April 5, 2007 -- Axis Communications has introduced a pair of new products: a 1.3 megapixel network camera for professional surveillance applications that the company says provides 3x better resolution than a high-resolution analog camera, and an ultra-compact PoE-based video server device designed for discreet or space-restrictive surveillance applications.
The Axis 211M network camera uses 1.3 megapixel resolution in advanced MPEG-4 streams for achieving video surveillance with exceptional image detail, enabling close identification of objects and persons. Suitable for banking, retail, government, education and transportation applications, the camera is intended for viewing visitors entering a premises, or for close monitoring of cash register transactions. The camera's superior resolution enables monitoring of an overview scene three times larger than that of a traditional analog camera, says the company.
"One of the benefits with network video is the ability to use megapixel resolution, something that is not possible in analog DVR based systems," points out Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. "Because of this, megapixel offerings like the AXIS 211M are important additions to Axis' product portfolio and will help us meet customer demands for higher resolutions."
The Axis 211M delivers simultaneous Motion JPEG and advanced MPEG-4 streams in full megapixel resolution, which allows users to optimize both image quality and bandwidth consumption. The camera's megapixel sensor uses progressive scan functionality to drastically reduce blur on moving objects, compared to traditional NTSC cameras with interlaced video. The camera also employs a high-quality lens, with auto-iris capability for improving the depth of focus and protecting the sensor at intensely illuminated scenes. Other features include Power over Ethernet (PoE) support which enables the camera to be powered through an Ethernet cable, and two-way audio functionality that allows users to listen to and speak with intruders.
The camera includes support for Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) in addition to the standard IPv4. Sophisticated network security capabilities include HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X for port-based authentication, multiple user access levels, and IP address filtering. The camera supports Quality of Service (QoS), which enables the reservation of network capacity and the prioritization of mission-critical surveillance data in a QoS-aware network.
The Axis 211M is supported by a host of application software through the Axis Application Development Partner program, as well as the Axis Camera Station video management software. The camera will be available in Q2 through Axis' distribution channels for the manufacturer's suggested price of $749.
The ultra-compact Axis 247S video server is designed for discreet or space-restrictive video surveillance applications, providing added value for locations such as stores, banks and government buildings. For easy installation, the PoE device receives power through a Ethernet data cable, and can further supply power to an attached analog camera, thus eliminating the need for power outlets.
"The Axis 247S provides a compact and flexible solution that integrates a covert or standard analog camera into a high performance, IP-based video surveillance system," remarks Axis's Nilsson. "This enables analog camera users to take advantage of many network video features, such as Power over Ethernet."
The Axis 247S converts an analog video stream into high quality, full frame rate digital video. The video encoder can deliver Motion JPEG and advanced MPEG-4 streams simultaneously, providing the ability to optimize for both image quality and bandwidth. The device also provides video motion detection, one-way audio for audio monitoring in area, and audio detection alarm.
Given the encoder's small size and support for the 802.3af PoE standard, relocating and setting up surveillance is quick and easy, says Axis. Positioning the encoder close to an analog camera also eliminates the loss in image quality that would occur if video were to be transferred over long distances through a coaxial cable instead of an IP network.
The product will be available through Axis' distribution channels for $499 in early Q2 of 2007.