Tag: megapixel IP cameras

VideoIQ – an interesting entry into the UK IP HD Market

VideoIQ

a name not commonly known here in the UK……..but they have some extremely innovative products…

Video IQ claim, to be the ONLY IP HD manufacturer that can offer intelligent Video Analytics on HD and Megapixel IP cameras…..most of the IP HD pixc units out at the moment cannot offer video analytics ‘at the edge’, instead relying on D1 modules for the clever on board Analytics

Here’s a snapshot of their range

Probably the main interesting point, is that EVERY device is also an onboard DVR…….Dome cameras and Encoders all have onboard storage for up to 6 months recording! 1GB flash and then SATA Ruggedised HDD means that network outages are irrelevant.

Video IQ have made Software available or alternatively 3rd Party integration with companies such as Genetec and Milestone mean these products are flexible as well as feature rich.

Offering Analytics on Thermal is another string to their bow

And, sshh, we’ve heard a rumour that a certain UK manufacturer of PTZ IR, Thermal, Overt and Dome cameras could well be linking up with VideoIQ to add analytical tracking and onboard recording to its range of high speed PTZ units…….more soon!

So, VideoIQ, keep an eye as we think these guys are going to be getting some good attention in 2011!

March Networks new HD Nanodome

Oooh, we like cute, small, neat new gadgets!

And yes, the new March Networks HD Nanodome looks like it will be a neat little gadget!

But, apart from being a gadget, will it deliver value for money in a tough and competitive IP industry?

 HD Nanodome

the main point here is ‘1080p’ – yep, full HD resolution out of this little baby!

and early indications are that the price is going to be VERY competitive………….cheaper than some standard SD (Standard Definition) PIXC IP cameras!

Could March be stealing a ‘March’ on the HD Industry!!!!??

Let us know!

Megapixel IP cameras – the death of PTZ?

Recently I took a look at the Arecont AV8185 180 degree Panoramic 8  PIXC camera…..wow, what a completely astonishing beast it is ! It got me thinking….a single camera that can span through 180 degrees both pre and post recording with amazing detail…… some of their AVI samples show retail environments and warehouses where, on full wide angle, objects at distance are merely specks on the picture….but using zooming techniques, detail can be achieved at huge distance without compromising quality……. So, could one single 180 degree camera replace a PTZ camera?? Well, in essence, yes it can….. the advantage to a 180 or 360 degree camera is the ability to see EVERYTHING and zoom later, as opposed to the PTZ dome or similar only seeing what it is looking at – move it to another area and it is no longer looking the other way……and whilst the optical zoom produces great images on PTZ cameras, newer megapixel technologies are producing similar results post zoom through electronic magnification…. But, and there is a but…….megapixel IP cameras cannot ‘follow’ someone…..so, no matter where a person is within a scene, there is no ‘dynamic’ zooming or detail enhancement….it is simply a camera that is looking at everything and if real detail is required, then the operator just has to hope it will show up on post zoom… So what is the answer?? Well, maybe megapixel should complement PTZ cameras? co-exist? Work together??? Scenario…… 1 x Megapixel 180degree Panoramic camera looking at EVERYTHING 1 x PTZ camera, centrally located 1 x Analytic box/widget/software that takes the feed from the EVERYTHING seeing megapixel camera, feeds it to the PTZ camera to DYNAMICALLY move, zoom and track the object….. Utopia ! Of course, real utopia would be for the PTZ to ALSO be using megapixel or HD cameras…..and we hear rumours of such products coming up soon from the likes of 360 Vision, March Networks and similar… but how much are they?….. what is the price?………if the price is right ….. the best of both worlds? Maybe !!

Megapixel IP camera, set up instructions!

We like megapixel IP cameras….. High quality images, excellent replay pictures, post-zoom functions

But have you tried setting them up!!???

These clever PIXC manufacturers invest thousands, probably millions, developing amazing technology, but we wonder if they ever ACTUALLY install them…..sure, we bet they test them extensively, but actually setting them up?

Take a 1080P mini dome with varifocal lens…..adjust the lens to the widest field of view….obviously it needs to be focused…… Ensure your fingers are no larger than a matchstick in order to reach the tiniest locking screw known to man located under the tightest plastic ring surrounding the camera module…….slowly turn (whilst stripping layer 1 of your fingers skin) until focus is achieved….no, back a bit, forward, no just missed it, back, yep that’s it, no wait, you breathed, a bit more yep, quick, lock it (cue small finger requirement again)

You see, we are amazed that, with all the amazing minds that sit around the table designing the most beautiful of megapixel IP cameras, that no-one had thought to have some form of electronic adjustment, even perhaps an auto or software adjustment……or just plain old decent access points !!!

Come on Manufacturers, give the installer the tools to install quickly and painlessly and this IP lark will soon catch on!!