SubC Imaging has demonstrated how high-quality digital imaging can be delivered on non-fiber Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) through its work with Vriezoo ROV Services, an inspection specialist based in the Netherlands.
By deploying the Rayfin Uplink camera system, Vriezoo was able to equip its compact, legacy ROVs with real-time HD and 4K imaging capability while retaining existing coaxial and twisted-pair cabling. Vriezoo’s systems are designed for confined and shallow environments, but legacy cabling limited them to analog video, restricting image clarity and operator control.
Overcoming Bandwidth Limits on Non-Fiber ROVs
As inspection requirements increased, Vriezoo faced growing pressure to provide sharper, more detailed imagery. The bandwidth available on its non-fiber tethers was insufficient for digital HD or 4K video, and the analog cameras in use offered minimal control over image parameters. This made it difficult to respond to variable lighting and poor visibility conditions commonly encountered underwater.
Willem de Vries, Founder, Vriezoo ROV Services, commented, “With small, non-fiber ROVs, getting 4K video to the surface just wasn’t possible. The Rayfin Uplink finally changed that.”
Implementing the Rayfin Uplink
When evaluating options for upgrading its imaging capability, Vriezoo worked with SubC Imaging to test the Rayfin Uplink. The system enables real-time HD and 4K digital video and still image capture over existing coaxial or twisted-pair cabling. A subsea camera is paired with a topside unit that converts the signal to 100 Mb Ethernet, allowing digital streaming without requiring changes to the ROV or surface infrastructure.
According to SubC Imaging, a key advantage of the Rayfin Uplink is the level of image control it provides. Operators can adjust exposure, color balance, and gain in real time, rather than relying on fixed factory settings.
De Vries, added,“With other cameras, you’re stuck with factory settings. With the Rayfin, you can adjust everything, exposure, color, gain, even live during a dive. That’s a big plus, especially when you’re working in muddy water.”
The Rayfin Uplink was integrated directly into Vriezoo’s existing ROV fleet, immediately improving image performance. The system was later paired with SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay to streamline data handling and reduce delays associated with file transfer.
Enhanced Inspection Data & Operational Efficiency
The deployment of the Rayfin Uplink has enabled Vriezoo to consistently capture sharp HD and 4K video along with high-resolution digital stills. Improved image clarity and live control have raised the overall quality of inspection data, supporting more accurate assessments and higher-value deliverables for clients.
De Vrie, stated, “The quality of the images is superb compared to other cameras. With the Rayfin, I know I can deliver better inspection results and stand out from others in the field. It’s a real competitive advantage having that capability.”
Through this project, SubC Imaging has shown how operators can modernize legacy ROV platforms without adopting fiber optics or changing established workflows. Vriezoo’s experience illustrates how digital imaging technology can extend the service life and performance of compact ROVs while meeting increasing demands for detailed, reliable visual data.
