Optronics introduces Microcast™ A Revolutionary Firewire® Based Digital 3CCD Microscope Camera

SANTA BARBARA, CA – April, 2006 – Optronics®, the world-wide leader in developing easy-to-use, high performance digital cameras and software for microscopy, announces the introduction of Microcast,™ a revolutionary Firewire® based digital 3CCD microscope camera for surgical and other critical microscope imaging applications.

The application of digital photomicrography is now universally recognized as a versatile means for broadcasting, documenting and recording surgical microscope images. High-quality digital images however can be difficult to obtain on most surgical microscopes. Microcast™ is the first true medical grade microscope camera developed specifically for surgical microscopes. The camera delivers real-time 36-bit RGB image processing and extreme dynamic range that produces unsurpassed digital image quality in all surgical microscope disciplines.

Microcast™ is compatible with most Firewire based DV and DVD recorders and software applications including Apple® iMovie HD. Using Microcast™ in conjunction with iMovie allows the surgeon to share the operation experience with colleagues and patients and create high-quality still image and video files that can be acquired for publication in today’s most prestigious medical journals and conferences.

Microcast™ was designed specifically for use in the O.R. where ease-of-use is critical. Controlling the camera is accomplished using a simple tactile remote control keypad or via programmable head buttons located on the small low-profile remote camera head. An intuitive on-screen menu makes the control of the camera effortless. Other 3CCD cameras have been designed by their manufacturers for general purpose imaging tasks such as surveillance and machine vision, which make the camera difficult to use and cumbersome to control on an operating microscope.

Embedded software features in the camera include real-time digital image processing that can control many different aspects of the live image. This includes brightness and detail enhancement. Due to the many imaging related obstacles that can be present during surgery, Microcast™ was thoughtfully designed to overcome these inherent challenges that are often associated when imaging a patient’s tissue, fluid or bone.

Microcast™ was designed and developed in Optronics® state-of-the-art ISO 9000:2001 certified medical grade manufacturing facility. Microcast™ medical grade certifications: UL 60601-1 and CSA 22.2 No. 60601

Surgeons and O.R. staff interested in the latest digital imaging products for surgical microscope applications are encouraged to visit Optronics online.