Astroscope reports big demand for 9323B Broadcast Night Vision Module Brian Coleman
Night vision. The military use it. So do the majority of the world’s news broadcasters including CNN, NBC, ABC America, CBS, and FOX News—and they all utilise AstroScope 9323B for their night time imaging.
Once exclusive militaria the technology is now licensed by the U.S. Commerce Department for importation to Australia by Military & Law Enforcement Technologies.
The night vision technology is sought after by ENG (Electronic News Gathering) and wildlife producers. The AstroScope, which is available for sale or rental, comes with the following caveat: “As the AstroScope 9323B utilises state-of-the-art technology, it is unlawful and prohibited to carry or export this device out of Australia without approval from the U.S. Commerce Department, the Australian Department of Defence - International Materiel Branch Export & International Programs and Military & Law Enforcement Technologies.”
The AstroScope 9323B Broadcast Night Vision Module delivers high quality night time video images available to professional broadcasters. The Night Vision Module is designed specifically for 2/3” B4 ENG cameras and is intended for, but not limited to, news broadcasters and producers of natural history documentaries.
Mounted between the camera and the lens, the module amplifies low-light scenes so they are easily viewed and recorded by the host camera. The AstroScope is easy to operate and requires no set-up, calibration or training. Additionally, the AstroScope provides a seamless integration between the host camera and lens.
The Module maintains full electronic control of the lens iris and zoom, drawing minimal power from the camera’s rechargeable battery via the lens cable connection, thus maintaining the use of all standard optics.
The AstroScope 9323B is manufactured in New Jersey USA by Electrophysics Corporation. The company was established in 1971, initially producing handheld Night Vision Scopes. In 1991, Electrophysics commenced manufacturing Night Vision Modules for consumer cameras (COTs) for surveillance applications with Law Enforcement agencies and for reconnaissance applications for Defence. In 1995, the company commenced manufacturing 9323B Night Vision Modules for ENG cameras.
Electrophysics now supply Night Vision Modules for the world’s Defence Forces, Law Enforcement agencies and the Broadcast industry.
The AstroScope Night Vision Module system is a unique patented design, engineered to ensure that the end-user retains all the functions of the host camera, whilst achieving spectacular night time image enhancement and the highest resolution.
The AstroScope 9323B became the benchmark for ENG night time imaging when it was initially extensively utilised during the first Gulf War in 1991, where for the first time, high resolution night time imaging was made available for broadcast cameras. Since then, the green image seen on television screens world wide from the worlds ‘hot spots’ have become synonymous with the 9323B, including the current Iraq conflict.
