Even as the benefits of IP video become more apparent, many sites are still saddled with large numbers of analogue cameras, representing a significant investment.
Axis Communications' latest announcement directly addresses this problem: the Axis 291 1U rack-mount unit accommodates up to three Axis 243Q Blade video servers, to convert up to 12 analogue video camera signals into full-frame rate (30/25fps) digital video at 4CIF (704x576) resolution.
Roy Alves, Country Manager for Axis Communications Africa, says: "This is the perfect solution for casinos, airports, traffic monitoring and other applications with high camera densities and a large sunk cost in analogue CCTV.
"We can bring all the advantages of network video to the analogue system with no loss of quality. Indeed, in many cases, with shorter analogue cable runs and the total fidelity of digital transmission, the image quality will actually be improved. Moreover, it's cost-effective and easy to install."
Each 243Q converts up to four analogue signals into Mpeg-4 or motion Jpeg, and offers a number of advanced features such as video motion-detection, image upload, and scheduled and triggered event functionality with alarm notification.
The video server's serial port enables the remote control of analogue pan/tilt/zoom cameras. A comprehensive set of security features, including multiple user access levels, Https encryption, IEEE 802.1X and IP address filtering ensures secure video-handling and configuration.
The Axis 243Q also supports quality of service and IPv6 (Internet protocol version 6) and IPv4 addresses.
The Axis 291 1U video server rack has a built-in Gigabit switch to carry from four to 12 cameras data over IP over a single Ethernet port. There are connectors for network, serial port and I/O at the rear of each slot, and an integrated power supply for simple installation.
Video server blades can be hot-swapped for minimal interruption of service during maintenance or reconfiguration.
The introduction of the Axis 243Q Blade and Axis 291 rack unit is accompanied by a significant reduction in the price of its existing video server products.
"The continuing market-shift from analogue to IP-based systems has created demand for high-performance video server solutions for many different types of installations," explains Alves, "and the growth in volume has enabled us to re-price our existing product lines."
The products are supported by the industry's largest base of application software through the Axis application development partner programme, as well as the Axis Camera Station video management software. The new products are available through Axis' distribution channels.
Share
Axis Communications is the leading player in the network camera market with 47% market share in the EMEA region according to industry analyst house IMS Research, in its latest market report entitled 'The World Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment 2005 Edition' published in October 2005.
The network camera market was worth $54.7 million in 2004 and is set to grow by 50% per year over the next five years, to reach a value of $360.6 million in 2009 in EMEA alone, according to the same report.
Axis increases the value of network solutions. The company is an innovative market leader in network video and print servers.
Axis' products and solutions are focused on applications such as security surveillance, remote monitoring and document management. The products are based on in-house developed chip technology, which is also sold to third parties.
Axis was founded in 1984 and is listed on the Nordic list, Mid Cap, Information technology. Axis operates globally with offices in 18 countries and in cooperation with distributors and system integrators in 70 countries.
Markets outside Sweden account for more than 95% of sales. Information about Axis can be found at www.axis.com.
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