With the introduction of a new series of Genius Web cameras, called VideoCAMs by Axiz, the leading IT infrastructure distributor has not only made pictures and live Web chat easier, it has also revolutionised security surveillance.
The new Genius VideoCAM Express II, VideoCAM Look, VideoCAM Slim USB2 and VideoCAM SlimClip are not just average video cameras but can also double as a security device. In addition, Axiz has introduced the new Genius IPCam SECURE300 with built-in Web server, for home security, that functions as either a monitoring or security system.
"With just the touch of a button, images can be captured and sent as a photo or video via e-mail. Doubled up as a security camera, these video cameras will keep an eye on your surroundings whenever you are not around. They are also compatible with MSN, Yahoo Messenger and CUSeeMe," says Annie Padayachee, Genius product manager, Axiz.
The VideoCAM Express II has a 360^0 base with zoom in/out function that enables users to capture surrounding movements with more clarity.
"As a security camera, surroundings can be captured and edited from devices such as PC cameras, dual-mode cameras or video capture cards," indicates Padayachee. The still image and motion video clip feature, as well as the 100K pixel image sensor that provides 352 x 288 pixels of resolution, forms part of the VideoCAM II`s functionality.
The VideoCAM II`s USB terminal requires an IBM PC Pentium II 400 compatible or higher with a minimum of 64MB DRAM and 25MB of hard disk drive space. Windows XP/Me/2000/98 SE operating systems is required for the VideoCAM II as well as a CD-ROM drive for software installation and an available USB port.
Another feature of the video camera series is the Genius VideoCAM Look. It has a built-in MIC for live Web chats and 300K of resolution for clear Internet viewing.
"The VideoCAM Look can convert AVI files into MEPG1 format to ensure smaller file transfer and can be used as a security camera by simply setting the software to work," explains Padayachee.
The VideoCAM Look can capture still images or be used for motion video clips, while Windows XP/Me/2000/98 SE operating systems are required for the product. The VideoCAM Look also requires a CD-ROM drive for software installation as well as an available USB port.
"For superior chat on MSN or sharing real images through video conferencing, the new VideoCAM Slim USB2 is the ideal choice," says Padayachee. Users will not experience any delay when using this device as it utilises USB 2.0 high speed. Its true 300K pixel offers clear resolution for better quality and with interpolation (an imaging method used to increase the number of pixels) 1.3M pixels can be enjoyed.
The VideoCAM Slim USB2`s software can be set for security monitoring, recording movements for up to 12 hours. The device has a built-in MIC for video conferencing or MSN chats, and can convert AVI files into MEPG1 format. The camera rotates to 45^0 and requires an IBM PC Pentium III 700 compatible or higher. Windows XP/Me/2000/98 SE operating systems are also required for the VidoeCAM Slim, as well as a CD-ROM for software installation and an available USB 2.0 port.
The VideoCAM SlimClip is ideal for notebooks as it clips onto the monitor of the machine effortlessly. It also utilises USB 2.0 high-speed solutions and has an adjustable base that can be swivelled to 360^0 for capturing surrounding movements as a high security monitoring system. "The Web camera can also be rotated to 180^0, has a built-in MIC and can capture images of up to 1.3M pixels with interpolation at the touch of the snapshot button. The VideoCAM SlimClip can also convert AVI files into the MEPG1 format.
The VideoCAM SlimClip requires XP/Me/2000/98 SE operating systems and an IBM PC Pentium III 700 compatible or higher with a minimum of 128MB RAM and 200MB of hard disk drive space. A CD-ROM drive is also needed for software installation as well as an available USB 2.0 port.
"The IPCam SECURE300 is the first Genius IP network camera with a built-in Web server to be introduced to home-based security. Video images can now be accessed by simply opening up the Web browser and typing in the IPCam SECURE300`s IP address," says Padayachee. Video archives can be created as the IPCam SECURE300 provides users with the option of saving video files on a PC`s hard drive in AVI format. The IPView software also enhances video monitoring for motion detection where up to four cameras can be viewed on one screen.
The IPCam SECURE300 supports motion-triggered recording for security monitoring by using the IPViewSE software, which begins recording automatically when motion is detected.
"It also supports networking for both inside and outside use. When inside the house, users need to connect the IPCam SECURE300 by switching onto the hub. This enables them to monitor or record rooms directly from their notebook or PC. When outside, users can connect the IPCam SECURE300 to broadband where they will then have access to the monitoring system," explains Padayachee.
The IPCam SECURE300 supports Web configuration with password protection, allows remote access from Web browser for live image viewing and supports TCP/IP networking, SMTP e-mail, HTTP and other Internet-related protocols. It is also powerful enough to support both ActiveX control for Internet Explorer and Java applet for Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
The suggested retail price of the VideoCAM Express II is R150, the VideoCAM Look is R243, the VideoCAM Slim USB2 is R330, the VideoCAM SlimClip is R270, and IPCam SECURE300 is R1 300, all exclusive of VAT. For more information, contact Axiz on (011) 237-7000.
Axiz provides technology intelligence and innovative thinking to its business partners when they buy the quality products Axiz provides from market leaders HP, Microsoft, Intel, Kingston, LG, Lexmark, Asus, ACER, Genius, as well as its own brand Axiz. It also carries a wide range of leading brand components and solutions. Axiz dynamically lives the Five Capitals Model of Sustainability and is a pioneer, innovator and leader in its sector through the implementation of its Ledibogo Programme its Business Partner Development Programme, as well as other initiatives such as founding and supporting Inqolobane (the Employee Ownership Association Africa, www.eoaa.co.za) and Qhubeka (the Motive Power Movement, www.qhubeka.co.za). More information is available at www.axiz.com.
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