I'm checking out some of the new G-Series components and I think I'll start a little series on what the various components will be to make up a system.
The first is the GVM400 Video Module. It looks like the current DSM300 sounder module in size and shape, and will be integrated using SeatalkHS. You will be able to view four video streams simultaneously from any display in the system.
There is also an optional audio cable, so it appears you will be able to output sound to an external amplifier or stereo.
It has S-Video and composite video inputs. Adding a DVD player and NTSC cameras will be easy and it's really cool that it will distribute the video to mutiple displays over the network. Something you couldn't do with E-Series.
Furthermore you will be able to control all the switching and views through the G-Series control head, much like the E-Series.
It's interesting they didn't go the IP route as there doesn't appear to be any pan, tilt or zoom capabilities in this configuration. Or at least as far as I can tell by the fact that Raymarine wants you to use their own stationary bullet cameras.
You will also be able to have two GVM400 modules on the network for a total of eight video sources. That should be plenty.
For $750 list, it's a little pricey, considering close to the same capabilities were integrated into the E-Series. But in the grand scheme of a grand G-Series package, it's not what's going to push you over the edge.
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Jeff McLaren is the National Sales Manager for Seawide Marine Distribution, a wholesaler distributor based in Southern California that works with all major electronics manufacturers. He has produced a series of instructional DVDs on how to use Raymarine navigation gear.
This is kind of cool, but I agree that it seems pricey for a feature that was included in their last product.Â
I need 3 video inputs minimum (can't back into my slip without 2 cameras to see behind me). So for me, the cost of a G series, just went up $750. If Furuno includes this functionality, then it's one more tick in the Navnet3 column.
You're right that this isn't a huge expense when you look a the costs of the rest of the stuff, but it all adds up. Whichever system I want is going to cost me more that I want to spend, so that $750 might be the deciding point (I hope the choice is much clearer for me than that, but...)