Broadband  |   Video  |  2019-07-22

Hytera's Latest Bodycam Includes PoC Radio in a Single Device

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Last week, Hytera, the market-leading, global manufacturer and supplier of two-way radio communications technology released their latest bodycam; the VM780 - which combines bodycam functionality and PoC radio in a single device.

Bodycams are typically used by police and fire and ambulance services, but they can also be issued as an aid to prison staff, private security officers, healthcare workers, railway workers, traffic wardens and parking attendants - any workers who may face abuse and the threat of violence in their jobs.

Studies have shown that bodycams can help to deter verbal abuse and aggression, as people often calm down if they know they are being filmed. As such, they provide an additional means of protection for front line staff and lone workers.

One recent study showed that UK police with body cameras received 93% fewer complaints from the public in ‘volatile’ situations, whilst West Yorkshire police have recently reported that Police officers who wear body cameras have reduce the use of Tasers on suspects.

Last week, Hytera, the market-leading, global manufacturer and supplier of two-way radio communications technology released their latest bodycam; the VM780 - which combines bodycam functionality and Press-to-talk Over Cellular (PoC) radio in a single device.

The hi-tech unit is able to stream real-time data and video over 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi connections, as well as including optimal position detection and a 216° swivel HD camera.

The LTE-enabled bodycam with speaker microphone supports all common broadband frequencies in Europe, and has been designed primarily to capture, store and share high-definition, 256-bit encrypted video, audio and image data.

To enable the transmission of real time HD video, the VM780 uses H.265 video compression technology to minimise transmission bandwidth and all the important functions such as video recording or voice recording are controlled with one button.

Equipped with GPS/GLONASS positioning features, a powerful 3500mAh battery which allows up to nine hours of active operation for video, picture and sound recordings/standby mode of up-to ten days - and with users able to operate the VM780 comfortably and quickly via the robust 2.8-inch colour touch display - this device offers all the important functions of a radio via PoC.

In addition to Bluetooth, the VM780 can be used with the NFC module in scenarios in which tags have to be read; information requests, for example.