Sony SRG-300SE/301SE/201SE HD Color Video Camera

Basic Functions

Overview of Functions

Zoom

The SRG camera employs a 30× optical zoom lens combined with a digital zoom function, allowing zoom up to 360×. The SRG-201SE features a 20× optical zoom lens, expandable to 240× with digital zoom. Digital zoom enlarges the center of the subject, potentially reducing resolution.

• Optical Zoom: 30×, f = 4.3 mm to 129 mm (F 1.6 to F 4.7)
• SRG-201SE Optical Zoom: 20×, f = 4.3 mm to 111.8 mm (F 1.6 to F 4.5)

Zoom can be activated in the following modes, controllable via VISCA command:

• Standard Mode: Variable zoom speed with eight levels. Requires a Stop Command to cease operation.
• Direct Mode: Enables quick movement to a designated zoom position.
• Digital Zoom ON/OFF

Focus

Focus modes, all controllable via VISCA commands:

• Auto Focus Mode: Automatically adjusts focus for optimal picture quality by maximizing high-frequency content in a center measurement area, considering luminance and contrast. Minimum focus distance is 10 mm (wide end) to 1200 mm (tele end).
  • Normal AF Mode: Standard AF operations.
  • Interval AF Mode: AF movements occur at set intervals. Time intervals and stop timings are adjustable.
  • Zoom Trigger Mode: AF activates for a preset time after zoom changes, then stops.
  AF sensitivity can be set to Normal (fastest focus) or Low (improved stability).

• Manual Focus Mode: Offers Standard (fixed speed) and Variable (eight speed levels) modes.
• One Push Trigger Mode: Lens adjusts focus to the subject upon receiving a Trigger Command and holds the position.
• Infinity Mode: Forcibly sets the lens for an unlimited distance.
• Near Limit Mode: Adjustable from 1000 (∞) to F000 (1 cm). Default is D000h (30 cm).

White Balance

White Balance modes include:

• Auto White Balance: Computes white balance from the entire screen, using color temperature from a black subject (2500K to 7500K). This is the factory setting.
• ATW: Auto Tracing White balance (2000K to 10000K).
• Indoor: 3200K Base Mode.
• Outdoor: 5800K Base Mode.
• One Push WB: Forcibly captures white color under current lighting conditions to maintain natural subject colors. Achieved by shooting the subject and sending the One Push White Balance Trigger command.
• Manual WB: Manual control of R and B gain (256 steps each).

Automatic Exposure Mode

Various AE functions are available for optimal output across different lighting conditions:

• Full Auto: Iris, Gain, and Shutter Speed are set automatically.
• Gain Limit Setting: Limits gain in Full Auto, Shutter Priority, Iris Priority, Bright, and Manual modes, useful for signal-to-noise ratio.
• Shutter Priority: Variable Shutter Speed, Auto Iris and Gain (1/1 to 1/10,000 sec., with 16 high-speed and 6 low-speed options).
• Iris Priority: Variable Iris (F1.6 to Close, 14 steps), Auto Gain and Shutter speed.
• Manual: Variable Shutter, Iris, and Gain.
• Bright: Variable Iris and Gain (Close to F1.6, 14 steps; F1.6 at 15 steps).

AE - Shutter priority: Shutter speed is user-adjustable across 22 steps (16 high, 6 low). Slow shutter adjusts according to subject brightness. High-speed mode allows up to 1/10,000s.

Wide Dynamic Range Mode (WD)

This mode corrects shadows and highlights by dividing the image into blocks, enabling recognition of details in scenes with large intensity differences or backlighting. It combines long-exposure and short-exposure signals. WD modes include OFF, LOW, MID, and HIGH (0-3).

• Notes: WD can be set only when MODE is FULL AUTO. When WD is not OFF, MODE is fixed to FULL AUTO. Changes in luminance may cause momentary screen stops. False colors might appear in some images.

Exposure Compensation

Offsets the internal reference brightness level in AE mode by 1.5 dB steps. Reference brightness is 0.

High Resolution Mode

Enhances edges for higher definition images.

Aperture Control

Adjusts edge enhancement of objects, with 16 levels of adjustment. Useful for sharpening text.

Back Light Compensation

Clarifies subjects that are too dark due to bright backgrounds or AE mode settings.

Noise Reduction

The NR function reduces noise for clearer images, with six steps (1-5 plus off). The effect is applied based on gain.

High Sensitivity Mode

Increases gain up to 4x standard gain, but may introduce high volume noise.

Low-Illumination Chroma Suppress Mode

Reduces color noise in low-light conditions, with four levels available.

Gamma Mode

Gamma can be set to ON/OFF (0: Standard, 1: OFF).

Image Stabilizer

Stabilizes images against vibration frequencies around 10 Hz, using digital zoom. May affect angle of view and resolution. Not effective during pan/tilt operations or in high-frequency vibration environments.

Auto Slow Shutter On/Off

Automatically activates slow shutter in low light when AE is in Full Auto mode. Default is Off.

ICR (IR Cut-Removable) Mode

Disengages the IR Cut-Filter to increase infrared sensitivity for darker areas. Auto ICR ON turns the image black and white.

Color Gain

Adjusts color gain, with a range from 60% (0h) to 200% (Eh) in 15 stages.

Color Phase

Adjusts color phase (green, yellow, red, magenta, blue, cyan) individually, from -14 degrees (0h) to +14 degrees (Eh) in 15 increments.

Auto ICR Mode

Automatically switches the IR Cut Filter based on darkness/brightness levels. Operates with AE Full Auto.

Camera ID

Can be set from 0000 to FFFF and is memorized in nonvolatile memory.

Picture Effect

Includes Neg. Art (Negative/Positive Reversal) and Black & White (Monochrome Image).

Others

• I/F Clear: Clears the camera's Command buffer.
• Address Set: Assigns addresses (1-7) to cameras in a daisy chain for RS-422 control.
• Memory (Preset): Stores and recalls 16 sets of camera shooting conditions instantly, including Pan/Tilt Position, Zoom Position, Focus Mode, Exposure Mode, etc.

Initial Settings and Preset

Initial values are factory settings. CAM Memory Reset command sets the selected number as the initial value. Preset 1 corresponds to VISCA command memory number "0", and presets 2-16 correspond to memory numbers "1-15".

Items stored to presets

* Settings for preset numbers 17 to 256 are available via network only.

○ Setting items retained in memory when power is off and on again.

-- Setting items cleared from memory when power is off and on again.

Items stored when operating the camera

• Gain limit value
• High resolution mode
• Noise reduction
• Mode of the Day/Night ICR function
• Image stabilizer
• Pan-Tilt limit
• Slow Pan-Tilt mode
• DISPLAY INFO

Other settings are retained via network menus. Stored items are retained when power is cycled. The camera starts with POSITION 1 settings or the last operated settings.

• Notes: Preset execution is limited. Memory operations to/from POSITION1 take approx. 2 seconds longer. CameraID data is stored regardless of preset. ImageFlip resets all presets.

Mode Condition

Control is available via CGI and VISCA. VISCA control during CGI execution returns "NotExe". Inquiry commands can be executed during CGI control.

Basic settings

¹⁾ Period from IF Clear sent until Reply Packet returned.
²⁾ Period from DC power on until camera finishes pan/tilt reset and outputs video.
³⁾ Commands executable after pan/tilt movement starts; inconsistent movement may occur before.
⁴⁾ Operation not possible when menu display is updating.
⁵⁾ Command received but not executed.

Zoom/Focus

White Balance

¹⁾ Period from IF Clear sent until Reply Packet returned.
²⁾ Period from DC power on until camera finishes pan/tilt reset and outputs video.
³⁾ Operation not possible when menu display is updating.
⁴⁾ Commands ignored during One Push AWB operation.

Exposure

¹⁾ Period from IF Clear sent until Reply Packet returned.
²⁾ Period from DC power on until camera finishes pan/tilt reset and outputs video.
³⁾ Only when changing to BRIGHT mode from Full Auto or SHUTTER Pri.
⁴⁾ Operation not possible when menu display is updating.
⁵⁾ Not allowed when EX-COMP is set to OFF.
⁶⁾ Can be changed only when exposure control mode is Full Auto.

Effect

¹⁾ Period from IF Clear sent until Reply Packet returned.
²⁾ Period from DC power on until camera finishes pan/tilt reset and outputs video.
³⁾ Operation not possible when menu display is updating.

Pan/Tilt

¹⁾ Period from IF Clear sent until Reply Packet returned.
²⁾ Period from DC power on until camera finishes pan/tilt reset and outputs video.
³⁾ Pan/tilt operation uses Pan-tiltDrive commands.
⁴⁾ Operation not possible when menu display is updating.
⁵⁾ While camera operates in Tele/Wide zoom mode.
⁶⁾ While camera operates in Far/Near focus mode.

Command List

VISCA¹) RS-422 Commands

Using RS-422 control software may cause malfunction or damage. Sony Corporation is not liable for any damage.

Overview of VISCA

VISCA defines a controller (e.g., computer) and peripheral devices (e.g., camera). Up to seven peripheral devices can connect to one controller via RS-422. Communication parameters: 9600 bps/38400 bps, 8 data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit, no parity. Flow control (XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS) is not supported. Devices connect in a daisy chain. The controller address is fixed at 0.

VISCA equipment has VISCA IN and OUT connectors. Set DTR input (controller's S output) to H for VISCA IN when controlling from the controller.

• Note: Ensure correct BAUD RATE setting for daisy chain connections. Mismatched settings can cause incorrect operation.

Fig. 1 VISCA daisy chain connection diagram shows controller connected to multiple devices in a chain.

VISCA Communication Specifications

VISCA packet structure

VISCA communication uses packets. The header contains sender and receiver addresses. For example, a packet to SRG address 1 from controller (address 0) is 81h. Packet to SRG address 2 is 82h. For commands, use 8X where X is the SRG address. Reply packets from SRG address 1 are 90h, and from address 2 are A0h. Broadcast commands use header 88h. FFh signifies the packet terminator.

Fig. 2 Packet structure diagram shows Header, Packet (Message), and Terminator.

Fig. 3 Actual waveform for 1 byte diagram shows data flow with LSB first.

Timing Chart

Send commands successively only after receiving a reply (Acknowledge or error for general commands; inquiry packet for inquiry commands) for the previous command.

Diagram shows Controller sending Command1, receiving Acknowledge of Command1, then sending Command2.

Command and inquiry

• Command: Sends operational commands.
• Inquiry: Inquires about the current state of the unit.

Command Packet Format: 8X QQ RR ... FF, where QQ = Command/Inquiry (01 for Command, 09 for Inquiry), RR = category code (00 for Interface, 04 for camera 1, 06 for Pan/Tilter), and X = 1 to 7 (address of unit in daisy chain).

Responses for commands and inquiries

• Acknowledge message: Returned when a command is accepted. Not returned for inquiry, cancel, or device setting commands.
• Completion message: Returned when command or inquiry execution is completed. For inquiries, reply data follows the 3rd byte. If Acknowledge is omitted, socket number is 0.
• Error message: Returned if a command fails or cannot be executed. May follow an Acknowledge message for commands like zoom. For inquiries, an error message replaces the completion message.

Tables detail Reply Packet formats for Acknowledge, Completion (Commands/Inquiries), and Error Packet formats with descriptions.

Socket number

The unit has two sockets (buffers) for commands, allowing up to two concurrent commands. Socket numbers in Acknowledge, completion, and error messages identify the command. Continuous commands require waiting for the previous command's reply to avoid misidentification.

Command execution cancel

To cancel a sent command, send a Cancel command (8X 2Y FF). An error message "Command canceled" will be returned, which is not a fault.

VISCA Device Setting Command

Before control, send Address and IF_Clear commands via broadcast.

For VISCA network administration

• Address: Sets peripheral device address during network initialization.
• Network Change: Message sent when a device is added/removed; requires re-setting the address.

VISCA interface command

• IF_Clear: Clears the SRG socket. Current operations are not guaranteed.

VISCA interface and inquiry

CAM_VersionInq

Returns VISCA interface information (Vendor ID, Model ID, ROM revision, max socket #).

VISCA Command/Acknowledge Protocol

Table details Command, Command Message, Reply Message, and Comments for General Command, Inquiry Command, Command Cancel, Address Set, IF_Clear, and IF Clear (broadcast).

VISCA Camera-Issued Messages

Acknowledge/Completion Messages

Table details Command Message and Comments for Acknowledge and Completion messages.

Error Messages

Table details Command Message and Comments for Syntax Error, Command Buffer Full, Command Canceled, No Socket, and Command Not Executable errors.

Network Change Message

Table details Command Message and Comments for Network Change message.

SRG-300SE/301SE/201SE Commands

Execution Command List (1/4)

Table lists Command Set, Command, Command Packet, and Comments for various functions like Address Set, IF_Clear, CAM_Zoom, CAM_DZoom, CAM_Focus, AF Sensitivity, CAM_AFMode, CAM_IRCorrection, CAM_ZoomFocus, CAM_WB, CAM_RGain, CAM_BGain.

Execution Command List (2/4)

Table lists Command Set, Command, Command Packet, and Comments for CAM_AE, CAM_SlowShutter, CAM_Shutter, CAM_Iris, CAM_Gain, CAM_Bright, CAM_ExpComp, CAM_BackLight, CAM_WD, CAM_Defog, CAM_Aperture, CAM_HR, CAM_NR, CAM_Gamma.

Execution Command List (3/4)

Table lists Command Set, Command, Command Packet, and Comments for CAM_ICR, CAM_AutoICR, CAM_Stabilizer, CAM_Memory, CAM_IDWrite, CAM_ChromaSuppress, CAM_ColorGain, CAM_ColorHue, SYS_Menu, Information Display, and Pan-tiltDrive commands.

Execution Command List (4/4)

Table lists Command Set, Command, Command Packet, and Comments for Pan-tiltLimitSet and Pan-tiltSet SlowPanTilt commands.

Inquiry Command List (1/2)

Table lists Inquiry Command, Command Packet, Inquiry Packet, and Comments for various inquiry commands like CAM_PowerInq, CAM_ZoomPosInq, CAM_DZoomModeInq, CAM_FocusModeInq, CAM_FocusPosInq, CAM_FocusNearLimitInq, CAM_AFSensitivityInq, CAM_AFModeInq, CAM_AFTimeSettingInq, CAM_IRCorrectionInq, CAM_WBModeInq, CAM_RGainInq, CAM_BGainInq, CAM_AEModeInq, CAM_SlowShutterModeInq, CAM_ShutterPosInq, CAM_IrisPosInq, CAM_GainPosInq, CAM_GainLimitInq, CAM_BrightPosInq, CAM_ExpCompModeInq, CAM_ExpCompPosInq, CAM_BackLightModeInq, CAM_WDModeInq, CAM_DefogInq, CAM_ApertureInq, CAM_HRModeInq, CAM_NRInq, CAM_GammaInq.

Inquiry Command List (2/2)

Table lists Inquiry Command, Command Packet, Inquiry Packet, and Comments for CAM_HighSensitivityInq, CAM_PictureEffectModeInq, CAM_ICRModeInq, CAM_AutoICRModeInq, CAM_AutoICRThresholdInq, CAM_Stabilizer ModeInq, CAM_IDInq, CAM_VersionInq, CAM_Stabilizer ModeInq, CAM_ChromaSuppresslnq, CAM_ColorGainlnq, CAM_ColorHueInq, SYS_MenuModeInq, Information Display, Pan-tiltMaxSpeedInq, Pan-tiltPosInq, Pan-tiltModeInq, and SlowPanTiltInq.

Block Inquiry Command List

Lens Control System Inquiry Commands

Table lists Byte, Bit, and Comments for Inquiry Packet related to lens control, including Destination Address, Source Address, Completion Message, AF Mode, AF Sensitivity, Digital Zoom, Focus Mode, Low Contrast Detection, Camera Memory Recall, Focus Command, Zoom Command, and Terminator.

Camera Control System Inquiry Commands

Table lists Byte, Bit, and Comments for Inquiry Packet related to camera control, covering Destination Address, Source Address, Completion Message, WB Mode, Aperture Gain, Exposure Mode, HighResolution, Wide D, Back Light, Exposure Comp., Slow Shutter, Shutter Position, Iris Position, Gain Position, Bright Position, Exposure Comp. Position, and Terminator.

Other Inquiry Commands

Table lists Byte, Bit, and Comments for Inquiry Packet related to other commands, including Destination Address, Source Address, Completion Message, Auto ICR, Power, Stabilizer, Reserved, ICR, Camera ID (HH, HL, LH, LL), System settings, and Terminator.

Enlargement Function1 Query Command

Table lists Byte, Bit, and Comments for Inquiry Packet related to Enlargement Function1, including Destination Address, Source Address, Completion Message, AF Interval Time (H/L), Gamma, High Sensitivity mode, NR Level, Chroma Suppress, Gain Limit, and Terminator.

Enlargement Function2 Query Command

Table lists Byte, Bit, and Comments for Inquiry Packet related to Enlargement Function2, including Destination Address, Source Address, Completion Message, Reserved, defog mode, and Terminator.

Enlargement Function3 Query Command

Table lists Byte, Bit, and Comments for Inquiry Packet related to Enlargement Function3, including Destination Address, Source Address, Completion Message, Reserved, and Terminator.

VISCA Command Setting Values

Exposure control (1/2)

Tables detail Shutter Speed values for 60p/30p and 50p/25p, Iris values (F1.6 to CLOSE), Gain values (+43dB to 0dB), and Gain Limit values (+43dB to +9dB).

Exposure control (2/2)

Tables detail Bright settings (IRIS/GAIN) and Exposure Compensation values (Amount and Compensation).

Optical Zoom Ratio and Zoom Position (for reference)

Table shows Optical Zoom Ratio and corresponding Position Data for SRG-300SE/301SE, with Zoom Position ranging from 0000 (Wide end) to 4000 (Tele end).

SRG-201SE

Optical Zoom

Table shows Optical Zoom Ratio and corresponding Position Data for SRG-201SE.

Digital Zoom

Table shows Digital Zoom Ratio and corresponding Position Data.

Focus NEAR limit and focus distance

Table lists NEAR Limit values (1000 to F000) and corresponding Focus Distance (Over Inf to 1 cm).

Lens control

Table provides details on Zoom Position, Focus Position, and Focus Near Limit, including approximate distances and notes on temperature characteristics.

Others

Table lists various parameters like AF Active Time, AF Interval Time, R Gain, B Gain, Aperture Level, AE Response, AutoICR ON/OFF Threshold Level, Chroma Suppress, Color Gain, and Color Hue settings.

Pan/Tilt Speed (Pan/Tilt Slow Mode= Off)

Table shows Pan/Tilt Speed (deg/sec) for different Parameter values (01h to 18h).

Pan/Tilt Speed (Pan/Tilt Slow Mode= On)

Table shows Pan/Tilt Speed (deg/sec) for different Parameter values (01h to 7Fh).

Pan/Tilt Status Code List

Table lists Pan/Tilt status codes (P, Q, R, S) and their corresponding descriptions, indicating movement status, errors, and initialization states.

Pan/Tilt Position (for reference)

PAN: DE00 (-170 degree) to 2200 (+170 degree). (Image Flip: OFF/ON)

TILT: FC00 (-20 degree) to 1200 (+90 degree) (Image Flip: OFF); EE00 (-90 degree) to 0400 (+20 degree) (Image Flip: ON)