Looking into the future: What’s new in video pipe inspection systems

Remember when small camera systems were a novelty, and only the biggest contractors in town had one?

No more.

Just check the phone book. Nearly every drain cleaning specialist boasts a camera system. And more and more plumbing contractors possess video inspection capabilities, too.
As with computers and other consumer electronics, technical progress has enhanced the value, reliability and performance of video inspection systems. Steady advances have only made equipment cheaper, better and more convenient.

Here’s the latest scoop.

Camera advances

The latest cameras include, for instance, self-leveling technology that automatically keeps pictures “right side up,” letting professionals and customers clearly follow the camera action through the line.

Not surprisingly, cameras — like digital cameras and laptops — have gotten physically smaller, too. Maneuverable models less than 1.5" diameter now let professionals troubleshoot very narrow conduits, augmenting their value and versatility.

The latest LED lighting technologies also ensure clear images in the darkest areas — for greater accuracy in diagnosing and correcting problems.

Finally, camera casings and attachment mechanisms have dramatically improved. Durable stainless steel housings and scratch-resistant safire lenses withstand the toughest punishment from abrasion and moisture, preserving delicate electronics.

Seeing things differently

A quick pass through any TV store confirms the virtual disappearance of televisions with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or “picture tubes”, the last vestiges of vacuum-tube technologies. The same applies to video inspection systems.

When initially introduced, most Command Modules sported CRT monitors — some quite bulky. While companies eventually offered more compact designs, these still retained CRT equipment, requiring extra case padding and cooling fans.

Flat screen LCD monitors on recent video inspection systems provide greater resolution, clarity and reliability, while weighing far less than the CRT monitors.

Recording & storing videos

Unless customers are present when professionals actually spot hidden problems, video inspection systems require some kind of recording mechanism. And for years, VHS tape remained the only option to archive jobs.

DVD Discs — Most households in America now have DVD players. And like most consumers, manufacturers of video pipe inspection systems have switched to DVD recording technology.
Unlike VHS technology, DVD recorders provide crisp pictures with a jitter-free freeze-frame, permitting more precise problem analysis. Disks themselves last longer, too.

Still, recording on VHS decks was easier: just insert any blank tape and press the “record” button. DVD recorders are trickier. You must know which type of DVD disk your system requires (DVD +R, -R, -RW, etc.) Consult your camera system’s instruction manual.

And you can’t view a disk on another DVD player without first finalizing the recording. This requires extra steps and time at the job site before the customer can watch the disk on his DVD player. And unlike VHS tapes, you can’t record over finalized DVDs. On the other hand, blank DVDs are far cheaper than blank VHS tapes.

Latest technologies

Computer hard drives. In addition to DVD recorders, many newer systems include computer hard drives. 160 GB of memory, for instance, can record nearly 300 hours of work, letting professionals archive jobs after providing DVDs to customers. But hard drives can be fragile and somewhat bulky. They don’t like bouncing around in trucks, and their mechanisms can require special casings.
Digital Technologies. Flash drives, memory sticks and SD cards to save recordings provide the answer. Like your digital camera, they resist damage from vibration. They also weight much less. Depending on LCD monitor size, the camera control unit can weigh as little as 10 lbs. External card readers weigh just ounces, and might even be compatible with your existing camera system.

But unlike VHS or DVD systems — where you could easily make a recording and hand it to your customer on the spot — card systems require computer knowledge. (Or a teenager to show you how to use it!) After making your recording, you must copy card contents to a computer hard drive. You can then:

• Can print a still photo;
• E-mail a video or photo to the customer; or
• Copy the video or photos to DVD for the customer.

Amenities make life easier

The best systems also offer extras that enhance productivity and customer service. Look for features like these:

• On-Screen Distance Counter
• AC/DC Power Options
• Date & Time Stamp
• Voice Over Unit
• Built-in Titler

The bottom line? Camera inspection systems offer drain cleaning and plumbing experts enhanced versatility, productivity and return on investment.

Savvy professionals promote them for greater profitability.

Marty Silverman is the vice president of marketing for General Pipe Cleaners.