#IP video server
IP video servers. Description, characteristics of some models.
I do not agree that IP transformations in our industry are revolutionary, but the fact that IP systems are becoming increasingly popular, that there is a constant evolutionary process of introducing new technologies, is an absolutely obvious fact.
There is no need to force this process, and it is impossible. It is no coincidence, for example, that the same hybrid (analog-digital) systems do not lose popularity.
In this article, we will turn our attention to the devices without which it is impossible to build hybrid systems.
We will talk about IP servers.
What is an IP server?
An IP server is a device that digitizes an analog signal coming from video cameras and transmits it over Ethernet, Intranet or Internet networks.
With the help of an IP server, a regular analog camera essentially turns into an IP camera.
Images from this kit can be viewed using Internet browsers, transmitted via the Internet, recorded on network storage devices.
It also becomes possible to use intelligent functions inherent in IP cameras — recording by motion detection, sending notifications, using built-in video analytics.
It becomes possible to split the image into several streams and thus optimally configure the video for more convenient viewing from different devices by several users simultaneously.
The main criterion for choosing a server is the number of analog inputs.
The number of such inputs an IP server has is the number of analog cameras that can be simultaneously connected to the device.
The simplest are single- or dual-channel devices.
In most cases, these are complete devices in the form of small boxes with various interfaces.
Professional multi-channel IP servers are ready-made products in an industrial case for installation inside cabinets or racks.
Such IP servers are modular — the number of connected analog cameras depends on the number of expansion cards installed inside.
Functionality of IP servers.
As in the case of IP cameras, servers may differ in functionality among different manufacturers, so we will highlight the common properties inherent in certain devices.
1. Analog inputs – we talked about this above.
Cameras are usually connected to servers using BNC connectors, i.e. the connection is similar to connecting to regular digital video recorders or analog monitors.
2. Transit analog output makes it possible to split the signal and, while maintaining the current structure of the system, expand it with IP functionality
3. The audio input allows you to connect a microphone. Even if analog video cameras do not have built-in sound, you can always supplement the system with an external microphone.
4. The audio output allows you to connect a speaker and send voice messages to the area where the camera will be installed via software.
5. Control of PTZ cameras. The built-in RS-485 interface and support for modern control protocols make it possible to connect high-speed dome video cameras to the IP video surveillance system.
6. Digital inputs and outputs allow you to connect sensors and actuators (sirens, information boards, lamps, etc.).
7. The built-in WiFi module allows you to transfer data over a wireless network at a distance of up to 300 m.
8. Built-in POE (Power over Ethernet) power supply eliminates the need to use additional power supplies and additional cable communications.
9. The built-in memory card slot allows you to back up data.
10. Compression formats – H.264, MJPEG, MPEG4 – these are the most common options, the choice of which determines the volume of data transferred, the volume of records in the archive and compatibility with recording devices.
11. Support for two or more streams makes it possible to independently configure several video streams. This is important if the task is to record an image in maximum quality and at the same time be able to view the image from cameras in real time on mobile devices.
12. The firmware is very important and requires special attention. Not all software products, recording servers and NVRs support the server you choose.
This is not a complete list of what you can find in the descriptions of IP servers, but it gives you a general idea of what you need to pay attention to when choosing a product.
Why do you need IP servers and how to use them correctly?
The transition to digital surveillance systems entails improved image quality, simplifies the task of fast video data processing and allows automatic and more dynamic response to events. Remote access allows centralized control of the system.
IP systems have all these advantages.
Many users are increasingly thinking about expanding their video surveillance systems and switching to IP.
A complete replacement of a CCTV system entails huge expenses, since everything will have to be replaced — cameras, recording system, cabling system, power supply system, etc.
In order to reduce costs when expanding the system and switching to IP, it is recommended to use IP servers.
You can connect existing analog cameras to them, some software used to work with analog cameras can also support IP cameras and servers, but you may need to purchase a software extension.
Using IP servers, you can expand the system with IP cameras, gradually replacing outdated analog cameras. It is important to remember that connecting an IP server to an analog camera will not improve the image quality or increase its resolution.
When building video surveillance systems «from scratch», it is also not always possible to solve the problem using IP cameras alone.
For example, if you need to conduct surveillance in special conditions: in low light, underwater, using special optics, etc.
Unfortunately, the range of IP cameras is not as wide as analog ones.
To meet special conditions, you can always use a proven analog camera and connect it to a digital system using an IP server.
In some cases, using IP servers is simply economically feasible.
For example, when building perimeter surveillance systems, using analog cameras is expensive and labor-intensive, since it requires laying cables to each camera, and special receivers/transmitters are also needed.
It is very difficult to operate such a system. Using only IP cameras in such systems is quite expensive, and megapixel resolution is not always required.
Using 4-8-channel IP servers can significantly reduce the cost of equipment, and using optical cable can save on cable installation.
It remains to clarify the question of how many inputs an IP server should have and how to determine which servers should be used in the system.
The choice of any equipment depends on the tasks set by customers.
For small systems scattered geographically, low-channel servers are sufficient.
At sites where it is necessary to build an IP system with a large number of analog cameras, it is recommended to use a rack-mounted solution.
When calculating and choosing a solution, it is necessary to take into account that the distance from the camera to the IP server should not exceed 100-150 m, provided that there are no additional receiving/transmitting devices. And IP servers, like all devices used in local networks, cannot be installed at a distance of more than 105 m from switching devices.
Let's summarize and highlight the main advantages of using IP servers:
- Compatibility of analog and IP cameras in one system
- Use of special cameras in standard IP systems
- Remote monitoring and control of analog cameras
- Multi-stream data transmission from analog cameras
- Intelligent processing of video signals from analog cameras
- All the advantages of IP camera functionality for analog cameras
AXIS Q7404 Video Encoder (Axis Communications AB)
The four-channel video encoder is designed to integrate analog cameras into an IP video surveillance system.
Supports multiple streams in H.264 format, has a metal case and small dimensions.
Preset image parameters, improved deinterlacing filter, two-way audio, intelligent features: motion detection, sound detection, camera tampering detection
Compression formats: H.264 and Motion JPEG, resolution from 176×120 to 720×576, up to 30 fps per channel at any resolution, PTZ camera control, modern security, IPv4/v6, HTTPS, QoS, alarm inputs and outputs.
4-channel IP server SPE-400 (Samsung)
The device enables real-time transmission of 4-CIF resolution images over the network from up to 4 analog cameras simultaneously.
The multi-streaming function enables the use of compression algorithms such as H.264, MPEG-4 or MJPEG for the most efficient use of bandwidth by simultaneously transmitting images with different frame rates and resolutions to different consumers on the network.
The IP server supports two telemetry protocols: Samsung and Pelco D/P, which allows remote control of PTZ devices.
In the event of an alarm event, the SPE-400 can be programmed to move the PTZ camera to a preset position.
The IP server can record images related to the alarm event to an SD card and send a notification to an email.
The SPE-400 provides a two-way audio channel, which enables interactive communication between the server location and the control room.
The SPE-400 allows authorized users to view real-time video using a web browser or view images recorded on a memory card in the server's SD slot.
GV-VS04H (GeoVision) 4-Channel Network Video Server
Conversion of analog video to digital H.264 allows the video server to broadcast video streams over networks with a narrow bandwidth of 1 Mbit/s.
To obtain the desired image quality and optimize network traffic, the video server allows you to configure the parameters of each video stream, changing the resolution from QCIF (176×144 pixels) to Full D1 (720×576 pixels) and the frame rate to 25 fps.
At the same time, the quality in H.264 is comparable in quality to MPEG-4, but the video stream “weighs” twice as little.
The PoE power injector and two-way audio, support for GPS and UMTS/3G/3.5G, allows you to build a GIS solution for integration with GV-GIS.
The video server can record video to an external USB drive, turning into a mini video recorder.
Support for the Wiegand interface allows you to connect card readers.
The RS-485 interface allows you to control PTZ cameras.
You can view videos and configure settings from a network PC via a web browser.
If the video server is used as part of a multi-channel IP video system, it is advisable to use the GV-NVR software. This free Russified software allows you to combine up to 32 IP devices.
1-channel video server ACTi TCD-2500
High-performance video server is designed for use in large video surveillance systems and is reliably protected from system failures and freezes.
Transmits color or black-and-white images and two-way audio from analog cameras via LAN/WAN networks in H.264, Motion JPEG or MPEG-4 format with a resolution of 720×576 pixels at a speed of up to 25 fps. It has a built-in motion detector and an extended dynamic range.
ACTi TCD-2500 is equipped with digital input/output ports, an RS-232 port for controlling PTZ cameras, a 2.5” slot for installing a hard drive for local storage of information and a 3D interlacing system.
Support for duplex audio allows for audio detection at the protected site and the transmission of speech information.
Thanks to the use of advanced technologies such as IP address filtering and user-level password protection, the video server is reliably protected from unauthorized access.