AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server User’s Manual
AXIS 250S User’s Manual About This Manual This manual is intended for administrators and operators of the AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server, and is applicable for firmware release 3.02. Later versions of the document will be posted to the Axis Web site, as required. Previous experience of networking will be of use to the reader when installing and using this product. Some knowledge of UNIX or Linux-based systems would also be beneficial, for developing custom programming scripts and applications.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Safety Notice - Battery Replacement Safety Notice - Battery Replacement The AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video server server uses a 3.0V CR2032 Lithium battery as the power supply for its internal real-time clock (RTC). This battery will, under normal conditions, last for a minimum of 5 years.
6 Introduction AXIS 250S User’s Manual Introduction The AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server is a one-port MPEG-2 video server that allows real-time compression and transmission of DVD quality MPEG-2 video streams over a TCP/IP network (LAN). The video stream uses approximately a third of the bandwidth required by a Motion-JPEG stream. The AXIS 250S includes all of the required networking connectivity for distributing analog video over the network.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Introduction The on-board AXIS ETRAX 100-LX processor provides up to 25/30 frames/second over 10Mbps or 100Mbps networks. Configurable event types - Remote storage of MPEG-2 video recordings to FTP-servers, and/or activation of external devices. Possible to enable a pre-alarm video buffer, allowing up to 1 minute of video to be buffered in the server and transmitted when the event occurs. Users can also be notified of events by email.
Introduction 8 AXIS 250S User’s Manual Applications The AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server can be used in a wide range of surveillance and monitoring applications, and is the perfect choice where an application requires a high-quality video and audio stream to be distributed at a fixed frame rate over a local area network (LAN). The AXIS 250S can also upload video sequences to web/FTP servers, for indirect access over the Internet.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Product Description Product Description Read the following information to familiarize yourself with the AXIS 250S, making particular note of where the connectors and indicators are located. AXIS 250S Front Panel ❶Factory Default Button - Press this button to restore the factory default settings, as described on page 36. ❻ ❶ ❷Microphone Connector ❸Line Connector ❷ ❹Y/C Video Input (S-Video) - Physical connections ❸ ❹ ❺ made using s-video cable.
10 Product Description AXIS 250S User’s Manual Hardware Inventory Check the items supplied with your AXIS 250S against the following list: Item Title/Variant Video Server AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server Quantity 1 Item Power Supply (PS-K) * Title/Variants Europe Quantity 1 UK USA Japan Australia Terminal Connectors 2 This Document AXIS 250S User’s Manual v1.1 (or later) 1 Warranty Document 1 CD AXIS Network Product CD 1.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Installing the AXIS 250S Installing the AXIS 250S This section is intended for use by the product administrator. Operators and viewers should read Operating the AXIS 250S, on page 15. • Quick installation - Follow the instructions below to quickly install on an Ethernet network. • Easy installation - See The AXIS IP Installer, on page 38. • Other Methods - Please refer to Other IP Setup Methods, on page 37. ❷Connect a video source to the BNC or S-Video connector.
12 Installing the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual ❺Connect an Ethernet cable to the AXIS 250S and attach it to the network. ❻Connect the power cable to the unit and connect it to your main power supply. Power Indicator Network Indicator Status Indicator ❼ Approximately 10-15 seconds after connecting the power supply, the message ‘Reply from 172.21.1.200...’ - or similar, is returned within the window.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Installing the AXIS 250S Installing the AXIS MPEG-2 Viewer (Client) The first time the AXIS 250S is accessed from a browser, the AXIS MPEG-2 Viewer will automatically be installed. This component is required for viewing the video stream in the browser. Simply accept the license agreement displayed in the setup window and the client will install. Important! • The AXIS 250S is supplied with three (3) licenses for the AXIS MPEG-2 Viewer.
14 Installing the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Accessing the AXIS 250S from Internet Explorer ❶ Start your browser and enter the IP address of the AXIS 250S in the location/address field. The first time the server is accessed, there will be no need to log in. ❷ The Live View page now opens, allowing you proceed with the product’s configuration by clicking on the Setup link.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S Operating the AXIS 250S This section is intended mainly for system Operators, that is, personnel responsible for using the AXIS 250S as part of e.g. an integrated surveillance system or similar. Although the topics covered here relate to the everyday running of the system, product Administrators will also find this section useful reading.
16 Operating the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Access from a browser The video stream and the setup tools in the AXIS 250S can be accessed using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 on Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Follow the instructions below to access your images: 1. Start Internet Explorer. 2. Enter the name or IP address of the AXIS 250S into the Address bar: Example! http://172.21.1.200/ The Live View page, similar to the example shown below, is now displayed.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S Disconnected Video Source Any problem with the camera or video source is indicated by a blank display. This may be due to a break in the signal transmission or the cable, or to incorrect source modulation. Any such incident should be immediately referred to your system administrator. Positional Control of the Video Source Video cameras supporting Pan Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) are connected and controlled directly from the server’s ports.
18 Operating the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Events and Event Types Your AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server is capable of performing various actions when certain types of events occur. The terminology used to describe this is as follows: • Event type - a defined set of parameters that specify how and when something will trigger an action. • Event - an event that occurs while the system is running. It is started by a trigger, it initiates an action, and is time-stamped and named.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S Setting up a new event type Click the menu link to Event Types. This opens the list of event types as in the example below. The list shows various information about the event types currently configured. Click the Add button. This launches the Event Type Setup dialog. Depending on the event type you require, you will then need to provide some or all of the following information: General • Name - Give the event type a suitable name. Respond to Trigger...
20 Operating the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Trigger Type The trigger type is what starts the event type. The following options are available: • Input Ports - This describes the states that the 4 inputs must be in before the event is triggered. One or more inputs can be used together, but note that the states for all the inputs used must first be reached before the event is triggered. • Timer - whole time frame - This option will simply use the times specified in Respond to Trigger...
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S • Pre-trigger recording time up to- The AXIS 250S is capable of saving recorded sequences that originate from the time immediately preceding the trigger. This can be very useful when checking to see what happened to cause the trigger. The part of the buffer not used for pre-trigger recording is automatically used for post-trigger recording.
22 Operating the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Important! Please keep in mind that the output port can be controlled by more than one event type. This may mean that the port is the “wrong” state if one or more event types that activate the port are triggered one after the other. Using more than one event type to control the output is not recommended. • Send email notification to - Check this box to enable the sending of email to notify recipients of events.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S Notification Servers To allow your event types to send HTTP and TCP notifications, the necessary servers must first be configured. The Notification Server list shows the servers currently configured. These severs are shown as the alternatives when selecting this type of notification in the event type setup, as described in the preceding section. Notification normally requires some sort of script to be located on the destination server.
24 Operating the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual The following information should be provided for a TCP notification server: • Name - This can be any descriptive name you like. • Network address - Provide the address of the server here. This may be an IP address or a host name. Note that to use a host name, a DNS server must be configured in the TCP/IP network settings. • Port - Enter the port number used for accessing the TCP host.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S Audio The AXIS 250S provides a fully synchronized audio stream at up to CD quality. The following settings are available: • Quality - Select the bit rate and sample rate to use. Generally speaking, the higher the setting, the better the sound quality, but at the higher levels the difference might not be audible. The default value (128 kbps) provides good quality sound. • Volume Settings - The Master volume control should not normally need any adjustment.
26 Operating the AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Preset position setup To add a new position, use the controls to steer the camera so that it points to the desired point. Then enter a descriptive name in the Current Position field and click Apply. You can also set any position as Home, by checking the box provided when that position is current. This position will then be the default position when the video stream is viewed in a browser.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Operating the AXIS 250S Live View Layout The home page for the AXIS 250S MPEG-2 Video Server can be altered to your own requirements. Click the link to Live View Layout to open the Personal Settings. Most of the features on the Live View page can be customized. For example, you can quickly change the background color and include your corporate logo. Once you have enabled personal settings by checking the box, you can then change most aspects of the page.
28 Administration & System Options AXIS 250S User’s Manual Administration & System Options This section lists and describes the administration tools used for the general configuration of the AXIS 250S - the System Options. The topics covered are, for example, network settings, date and time settings, users, etc. For information on general usage and how to set up event types, etc., please see Operating the AXIS 250S, on page 15. The product cannot be configured before it is installed.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Administration & System Options System Options Overview The table below provides a brief overview of the System Options. Each section is explained in more detail in the pages that follow.
30 Administration & System Options AXIS 250S User’s Manual Adding Users Click Add to add a new user. The following fields must then be completed: • User Name - Must contain at least one, but not more than fourteen characters. • Password - Must contain at least one, but not more than eight characters. • Confirm Password - Repeat the above password here.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Administration & System Options Allowed Ports - Check the boxes for the protocols that the user (IP address) will be allowed to use to access the server. These can be FTP and/or HTTP. If you have particular requirements concerning which ports access will be allowed on, enter these in the Port range fields. To allow access via HTTP, the port value here must correspond to the value set on the TCP/IP Network Settings page.
32 Administration & System Options AXIS 250S User’s Manual TCP/IP Network Settings From the Network Settings, configure the TCP/IP network settings as follows: Automatic IP Configuration DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol that lets network administrators centrally manage and automate the assignment of IP addresses in an organization's network. Check the box to allow a DHCP server on the network to assign the IP address.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Administration & System Options Manual IP Configuration IP Address - Specify a unique IP address for your server, to establish communication with your network. Written as four numbers separated by periods, each number within the address must be in the range 0 - 255. For example: 172.21.1.200 Note: IP addresses can be assigned at random within isolated networks, provided that each given address is unique.
34 Administration & System Options AXIS 250S User’s Manual Network Traffic This can be used to change the network speed for your server. Normally, there is no need to use anything other than Auto-negotiate, which will automatically select the correct media type. However, if you are using a switch or similar device on your network and need to specify the media type, then this can be done by selecting the correct type from the drop-down list.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Administration & System Options COM-Ports The COM ports on the AXIS 250S are accessed via the RS-232 serial connector on the rear of the unit, and via the RS-485 on terminal block B. Select the port from the links in the main menu. Devices connected to the COM-ports on the AXIS 250S can be accessed via Generic TCP/IP or Generic HTTP, but the ports may also be used for controlling Pan/Tilt/Zoom devices. Settings are managed and configured directly from the user interface.
36 Administration & System Options AXIS 250S User’s Manual As well as the log files, the following are also available: • The Server Report - The Server Report displays a listing of important information about the AXIS 250S. If you need to contact the Axis Support desk for help with a problem, please include this report with your query. • The Parameter List - This link displays a listing of all of the AXIS 250S's parameters and their current settings.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Other IP Setup Methods Appendix A - Other IP Setup Methods Important! The AXIS 250S was developed for use with Microsoft Internet Explorer (5.5 or higher) running on Windows XP or 2000. Windows Millennium is not supported, but the video stream may still be available.
38 Other IP Setup Methods AXIS 250S User’s Manual The AXIS IP Installer The AXIS IP Installer is a Windows program that is ideal for setting the IP addresses for multiple Axis networking products. Allowing you to conveniently access the home page of any Axis ThinServer device connected to your network, this freely distributed software is available for download from the Axis Web site at www.axis.com. Installing the AXIS IP Installer: 1.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Troubleshooting Appendix B - Troubleshooting This appendix provides useful information to help you to resolve any difficulty you might have with your AXIS 250S. Symptoms, possible causes and remedial actions are provided in a quick reference table. Checking the Firmware One of your first actions when attempting to solve a problem should be to check the firmware version currently installed. An updated version may contain a correction that fixes your particular problem.
40 Troubleshooting AXIS 250S User’s Manual Pinging Your IP Address By sending a packet to the specified address and waiting for a reply, the Ping utility can determine whether a specific IP address is accessible. It also provides a useful method for confirming addressing conflicts with your AXIS 250S on the network. Follow the instructions below in association with Symptoms, Possible Causes and Remedial Actions, on page 41: 1. Start a Command window and type ping x.x.x.x, where x.x.x.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Troubleshooting Symptoms, Possible Causes and Remedial Actions Symptoms The AXIS 250S cannot be accessed from a browser. Possible causes Remedial actions The IP address is already being Run the Ping utility (as described above) and follow the appropriate used by another device. recommendations. The IP address is located on a different subnet. Run the Ping utility (as described above). If you get “no response” or similar, the diagnosis is probably correct.
42 Troubleshooting AXIS 250S User’s Manual Symptoms Slow video Possible causes Outdated drivers for graphics card. Remedial actions Obtain and install the latest device driver for your graphics card from the manufacturer’s web site. Also check that DirectDraw acceleration is enabled. This can be done by running the program DxDiag.exe (click Start - Run and then type dxdiag.exe) Check on the Display tab that DirectDraw acceleration is enabled.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Updating the Firmware Appendix C - Updating the Firmware The AXIS 250S firmware is stored in Flash memory. This memory is provided by a silicon chip that, just like any other ROM device, retains data content even after power is removed. Flash memory is unique because it allows its data to be erased and re-written. This means you can install firmware updates for your AXIS 250S as they become available - without having to replace any parts.
44 Customizing The AXIS 250S AXIS 250S User’s Manual Appendix D - Customizing The AXIS 250S Modifying the File System The Linux-based operating system and flash memory file system make it possible for advanced users and application developers to customize the AXIS 250S by adding additional files to the read-write area of the flash memory. Important! • Modification of the flash file system is NOT supported by Axis.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Customizing The AXIS 250S Custom Web Pages The AXIS 250S contains a re-writable flash memory file system that allows some directories and files to be changed by the root user, using FTP. This strictly non-supported product functionality, makes it possible for advanced users and application developers to add their own Web pages, scripts, and other files to the Axis product.
Customizing The AXIS 250S 46 7. AXIS 250S User’s Manual Start your browser and view the Web pages you uploaded, by entering the following URL in the location/Address field: http:///local/ Example! http://172.21.1.200/local/index.html The images are now updated in your browser. 8. Enter bye in the command window to exit the ftp program. Note: The html files can be changed at any time, but remember that the available flash memory is limited.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Customizing The AXIS 250S Creating a New Home Page Having created and stored your new custom Web pages in product memory, proceed to assign one of these pages as your default Home page in the AXIS 250S, as described below: Caution! Adding a new Web page to your AXIS 250S is not something that should be undertaken lightly. Remember: Axis does not support the personalization of product Web pages and strongly recommends that inexperienced users DO NOT perform such modifications. 1.
48 Unit Connections AXIS 250S User’s Manual Appendix E - Unit Connections The D-Sub Connector The AXIS 250S provides one 9-pin D-sub connector, providing the physical interface for an RS-232 port, used for connecting accessory equipment; such as stand-alone Pan/Tilt devices for the remote positioning of connected video cameras. A diagram of the RS-232 connector, complete with pin assignment table, is shown below.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Unit Connections 49 Schematic Diagram - Terminal Connectors A & B AXIS 250S o PS-K 9W o A2 A3 o o External power supply o o o + Infrared Sensor A1 + - o o o Center pin + Ring - o 3.3V Switch Mode Power Supply - A4 o o o o B1 (e.g.
50 Unit Connections AXIS 250S User’s Manual Connecting Pan/Tilt Devices The AXIS 250S supports a range of Pan Tilt device drivers. The driver is selected from the COM Port settings, which are found under System options - Ports & Devices. Please see the online help or www.axis.com for a complete list of supported devices. The diagram below illustrates how the AXIS 250S connects to your workstation, video cameras and/or Pan Tilt device.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Unit Connections Controlling and Monitoring By entering http requests in your browser’s URL field, you can: • drive the transistor output high or low • monitor the status of the 4 digital inputs This requires you to have root access to the AXIS 250S and consequently, to supply a user name and password. Login as root and supply the root password (default = pass).
52 Unit Connections AXIS 250S User’s Manual The AXIS 250S then displays the status of the inputs, as follows: Input Input Input Input 1 2 3 4 = = = = 0 1 0 0
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Technical Specifications Appendix F - Technical Specifications System Requirements - The AXIS 250S uses the standard Internet TCP/IP suite of protocols and can be used with Windows 2000 or XP. Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5, DirectX 8.1 and Windows Media Player 7.1 are required for viewing video streams. Installation - Physical network connection using RJ-45 twisted pair cable. 10baseT or 100baseTX Fast Ethernet.
54 Technical Specifications AXIS 250S User’s Manual Approvals - EMC • EN 55022:1998 (CISPR 22:1997), Class B - Emission, Europe. • EN 55024:1998 - Immunity, Europe. (Line input only. The Mic input may be subject to interference from nearby radio transmitters.) • EN 61000-3-2:1995+A1+A2+Corrig.+A14 - Power, Harmonic current emission. • EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1 - Power, Flicker and inrush current.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Bandwidth Appendix G - Bandwidth As different networks have different characteristics and different amounts of bandwidth available, the AXIS 250S’s video and audio settings may need to be adjusted to suit the prevailing conditions. The Video Bit Rate The video bit rate describes how much video data is transferred per second, and can be configured from 0.25 - 8 Mbit/s.
56 Bandwidth AXIS 250S User’s Manual Other Considerations • There is a limit of 3 simultaneous uploads at any one time, although the number of event types configured to upload can be greater than 3. • If installing multiple units on the same network, the bandwidth requirements will be significantly higher.
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Index D Index A Actions 18 Activate output port 21 Adding Allowed IP addresses 30 Notification servers 23 Upload servers 22 Users 29 Additional information - upload servers 22 Administrator - user group 30 Allowed IP addresses 30 Anonymous viewers 29 Audio Equipment 14 Audio input 14 Automatic IP Configuration 32 AXIS IP Installer 37, 38 AXIS MPEG-2 Viewer 13 B Date & time settings 31 Daylight saving time 31 DHCP 32 Digital inputs 51 Digital output 48 Disconnected Video Sources 1
Index 58 IP address notification 32 IP addresses - allowed 30 IP setup methods 37 K Keep active during event 21 Keep active for 21 L Log files 35, 39 Log files - event triggering 20 Loss of video - event triggering 20 M Mail settings 34 Maintenance 35 Manual IP Configuration 33 Manual trigger 20 Microsoft Internet Explorer 37 N Network settings 32 Network Traffic 34 Notification servers 23 NTP Server 31 O Operating the video server 15 Operator - user group 30 Other IP setup methods 37 Output 34 Outpu
AXIS 250S User’s Manual Uploading to FTP servers 20 User groups 30 Users 29 Using the Video Server 37 V Video bit rate 55 Video Sources 14 Viewer - user group 30 W Warning Log 35 When triggered...
