Specifications
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> Overt or covert surveillance. This will help in selecting cameras, in addition to housing and
mounts, that oer a non-discreet or discreet installation.
Other important feature considerations that may be required of a camera include:
> Image quality. Image quality is one of the most important aspects of any camera, but it is
dicult to quantify and measure it. The best way to determine image quality is to install
dierent cameras and look at the video. If capturing moving objects clearly is a priority, it is
important that the network camera uses progressive scan technology. For more on progres-
sive scan, see Chapter 3.
> Resolution. For applications that require detailed images, megapixel cameras may be the
best option. For more on megapixel resolution, see Chapter 6.
> Compression. The three video compression standards oered in Axis network video products
are H.264, MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG. H.264 is the latest standard and oers the greatest
savings in bandwidth and storage. For more on compression, see Chapter 7.
> Audio. If audio is required, consider whether one- or two-way audio is needed. Axis network
cameras with audio support come with a built-in microphone and/or an input for an external
microphone and a speaker or a line out for external speakers. For more on audio, see Chapter 8.
> Event management and intelligent video. Event management functionalities are often
congured using a video management software program and are supported by input/output
ports and intelligent video features in a network camera or video encoder. Making recordings
based on event triggers from input ports and intelligent video features in a network video
product provides savings in bandwidth and storage use, and allows operators to take care of
more cameras since not all cameras require live monitoring unless an alarm/event takes
place. For more on event management functions, see Chapter 11.
> Networking functionalities. Considerations include PoE; HTTPS encryption for encrypting
video streams before they are sent over the network; IP address ltering, which gives or
denies access rights to dened IP addresses; IEEE802.1X to control access to a network; IPv6;
and wireless functionality. For more on networking and security technologies, see Chapter 9.
> Open interface and application software. A network video product with an open interface
enables better integration possibilities with other systems. It is also important that the
product is supported by a good selection of application software, and management software
that enable easy installation and upgrades of network video products. Axis products are
supported by both in-house video management software and a wide variety of video
management software solutions from more than 550 of its Application Development
Partners. For more on video management systems, see Chapter 11.
NETWORK CAMERAS - CHAPTER 2