High-Definition Airborne Video Recorder for Flight Tours and General Aviation
The AirKnight HD4S is a high-definition (HD) airborne video recorder (DVR) designed for professional aviation video recording. Ideal for the helicopter touring industry, this 1080p60 3G-SDI/HD-SDI video recorder captures up to four HD-SDI cameras simultaneously, making it an essential component of any aviation video system.
With the AirKnight HD4S, you can automatically or manually switch between video sources using the front panel buttons or our Director Box. For hands-free operation, integrate the controls with your cyclic or collective controls, allowing the pilot to switch cameras without taking their hands off the helicopter controls. Add pilot or operator commentary with audio overlays and record directly to USB flash drives or SD cards.
The AirKnight HD4S is perfect for flight tours, allowing customers to purchase their personalized video after the tour and share their experience on social media. The system typically pays for itself within a month of installation. Beyond flight tours, the AirKnight HD4S supports a range of applications for both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, offering unmatched flexibility for aviation professionals.
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Key Features:
- High-Definition Aviation Video Recording: Record up to four 1080p60 or 1080p30 video streams from 3G-SDI and HD-SDI cameras.
- Multiple Camera Inputs: Supports 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, HDMI, and CVBS (NTSC/PAL) inputs.
- Automatic or Manual Camera Switching: Switch between up to four video sources with ease using the front panel, Director Box, or integrated controls.
- External Media Storage: Record directly to USB flash drives, SD cards, SSD, or HDD.
- Audio Integration: Add stereo audio commentary from pilots or operators and overlay it onto the video.
- GPS Data Recording and Overlay: Record GPS data and overlay it on video with customizable options for user data.
- Live Video Streaming: Stream live footage to tablets, smartphones, PCs, or Macs for remote monitoring.
- Easy Installation: The AirKnight HD4S is installed in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft worldwide, providing a simple, effective solution for capturing high-quality aviation video.
Sample Applications:
- Flight Testing
- Flight Schools
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Airborne Law Enforcement (ALEO)
- Air Ambulance
- Aerial Firefighting
- Border Patrol
Flight Tour Video Solution
Capture the “once in a lifetime” experiences that flight tour customers will cherish forever. The AirKnight HD4S delivers exceptional video quality, allowing tour operators to offer memorable videos that customers can take home. With its easy installation and user-friendly operation, this system quickly becomes a revenue-generating tool for your business.
ROI Calculation for AirKnight HD4S Video System
| Operational Rotorcraft | Return on Investment Calculation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Rotorcraft | 3 | Total tourists flown | 18,000 |
| Annual tourists per Rotorcraft | 6,000 | Annual $ per Fleet | $648,000 |
| Flight video price point | $60 | Annual $ per Rotorcraft | $216,000 |
| % Tourists purchasing flight video | 60% | Gross Profit per Rotorcraft / month | $18,000 |
| Budgetary turn-key solution cost NOTE: Turn-key solutions start at $5,999 |
$14,000 | ||
| Investment payback in weeks | |||
| 0.78 Months or 3 ½ Weeks | |||
Record Audio and Video
The AirKnight series offers a range of recording options:
- AirKnight-HD: Single Channel Recording
- AirKnight-HD2: Dual Channel Recording
- AirKnight-HD4S: Single Channel Recording with Quad Switching
Each version is available with bottom, side, or Dzus rail mounting options, and all support an optional GPS feature.
Record up to two channels as separate video files on SD or USB media. The AirKnight HD4S allows you to add up to four cameras and switch between them using our Director Video Switcher. It supports existing bullet or gimbal cameras with HD-SDI, HDMI, and CVBS PAL/NTSC inputs, as well as our HD bullet cameras.
Data Recording and Overlay
With the optional GPS, you can record and overlay geospatial data, such as time, latitude, longitude, altitude, heading, and speed. You can choose from a Garmin 18x 5Hz or 1Hz GPS receiver, or use standard GPS units via the RS-232 input on the AirKnight.
GPS Data Recording
The GPS data is saved in KML and GPX formats, which can be viewed in Google Earth or synchronized with video using the included FlightSync software. These files are also compatible with most third-party geospatial software applications.
GPS Data Overlay
In addition to separate data files, you can overlay GPS data and other text directly onto the video. The web user interface allows you to control which data points are displayed and their position on the video. Text size, font, and color are all customizable.
Available Coordinates for Overlay:
- Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
- Degrees, Minutes
- Degrees
- Speed (Knots, MPH, KPH)
- Altitude (Feet, Meters)
- Heading (Degrees)
Custom Text Overlay
A built-in high-definition character generator allows you to overlay custom text on the video. Users can enter text via the web interface or send real-time information using RS-232. You can display up to three lines of text, and each line’s font, size, color, and position can be customized.
Media Recording
Record video directly to off-the-shelf USB or SD cards, eliminating the hassle of proprietary memory cards.
For helicopter tours, the Datatoys Digital Copy Concept allows you to hand over a USB flash drive to customers immediately after the flight, improving conversions. You can also preload drives with stock footage, coupons, or images, and even print your logo on the drives. For tours with multiple groups, Datatoys provides a USB replication system to quickly duplicate videos.
Record Headset Audio
Capture the full experience by including headset audio with your video recordings. Our Aviation Headset Cable connects to any general aviation headset and panel, with U174 helicopter headset cables available as an option.
High-Quality, Small File Sizes
Our AirKnight recorders use AVC/H.264 High Profile compression, similar to Blu-ray, to provide the highest quality video while maintaining efficient file sizes. This makes the recordings easy to store, edit, play back, and upload on any PC or Mac. By maintaining a data rate between 8 Mbps and 16 Mbps, the AirKnight balances video quality and file size.
MJPEG Compression
MJPEG compression is available with data rates up to 50 Mbps, ideal for production film applications that require fast editing.
Sync Time and Overlay
Synchronize system time to an NTP server and overlay the time on the video—perfect for flight testing applications.
Control Features
Record Start/Stop Switch
Save post-flight editing time by starting and stopping the recording with an external switch. Mount the Start/Stop Switch on the dash, and an LED indicator will light up when the unit is powered on. Flip the switch, and the LED will flash to indicate that recording is in progress. A recording LED is also built into the front of the unit, and the AirKnight-HD2 can be wired to record each channel independently or simultaneously.
Advanced Network User Interface
Gain access to advanced settings via the network interface, including:
- CBR and VBR
- H.264 AVC and MJPEG Compression
- Baseline or High Profile Compression
- Bit Rates
- GOP Size
- Video Downscaling
- Pre- and Post-Alarm
- Custom File Size
- Video Motion Detection
- Live Streaming
- Custom Text Overlay
- Audio Gain Level
- Overwrite When Full (Yes/No)
Connectivity
Connect HD-SDI, HDMI, or NTSC/PAL cameras directly to the AirKnight. The system supports all standard resolutions up to 1080p60. BNC HD-SDI connectors allow seamless integration with Gimbal camera systems.
Note: HDMI will not recognize protected content.
Datatoys HD Bullet Cameras
The HD Mini Bullet Camera is a rugged, waterproof, 1080p bullet camera. It features automatic adjustments and a compact design, making it perfect for mounting inside or outside the cockpit.
Aviation Grade HD Cabling
Our aviation-grade jacket is rated to FAR 25 standards, providing maximum durability and performance.
Military Grade Connectors
Connect your cameras using our ruggedized, weatherproof Military Grade connectors for reliable operation in harsh environments.
Live Viewing
The input loop-through feature provides a live video output from HD-SDI, HDMI, and Composite inputs. Connect directly to your EFIS, a monitor, or one of Datatoys’ 7″ monitors for real-time viewing—ideal for hook operators or pilots monitoring tail rotors.
Protection for Your AirKnight
The AirKnight comes with a one-year warranty that covers your unit comprehensively. At Datatoys, we pride ourselves on our customer support—just call us at (414) 639-9085!