Axis begins 2010 with triple product launch

18 Jan 10

Network video specialist Axis Communications has developed a new series of high-performance fixed network cameras, a mobile IP surveillance solution and a thermal network camera.

By Brian Sims

The IP66-rated fixed network cameras are protected against dust, rain, snow and sun, and can operate in temperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F).

Arctic Temperature Control is available for secure start-up of zoom cameras in freezing temperatures, while all cameras are powered by Power over Ethernet for easy installation.

“The outdoor-ready fixed network cameras are delivered in an enclosure, ready right out of the box for mounting outdoors,” explained Erik Frännlid, the director of product management at Axis Communications.

“They’re robust products that are not only easy to install but also provide superb performance. The cameras are ideal for demanding outdoor applications such as airports, railway stations, city surveillance and traffic monitoring. These product introductions further strengthen our outdoor camera offering.”

Supporting multiple streams in H.264

The outdoor-ready cameras, including megapixel/HDTV models, are said to deliver “superb” image quality and support multiple streams in H.264 and Motion JPEG, two-way audio, intelligent video functionalities such as video motion detection, audio detection and active tampering alarm. They have built-in SD/SDHC memory card slot for storing recordings locally.

The network camera series consists of the following models:

• P1343-E: SVGA resolution, day and night, digital PTZ, remote back focus

• P1344-E: one megapixel resolution/HDTV 720p, day and night, digital PTZ, remote back focus

• P1346-E: three megapixel resolution/HDTV 1080p, day and night, P-Iris (precise iris control), digital PTZ, multi-view streaming, remote back focus

• Q1755-E: two megapixel resolution/HDTV 720p and 1080i, day and night, 10x zoom, autofocus and pan/tilt head support

The last three HDTV cameras are compliant with the SMPTE standards in resolution, aspect ratio (16:9), color representation and frame rate.

The outdoor-ready cameras are designed to enable easy installation of an infrared illuminator under the enclosure. The cameras come with a wall mount bracket, sunshield and an Ethernet cable.

Both the Axis P13-E and Q1755-E network cameras are supported by the industry’s largest base of video management software courtesy of the Axis Application Development Partner programme, as well as by Axis Camera Station. These outdoor-ready cameras will be available in March.

Complete mobile video surveillance

Axis has also introduced a complete, IP-based mobile video surveillance solution consisting of a new series of network cameras and a network video recorder for use in buses, trains, subway cars and emergency vehicles.

The M31-R network camera series and Axis Q8108-R NVR are specially designed for easy and discreet installation, as well as reliable operation in vehicles. They are protected from dust and water and can withstand shock, vibrations and temperature fluctuations.

“The rugged M31-R cameras and Q8108-R recorder provide the transportation industry with the highest standards for mobile surveillance,” said Frännlid. “The products hold a number of transportation-specific certifications. They take into account the environment and surveillance requirements in vehicles and offer a complete solution for capturing, recording, managing and accessing high-quality HDTV video.”

The palm-sized M31-R cameras provide full frame rate video streams in H.264 and Motion JPEG in resolutions up to one megapixel, including HDTV 720p. M3113-R (SVGA) and M3114-R (one megapixel) are supplied with either a rugged RJ-45 or rugged M12 network connector.

The cameras respond rapidly to changing light levels and employ progressive scan for clearer images of moving objects. They’re also designed for quick and reliable installation. For instance, the desired field of view and a leveled image can be easily achieved by using the supplied lens tool to direct and rotate the ball that holds the lens and image sensor.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) support further simplifies installation since only one cable is needed for carrying power and video.

Out-of-the-box solution

Q8108-R supports HDTV recording and has an integrated PoE switch that offers an easy and cost-effective solution for powering as many as eight network cameras recording at full frame rate.

The NVR provides battery back-up to handle short periods of power drop and safe shutdown of the system.

Q8108-R can be delivered as an out-of-the-box-ready solution with integrated hard disk drives and Axis Camera Station video management software. It can also be customised to meet project specific needs, with options such as third-party software and support for wireless technologies such as WLAN, GSM, UMTS and GPS.

Such options allow operation centers, for instance, to remotely access live and recorded video from a vehicle and receive information about its location.

These mobile surveillance products will be available in Q1.

The heat is on…

If that weren’t enough to be going on with, Axis has also introduced the Q1910 and Q1910-E thermal network cameras – said to be “two unique products” that perfectly complement any network video system required to secure an area 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The new cameras use thermal imaging, which allows users to detect people and incidents with great reliability even in complete darkness and other difficult conditions.

“We see a great demand from customers in high-end professional applications to enhance their IP surveillance systems with thermal cameras,” explained Johan Paulsson, the chief technology officer at Axis.

“Up until now, there have been no full-featured thermal network cameras available on the market, and analogue thermal cameras have proven a challenge to integrate with modern video surveillance systems. Q1910 and Q1910-E change this by being the industry’s first thermal cameras that mesh perfectly with any network video system, delivering all the benefits that customers have learned to expect from network cameras.”

Thermal cameras create images based on the heat that always radiates from any object, vehicle or person. This gives them the power to see through complete darkness and deliver images that allow operators to detect and act on suspicious activity.

Thermal cameras can also handle many difficult weather conditions better than conventional cameras, allowing operators to see through haze, dust and smoke, for example.

Both indoor and outdoor scenarios covered

Q1910 is designed for indoor surveillance, while Q1910-E is an IP66-rated, outdoor-ready camera.

“Q1910/-E cameras are an excellent complement to conventional cameras within area protection, perimeter monitoring and building security,” added Paulsson. “Another typical scenario is monitoring of freeways and railways – including platforms, bridges and tunnels.”

Both cameras offer competitive thermal imaging capabilities such as 160 x128 resolution, 8.33 fps and 17° angle of view. In addition, they are unique on the market in supporting key IP surveillance features such as H.264 and Motion JPEG, audio, local storage and Power over Ethernet.

Intelligent video is a key component of any thermal camera, and Q1910/-E models provide tampering alarm, motion detection and support for the Axis Camera Application Platform.

Q1910/-E cameras support the ONVIF specification for interoperability of network video products, and are available as of this month through Axis’ distribution channels.