12V DC - The power source required to operate Race Optics Helmet Cameras. The average car and motorcycle run off of 12v batteries.

AV Input - Audio Video Input. An AV input port is a jack on a video recorder that will take in a signal and write that signal to the recording medium. The Race Optics Stage One Camera System does just that, it sends the signal to a camcorder or DVR and has it record the audio and video onto whatever medium the recorder uses. Click here for a list of cameras that have AV input ports.

Batteries - The Race Optics Central Hub uses a 12v internal Li-On battery pack to operate the helmet camera and the microphone.

CCD - A charge-coupled device (CCD) is an image sensor, consisting of an integrated circuit containing an array of linked, or coupled, light-sensitive capacitors. A CCD converts light into electrical current. It is the digital camera equivalent of film. All Race Optics Helmet Camera Kits are custom built using Sony CCD chips.

CMOS - Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor: one of the two main types of image sensors used in digital cameras. Its basic function is the same as that of a CCD. CMOS sensors are currently found in only a handful of digital cameras because of their lack of image quality.

CCD vs. CMOS - CCDs have provided the performance benchmarks in photographic applications that demand the highest image quality at the expense of system size. CMOS chips offer less battery draw, and the possibility of smaller system size, but they have often have much lower image quality.

DVR - Digital Video Recorder. A small device that can record video and audio onto solid state flash memory. Race Optics offers three different digital video recorders. The RO-800SD, RO-800HD/SD, and the RO-900.

FPS - Frames per Second. This term is used to describe the speed at which video records and plays back. A high FPS rating is essential when filming sports or other high speed activities. The more frames per second, the smoother the footage will appear. The Race Optics Digital Video Recorders are among the only portable recorders that can record at above 30 frames per second.

Inline Microphone - A microphone that is inline or attached to the base of the helmet camera cable. This reduces setup time by only requiring one plug and places the mic in a place where sound quality is best.

LANC - A remote control unit designed by SONY. It is used as a recording start and stop button. This is a feature only found on certain models of Sony and Canon cameras.

LCD -Liquid Crystal Display. A low-power monitor often used on digital imaging devices.

LUX Rating - Lux is the measurement of light intensity, which is used in photography for the comparison of helmet camera sensitivities. The lower the LUX rating, the better the helmet camera will pick up images in dark situations. If you plan on filming at night, a helmet camera with a low LUX rating is very important.

MAh - Milliamp Per Hour: A rating used in the consumption of power of an electronic device. Also used in reference to the storage capability of a device like an Li-On, NiMH, or NiCad rechargeable battery. The life of a battery pack can be found by taking the Mah of the battery and dividing the draw of the devices. For example, the Race Optics Central Hub has a 2200 Mah battery pack, the inline helmet camera and microphone draw 120 Mah, thus 2200/120 = 18.3+/- hours of operation.

Mini DV - Mini Digital Video. Mini DV is a video cassette designed for use in MiniDV digital camcorders. Mini DV can digitally record up to 530 horizontal lines of video resolution.

MPEG4 - Moving Picture Experts Group 4. MPEG4 is the most recent version of a standard for the digital representation of video, audio and certain types of 3D information. All of the Race Optics Digital video recorders record in MPEG4 format.

NTSC - National Television System Committee. The NTSC is responsible for setting television and video standards in the United States. When ordering a helmet camera system, be sure to define NTSC if you are located in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. The following link shows a map of the different broadcast standards and which countries use them:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NTSC-PAL-SECAM.png

PAL - Phase Alternation Line (PAL) is the analog television display standard that is used in Europe and certain other parts of the world. When ordering a helmet camera system, be sure to define PAL if you are located in a country using the PAL standard. The following link shows a map of the different broadcast standards and which countries use them:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NTSC-PAL-SECAM.png

Quad Processor - A circuit board that takes up to 4 video inputs and places them onto one single video image. The Race Optics Quad Processor can view any single image, picture in picture, double picture in picture, and quad view. This allows the helmet camera operator to have up to 4 different camera views with only one recorder.

Resolution - The number of horizontal and vertical lines (or pixels) that can be counted from one side of an image to the other. While the vertical resolution of all analog video sources is the same (480 lines), the horizontal resolution varies according to the video source. What does this mean? You want to look for a helmet camera that has the highest horizontal resolution. As soon as vertical resolution goes beyond 480, it no longer improves the image. However, improving the image via Horizontal resolution is limitless! Many of our competitors advertise the lines of their helmet cameras according to the vertical resolution when in fact this means nothing in terms of a better image. Always look for horizontal line resolution! For more information on this topic, there is a very in depth and understandable tutorial at the following link:

http://lyberty.com/encyc/articles/tech/vid_horizontal_resolution.html

SD Card - Secure Digital Card. A small flash memory card that is used in many of todays portable electronics. SD Cards are used by the Race Optics RO-500 and RO-800 Digital Video Recorders.

S Video - A circular video plug that delivers exceptionally sharp picture and excellent color definition. S video plugs are used on all of the Race Optics Helmet Cameras.

Race Optics Camera Mounts

Race Mount - The Race Optics Helmet Camera Mount is machined out of high grade steel and powder coated for durability. It fits the Race Optics Helmet Camera with a tapered fit in order to hold the camera securely with a single strap of Velcro. The Race Optics Helmet Camera Mount can be Velcro, drilled, or zip tied to any surface! This is our most versatile helmet camera mount that can be used on every application.

Roll Cage Mount - The Race Optics Roll Cage Mount mounts onto any pipe from 1/4" to 2.5" in diameter. The Mount attaches to the Helmet Camera and gives you fully adjustable 360 degrees of view. Great for Race Car Roll Cages, motorcycle fork camera mounts and any other pipe mounted application! A must have for any in car camera system. Fits standard roll cage piping. Call for larger or smaller pipe mounting needs.

Suction Cup Mount - Our most popular mount! The Race Optics Suction Cup Mount easily attaches to your helmet camera and gives you a fully adjustable 360 degree view. The suction cup mount has been tested secure up to 5 lbs! The full suction cup mount with helmet camera attached weigh in at just under 7 ounces! A very secure and easily adjustable mount that is great for use on all applications. Works great on door panels, trunk and hood lids, motorcycle fairings, motorcycle gas tanks and much more! A must for every motorcycle camera system as well as every in car camera system!