The IP Camera Store and IP Cam Blog

During June and July, Network Webcams will be offering all Megapixel IP cameras with a Mega 10% off in the UK and Europe.

With prices now starting at just £258 / €338 + vat, it’s never been a better time to take advantage of the benefits Megapixel IP cameras have to offer.

So, why Megapixel?

Megapixel cameras offer resolutions at least three times higher than analogue CCTV cameras. This extra detail enables better possibility of identification and the potential for covering a larger viewing area with one camera as opposed to multiple non-megapixel cameras.

High resolution Megapixel cameras are ideal for:

Education - to improve CCTV security on campus for students and staff.

Retail - where shrinkage and theft can be substantially reduced by video surveillance.

Offices and commercial premises - to tackle vandalism to buildings and in carparks.

City surveillance - where high quality images are required to identify people or objects of interest.

Banking and financial institutions - where Megapixel image quality provides excellent detail to monitor suspect activity and record evidence.

GO MEGAPIXEL - Follow this link to view our full range of reduced price Megapixel Cameras now!

Sony have recently announced two new cameras for their 360° IP dome camera SNC-RX series.

Joining the original Sony SNC-RX550 is the new SNC-RX530 and SNC-RX570. These will offer the same key features as all cameras in the SNC-RX series:

• Highly sensitive 1/4 type Exwave HAD CCD imaging sensor
• DEPA Intelligent video analytics providing intelligent motion and object detection
• Multiple video compression formats: JPEG, MPEG-4 and H.264
• Automatic day/night switching
• Image stabilizer
• …plus many more

Read more

Network Webcams today launched its new Camera Finder Tool which makes it easier than ever to locate and choose the most appropriate camera depending on your needs.

The IP Camera Finder, available now both in the UK and Europe, and in the United States, makes choosing an IP camera as simple as a few mouse clicks.

Our unique system allows customers to choose the camera features they most require from a list of typical features, within a certain price range, or even a particular brand, and be presented with a list of cameras meeting those requirements. It is the quickest and easiest way to locate the best camera for any application whether that be for home security, business security or such-like.

The tool incorporates our unique product bundles ensuring that the widest range of appropriate cameras and solutions is available.

IP Camera Finder for use in UK and Europe >>

IP Camera Finder for use in USA >>

Network Webcams’ status as The IP Camera Specialists has been further underpinned by our recent appointment by Sony as a Sony Professional Solutions Europe Specialist Dealer, a status only held by a small number of companies in the UK.

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Axis have released the latest version of their IP camera recording software Axis Camera Station with a raft of improvements and new features.

AXIS Camera Station 3.0 features an improved user interface and support for H.264 video compression standard. The new offering is part of Axis’ new generation network video products that take full advantage of their in-house developed ARTPEC-3 chip. The new product generation incorporates the H.264 video compression standard, which gives improved image quality, simplified deployment and management of large systems and better cost-efficiency.

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Network Webcams today releases JVC IP cameras for sale on its UK and European IP camera store.

The JVC range is a suite of advanced professional IP network security cameras within its JVCPro business design for CCTV, security and surveillance applications.

Prices start at £439 + vat for the JVC VN-V25U IP camera for Day and Night CCTV monitoring with Motion Detection PoE and Dual Streaming.

Visit JVC on Network Webcams’ UK and Europe IP Camera Store.

3 Year Warranty

Did you know that almost all of the Axis cameras and network video products we sell through our online store come with a three year warranty? This covers all Axis network video products with the exception of their entry-level models, the Axis 206 and Axis 207(W/MW). These come with a one year warranty.

This increase in warranty came into affect from the 15th March 2007 and applies to purchases made from 1st January 2007.

“Axis specializes in professional, network video solutions and this extended warranty coverage—which is provided at no additional cost to our customers—strengthens the value of our offering to the professional market. The new warranty provides end users, systems integrators and resellers with secure, trouble-free ownership and better control of total costs.” - Anders Laurin, Axis’ executive vice president of corporate strategy.

The warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. If you have any problem with an Axis camera you purchased from Network Webcams then just contact us on 0151 633 2111 and we will facilitate its return on your behalf at no cost.

More details

Axis three year warranty

Axis three year warranty - press release 15.3.2007

Warranty Information (PDF 37.5KB)

The Mobotix range of IP video cameras is now available to buy through our online store at www.networkwebcams.com.

The range so far includes:

• Mobotix M22-IT-D22 Indoor or Outdoor IP video camera
• Mobotix M22-SEC-D43 1.3 Megapixel Indoor or Outdoor IP security camera
• Mobotix M22-SEC-D22 1.3 megapixel Indoor or Outdoor IP camera
• Mobotix M12D-SEC-DNIGHT 1.3 Megapixel dual lens day/night IP camera
• Mobotix M12D-SEC-D22 day and night .13MP dual lens IP surveillance camera

All Mobotix cameras come with PoE built in and can be mounted indoors or outdoors. Mobotix network cameras are certified to IP 65 and are designed for outdoor as well as indoor usage. Since power over network wiring will also work in winter, and with the Mobotix range no t demanding power-hungry heating, Mobotix cameras will work reliably even at temperatures as low as -30°C.

You can try out a live demo of the Mobotix M22-SEC-D22 Megapixel IP camera by calling us on 0151 633 2111.
Mobotix cameras make highly configurable and great quality webcams and are also supported in the Streamdays Webcam Hosting service.

More information about Mobotix.

Mobotix IP cameras on www.networkwebcams.com.

Technical evaluations, IP camera HOWTOs and more Mobotix tips to follow.

We’ve been in discussion with Panasonic over the last week trying to gather some information about whether or not the latest version of their Network Camera Recorder software, BB-HNP15, will be available to ‘try before you buy’.

Here is an update of what we know so far:

• Panasonic will be offering both versions (the other verion in BB-HNP11) side-by-side. Therefore BB-HNP15 does not actually replace the previous version, instead it offers support for the new features found in their latest camera models.
• Panasonic have informed us that they cannot currently offer a free trial of the BB-HNP15 software from their website due to licensing issues connected to the MPEG-4 license agreement.
• Panasonic have also told us that trial versions of BB-HNP15 will be shipping with the appropriate models of camera by the end of the year. The models supported will be their domestic BL and BB ranges excluding the BL-C1 and BL-C20. Until then these cameras will still ship with a free 1-camera license of BB-HNP11. The downside is that this trial version will be a single camera version but contain watermarks on all recorded images stating it is for demo purposes only. To fully utilise the new software means having to purchase the licensed version, even if you only have one camera. BB-HNP11 software will still continue to be available for download from the Panasonic website but this won’t contain any of the additional features such as MPEG-4 or megapixel recording.

We think this is messy and inconsistent, and unfortunately may lead to confusion and customer upset. We would like to see our customers being able to benefit from the new functionality of the trial software if they have purchased a camera with these available features, just like they can with the existing HNP11 software.

We will continue post any updates as soon as we have new information.

Related articles:

What’s New in Panasonic’s BB-HNP15 Network Camera Recorder Software?

Panasonic have recently released their BB-HNP15 Network Camera Recorder software. This will be sold alongside their BB-HNP11 version. So what are the key differences?

Well, the software is aimed at those who have recently purchased any of the new Panasonic network camera models such as the BL-C111, BL-C131, BB-HCM511, BB-HCM531, BB-HCM515, BB-HCM580 or the BB-HCM581. Let’s look at the key additions in the latest version of the software: Read more

Following the successful European expansion of our website and improved order fulfillment procedures, we are excited to announce the next phase in our company’s development. We have launched an Affiliate Programme for our online store at www.networkwebcams.com, sign up is FREE and the programme is monitored by one of the best systems on the web. Managed in association with Affiliate Future we guarantee that your sales conversions will be tracked correctly and commission payments will be prompt.

Read more

Just a quick post on the latest imminent IP camera releases from Panasonic.

To carry on with their product redevelopment we shall see the new BB-HCM580 and BB-HCM581 models arrive this month. These (kind of) supersede their previous pan-tilt-zoom models the BB-HCM381 and BB-HCE481. Read more

We’ve secured some EXCLUSIVE prices for the latest version of Milestone XProtect Basis+ (V6.0) and we’ve created some camera bundles to mark the occasion, passing on even more savings…

You can’t get these prices anywhere else…

Milestone XProtect Basis+ is a leading software recording suite for IP cameras. What Milestone offers is a non-vendor specific recording, monitoring and viewing application which is stable, reliable and guaranteed to work with over 260 different IP camera models from over 30 different vendors.

Which bundle suits you best?

Super Security Bundle
6 Camera Milestone XProtect Basis+ License with 4x Axis 207 cameras

Wireless Security Bundle
6 Camera Milestone XProtect Basis+ License with 4x Axis 207W cameras

Megapixel Security Bundle
6 Camera Milestone XProtect Basis+ License with 4x Axis 212 cameras

Professional Security Bundle
6 Camera Milestone XProtect Basis+ License with 4x Axis 211 cameras

Outdoor Professional Security Bundle
6 Camera Milestone XProtect Basis+ License with 4x Axis 211 Outdoor Pack

We have included 2 extra Milestone Licenses in each bundle so that you have a little flexibility to expand your installation in the future too! Read more

We’re quite excited. Panasonic have just released a new range of cameras which supercede the BB-HCM311 and BB-HCM331 models, and have also, in a first for the range, launched a 1.3 Megapixel model. Yes, we’re excited. We’re excited because we have just taken delivery of the new BB-HCM531 and we also have the new megapixel model, the BB-HCM515 for testing…

Panasonic have launched the BB-HCM511 which is an indoor Pan-Tilt camera, directly replacing their BB-HCM311 model. They have also launched their outdoor-ready product, the BB-HCM531, as a replacement for the BB-HCM331 which is a very popular choice for discreet outdoor surveillance and monitoring. Finally the new BB-HCM515 is the same indoor camera as the BB-HCM511 but incorporating a 1.3 megapixel sensor which means sharper and more detailed images.
Here’s a brief comparison of the key differences between the old discontinued models and the new models:

• Simultaneous MJPEG and MPEG-4: The new MPEG-4 mode (the Panasonic BB-HCM331 only offered MJPEG video) allows full video streaming at 30fps across all resolutions including VGA 640×480 giving a much smoother performance at the maximum image size. (max 7fps in 1.3 megapixel mode BB-HCM515)
• Power over Ethernet: These cameras now support the IEEE802.3af PoE standard meaning that the camera can be powered through the same cable as the data. (using a separate PoE midspan or switch)
• SD Audio Recording: Unlike the Panasonic BB-HCM331 the new cameras offer simultaneous recording of image and sound to the internal SD memory card.
• Full Screen Mode: The Panasonic BB-HCM531 now offers a full-screen mode which enlarges the field of view significantly when monitoring your camera
• Improved User Interface: The setup menus within the cameras are much improved over the Panasonic BB-HCM331, particularly around event management

We’ll be taking a closer look at the BB-HCM531 and BB-HCM515 later when we do a full evaluation of the products. For now though, you can take a look at the detailed specifications for each below:

BB-HCM511 Indoor Ip Camera Pan-Tilt Audio D/N PoE
BB-HCM531 In/Outdoor IP Camera Pan-Tilt Audio D/N PoE
BB-HCM515 Indoor 1.3 Megapixel IP Camera Pan-Tilt Audio D/N PoE

If you have any questions about these products, please leave a comment and I’ll be glad to answer.

Today is a milestone in the development of our company Network Webcams Limited. After months of blood, sweat and headaches our updated e-commerce store www.networkwebcams.com has now gone live. Whereas in the past only UK customers could order on-line, now customers in sixteen European countries can do so too. The expansion into Europe follows our success in the UK, where we have taken and delivered over 1,800 IP camera orders in just over the two years that the site has been running. Our European customers will benefit from exactly the same support and service as we provide in the UK: speed of response and delivery, expert advice and technical support, buy & try and a no quibble service when something is not right. We are grateful to all members in our team, who have been serving our customers with such dedication and professionalism, that we can confidently make this step into Europe. Enough said, have a look for yourself at www.networkwebcams.com.

As of today we are discontinuing the sale of the following Panasonic cameras:

• BL-C10
• BL-C30
• BB-HCE481

These models have been superceded with new up to date models. To find out more, keep reading… Read more

We’ve just taken delivery of a Panasonic BL-C131, the new successor to the amazingly popular BL-C30. We’ve had a play, and here’s a list of the key improvements that the new model offers over its original:

• Simultaneous MJPEG and MPEG-4: The new MPEG-4 mode (the Panasonic BL-C30 only offered MJPEG video) allows video streaming at a full 30fps across all resolutions including VGA 640×480, giving a much smoother performance at the camera’s maximum resolution. As this relies on an Active-X plug-in this feature is compatible in Internet Explorer (IE) only.
• 1-way Audio: The BL-C131 now offers 1-way audio support by using a built-in microphone allowing the viewer to listen in on sounds where the camera is positioned. We found the microphone to be extremely sensitive and work rather well. Again, this is reliant on ActiveX, so IE only.
• Motion Detection: The Panasonic BL-C30 could only trigger events based on the thermal sensor input. The new BL-C131 offers built-in motion detection support as well as thermal sensor detection. A nice addition. With clever use of triggers you can now reduce the number of false positives you would normally recieve from a camera alarm using these detection methods. For example, if you set up both motion and thermal detection and you recieve an alert from both then you know, with much more certainty, that there is a person in front of the camera as it has detected movement and heat.
• Full Screen Mode: This improved model now offers a full-screen mode which enlarges the field of view significantly when monitoring your camera. In any other browser it seems to display at the same size but in IE it is significantly larger than VGA (640×480) so this is probably reliant on the Active-X control again.
• IPv6 Compatibility: To future-proof the camera it now comes as standard with IPv6 support out of the box. Probably not required right now but handy to have when it’s needed.
• Improved User Interface: The configuration menus within the camera are much improved over the Panasonic BL-C30, particularly around event management and it seems much more emphasis has been put on automatic setup.

A full evaluation of the product will be available shortly.

We’re taking orders right now for this camera and its sister model the BL-C111 (wired ethernet equivalent/non-wireless), please see the links below for full specification and ordering details:

Panasonic BL-C111 Compact IP camera Pan/Tilt Audio Heat Sensor
Panasonic BL-C131 Wireless IP camera Pan/Tilt Audio Heat Sensor

Axis has recently announced the launch of their new PTZ dome camera, the Axis 215.

This pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera features a compact, tamper-proof design and automatic day/night switching making this camera ideal for indoor security applications such as banks, shops, reception areas etc.

Using a clever feature known as ‘E-Flip’, an Axis 215 offers a full 360 degree pan and 180 degree tilt. For example, if you were tracking a person walking under the camera, at the point directly underneath where most dome cameras would stop, this camera will flip the image 180 degrees automatically and keep moving. This eliminates any camera blind spots and coupled with a modest 12x zoom always allows you to successfully follow a moving target in great detail.

Advanced features include 2-way audio communication, powerful event management such as events based on schedules, sensor inputs or motion detection and superior image quality using simultaneous MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG technologies pushing out streams at 30fps up to a maximum resolution of 768×576 pixels.

We think the camera is going to be very popular, especially with small businesses looking for a great security solution to match their needs and we’re looking forward to taking a closer look at one in due course.

For more information visit www.axis.com

For our network camera store please visit www.networkwebcams.com

We are on a mission to be the #1 source for network cameras on the web. Part of that mission is to provide a discussion forum where our customers can get help and information from us, and from other network camera customers and users.

We are pleased to announce that it went live today, Saturday 5th May 2007.

We aim for the forum to become an important resource for anyone looking for help or advice on which camera to get, how to use it, what to do when things go wrong and more. In fact, pretty much anything to do with network cameras goes.

While the site is new we will post basic help and advice until the discussion gets going but we look forward to the forum becoming another channel where our knowledgeable technical and sales teams can provide help and support. Remember, all our technical support is free and available when you need it.

The rapid growth in network camera sales across the industry should mean that this discussion forum will quickly develop into THE place to make that first move to network cameras.

View and post to the forum here.

AXIS INCREASES WARRANTY COVER FROM 1 TO 3 YEARS

Axis Communications announced on March 15th that it has increased the warranty period on its network video products from 1 to 3 years. The new, three-year hardware warranty applies to purchases made from January 1, 2007 and onwards. It is applicable to all Axis network video products except for the Axis 206 and Axis 207/207W/207MW network Cameras.

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