How a Videology camera transformed inspections for a leading OEM

Based in Germany, a global leader in pipe and sewer inspection solutions is transforming how underground infrastructure is assessed and maintained with Videology cameras. With a strong footprint in manufacturing and technology development worldwide, this industry pioneer has consistently set the benchmark for performance, precision, and reliability in the field.

Their cutting-edge systems are widely adopted by municipal authorities, utility providers, and industrial operations seeking accurate, real-time insight into underground pipelines. Known for innovation and engineering excellence, their solutions play a vital role in ensuring infrastructure integrity, safety, and long-term sustainability.

Company Highlights

• A world-leading manufacturer of sewer inspection, measurement, and rehabilitation systems, setting industry benchmarks across the globe.
• Considered one of the oldest in the pipe and sewer inspection industry, renowned for its deep-rooted expertise and ongoing commitment to innovation.

• Offers modular solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of various inspection tasks, environments, and infrastructure types.

Challenges

As regulations tighten and end-user expectations rise, the demand for more precise and detailed pipe inspection data has never been greater. This customer faced the challenge of upgrading their current system to deliver higher-resolution imagery. Their goal was to empower operators to better assess the condition of underground pipes—identifying corrosion, cracks, misalignment, and other deficiencies with greater accuracy. Additionally, governmental authorities increasingly require inspection reports with enhanced detail and precision. The customer needed a vision solution that could rise to these new expectations without compromising the compactness and efficiency of their inspection equipment.

Solution

The answer came from Videology’s extensive portfolio of cameras. By integrating our 1080p Mini CMOS Color Camera Series (24C46X-2) camera, the customer was able to significantly upgrade their pipe-inspection solution. The Full HD imaging capability provided a substantial leap in detail over their legacy CVBS (SD resolution) camera systems, enabling end users to make improved assessments with sharper, clearer visuals.

Key Factors

Upgrading vision systems in underground pipe inspection presents unique challenges. Traditional CVBS camera architectures, limited to SD image quality, no longer met the growing need for higher resolution. Yet, any component installed in crawler or pushrod systems must be as compact and lightweight as possible. These devices operate in extremely confined environments and are required to travel long distances within pipes—sometimes up to several hundred meters—without interruption.

The customer identified key requirements for their next-generation solution:

• 1080p Full HD image quality

• Seamless fit within the existing mechanical enclosure

• Long transmission range without signal degradation

• High adjustability of camera settings to address varying pipe conditions

Alternative approaches, such as digital IP camera systems, were considered but ultimately dismissed due to concerns over latency, power consumption, and incompatibility with existing coaxial cable infrastructure.

Implementation & Results

Videology’s newly developed C46 camera with AHD output proved to be the perfect match. With its compact 15x15 mm form factor, the camera fits effortlessly into the customer’s existing mechanical design. The C46’s second board includes integrated line drivers, enabling AHD signals to transmit over distances exceeding 500 meters—an essential requirement for deep pipe inspection applications.

The underground pipe environment presents a range of lighting and contrast challenges. Thanks to the extensive configurability of the C46 camera’s settings, operators can fine-tune the image for optimal clarity, ensuring accurate detection of pipe anomalies. Videology worked closely with the customer to validate the solution and support seamless integration into their system.

The customer’s upgraded pipe inspection solution now provides operators with dramatically improved visual data. The Full HD imagery of the C46 camera enables more accurate, reliable assessments, helping operators pinpoint corrosion, cracks, and other defects with confidence. This upgrade not only met but also exceeded the stringent requirements of governmental authorities.

An unexpected bonus? The customer was able to retain several key advantages of their previous SD CVBS solution:

• Full compatibility with their existing coax cable infrastructure

• Zero latency, ensuring smooth, real-time operation in the field

The result is a future-proof system that delivers cutting-edge performance while preserving the proven benefits of their legacy setup.

Videology`s Commitment

​At Videology, our membership in the Verband der Rohr- und Kanal-Technik-Unternehmen e.V. (VDRK) underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing the pipe and sewer technology industry. Established in 1989, VDRK serves as the leading association representing companies in this sector, providing a robust network for professionals, manufacturers, municipalities, and engineering firms. ​

By aligning with VDRK, we actively engage in collaborative efforts to drive innovation, uphold industry standards, and address the evolving challenges within underground infrastructure. Our participation reflects a shared dedication to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of sewer and pipeline systems worldwide. 

Held by VDRK, RO-KA-TECH is the trade fair for underground wastewater infrastructure, which opens its doors to industry professionals every two years in Kassel. Companies from the pipe and sewer technology sector present their products, innovations, and services to network operators, planners, and decision-makers from the municipal sector, both in Germany and abroad.  Join us at RO-KA-TECH in Kassel and visit our booth at H5/A01-1 to explore our latest imaging innovations for the pipe and sewer technology sector.