Sanyo's AirCam-equipped backup camera provides virtual views

While there's plenty of options for in-car accident recorders, how's about a device to help prevent one type of collision in the first place? Sanyo's latest rear-view backup camera system "digitally creates visual guidelines (including vehicle width and distance indicators at two, four, and eight feet) that appear on your car's monitor," which ought to help you from backing that bus of yours over any stray shrubbery or misplaced youngsters. Additionally, the CCA-BC200 provides a trio of modes to view the surroundings behind you, which could come in handy if you're riding sans a helper in the passenger's seat. Granted, you'll still be forced to fork over $299.99 for this luxury in addition to picking up an LCD of your choice to view it on, but if your driveway is often covered with more toys than cleared cement, it may be worth the investment.

[Revrant2394 @ Aug 1st 2007 8:11AM]

Neat, you know, I really think these things are the future helpers for cars, cameras and this more interesting idea here, though I also fear they'll cripple that already deteriorating "common sense" older drivers have over younger ones.

[matt @ Aug 1st 2007 8:25AM]

There is always the alternative of moving your lazy head round and looking out of the back window. Which doesn't need a passenger to do.

[ksat @ Aug 1st 2007 8:28AM]

I wish this guy would have had this installed...

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=9775c617-91ac-47dd-b72d-5f9c1b500cf8

[patrick @ Aug 1st 2007 8:51AM]

There have been a number of heartbreaking news stories recently about parents & caregivers accidentally backing up over their children. One in particular quoted a pediatrician named Greg Gulbransen who said he was ultra-careful to avoid this, knowing the danger, yet his 2-year-old slipped out for the first time and got in a spot where he simply could not be seen. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19353735/)

Many of the parents in these stories later bought backup cameras like the one in the article. Most importantly, they feel the cameras or similar rear-obstacle detection systems, should be standard safety devices just like seat belts, airbags, etc. (Rearview mirrors can't see short children, and most backovers are children under 5.)

Yes, they do add costs -- just like other auto safety devices. But IMHO it is worth it to add less than one percent to the cost of a car, in order to help prevent the 100 children's deaths, and 2500 injuries, that occur every year in U.S. auto backover accidents.

[Mr Yuk @ Aug 1st 2007 11:21AM]

We've been enjoying this feature on our Audi Q7 for several months now. You soon get to the point where you don't even bother looking at the mirrors or turing your head. You just trust in the video camera.

[db26 @ Aug 1st 2007 4:09PM]

It's also been on the Infiniti M35 for a bit of time now...

[Ms. Lee @ Aug 16th 2007 10:37PM]

Is this the same one you have in your Audi? I know the factory installed systems engage when you put your car in reverse, will that work the same way if connected to a GPS monitor?

[Mr Yuk @ Aug 17th 2007 6:01AM]

I don't know who supplies the back-up camera for the Audi. It sure sounds the same spec wise.

[dtrwos @ Aug 1st 2007 8:55PM]

i would like to point out no matter how cool cameras are in america
-Taiwan its a standard feature, bought a honda crv in 05 had rear radar for parallel parking, and a fish eye camera mounted inthe rear bumper connected to the internal dvd/video system - put it into reverse, and switch the video to an aux input you get images front and center in a big old dash mounted display...


AND ITS STANDARD EQUIPMENT

[Carmelo @ Aug 2nd 2007 3:59AM]

It's good, but i don't know why the cam name is "Aircam"?

an Aircam is this:
AirCAM. Airborne Daylight UV Corona Camera

http://www.amperis.com/en/products/corona-cameras/aircam/

[CmdrFire @ Aug 2nd 2007 5:16AM]

This is already integrated into the Mercedes S-Class

[JohnInMableton @ Aug 3rd 2007 1:28PM]

$99.00 plus S&H etc for camera and LCD avail now,
http://heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=wirelss-back-up-camera-kit&PIN=49642&GUID=7F03AB0E-92DD-4A4C-B191-31F39D4C2E02&BC=60006010&DL=SCH2