Specifications

Video Servers
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server offers both MPEG-4 and M-JPEG coding.
This allows video to be optimised for streaming
using lower bandwidths, whilst delivering
higher quality images for evidential purposes.
Network support is for 10/100 BaseT. The
server also handles bi-directional audio, alarm
inputs and outputs, RS-232 and RS-422/485
ports, and a front-mounted USB 2.0
connection.
Features of the SNS-100 include video
motion detection, basic telemetry control, and
alarm management.
The unit is supplied with a PSU, resources
CD, a real paper manual, a network cable and
push-fit connectors for the alarm I/O.
Installation and configuration of the SNS-100
is straightforward, and there won’t be any
issues for installers. The unit is supplied with a
preconfigured IP address. The installer only
needs to ensure that the PC is on the same
network segment, and then it’s a simple task to
log in and perform the set-up.
Once connected, the interface is relatively
clean, and it feels intuitive. There are no issues
with regard to settings, and it all feels very
CCTV-related.
There are five quality settings, and with the
highest level selected, M-JPEG images are
detailed and clean with high colour accuracy.
Dropping the settings does increase the level
of artefacting with fast moving objects, but
there isn’t a point when the images become
unusable. This is true for both algorithms. Lag
is also minimal.
The very lowest settings are best reserved
for general observation, but the middle to high
quality settings all deliver good quality images.
Functionality is good, and the only thing that
might be considered an issue is that the unit is
slower than most servers when changing
configurations. That said, once set-up, you’re
unlikely to be messing around with the
configurations anyway.
Verdict
Axis Communications’ Q7401 is certainly a high
quality unit. It does its job well, is easy to use,
and image quality is high. The unit represents
a good choice for installers, and few will be
disappointed by it.
The NV-100 from Genie CCTV is a basic but
functional unit. It’s easy to set-up and the
interface is straightforward. A manual and a
PSU would be nice; that said, it’s an
economical alternative even with the need for
a PSU factored in.
Samsung’s SNS-100 has been around for a
few years now, but it still delivers the goods.
The trend towards H.264 does deliver higher
quality than MPEG-4, but Samsung has
implemented their compression well, and
both the MPEG-4 and M-JPEG images are
above average!
Verint’s S1950e does deliver a good image,
but it seemed to be more bandwidth hungry
than the other units. That said, it did deliver
minimal lag with depth of colour and detail
when given higher bit rates. The lack of a CD
was difficult to justify; it cost the unit marks.
Videcon’s VIP-R200 has motion tracking as
a headline feature, but as a video server it
does deliver a cost-effective solution. It might
not have the configuration flexibility of some
units, but if you just want to encode video, it
does the job.
Vista’s VK Encoder 1 is a basic unit that is
simple to configure, and that delivers good
quality video. It holds its quality well, and is a
good entry level option.
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