The IP Camera and IP CCTV Blog

On Thursday 30th September 2010 Axis Communications, Milestone, Aerelink and event host NW Systems will present an informative seminar session for the Public Sector.

The seminar ‘Security for the Public Sector’ will demonstrate how network video and wireless technology can provide flexible, high-performance solutions for the public sector whilst offering tangible cost savings.

Topics to be covered include:

• Network video – the future of CCTV. Learn the benefits of switching to an IP-based solution first hand
• High Definition and its application for surveillance
• Optimisation of your video management system – live demonstration
• Wireless technology – offering true flexibility, reliability and real cost savings

Location: BT Convention Centre, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront L3 4FP

Start: 9:30am
Finish: 1pm

Followed by demonstrations/networking and a free lunch.

There will be no charge for this event, however, spaces will be limited so early booking is advisable to reserve your place.

To register your interest please contact;
viki@networkwebcams.com

Or call 0151 632 7582 for further information.

About the hosts:
Axis Communications launched the world’s first IP camera in 1995 and is the world-leading manufacturer of IP video cameras today. www.axis.com

NW Systems Group, headquartered on the Wirral, is one of the largest IP video specialist companies in the UK and has been an instrumental force in driving the IP surveillance market in the UK.

The Football Association has recently purchased Axis P5534 IP cameras to monitor crowd flow at Wembley Stadium.

With HDTV quality footage, a 18x zoom and a 360° rotation, the Axis P5534 will deliver detailed images ensuring crowd flow on match days is clearly captured and people and objects are easily identifiable.

View our earlier blog post on the Axis P5534 and demo footage from the Axis P5534 IP camera.

Axis P5534 HDTV PTZ Dome IP Camera, full specification >>

New from Axis Communications, the world’s leading IP camera manufacturer, is the M1054 HDTV IP security camera. Even with HDTV resolution, full alarm capabilities and dual h.264 streaming, the camera remains an affordable solution for security surveillance of homes or business properties.

Its H.264 video streaming delivers the latest in video compression technology without reducing picture quality and the camera comes with Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity for quick, easy and cost-effective installation.

The built-in microphone and speaker allow two-way audio and the camera’s white light LED can be triggered to illuminate when heat is detected by the integrated PIR sensor for low-light monitoring. Combined with the on-board speaker this makes the camera an effective deterrent.

The camera’s practical and smart design wouldn’t look out of place in an office or any modern interior.

Read more or buy the Axis M1054 HD IP camera >>

Didn’t we say that HD was going to be big this year? (yes we did! > Network Webcams tips HD IP cameras in 2010).

We think if you take a look at the kind of results you get from the new Axis P5534 HD dome camera you will begin to see why. Astounding detail.

Daylight

Low Light

For best results try watching in HD directly from our YouTube channel Network Webcams on YouTube):

More information:

Axis P5534 PTZ HD Dome Network Camera
HDTV network cameras - Why are they different from megapixel cameras?

This surveillance kit is ideal for small businesses as it includes four Axis M1031-W mini wireless IP cameras and a four channel version of the Axis Camera Station video management software.

Easy to install, the kit provides an IP CCTV system that features wireless connectivity, 2-way audio support, motion detection and a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) and illumination LED to capture clearer images at night.

An affordable solution for anyone needing to install a security system, this Axis bundle provides a saving of £322 when compared to buying the products individually.

View the Axis M1031-W Wireless Surveillance Kit >>

Axis are the first to introduce a fully featured thermal network camera for surveillance, the Q1910 (outdoor variant Q1910-E). Before now thermal imaging cameras have been analogue-based and restricted to high-end installations with a heavy price tag but with the new cameras launched this week Axis are offering thermal network camera surveillance at an affordable price.

Read more

Axis Communications now have their first ONVIF compliant network video camera with the release of the latest firmware version 5.10 for the P3301 and P3301-V fixed dome network cameras. Axis have been heavily involved in the development of the ONVIF standard and this will be the first of many Axis network video products to incorporate ONVIF standard functionality.

ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is an open industry forum founded by Axis, Bosch and Sony to standardise the communication between network video devices. The aim is to develop common protocols for the exchange of information between devices, including device discovery, video streaming and intelligent metadata to ensure complete compatibility regardless of device manufacturer.

The rise of a common standard will give increased flexibility for the end user or system installer with devices chosen for their suitability for the application and not compatibility to an existing system or other network video devices. The ONVIF standard will also future-proof any investment with the reassurance of future compatibility with any ONVIF compliant network video products.

With both the power and data being sent to the camera down a single cable, Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers a cost-effective method of IP security camera installation, and now, until the 30th September 2009 Network Webcams has made Axis quality even more affordable when you purchase a PoE compatible Axis IP camera or Video Encoder.

For UK and European customers, every order placed for a PoE compatible Axis IP camera or Video Encoder will have the option to recieve a 1-port Power over Ethernet Midspan, free of charge (giving a saving of £39/€46!).

Read more

The Q6032-E is the latest in PTZ dome network cameras from Axis.

It is a professional camera for high end security surveillance and monitoring, suitable for any indoor or outdoor location. With an IP66-rated case the camera is fully weatherproof and with Arctic Temperature Control can also withstand extreme temperatures of between -40 to +50 degrees C.

Easy to install

Designed for easy installation, the IP camera can be mounted quickly and easily and with support for the IEEE802.3at High Power over Ethernet pre-standard the camera can be powered using a single Ethernet cable.

Other features include:

• 35x optical zoom with autofocus
• H.264 video compression for bandwidth efficient monitoring
• Local storage to SD memory card
• Day/night monitoring for reliable 24-hour surveillance

For more information:

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

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)

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

Axis have just launched their M10 network camera series.

The M10 cameras represent great value for money, are ideal for security around your home or business and are easy to install and use, making them suitable for beginners to IP CCTV surveillance, or just to IP cameras in general.

The M10 Series

Each camera in the series supports the latest video compression format H.264 which delivers highly efficient video at significantly lower bit-rates than other formats.  This means less bandwidth usage over your network and less storage space required for recordings, all without any loss of image quality.

They are also compact and stylishly designed to compliment contemporary interiors, and perhaps provide some discreet monitoring opportunities.

Available Models

The M10 Series comes in three flavours, a wired model (Axis M1011 - £139 ex.VAT), a wireless model (Axis M1011-W - £159 ex.VAT) and a night vision model (Axis M1031-W - £219 ex.VAT) which is wireless and includes a built-in white light LED so it can enable surveillance 24 hours a day. Additionally the Axis M1031-W model includes 2-way audio using a built-in microphone and speaker.

At these prices and level of features we have a feeling these cameras are going to be very popular.

For more information about each model see below:

Axis M1011 compact IP camera
Axis M1011-W compact wireless IP camera
Axis M1031-W compact wireless IP camera with 2-way audio, and white light illumination for night viewing

There’s no slowing Axis down. Here is some news of another new camera range which is due for release in the early part of 2009.

The Axis M3011 and M3014 are ultra discreet fixed dome cameras measuring only 9cm (3.6 inches) in diameter and are almost completely recessed, sticking out a mere 3cm (1.1 inch) from the ceiling. They are designed for recessed mounting in drop ceilings and the installation procedure is the simplest we’ve ever seen.

Don’t let their size fool you though, these cameras are capable of delivering high-quality images (M3011 VGA, M3014 1.3MP) using MJPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264 compression formats as well as all the usual features you would expect from an Axis IP camera.

For more information watch the short promotional video from Axis:

Axis M3011-M3014 - Easy Installation Video

Bookmark this blog as we will have more information as the product gets closer to launch.

Hot on the heels of Panasonic’s latest BL range releases Axis have announced the imminent release of their M10 series of network cameras.

The Axis M1011, M1011-W and M1031-W all have tri-stream support (that’s our term for it anyway) with full frame rate H264, MJPEG and MPEG 4 streams and both the M1011-W and the M1031-W (hence the W) have wireless support in the form of an IEEE 802.11g wireless interface with the built-in antenna.

The top model in the range is the Axis M1031-W as it brings in a passive PIR, integrated white light and embedded, programmable speaker into the same compact unit.

We will, as you’ve come to expect, be getting the range in for stocking shortly and will be doing a full review and technical evaluation. Check back also for our shoot-out between the M1031-W and the Panasonic BL-C160.

Axis have just announced that they have increased their global market share from 32% to 33.5%.

The data comes from IMS Research’s latest report on the state of the CCTV and Video Surveillance market and covers sales in 2007.

Network Webcams supplies Axis CCTV equipment in both direct sales and CCTV system installation capacities.

Axis recently announced they have started to ship an alternative lens with their Axis 211M megapixel IP camera. The new lens is by Tamron and is a designed specifically for megapixel use.

The specification of the lens is almost identical to the previous one: CS-mount, 3.0-8.0mm, vari-focal, DC-iris, F1.0, horizontal viewing angle: 37 degrees (tele) - 90 degrees (wide) and the lens itself it slightly longer by about 15mm but should still fit any any standard outdoor enclosure.

As the new lens is designed for megapixel use it offers higher image quality with more detail and sharpness than before. This is especially suited to IP CCTV monitoring and recording applications where high levels of detail are required. Take a look at an example image taken from the new lens:

We have written a full evaluation which is available from our online IP Camera Learning and Resource Center:

Evaluation: Axis 211M Static Megapixel IP Camera, Now Supplied With New Megapixel Lens

For more information about the Axis 211M:

Axis 211M Static Megapixel IP Camera

Axis interim report (January to September 2008) shows continued growth within the area of network video. The sales increase amounted to 35 percent compared with the same period last year. Sales within IP Video totaled SEK 522m (approx £44m) during the third quarter July to September, corresponding to growth of 32 percent.
“There is considerable interest in all regions for network video products in security installations… Axis’ expansion plans remain,” Ray Mauritsson, CEO of Axis, said in the report.
Axis reports that the Americas and Asia displayed strong growth figures, while the third quarter was characterised by a degree of caution and project changes within EMEA.

Axis reports that 116 new staff were employed during the first nine months of 2008.

Axis is the worldwide leader in network video products used within IP CCTV and security applications. Network Webcams is an Axis Development Partner (ADP) as well as an Axis Solutions Gold partner, offering the full range of Axis network video products and developed applications.