IP Camera and Software: July 2009

As today’s network infrastructures and products are very common in any company or residential location, taking advantage of such platform has its immediate benefits.

PiXORD has made this possible through its complete product line of Network Cameras, Video Servers and Storage Solutions.

Moving from an analog CCTV infrastructure to IP is now easier than ever. More ever, an IP Surveillance System deploys far more benefits and advantages that an analog system can offer:

• Easy Installation
• Unlimited Scalability
• Intelligent Features
• Decreasing Cost of Implementation

Easy Installation & Unlimited Scalability
IP-Based Surveillance systems can be expanded without limitations using the current network under any LAN/WAN infrastructure, either wired or wireless.Just assigning a port from the routerors witch and dedicate it to the network camera or video server will allow an easy and quick installation with minimum efforts.

With PiXORD’s products , you can easily do this even if you already have an existing analog CCTV system.

Contradictory to the DVR system where the recording hardware is proprietary, PiXORD’s offers standard recording software that can be installed easily into a PC, with no additional hardware that could drag you to any increased and exaggerated cost.

Analog CCTV equipment co exists with IP surveillance equipments very easily:
IP surveillance devices can maximize the potential of existing security systems such as DVR and analog cameras, allowing them to deliver the video signal through the Internet so they can be viewed remotely using a Network Video Server.

Setting up a recording software into the PC actually not only replaces the past need of Analog Camera-DVR-Monitor into Network Camera-PC, but also permits an effective unlimited expansion of surveillance when it is required.

Scalability in an IP Network Infrastructure is very easy as network devices such as hubs, switches and routers can be added quickly to the current IP network, and at the same time, can be an asset for the IP surveillance system.

Intelligent Features
Reasons for buying a Network Camera can be many; however the most important ones are what so called “Intelligent Features”. These features built inside network cameras have more capabilities than the traditional analog CCTV camera.

While the traditional analog cameras required fixed personnel to be watching constantly at the monitor, PiXORD has released this effort and built this feature into its cameras .

Smart Events
Features such as built-in motion detection in PiXORD products allow a precise tracking of motion events occurred and can perform additional tasks to have a good use of such.

For example, taking a snapshot upon a motion detected, and sending it to a designated email box or FTP server not only saves your staff the time for searching events but also enhances the possibility for delimiting y our search.

Remote access
While in the past, to monitor your installation you had to be present in the location where the equipments were, today using a web browser, you can view your installation any where you are just through the Internet.

Being able to create different profiles for the access not only allows the security administrator to have a control over the resources allocated to the security staff, but also permits a proper non disclosure of what should not be shown for sensible monitored areas depending the staff who is looking at it.

Costs of Implementation

Costs of installation for IP Surveillance can be decreasing for any installation as they use existing network infrastructures.

Reduced Cost of Installation

Not only has PiXORD been able to make an easy setup on IP surveillance products for new installations, but has also incorporated to the product line a device that enables the transmission of data and video through existing CCTV infrastructures where re-cabling is not possible or an arduous task.

The PiXORD Media Converter has the benefit of transmitting video and data signals using standard telephone lines or existing coaxial cables, enabling the signal delivery up to 1,500 kilometers. No additional or incremental expenses, maximizing and exploiting y our current infrastructure for more enhanced benefits.

While Buying an IP Camera

1. How large an area do you want to view with each camera?
The distance to and the width of the area you want to view will determine the type of lens you need. The higher the “mm” (focal length) the smaller the field of view and the more magnification you get.

2. How much light is available?
Do you want to monitor and record at night? The amount of light determines how sensitive the camera needs to be. You may want to select a low-light camera. The "Lux" rating tells you how well a camera sees in dim light.

3. Do you want to use the camera outside?
If the camera needs to be used in a wide variety of lighting conditions, you need an auto-iris lens that adjusts to the light.

4. Do you have a large area that requires a Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) camera?
You can select a camera with either digital PTZ or mechanical PTZ.

5. What frame rate is required?
A high frame rate is required if you want to record a fast moving object. But if you are using the camera for general surveillance; you may only require 1 or 2 frames/sec. The higher the frame rate the more storage space you will require.

6. How much image clarity and detail do you require?
If you want to view a larger area then you need a higher resolution camera. Higher resolutions provide more clarity and better image quality. But if you want to monitor a smaller area and do not want to see a detailed view, a camera with lesser resolution might do. Higher-resolution images also mean larger recorded video and snap files, thus taking up more storage space.

7. Do you want to monitor manually or need automatic alerts?
if you simply want to view your IP camera from any location, you need either a PC or a mobile device like a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) or cell phone with an Internet connection. Surveillance software can automatically start video recording when motion is detected. Special video software like WebCam Monitor is used to control the video from IP cameras. It stores the video, sounds alarms when motion is detected, controls PTZ movement, and much more. Once motion is detected you can be notified by email, sound alarm, or even receive a page.
It's important to consider the compression method used by an IP camera. Compression reduces the size of the video files generated while monitoring. Since video files contain a huge amount of data, compression is required to reduce the storage and bandwidth requirements. The commonly used compression techniques are MPEG-4 and MJPEG. Let us try to quickly understand how these work.

MJPEG (Motion JPEG)
IP cameras using this type of compression can capture images at rates of up to a maximum of 30 frames per second. In MJPEG recording, each frame consists of a complete JPEG image. This is referred to as Motion JPEG. By compressing each frame as an individual image, this produces high picture quality, but when compared with MPEG4, the bandwidth required for transmission and the disk space required for storage are both higher.

MPEG-4
The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) is the organization that defined the standards for this format. With MPEG4, only a small fraction of the video frames are sent as a complete image. For other frames, only information about the difference between this frame and the previous one are actually transmitted, not the complete image. Frame to frame coding techniques are based on the knowledge that most frames are similar to the ones preceding and succeeding them. This means that most of these frames can be transmitted as differences between their neighbors, which in turn means that a lot less information has to be transferred. The result of sending only image changes is both reduced bandwidth usage and storage space. However MPEG4 has a lower image quality when directly compared to MJPEG.
If you want your family and friends to watch the live feed, inform them of your IP address and the port (if you have specified one) to which they can connect to. You may have to Configure Your Camera and PC For Internet Streaming.

Choosing MJPEG for Video Surveillance
Most IP cameras currently available in the marketplace are based on MJPEG. MPEG4 provides better compression so less storage is required but image quality is lower. MJPEG offers higher image quality.
In video surveillance applications that require storage of the video, MPEG4 is not as easy to deal with as MJPEG. To find a particular frame in MPEG requires first finding the reference frame with regard to which the changes in subsequent frames have been transmitted and then moving to the exact time period you would like. MJPEG is a less complicated compression. When you retrieve MJPEG video you can go to the exact frame you want very quickly and easily.
MJPEG (Motion JPEG) is the compression of choice for video surveillance because it has better image quality and shows graceful degradation at bandwidth constraint. MJPEG guarantees a defined level of picture quality, which is vital in most security applications.

View your camera remotely
You want to be able to see what's happening on your property, even when you're not there. You can maintain video surveillance from your office or any other location. You only need four things: a camera, your PC, Webcam Monitor and an Internet connection. The remote monitoring features in CMS software offer several solutions. You can keep an eye on things from anywhere in the world. All you need to do is to connect your camera to your PC and start remote monitoring in WebCam Monitor, and you can always be aware of what is happening as it happens.

Using WebCam Monitor, you can remotely view your camera in three different ways.
1.You can watch a live broadcast from your webcam
2.View uploaded video recordings and photos on your web site
3.Receive email with embedded photo
Let us look at each of the three different ways to turn your PC and camera into a remote video surveillance system.

1. Live Broadcast:
In live broadcasting, WebCam Monitor sends a live stream of the video and/or audio from your camera over the Internet. If you have the Internet bandwidth, this is the best way to monitor the action live.

Preparing for broadcasting
First, you need a static IP address for the PC where the camera is connected. An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique number assigned to each computer in a network. A static IP address does not change. In contrast, a dynamic IP address can change frequently. A dynamic IP address may work temporarily for broadcasting, but when it changes the broadcast will no longer be available.As an alternative to a static IP address, you can assign a domain name to your PC. Services like no-ip.com and dyndns.org will assign a name to your PC, which can then be used to view the broadcast video. For instance, a computer might be assigned the domain name joeblowshome.no-ip.com. Broadcasting will not work from non routable IP addresses. Non-routable addresses cannot be used over the Internet. These addresses can only be connected to over a local network (LAN). All addresses starting with 192.168 are non-routable, as are some others. If you are not sure what type of IP address you have, you need to find out from your ISP or a network professional. If your PC has a non-routable address, you can still broadcast video by reconfiguring your network router to use "Port Forwarding", as explained in the article Configuring Your Camera and PC for Internet Broadcasting.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

AXIS H264 CAMERAS

AXIS Q6032-E PTZ

AXIS Q6032-E PTZ Dome Network Camera is an outdoor-ready, high-performance PTZ dome designed for quick, easy and reliable installation in demanding surveillance applications. It is ideal for use at airports and seaports, as well as for city and perimeter surveillance.

Features:
1. The IP66-rated AXIS Q6032-E provides cost-efficient installation since no external housing is required. Its unique Arctic Temperature Control allows the camera to not only function at -40 °C (-40 °F) but also power up at that temperature following a power failure.
2. AXIS Q6032-E is powered through High Power over Ethernet using the supplied High PoE midspan. Power over Ethernet simplifies installation since only one cable is needed for carrying power, as well as video and pan/tilt/zoom controls.
3. AXIS Q6032-E has a fast and precise pan/tilt response. In addition, it can tilt 20° above the horizon for an extended tilt range of 220°, enabling better views, especially over uneven terrain. 4.The camera has 35x optical and 12x digital zoom. With auto-tracking, AXIS Q6032-E can automatically detect and follow a moving object within its field of view. 4. Day and night functionality, progressive scan and 128x wide dynamic range contribute to the camera's superb video quality.

AXIS Q1755

AXIS Q1755 is an outstanding HDTV camera, ideal for video surveillance systems where clear images and greater image detail are required. It is the perfect solution for securing areas where high quality identification is needed, such as airports, passport controls and casinos.
Features:

1.AXIS Q1755 Network Camera delivers HDTV performance in compliance with the SMPTE standard for installations that demand the highest resolution, perfect focus, good color representation and full frame rate.

2.It delivers HDTV 1080i or 720p resolution.
3. AXIS Q1755 has 10x optical zoom, 12x digital zoom and autofocus and can provide the desired field of view immediately, in perfect focus.
4. The camera has a built-in slot for an SDHC card, enabling local storage of several days of recordings, without any external equipment.
5. Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af) supplies power to the camera via the network, eliminating the need for power cables and reducing installation costs.
6. AXIS Q1755 offers intelligent capabilities such as enhansed video motion detection, audio detection, and alarm notification at tampering attempts such as blocking or spray-painting the camera.

AXIS P131

AXIS P1311 Network Camera is a fixed network camera, delivering excellent H.264 performance and featuring a robust design. Superior video quality with progressive scan is provided in multiple, individual H.264 and Motion JPEG streams.
Features:

1. AXIS P1311 provides crisp and clear images of both illuminated and low-light environments and is the perfect choice where a clearly visible camera is preferred for deterrence in environments such as schools, retail stores, banks and other office buildings.
2. Multiple H.264 and Motion JPEG streams can be provided either in full frame rate or individually optimized for different quality needs and bandwidth constraints.
3. AXIS P1311 includes intelligent capabilities such as video motion detection, audio detection and alarm notification at tampering attempts such as blocking or spray-painting the camera.
4. Two-way audio support allows remote users to listen in on an area and communicate with visitors or intruders. Powerful event management ensures efficient use of the cameras in a video surveillance system. AXIS P1311 offers an SD/SDHC memory card slot for optional local video storage.
5. Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af) supplies power to the camera via the network, eliminating the need for power cables and reducing installation costs.

AXIS M3011

AXIS M3011 Fixed Dome Network Camera, with its innovative and unique design, is specifically developed for recessed mounting in drop ceilings. It offers an unmatched discreet solution that is ideal for video surveillance in retail stores, banks and other office buildings.
Features:

1. With its ultra-discreet fixed dome design, AXIS M3011 measures only 9 cm (3.6”) wide and protrudes only 3 cm (1.2”) from the ceiling. To suit interior design the cover ring is available in a range of colors.
2. AXIS M3011 is innovatively designed for quick and easy installation in drop ceilings. Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af) supplies power to the cameras via the network, eliminating the need for power cables and reducing installation costs.
3. AXIS M3011 uses progressive scan, providing images of moving objects with no distortion. Multiple H.264 streams, as well as Motion JPEG streams, can be provided simultaneously either in full frame rate or individually optimized for different quality needs and bandwidth constraints.

AXIS M10 Series

AXIS M10 Series offers small and smart cameras, ideal for securing locations such as small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, hotels or residences. These intuitive and reliable cameras offer best-in-class image quality and professional monitoring capabilities.
Features:

1. AXIS M1011, M1011-W and M1031-W Network Cameras with their functional and smart design offer a highquality yet affordable video surveillance solution.
2. Multiple H.264 and Motion JPEG streams can be provided simultaneously, individually optimized for different quality needs and bandwidth constraints. AXIS M10 Series supports MPEG-4 Part 2 for backward compatibility.
3. For easy and flexible installation, AXIS M1011-W and AXIS M1031-W offer the choice of either a wireless or a wired connection to the network.
4. AXIS M1031-W additionally features an integrated PIR sensor for detecting movement even in the dark, and a white LED for illuminating the scene automatically at an event or when requested by the user. AXIS M1031-W provides two-way audio support with built-in microphone and speaker, allowing remote listening in on an area, as well as communication with individuals directly or using uploaded or recorded audio clips.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Technology

A network camera can be described as a camera and computer combined into one unit. It connects directly to the network as any other network device. A network camera has its own IP address and built-in computing functions to handle network communication.
Everything needed for viewing images over the network is built into the unit. A network camera has built-in software for a Web server, FTP server, FTP client and e-mail client. Other features include alarm input and relay output functions. More advanced network cameras can also be equipped with many other value-added options such as motion detection and an analog video output.
The lens of the camera focuses the image onto the image sensor (CCD/CMOS). Before reaching the image sensor, the images pass through the optical filter, which removes any infrared (IR) light so that the "correct" colors will be displayed.
The image sensor converts the image, which is composed of light information, into electrical signals. These electrical, digital signals are now in a format that can be compressed and transferred over networks.
The CPU, Flash memory and DRAM memory represent the "brains" or computing functions of the camera and are designed specifically for network applications. Together, they handle the communication with the network and the Web server.
Via the Ethernet port, a high-end network camera can send images directly to 10 or more computers simultaneously. If the images are first sent to an external Web server (instead of directly to the viewers), real-time video can be seen by an unlimited number of viewers.

Banking

Systems that are convenient and easily integratedAxis provides you with cost-effective network video solutions that are easy to use and offer all the functionality and reliability needed to protect staff and assets, verify the bank's transactions and prevent time being wasted on attending to false alarms. Our products allow you to use your existing network infrastructure to deploy cameras, making for short implementation time and low start up costs. Once up and running, the administration of a network video system is both simpler and less labor intensive than traditional CCTV since images are stored on computer hard discs, and employees do not have to change and take care of videotapes. Solutions installed in local bank branches can transmit images to a central location for remote viewing using the LAN or Internet, which is extremely convenient for any organization with geographically dispersed local branches. And if your business is expanding, rest assured that an Axis system scales easily; it can consist of any number of cameras and can be expanded simply by adding one camera at a time. Whether you are looking for a new core surveillance solution or a complement to your existing one, an Axis network video solution will fit the bill.
All the functionality needed for maximum reliabilityThe reliability of network video reduces the risk that thieves will get away with their crimes, and this includes internal crimes such as employee fraud. High image quality leads to easy identification of people and a clear view of transactions at ATM machines, deposit boxes and at the cashier in the branch office. Knowing that all incidents will be observed is both a deterrent to would-be criminals and gives bank personnel peace of mind so they can get on with their jobs, whilst also leaving customers free to go about their business. Network cameras with motion detection can be used to send images by e-mail or MMS to security personnel or the police if a break-in should occur. This eliminates the time and effort wasted in responding to false alarms and enables decisions to be based on accurate, up-to-the minute information. And in addition to improving safety, you can use video images to evaluate peak hours of activity at each bank branch leading to better use of tellers through optimum scheduling.

Education

A new look at school security
What if you could have a modern, state-of-the-art surveillance system which...
helped reduce willful damage to school property, thereby cutting the school's refurbishment costs and delivering a measurable return on investment?
could ensure the safety of staff and pupils during schools hours?
require no additional cabling?
With a network video solution all this is possible.Cost-effective, digital technologyOur digital surveillance systems have the advantage of being highly cost effective: installation costs are low since the need for dedicated cables is vastly reduced and the system can be run on existing computers. Our slim network-run equipment makes for low maintenance costs and images are stored on computer hard disks, which is a neat, cost effective storage solution. What's more, since Axis network products make use of modern digital technology, you are sure to get plenty of use out of the investments you make today. Which means that, no matter whether you are choosing a surveillance system for a junior school, a high school or an institute of higher education, you'll find an Axis solution that fits the bill.
Reliable systems for school safetyStudents and teachers hampered by the threat of harassment or violence will be comforted by the presence of reliable network cameras in the school's public spaces. This includes external areas such as walkways between buildings as well as internal ones such restaurants and school corridors. Outside school hours, the same surveillance system can be used to remotely monitor school property and deter vandalism. A sophisticated, built-in motion detection system can generate an alarm, which automatically transmits images to your security operators giving them accurate, up-to-the-minute information upon which to base their decisions. Another interesting area of application for this technology is remote learning. An Axis network video solution can be used to make attending lectures "at a distance" a viable option for students who are unable to attend lectures in person.

Healthcare

ealthcare organizations today are finding network video solutions to be flexible, cost-effective and of high quality for their remote monitoring and surveillance applications in the areas of security, maintenance and ability to remotely assist healthcare givers and patients in distant locations.Application areas have included:
Securing server rooms With important data such as patient files, digital storage of research material and a huge quantity of other critical information now being stored on computer servers, healthcare organizations are implementing network video surveillance products to secure their server rooms.
Authorized hospital staff can view live images of different locations from any workstation and receive instant alerts if motion is detected in the server rooms or any area being monitored.
Remote assistance VISICU, a healthcare solutions company, for example, has used Axis network video servers and audio modules to provide top quality video and audio feeds via a secure, high bandwidth connection to doctors in remote locations. The network video technology enables doctors and nurses specializing in intensive care medicine to communicate with ICU caregivers and patients from a remote monitoring center.

Hospitality

Security & Surveillance of common areas like Lounges, Corridors, Hotel periphery, pools-side, beach areas etc.
Surveillance of entry / exit points, reception, lift entrances etc..
Monitoring of Guest Movements. Record and identify guests / visitors for future references.
Monitoring of facilities - Restaurants, Pubs, Bars, health centre etc..

This will reduce the major challenges in the industry like:

Risk of accommodating un-familiar guests
Keeping track / identification of Guests/ visitors mandatory
Safety & security of guests / their belongings
Monitoring of common areas, room corridors etc.
Safety of guests at various hotel facilities
Monitoring of guest activities at hotel facilities
Records for identifying guests
In case of any emergency / police investigations .

Industry

Network video is currently being used for monitoring manufacturing lines, industrial and pharmaceutical processes, automation, warehouse and stock control systems to name just a few examples of industrial applications.
Efficiency at a production plant can be greatly enhanced through the use of "virtual eyes".
If a malfunction does occur and there are no service engineers in the area, network video can be used to set up a virtual meeting and get technical support at a distance.

Application Areas for Banks

Security & Surveillance
Premises
Entry / Exit gates
Protection
Staff
Assets & Inventory
Monitoring
Transactions
Material Movements
Remote Access
ATMs
Branches
Scrutiny
Standard procedures
Security procedures
Investigation
Misconduct
Complaints

Software Products

OneView CMS :

OneView CMS - OneView CMS software provides the best of the Graphic User Interface (GUI) and unmatched reliability as required for a security & surveillance solution. Integrated with the leading network cameras across the world, the suite is designed for its simplicity, efficiency and consistency. The server module of this client-server application can be installed on a standard computer server or a desktop computer and the client shall be the Internet Explorer on your desktop. Designed as an enterprise solution, software shall not be a limiting factor for the scalability of the installation. Indigenous design of the software provides the flexibility of customization during the deployment of the software.

Voice Reminder :

Voice Reminder is an application for mobile Phones to keep track of important events and notify the user through voice and text messages at predefined instances. The application helps the user to save time by recording voice message as reminder in the device instead of typing text message.
Voice Reminder also helps the user to make only a single entry for events repeating on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

IPCam Viewer :

IPCamViewer is used for watching live video images of any business, traffic or your loved ones at school/home on your mobile phone at anytime or anywhere you desire.
The IPCamViewer is providing live video image view on any java enabled mobile devices by using your own IP camera(s). It is designed to suit the needs of varied customers for simple viewing or for high-end needs. This is available free of cost as a Demo/Trial application, with sample cameras for viewing.

Video Server Viewer :

Video Server Viewer is used for watching live video images from IP based Video Servers and IP cameras of any business, traffic or your loved ones at school/home on your mobile phone at anytime or anywhere you desire.
The Video Server Viewer is providing live video image view on any java/symbian enabled mobile devices by using your own IP camera(s). It is designed to suit the needs of varied customers for simple viewing or for high-end needs.

Call Manager :

Call Manager is a Symbian signed application developed by One View Systems for S60 series mobile phones, which acts as an answering machine. It allows to play personalized voice message to the caller. After this voice message the caller’s message will be recorded automatically and can be played at the user’s wish. The application has other attractive features such as Reject + Send SMS, Record Conversation and Mute Ringer features, which will be helpful to the users in busy time.

Voice Recorder :

Voice Recorder - easy voice recording and play back tool. Now you can record any or all phone and other conversations with the click of a key!!. Or just automate and record all telephone calls. It is so easy now with this tool to do voice storing of a phone number, a vehicle license plate, address of a restaurant and so on, instead of taking the pain to enter these texts in a mobile device while on the move. No need to open the application menu for play back - it is all there for easy access with just key strokes !!!
Compatible for Nokia 6680, Nokia 6681, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6682, Nokia N70, N 72, N90.

Hardware Products

OneView brings network cameras from leading manufactures to provide the best of the technology solutions to its customers. We have become a realistic partner to its customers for choosing the right camera from the variety of high resolution models depending on their objective & functionality. Network camera being a plug and play device to their existing IT infrastructure & Video Management being software based, the implementation, maintenance and usability is intuitive. From an entry level fixed camera to a high end Pan / Tilt / Zoom (PTZ) speed dome camera, the built-in web server can stream live video over the IP network and is viewable using Internet Explorer on the desktop. Even, the Mega-Pixel Surveillance camera which is unique to this technology is bandwidth effective and can co-exist with other existing devices in the network. This makes this solution the most economical and simple to implement for local and remote viewing.

Products

Video Management Software - Indigenous highly scalable software for managing network cameras and its video streams.

IP Network Cameras - Fixed, Dome, Box and PTZ Network cameras which are directly connected to computer network.

Mobile Solutions - Indegenous Utility software products for Mobile handsets and devices.

IP Camera and Software

Monday, July 20, 2009

VIVOTEK DEMO CAMERAS

SONY NETWORK CAMERA DEMO LINK

Axis Demo Cameras and Links

Friday, July 17, 2009

Why use IP Based Surveillance Systems?