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American Technology Network (ATN) is a leading manufacturer and developer of performance-driven night vision optics and thermal imaging devices. In only two decades, they have built out a company focused on innovation and quality to provide value to their customers. ATN manufactures the largest selection of low light optical devices and caters to consumers, law enforcement, and military clients.
ATN's R&D Department has consistently allowed them to cultivate cutting-edge technologies and launch innovative products. The ThOR Series Thermal Weapon Scopes launched in 2011 with overwhelming user response. In 2012, the introduction of the ODIN and the OTS-X Series of multi-use thermal monoculars added versatility and diversification to their thermal line while their 2nd+ Generation Intensifier Tubes brought incredible performance at a phenomenal price to their night vision line. 2012 is also the first year ATN introduced its line of Digital Night Vision with "Ultra Bright" technology, offering an incredible full color, high-resolution display.
Most recently, ATN doubled down on the digital optics category with their Obsidian Core II processor and as a result their SmartHD optics have challenged the industry standards while simultaneously making digital day/night optics more accessible. That's why we put together this guide, to help our customers stay up to date and make informed purchases. So without any more fanfare, let's dig into what SmartHD optics has to offer.
What Makes ATN Smart HD Optics Unique?
At the heart of the SmartHD Optics line is the Obsidian Core II, a 1 billion cycles per second processor (read specialized computer) that runs a suite of image and environmental sensors, utilizes advanced digital image architecture, and provides an intuitive user interface. Combined with the HD lenses, sensors, and displays, SmartHD Optics delivers sharp, high-resolution imagery at lightning fast speeds.
If the Obsidian Core II is the heart, then the software is the brains of the SmartHD Optics line. ATN has a team of embedded software engineers who are constantly working on growing and improving the capabilities of every device. The ability to fundamentally improve and evolve the Smart HD Optics devices by simply updating the firmware has greatly changed the way ATN now thinks and operates.
Since the SmartHD Optics line is built around the principal feature of viewing, recording, and sharing in High Definition, ATN focused on additional supportive features such as Smooth Zoom, WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, GPS tagging, and the ability to use the optics both during the day and at night.
While those features are a staple in the SmartHD line, some features differ between models in order to accommodate a wide variety of applications. Our goal with this guide is to help you determine which one suits you.
What Is the ATN X-Sight II?
The flagship of the SmartHD Optics line, the ATN X-Sight II was one of the first and only digital optics to display and record full color in high definition. The X-Sight provided an affordable digital optic that you can use during the day or night, eliminating the need to have a dedicated night vision device. It also enabled users to record data and capture images right on the optic, either for their own purposes, such as revisiting a fruitful hunting site, or to share through social media.
The X-Sight II builds upon the first generation with additional sensors and improved software. The additional sensors enable the X-Sight II to estimate target range with the Smart Range Finder, calculate a Smart Shooting Solution that accounts for common variables which typically affect point of impact. They also simplify the recording process with Recoil Activated Video so that the user can focus on their target instead of having to manually set recordings.
Combined with the One Shot Zero, a shockingly simple feature that allows you to sight in the optic with ease, these features have drastically improved the functionality and effectiveness of the X-Sight II.
The night vision resolution and performance has been increased as well. While a digital optic does not physically amplify light like an intensifier tube does in a traditional night vision device, it is not damaged by direct or bright light. This makes it a more versatile and durable option than traditional night vision. The X-Sight II also has a 160lp/mm resolution which is significantly higher than traditional night vision. The optic comes with a detachable IR illuminator, so it is ready to go out of the box but can easily be upgraded if increased performance is desired.
Since the digital age is now synonymous with Smartphones, ATN not only designed the X-Sight II to be smartphone compatible but also ensured that it was easy to sync up and provided an intuitive user interface so that users can customize settings, activate features, or even remote view images from the optic all on their phone. The optic is rated for up to .308 caliber and while it has an integrated mount, there are aftermarket replacements available. The X-Sight II is a premium digital optic at an accessible price and is adaptable to almost any application that involves a firearm.
How Does the ThOR HD Compare?
The ATN ThOR HD offers virtually all of the same features as the X-Sight II, with one major difference. Instead of offering both daytime and night vision capabilities, the ThorHD is a thermal weapon sight. Since thermal imagers are not light sensitive, you can use them during the day or night without adjusting the mode. Thermal imagers work by detecting infrared energy, from which a picture is created based on the variances. Infrared energy is most commonly thought of in terms of heat, such as living things. This makes Thermal Imagers great for detection purposes, such as scanning large areas for potential game or tracking a blood trail. Most light cover will not mask an infrared signature, but be aware that things like water and glass will. But by adjusting the settings, such as brightness and contrast, in addition to the multiple color palette settings available, there is not much that the ThorHD can't detect.
Once you've found your target, the Smart Shooting Solution all but ensures that first shot is perfect. If your friends don't believe you, or maybe even you don't believe it, the Recoil Activated Video has all the action captured for your Hi-Def viewing pleasure. The ThorHD is a quality optic, packed with a phenomenal array of features at an amazing price point, making it one of the most exciting new products in the Thermal Weapon Sight industry.
ThOR HD weapon sights are available in two different resolution levels, 384 and 640. Since resolution (image quality) degrades as you increase magnification, the higher resolution units can provide a larger magnification range with the same size objective lens and will have a better quality image, especially at higher magnification. The 384 resolution models are available in a 1.25-5x19, 2-8x25, 4.5-18x50, 9-36x100 while the 640 resolution models are offered in a 1-10x19, 1.5-15x25, 2.5-25x50, 5-50x100. The larger objective lenses are able to detect a greater amount of infrared energy and thus provide increased range performance at each level (detection, recognition, identification).
How Do the BinoX-HD Binoculars Utilize SmartHD Technology?
Digital optics are more than just weapon sights. Realizing that many of the features of the Obsidian II Core could be appreciated in non-shooting activities, ATN created the BinoX-HD, a digital thermal imaging binocular that captures the exact image you are seeing, in 1080p Hi-Def.
The BinoX-HD is one of the best options for anyone interested in a digital binocular. With an Image Stabilization Gyroscope and a Night Mode, you can capture quality images in virtually any setting or condition. Those images can be saved to an SD card or exported via the micro USB/HDMI ports. The built in GPS and Geotagging capabilities allow you to share details of your photos and revisit the exact location if you wish. That makes it a great tool for birding or to keep on the boat. The BinoX-HD have a smooth zoom that goes from 4x to 16x and a tripod mount socket. By utilizing a tripod and the Smartphone app, you could set up the BinoX-HD in one location and remotely view your subject from another location. No other digital binocular offers these features, or 1080p Hi Def images, at this price point. That makes the BinoX-HD an excellent value and a useful optic to have around.
What Are the BinoX-THD Binoculars?
Hunting isn't the only application for Thermal Imagers. Search and Rescue operations frequently utilize thermal devices, as do surveillance operations. ATN created the BinoX-THD to offer a compact yet powerful tool at a fraction of the cost compared to other options. Available with a 384x288 resolution sensor and 4.5-18x zoom or a 640x480 resolution sensor and 2.5-25x zoom, the BinoX-THD utilizes the Obsidian II Core and an Image Stabilization Gyro to offer crisp thermal images. A variety of sensors gather environmental data that can be recorded with the images and stored on an SD card or shared via the Wi-Fi capability. No other thermal imager can offer those same capabilities for the same cost.
How Does the OTS-HD Monocular Compare?
If the Binox-THD are a little larger and heavier than you would prefer, the ATN OTS-HD Monocular is the unit to go with. ATN designed this thermal imaging monocular as a great tool for scouting, tracking, checking structures for heat loss, and aiding in finding lost persons. Still providing the excellent thermal imaging capabilities like the BinoX-HD, just now in a slim and compact package.
How Can the ATN X-Spotter Improve My Shooting?
Taking the Bino-X to the next level is the X-Spotter. With a 20-80x magnification, the X-Spotter offers what the average spotting scope has and more. No longer do you need to rig up a camera to the eyepiece if you want to capture what you are seeing. The X-Spotter has all the same great recording features as the Bino-X. Using the ability to stream to your phone, you can set the ATN X-Spotter up in one location and be shooting or hiding from another, ensuring that you have an excellent view of your target at all times. As a range tool, the X-Spotter easily does the work of 2 or 3 different tools, leaving more room in the bag for ammunition.