Night vision system selected from field of 13 new products
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| Jay Robinson (right), FLIR's director of product management, maritime camera systems, accepts the 2014 NMEA–BWI Technology Award from judge Mark Corke. |
SEVERNA PARK, MD–FLIR Systems took home the 2014 BWI-NMEA Technology Award for its MV-604CL thermal imaging camera. The coveted award was presented at the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) International Marine Electronics Conference & Expo, held October 8–11 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott in Fort Myers, Florida. Nearly 400 leading marine electronics manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, as well as media and others from the United States and abroad, attended the event.
The annual NMEA–BWI Technology Award honors a new marine electronics product that scores highest in criteria based on innovation, benefit to boaters, practicality, and value. A three-person panel, members of Boating Writers International (BWI), selected the FLIR thermal imager from a field of 13 products. The panel also awarded an Honorable Mention to Simrad's NSS12 evo2 chartplotter/multi-function display (MFD).
"Picking a winner is tough," said judge Zuzanna Prochazka. "Each of the products at this year's show has unique features which raise the bar in the world of marine electronics."
The FLIR MV-604CL is a high-performance, multi-sensor thermal night vision system with technology and features never before available to the commercial market. This gyro-stabilized, multi-sensor system provides unparalleled long-range performance. The heart of the MV604-CL is an uncooled vanadium oxide detector with continuous optical zoom and a field of view between 24.5° and a remarkable 4°. This enables rapid zooming in to investigate other vessels, objects, or targets of interest. Additionally, it carries a full-color visible light camera plus a black and white low-light camera as its third payload, which makes the MV-604CL ready for 24×7 navigation and security duties.
"The FLIR MV-604CL thermal imaging camera is sure to be a great asset in the superyacht and commercial market, where its ability to lock on and track even small targets like a person in the water is going to save lives," said judge Lawrence Husick.
"All of us at FLIR are honored and flattered to have received this very prestigious award," said Lou Rota, vice president of worldwide maritime sales. "Our MV-Series of long-range, multi-payload thermal imaging systems is among the most sophisticated and technologically advanced thermal imaging systems available in the market today."
Simrad's NSS12 evo2 chartplotter/MFD features multi-touch interaction for ease of use when cruising, as well as a keypad and a rotary push-to-enter dial when sea conditions warrant. Simrad Yachting's HEROiC software makes use of common gestures that smartphone and tablet users will find familiar.
"This is something that I would be glad to have on my own boat," said head judge Mark Corke. "The NSS12 evo2 is packed with features, and the fast refresh rate and super-clear graphic display make navigating a breeze."
"We are always pleased to be recognized for the innovative products we create by the NMEA and Boating Writers International," said Louis Chemi, Navico EVP and managing director–recreational division. "Innovation is what moves the marine electronics industry forward and this, along with other award programs, helps highlight the efforts of all of us manufacturers."
Corke produces the blog On Board with Mark Corke. His credentials also include: Royal Yachting Association yachtmaster, writer for Sail and Boatworks, and SAMS surveyor. Prochazka writes the Talk of the Dock.com blog and is past president of BWI. She is also a writer/photographer for Boats.com, YachtWorld.com, and 12 magazines and holds a USCG 100 ton Master's License. Husick is an attorney who writes for Southern Boating, Ocean Navigator, and BoatUS.
Founded in 1957, the NMEA has led the way in establishing technical standards for data exchange in marine electronics, with the widely accepted NMEA 0183 data protocol, NMEA 2000®, and certification standards for marine electronics technicians. NMEA standards and programs focus on ensuring that the boating consumer is provided with reliable products and professional service. For more information, visit the NMEA website at www.NMEA.org or call 410-975-9425.
