The IP Camera Store and IP CCTV Blog

Network Webcams has been chosen by world leading CCTV manufacturer Pelco as one of Pelco’s main routes to market for their new IP camera range. Pelco recognised the leading position Network Webcams holds in the IP CCTV and surveillance marketplace and therefore approached Network Webcams to take on their IP camera products.

“Network Webcams is unique in the industry in that they specialize in IP cameras. We are very pleased that they have made the decision to take on Pelco’s expanding line of IP cameras, including our new Sarix Megapixel technology,” said Alex Doorduyn, Product Marketing Manager at Pelco.

Frank Crouwel, managing director at Network Webcams, commented, “We are very pleased that Pelco approached us and recognises us as a key player. It shows what we have achieved over the last five years, which makes us feel proud.”

Crouwel continued, “We are very keen to work with Pelco, we know their analogue CCTV products well from the past, and the IP product lineup for networked CCTV looks as strong as one would expect from Pelco. We expect Pelco to make quick inroads in the IP video market and we hope to be part of that.”

Pelco is introducing its IP product range as GO IP and offers an aggressive launch discount until 31st October 2009.

Network Webcams is offering its customers the full range of Pelco IP cameras, including the Pelco Camclosures, Sarix Megapixel cameras, and the best-selling Spectra IV IP speed domes. In addition, Pelco’s open platform IP surveillance recording software Digital Sentry will be offered as part of the package.

About Pelco
Pelco, Inc. by Schneider Electric is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of video and security systems and equipment ideal for any industry. Pelco produces the security industry’s most respected offering of discreet camera domes and enclosures, video matrix systems, next-generation digital video recorders, IP solutions and fiber optic transmission systems for video/data - and much more. For additional product or company information, please visit www.pelco.com

Buy Pelco IP CCTV cameras and IP surveillance software online at www.networkwebcams.co.uk

Network Webcams has made live a revamped networkwebcams.net for promoting the company’s strong IP CCTV solutions offering.

“We are going through a process of rebranding, which means that all our sites will be recognisably Network Webcams with the same corporate look and feel throughout”, says Frank Crouwel, managing director of Network Webcams Limited.

Mr Crouwel continues: “We recently introduced our new logo and this revamped website is step two and much more is to follow”.

With a strong track record in IP video and security solutions and the experience to combine the various technologies involved and make them work reliably as one total solution, Network Webcams is well placed for growth and is committed to network video for security.

Network Webcams is a specialist provider of IP security products and solutions offering supply and integration services.

Read more about Network Webcams’ IP CCTV and security solutions.

Network Webcams’ construction monitoring service, RemoteManager, has been selected to collate, archive and promote images for the restoration of the Medway Queen paddle steamer.

The ship has a fascinating history and she became famous for her record number of crossings to the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940, rescuing 7000 men in seven trips and earning the title ‘Heroine of Dunkirk’.

Since being decommissioned in 1963 the Medway Queen has had a chequered life. Firstly threatened by the scrap yard before spending her days as a nightclub on the Isle of Wight. After several incidents of sinking the Medway Queen is now being restored for future generations by the Medway Queen preservation Society.

RemoteManager will provide the society with a full archive of high quality images, a live camera feed on their website and a Time Lapse Movie of the entire project when it’s complete.

RemoteManager is a turnkey webcam system for construction projects providing real-time video, image archival and time-lapse movies. To discuss how RemoteManager can be used with your construction project please give our sales team a call on 0151 633 2111.

We are pleased to announce we have just added a range of product licenses for SecuritySpy on our UK/European store.

SecuritySpy

SecuritySpy is a CCTV monitoring, recording and playback application developed exclusively for the Mac. By installing the software you will turn your Mac into a professional video surveillance system, compatible with a wide range of devices including network cameras, video encoders, analogue cameras, webcams and digital multiplexers. It will even support the built-in iSight webcam you find in MacBooks.

Recording

SecuritySpy has built-in motion detection routines which can be set to record only when movement is detected saving on storage space. A timelapse function is also available for continuous recording if required.

Remote Access

A major benefit of the software is its remote web access capability. The software can be accessed from any remote Mac on the same local network or across the Internet. This provides remote viewing allowing you to keep track of your property from anywhere in the world. SecuritySpy can also be run in a ’server’ mode allowing other instances of the software to stream video back to a central server. This is useful for large organisations who may be running the software in various departments and want to feed them all back to a central monitoring room.

Affordable

SecuritySpy comes with a few licensing options and starts at just £29 for a 1-camera license making it ideal for home security. Licenses can be upgraded when needed and a full, unlimited license is also available making the software an ideal solution for your business too. It’s also easy to install and very simple to use.

More information

SecuritySpy - 1 camera license
SecuritySpy - 4 camera license
SecuritySpy - 8 camera license
SecuritySpy - unlimited camera license

Most businesses these days have some form or other of CCTV security or surveillance system on premise. For some this offers peace of mind, for some a surveillance system operates as a clear and present deterrance and for others as a ‘fire and forget’ system which only becomes critical when it is expected to work during an alarm event.

Larger corporations and some SMEs will monitor their CCTV systems at all times and respond immediately to break ins and violations, but most small businesses don’t have the luxury of resources and therefore rely on their security systems to work in the background, becoming ‘visible’ only when needed.

The idea that something as critical as the security of your business can essentially be forgotten about is not a concept which sits easy with most business owners, but in actual fact most will end up using it in this way, intentionally or no. Whether a security system is intentionally configured to work in this way, or whether over time businesses simply forget it’s there, there is always an element of CCTV working in the background. The real trick is to make sure any system functions correctly in the event of a security breach long before that mental backgrounding takes place.

With any IP CCTV installation large or small it pays in the longer term to test the system repeatedly and contextually. For instance, it’s no good setting up a motion detection window on a camera then simply walking past that camera to test the trigger works correctly. You need to test that trigger in a real scenario, usually at night, when a real event is most likely to occur.

Similarly, any event notifications must be stress tested on installation or businesses suffer the risk of email overload and thus even quicker mental backgrounding. The last thing any small business owner wants is to be woken at 3am by a raft of SMS messages or emails generated by false alarms from a poorly configured system.

Critically for your business, false alarms generate costs in money, time, worry and frustration.

If you have ‘backgrounded’ your CCTV system take a moment to consider how it is set up. Have you viewed the recordings lately? Has it generated any false alarms recently? Have you checked that it’s still working?

Get your CCTV system setup right and it will work to your benefit and perform its duties well, returning your investment rapidy and helping your business turn a profit. Fail to get the configuration right or skimp on testing and you risk rendering the system useless, shortening your temper and wasting your investment.

Choosing the right company to source your equipment from and to perform your installation and commissioning is therefore extremely important. A company with a deep knowledge of security, but just as importantly, of how your CCTV system relates to the needs of your business is a better company for you.

When you finally ‘mentally background’ your CCTV system be safer in the knowledge that you’ve done your prep.

Above all, sleep tight.

Axis communications have released information on their P13 series of IP cameras. Adding to the, already released, P1311 IP camera Axis are adding the P1343, P1344 and P1346.

According to Axis the focus of the P13 series is ‘precise iris control’ which enables higher quality images with higher contrast, increased clarity, higher resolution and better depth of field control. Auto back focus makes installation very easy when it comes to focussing the camera and the top of the range model includes Axis’ new P-iris technology which pairs a new P-iris enabled lens with specialised software designed to optimise the image quality even further. This new lens uses an adapted motorized mechanism to provide precise control over the iris opening and should reduce blurring and increase sharpness.

The Axis P13 network cameras also offer two-way audio support with enhanced audio quality, video intelligence such as video motion detection, audio detection and detection of camera tampering attempts and for further flexibility regarding storage and bandwidth usage, Axis P13 network cameras offer support for an optional SD/SDHC memory card for local video recordings.

The Axis P13 network cameras will be available in Q3 2009:

Axis P1343
SVGA resolution (800×600), day/night, H.264, digital PTZ and SD memory card recording

Axis P1344
HD 720P resolution (1MP), day/night, H.264, digital PTZ and SD memory card recording

Axis P1346
HD 1080P resolution (3MP), P-iris control, day/night, H.264, digital PTZ and SD memory card recording

Straight from IFSEC 2009, Axis have announced the Q6032-E outdoor PTZ dome camera.

It has an impressive set of features including:

• Full PoE connectivity. Using high-power PoE (IEEE802.3at) the camera can be installed using a single Ethernet cable. This will power the temperature controlled housing and the camera giving a very cost-effective and time-saving installation.
• IP66 rated weatherproof housing for security monitoring outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Arctic temperature controlled housing operating in conditions between -40C to +50C (-40F to 122F). It will also boot from shutdown at -40C.
• High quality, industrial-grade PTZ mechanics offering both fast and precise movement. 35x optical zoom allows monitoring of distant objects (e.g. can read a license plate effectively from 160m/525ft).
• H.264 video compression for bandwidth efficient monitoring at low bit-rates, reducing overall network load and storage requirements when recording.

We look forward to seeing this product in action when they are available from June 2009.

More information from Axis’ press release: Axis introduces high-performance, outdoor-ready PTZ dome camera with H.264

VIVOTEK have just announced the release of their IP Surveillance Handbook. The handbook is aimed at security installers and system integrators and hopes to enhance the level of knowledge about IP surveillance and IP CCTV systems.

The book takes you through the basics of IP cameras, video servers and recording solutions, covering hardware, lenses, sensors, camera housings etc. It also looks at IP-specific areas such as networking, bandwidth, video management and system design and provides the reader with the knowledge to help supply cost-effective IP video surveillance systems that truly match their customer’s requirements.

We think the book is a good read for system installers, integrators and end-users alike. The more information that is available on IP video, the more the industry will begin to see the benefits of making the jump from analogue CCTV to digital IP CCTV.

You can download a copy here: VIVOTEK IP Surveillance Handbook (PDF 6.01MB)

Milestone have recently released version 4.2 of their device pack for their XProtect Basis+, XProtect Professional, XProtect Enterprise and XProtect Corporate products.

This update adds drivers for a lot of new cameras with notable additions being the Axis M10 series, Axis M3011 and mini video encoder M7001, the IQeye 4 series and the Panasonic outdoor BB-HCM547.

The update also adds:

• I/O and VMD (video motion detection) support for Bosch Dinion devices and VMD support for Bosch Flexidome devices
• H.264 support for IQeye Alliance Series
• Audio support for JVC VN-V685 and VN-686B

…as well as support for the latest firmware for cameras already compatible with Milestone and bug fixes from V4.1.

This device pack is suitable for the following versions of Milestone:

XProtect Basis 4.0
XProtect Basis+ 4.0-6.5
XProtect Professional 4.0-6.5
XProtect Enterprise 5.0-6.5
XProtect Matrix 2.1-2.3
XProtect Corporate 1.5-2.0

The device pack release notes contain a comprehensive list of supported devices in V4.2 and you can download the update from Milestone’s website here: Milestone Device Pack 4.2

We’ve just added another 5 great Streamdays clients onto www.streamdays.com. These clients use our Streamdays platform to incorporate a live interactive, and reliable webcam onto their websites to increase their website traffic and promote their businesses effectively.

1. Bowmore Distillery - Where they make the delicious single malt
2. Little Langdale, Lake District - stunning scenery and views
3. Oban Tourist Information Centre and exhibition area
4. Gay Dog Kennels - A live view of the dog kennels
5. Kennel Cam - Watch the dog or dogs inside this kennel

Streamdays fully managed webcam hosting services ranges from true streaming video to high capacity webcam hosting for busy entertainment websites.

Each Streamdays package is driven by an IP camera and powered by the business-class reliability of the Streamdays platform.

Contact us now about a fully interactive, plug-and-forget webcam for your business website from Network Webcams - the IP video and security specialists.

We’ve just been sent an email from Y-cam which contains new firmware for their Y-cam White, Y-cam Black and Y-cam Knight models.

This firmware is V2.56B and contains the following additions and bug fixes:

Changes/Additions:

Auto mode for Moonlight Mode
UPnP support for Leviton routers
MAC address detailed in UPnP discovery information
Model name in RTSP DESCRIBE
Anonymous access in the User Management page

Bug Fixes:

WiFi Connection issues.

Please visit our forum for a copy or visit Y-cam at www.y-cam.com

Axis have just launched updated versions of their product brochures for 2009.

We’ve taken a quick look through them and see they have included information about their latest technologies, HDTV (see our evaluation on the Q1755) and H.264 video compression, which make for a good read.

You can download copies of the brochures here in PDF format:

Axis IP-Surveillance (PDF 1.37MB)

Axis Network Cameras (PDF 1.07MB)

Axis Video Encoders (PDF 1.23MB)

Panasonic have recently launched a free 16 camera license for their popular IP camera recording software, HNP11 Network Camera Recorder.

This license entitles the user to connect up to 16 cameras for trial purposes as some features are restricted.

The following functions are not available:

1. Converting the recorded images. No export feature
2. Alarm recording (for recording from external alarm inputs)
3. Searching recordings by keyword
4. Automatic backup
5. Product support

So the main limitation of this trial version is the lack of an export option which limits the system to playback of archived material only. This means that if you had captured an event you wished to save or use as evidence you would have to upgrade the license.

Aside from that this is really quite a good deal. The software will allow you to connect up to 16 Panasonic cameras and you can record continuously or record based on video motion detection. It offers a cost-effective solution when recording multiple IP cameras and is ideal when trialling the software with a large number of cameras before committing to that final purchase.

Resources:

Panasonic HNP11 Network Camera Recorder 16-channel License (ZIP 14.8MB)

Operating Instructions (PDF 6.90MB)

Additional Features (PDF 549KB)

Another new product from Axis launches with H.264 and PoE support. The Axis M3011 is an ultra-compact fixed dome IP camera designed for security installations in shops, department stores, shopping centres, hotels, schools etc.

With an innovative design it has been developed purely for easy recessed fitting into drop-ceilings. The camera is inserted into a 70mm recess where spring loaded clips hold it in place. To finish, the dome cover is placed over the lens and held on by magnets. For more information see the below video:

Features include H.264 compression which allows the camera to operate at vastly reduced bit-rates making up to 80% saving compared to MJPEG or 30-50% saving against MPEG-4 with no loss of image quality. This makes savings on network bandwidth and storage requirements. The camera is also IEEE802.3af Power over Ethernet compliant so it can be installed using a single standard Ethernet cable in almost any location with no need for expensive power cabling to be run to the camera position.

For more information:

Axis M3011 Compact Fixed Dome IP Camera

Today Axis launch the M7001 which is an ultra compact video encoder with PoE and H.264 support.

In the current economic climate it wouldn’t be surprising to us if companies and organisations decide to upgrade their aging analogue CCTV equipment at their own pace, migrating to digital IP in stages rather than purchasing a completely new IP CCTV system all at once.

This is where a device such as the M7001 is useful.  It will allow one existing analogue CCTV camera to be converted for broadcast over IP-based networks (such as a local area network or the Internet).  This provides a cost-effective way of migrating an existing analogue CCTV system to a fully digital IP CCTV system, one step at a time.

Read more of this article…

Panasonic have announced details of 2 new cameras which will supersede their BL-C1 and BL-C20 home security/pet cams.

The BL-C101 and BL-C121 have the same overall appearance as the previous models.  They retain the stylish design of their predecessors and still sport a sleek white finish enabling them to be positioned in any contemporary home or office space without standing out.  The antenna for the wireless model (BL-C121) has been also removed and positioned internally to give a better, less obtrusive finish.

We’re not just interested in their looks though, they also have more features to offer than the previous models.

Read more of this article…

We’ve updated our product listing to reflect the recent upgrade to Milestone XProtect Corporate 2.0b.

The upgrade contains the following new features:

• Added support for Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate (32-bit) and Windows Server 2008 (32-bit).
• Added H.264 support for selected devices. See the device pack release notes for information about the supported devices.
• Added IPv6 support.  See the device pack release notes for information about the supported devices.
• Download Manager is a new feature for managing which clients and other tools are available to users on the welcome page on the server.
• Server side installers for language packs lets an admin place different language options on the welcome page.
• Default preset feature.  It is now possible to mark a preset on a device as a default preset and create a rule to make the device move to the default preset based on a condition

For a full list of changes and improvements see the release notes:

Service Release Notes - Milestone XProtect Corporate 2.0b

For more information: 

Milestone XProtect Corporate 2.0b Base Server License

Milestone XProtect Corporate 2.0b Device Channel License

With the launch of Sony’s first Megapixel IP CCTV security cameras last year came the introduction of their new sensor technology, ExwavePRO.

ExwavePRO

The ExwavePRO sensor is a new CCD imaging sensor which is designed specifically for IP cameras. It benefits from progressive scan technology which eliminates the blurring caused by moving objects you would find when using interlace sensors.  It also uses a CMYG complimentary colour filter which provides greater levels of sensitivity when compared to RGB primary colour filters.

Image on the left is taken from a Sony SNC-DS10 with an ExwavePRO sensor, image on the right is taken from a conventional camera (progressive scan sensor with RGB filter).  Both at 0.7 lux illumination.

Read more of this article…

With the recent launch of the Axis Q1755 HDTV Network camera we suddenly thought to ourselves…  “What on earth is an ‘HDTV’ network camera“?

We know that HDTV is the latest in home entertainment technology delivering television pictures at up to 5 times higher resolution than standard definition (SD) television. However, with the introduction of SVGA resolution (800×600) in 1989 computer monitors have been able to display resolutions equivalent to HDTV for 2 decades on our computer screens, so aren’t all IP cameras HDTV cameras?

Read more of this article…