to transmit a modulated digital video signal in the coax cable within a band of frequencies that are separated from the baseband of the coax cable,
wherein the analog video signal and the modulated digital video signal are transmitted concurrently and are representative of video images produced by the imaging device, and
wherein the modulated digital video signal is transmitted to one or more of a digital video recorder, a video server and a digital display.
13. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, having processor instructions stored thereon, and comprising instructions for:
receiving one or more video signals derived from an imaging device;
transmitting an analog video signal in the baseband of a coax cable; and
transmitting a modulated digital video signal in the coax cable within a band of frequencies that are separated from the baseband of the coax cable,
wherein the analog video signal and the modulated digital video signal are transmitted concurrently and are representative of video images produced by the imaging device, and
wherein the modulated digital video signal is transmitted to one or more of a digital video recorder, a video server and a digital display.
14. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a first modem, one or more video signals derived from an imaging device;
modulating at least one of the one or more video signals to obtain a modulated digital signal representative of a video image produced by the imaging device;
transmitting an analog video signal representative of the video image in the baseband of a coax cable; and
transmitting, concurrently with the transmitting of the analog video signal, the modulated digital signal in a band of frequencies separated from the baseband of the coax cable.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the analog video signal and the modulated digital signal are isochronous.
16. The method of claim 14 , further comprising compressing a digital signal received from the imaging device to obtain a compressed digital signal, wherein the modulating the at least one of the one or more video signals comprises modulating the compressed digital signal.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising formatting the digital signal received from the imaging device to obtain one or more high-definition digital video signals, at least one high-definition digital video signal conforming to broadcast standards.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising deriving the analog video signal from the one or more high-definition digital video signals.
19. The method of claim 16 , further comprising deriving the analog video signal from the digital signal received from the imaging device.
20. The method of claim 16 , wherein the digital signal and the compressed digital signal have different frame rates.