Analog-to-network video encoders meet critical surveillance needs for cities, airports

Axis Communications has introduced a new analog-to-network video encoding platform, comprised of the 6-channel Axis Q7436 video encoder blade and the complementary Axis Q7920 video encoder chassis. The Axis Q7436 blade supports PTZ over coax control and up to 60 frames per second video, while the Axis Q7920 is an ultra high-density encoder chassis with support for up to 84 analog cameras and provides power and network redundancy.

Axis says its Q7436 blade provides smooth video even in high motion scenes, with support for 60 fps as well as features such as reduced noise, enhanced sharpness and optimized contrast to enable better image quality output. This 6-channel video encoder blade delivers multiple, individually configurable video streams from each channel at full frame rate in all resolutions. PTZ control over coaxial cable is also supported for installation time and cost savings, since a separate cable is not needed for camera control.

Additional features of the Axis Q7436 video encoder blade include powerful event management capabilities with embedded intelligent video features such as tampering alarm and motion detection. Support for the Axis Camera Application Platform enables development of third-party intelligent applications that can be downloaded and installed on the encoder itself. Significant installation savings can be acheived by allowing PTZ control over coaxial cable in addition to the standard support for PTZ cameras using the serial ports, notes the company. The video encoder also supports hosted video and ONVIF for easy camera system integration.

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For larger, centralized surveillance systems, Axis contends that high-density rack solutions with encoder blades offer the most flexible and reliable design. The Axis Q7920 is a rack mountable encoder chassis, providing an expandable solution for migrating large-scale analog CCTV installations to network video. It holds up to 14 hot-swappable video encoder blades in order to digitize up to 84 analog cameras. With hot swapping there is no need to power down the entire system when installing or removing the video encoder blades, which means the critical surveillance system stays up and running during upgrades or maintenance.

The Axis Q7920 video encoder chassis also improves system reliability with its power and network redundancy features. With four RJ45 ports as well as four SFP slots for fiber or additional RJ45 module connections, this video encoder solution offers flexible long distance network connectivity.

“With this new video encoder solution, customers who have invested in large-scale analog systems now have access to future-proof IP video surveillance with a range of digital benefits, like intelligent video, easy remote access and scalability,” comments Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications. “For demanding surveillance environments where the Axis Q7436 encoder blades and complementary chassis will be a perfect match [e.g. airports, railways, cities], customers will especially benefit from increased flexibility and high-performance.”

See also: Axis Communications, Wentworth Institute of Technology partner for smarter IP video surveillance