New VideoRay Scout is Low Cost Underwater Video that Protects Divers, Enhances Missions

Exceptional Video Quality and 131 Feet (40 m) of Tether for $5,995 USD

Exton, PA (PRWEB) April 7, 2004 -- Divers are usually skeptical at first when an 8-pound (3.6 kg) yellow sub the size of a toaster oven appears on a dive site. Yet the VideoRay swimming video camera has an impressive record of finding lost targets and wrecks, accompanying divers, and getting into places too tight, toxic, or unsustainable for humans. The remote controlled VideoRay Scout is the same micro-ROV technology shown on the History Channels Deep Sea Detectives show and proven in commercial diving and research missions. The Scout is the new must-have electronics for divers and boat owners, and is economically priced at $5,995.

Operated like a remote control plane underwater, the Scout is depth rated to 300 feet (91 m) and has a reach of 131 feet (40 m). The 8-pound (3.6 kg) submersible is easily launched into the water by hand and has horizontal and vertical thrusters for high maneuverability. The video-equipped submersible sports a fixed color video camera with a wide-angle lens, and two 20-watt high efficiency halogen lights. Operate the simple remote controls to see underwater views on the topside monitor. A tether connects to the rear of the sub and to the topside control box, which features a joystick for piloting the sub and operating the lights. A 5-inch monitor (127 mm) built into the lid of the control box case shows the operator what the Scouts camera sees" underwater.

"We're proud to make the lowest cost ROV in the world available to divers. Now everyone can afford this technology to make their diving safer and more enjoyable - and let those on the topside join in the fun," says Scott Bentley, president of VideoRay.

Through its high-resolution, wide-angle lens, the operator can capture composite video with a variety of display and recording devices. The Scout supports NTSC or PAL video formats to accommodate all video standards worldwide.

The Scout submersible requires less than 300 watts of 100-240VAC power and can be plugged into a standard wall outlet, a battery with inverter, or a small generator. The maximum voltage in the tether is a safe 48VDC.

The Scout is delivered with the sub, 131 feet (40 m) of tether, an owners manual, spare parts, and a maintenance kit. All components fit neatly in one watertight, rolling Pelican case sized for the trunk of a car and airline travel. The entire system weighs less than 70 pounds (32 kg) and is streamlined for the casual operator.

Add On: An optional 250-foot (76 m) extension tether can be purchased to extend the overall reach of the submersible. Another handy option is the Tether Deployment System, which easily reels the tether in and out and fits neatly on the boat deck.

Price: $5,995 USD

The Next Step Up: The VideoRay Explorer features readouts for depth and directional navigation, and a more advanced video camera with 160-degrees of tilt. The Explorer also has Auto Depth control for inspections of water tanks, underwater surveys, and entering polluted conditions or tight spaces too hazardous for divers. It is priced at $9,995.