Frequenty Asked Questions

+ What is a View Into The Blue^® observatory?

• Our underwater observatories consist of a constellation of instruments and sensors that provide real-time monitoring and data collection from an aquatic environment.
  
  

• Most of our observatories are centered around a live-streaming vision system, such as the Octopus or the Angler.
  
  

• Real-time and archived visual data can be enhanced with artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms, and supplemented with physical or chemical oceanographic sensors and underwater lighting.
  
  

• Many of our observatories also form the focal point for in-person citizen science, academic, and conservation initiatives.
  
  

• In contrast to large government and academic observatory projects, View Into The Blue^®'s "micro-observatories" offer similar monitoring capabilities for a fraction of the cost.

+ Where can I install a View Into the Blue^® observatory?

• Our observatory systems have been installed worldwide, from tropical reefs to freshwater lakes, private and public aquariums, and on industrial equipment.
  
  

• Our underwater vision systems were featured in Netflix's Chasing Coral and were used by Discovery Channel's Shark Week, among other filmmaking endeavors.
  
  

• We provide monitoring solutions suitable for the shallow intertidal to over 500m deep (1,600ft). We can also provide terrestrial monitoring solutions.

+ Why does my observatory need self-cleaning technology?

• In most aquatic environments, data quality degrades quickly with the settlement of organisms and sediment on optical surfaces and other sensors.
  
  

• Our self-cleaning technologies eliminate the need for frequent cleanings, simplifying maintenance and reducing disruption to long-term monitoring and data collection.

+ Can I control and monitor my observatory from the surface?

• Yes! Our live-streaming cabled observatories can be controlled with simple graphical user interfaces, in real time, from anywhere in the world where internet is available.
  
  

• We also provide control and monitoring dashboards for local control and monitoring only, for example within a private network at a commercial site.
  
  

• Because our IP-based vision systems are compliant with most smart TVs, live video and audio can easily be disseminated within hotel/resort TV networks, as a channel on the TVs in each room.

+ How much does a View Into the Blue^® observatory cost?

• Our mission is to make underwater monitoring affordable and accessible. Our systems provide capabilities similar to expensive observatory systems installed by govenrments and well-funded academic institutions, but at only a tiny fraction of the cost. Please contact a team member to discuss product prices and other costs of installation and maintenance.
  
  

• With generous support from our philanthropic partners, we can often offer substantial discounts to non-profit, educational, outreach and academic organizations whose missions align with our own. Contact us to apply for financial assistance.

+ How is a View Into The Blue^® observatory installed under water?

• Many of our clients install our products themselves, with support from our experienced and responsive team members.
  
  

• We also provide full installation and maintenance services for both simple and complex systems, if required.
  
  

• Most of our observatories are installed by SCUBA divers in 1-2 days, depending on the complexity of the system. It is possible to design systems that are deployed from a boat or ship without diver support.
  
  

• Our vision systems and other instruments are typically mounted on dedicated low-impact moorings, artifical reefs, rock outcrops, pilings, docks, or industrial infrastructure and equipment. We provide numerous standard and customized mounting solutions.
  
  

• For our cabled, real-time observatory systems, a hybrid power and communications cable is typically run underwater to a small power and communications hub on shore.
  
  

• We also supply remote solar powering and long-distance wireless networking solutions for more remote areas.

+ Will I need permits to install my observatory?

• Jurisdictions differ in their permitting requirements for the installation of equipment in or around aquatic habitats.
  
  

• Installations on private property and on pre-existing human infrastructure often do not require permits.
  
  

• Given the benefits of our systems to science, public outreach and industrial risk-reduction, we have found that the permitting authorities often aim to faciliate any required permitting processes.
  
  

• We can provide support during any permitting process.

+ Can I live-stream my underwater video and data to the internet?

• Yes! Many of our clients broadcast their live underwater video to YouTube, Vimeo or similar for worldwide public dissemination.
  
  

• Live underwater video feeds can also be restricted to a specific user group or control-room monitoring terminal. Our video & audio streams can also be displayed on most smart TVs, for example, within every room of a shoreside hotel or eco-resort, or other type business.

+ Can I collect time-lapse images of my underwater site?

• Yes! Most of our video-based solutions permit the collection of time-lapse imagery at virtually any interval.
  
  

• Our Frogfish instrument is a standalone vision system that can collect time-lapse underwater imagery for up to 1 year (2,500 images).

+ What are the power and internet requirements of an observatory?

• Many of our systems are cabled to shore using our custom-manufactured rugged hybrid cable. Our proprietary technologies allow full HD video streaming for one or more vision systems over cable runs of to 2 km (1.25 miles) per BelugaLink.
  
  

• Our systems use only a fraction of the power supplied by a typical household electrical receptable.
  
  

• We also design and install remote solar and other off-grid/alternative powering solutions.
  
  

• A wired or wireless internet connection is required to stream video and data off site. We also design and install long-distance wireless relay solutions and can connect our systems via cellular/mobile and satellite data services.

+ Can I use View Into the Blue^®'s long-distance cabled communication technology for other uses?

• Yes! Our Beluga device can extend high-bandwidth wired internet and serial data communications to distances of 2km (1.25 miles) - both under water and on land. The use of our custom cables will ensure high data throughput for even the longest cable runs.

+ Can I integrate third-party passive or active sensors?

• Yes! Our proprietary technologies permit the integration of virtually any serial or IP-based sensor or instrument into your observatory.

+ What services does View Into The Blue^® provide?

• We provide consulting, engineering, design, installation and maintenance services for myriad underwater technologies.

+ Can View Into The Blue^® install and maintain my observatory?

• Yes! We provide design, installation and maintenance services.

+ Do View Into the Blue^® products come with a warranty?

• Yes! We offer at least one year of warranty coverage on most of our systems and components. Please see our warranty policies.

+ Can I repair my View Into the Blue^® system or components?

• Yes. To help lower our ecological footprint, we design most of our products to be repairable and upgradeable over their expected lifetimes. Please see our repair policies.

+ How do I get help with my View Into The Blue^® products?

• Please contact us by phone, email or through our contact form. One of our experienced team members will respond promptly.

+ What are View Into The Blue^®'s purchasing and shipping terms and conditions?

• Please see our purchasing terms.