Single-channel IP video servers with an audio channel.
For the unsophisticated consumer, an IP video surveillance system should consist exclusively of IP cameras. There can be no compromises. IP video servers (or encoders), which allow the implementation of analog cameras in a digital system based on an IP network, are often considered a relic of the past. However, according to research by a number of consulting companies, the ratio of sales of IP cameras and IP encoders on the world market is currently 60 to 40. This means that IP video servers have a wide range of buyers. And the era of exclusively IP cameras has not yet arrived.
A meaningful choice
In the UK, where a huge number of analog cameras are in operation, hybrid solutions and IP video servers are very popular. Indeed, why change properly functioning equipment? And if there is a desire to create an IP system, then IP video servers will allow you to save analog cameras. Multi-channel or single-channel video servers — the choice is determined by the budget (multi-channel models are cheaper), the topology of the analog system (here, it means the proximity of the cameras to each other and to the IP network), as well as reliability requirements. It is worth noting that single-channel models are in higher demand. Indeed, the reliability of a system built on single-channel models is higher — in the event of a failure in operation or communication with a multi-channel server, a large part of the system is lost. Single-channel video servers also provide wide functionality due to a wider range of interfaces and technologies implemented by manufacturers.
Variety of types
At first glance, a single-channel IP video server looks like a completely banal device: a «box» with several inputs for connecting a camera, microphone, audio playback device, alarm, relay contacts, RS-232/485 interfaces and, of course, a network port. The device has a software interface for remote configuration and monitoring. What kind of diversity of technologies can we talk about here?
However, there are many different devices on the market designed to solve different problems. There are miniature models that can be easily placed in any case or thermal housing, frameless models for installation in special baskets-cases and racks, outdoor models, etc.
In addition to installation conditions, single-channel video servers differ in physical interfaces for connecting to an IP network. The most common models are those with an Ethernet interface for a copper cable, supporting a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps. But there are also video servers with an optical port for connecting to an IP network on a fiber-optic cable or a wireless interface for 802.11 protocols.
There are models with a built-in USB port for connecting an external drive or ports for flash cards. This allows for autonomous recording.
However, software solutions, expressed in the functionality of IP video servers, bring even greater diversity.
Functionality of single-channel IP video servers
It has been noted more than once that most modern IP cameras providing analog resolution (up to 800 x 600 pixels) are a set in one case — an analog camera plus an IP video server. The current level of development of IP solutions for CCTV and small sales volumes allow manufacturers to continue to produce such combinations. At the same time, the entire functional load in the IP camera is carried by the IP video server, since the video module of the analog camera does not undergo fundamental changes. And there is no need for this. The video module is only a source of video signal. The IP video server has a more powerful processor, which is used not only for digitizing and compressing images. Motion detector, programmable logic for alarm processing, event logging, autonomous recording and much more are implemented in the IP video server. At the same time, there are no differences between video servers built into the IP camera and independent complete devices. Moreover, single-channel IP video servers can have a whole range of additional features, such as interfaces for working with external devices (RS-232/485) and USB ports.
The most popular function of single-channel video servers is probably the video detector. Detector algorithms are becoming increasingly complex, and today many manufacturers offer so-called analytical detectors — abandoned and carried away objects, object counting, direction of movement, adaptive detectors, etc. Detectors are configured directly through the web interface of the IP video server, and an alarm is accompanied by automatic sending of an alarm frame to e-mail or to a workstation with system-forming software. However, if the device does not have an analytical detector, then there is always an activity detector, which allows detection of certain areas in the image.
The logic of working with audio sources can be quite diverse. Often, a single-channel IP video server with an audio channel is required to receive only an image and sound from a connected camera and microphone. However, a number of IP video server models have acoustic triggering functions (the ability to transmit and/or autonomously record sound when the acoustic environment in the monitored room changes) and automatic playback of an audio recording upon alarm. This allows you to create «smart», automated security systems.
However, the most common application in which single-channel IP video servers are used are distributed video surveillance systems. For this task, the multimedia functions of the video server (quality and transmission speed settings) are in demand, as well as the ability to control peripheral equipment (PTZ camera protocol support, alarm inputs, relays). Of course, all these functions are available in the device menu.
What are the prospects for single-channel video servers in the IP solutions market? Yes, single-channel IP video servers as standalone devices will give way to IP cameras. Or, to be more precise, they will finally become part of them. However, this will not happen too quickly. The paradox is that if today an IP video server is purchased for an existing analog camera at the facility, thereby preserving past investments, then tomorrow, when the camera has exhausted its resource, the consumer will need to buy a new analog camera for the existing system based on IP video servers. And this vicious circle can exist for a long time.
SNS-100P (Samsung Techwin) Single-channel IP video server with audio channel
Allows you to connect 1 video camera to the network and transmit images in MPEG-4 and M-JPEG formats. The device supports operation with a microphone and sound transmission in both directions. The transmission rate is 25 fps at a resolution of 705×576 px. Video motion detector. Port for telemetry control RS-232/422/485. It has 2 alarm inputs and 2 relays. SNS-100P can be controlled via a WEB browser or via SNM-128 software (up to 1000 devices).
Single-channel IP video server TCD-2500 (ACTi)
The latest generation single-channel IP video server TCD-2500 is used to transmit video, audio and control signals. Using a video server allows you to connect an analog camera to the network and work with it in various network applications. TCD-2500 has a triple transmission codec
video – H.264/MPEG-4/MJPEG. Simultaneous transmission of two streams in different formats.
High resolution in real time – Full D1 and 25 fps. Two-way audio transmission. The video server can work with PTZ cameras, has a built-in motion detector and the ability to install in a crate. Network ports Ethernet (10/100 Base-T), RJ-45. Supports network protocols TCP, UDP, IP, HTTP, DHCP, PPPoE, RTP, RTSP, IPv6, FTP, DNS, DDNS, NTP, ICMP, IGMP, SMTP, ARP. Supports PTZ protocols Pelco P/D, Dynacolor, Sony, American Dynamics. Operating temperature: -10 to +50 °C. Power supply – 12 V DC, 4.7 W.
AXIS Q7401 (AXIS) video encoder
AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder is a high-performance, single-channel solution for integrating an analog camera into an IP surveillance system. With its rich video processing capabilities, it delivers excellent image quality and optimized use of bandwidth and storage. Supports the highly efficient H.264 compression format, which significantly optimizes bandwidth and storage without compromising image quality. Support for Motion JPEG provides additional flexibility. Supports multiple, individually configurable video streams at full frame rate and in any resolution up to D1 (720 x 480 for NTSC, 720 x 576 for PAL). This allows different compression formats, resolutions and frame rates to be configured for multiple video streams, as needed.
Intelligent capabilities such as advanced motion and audio detection and active tampering alarms. External inputs and outputs for connecting to devices such as sensors and relays, allowing the system to respond to alarms and turn on lights or open and close doors. Image settings for improved image quality before encoding.
Dual-channel audio support.
IP Gateway Video Server with Audio and Video Channel (Cisco)
The single-channel Video Surveillance IP Gateway video server can be supplied as a stand-alone device or as a rack-mount board. Regardless of the model, each IP video server provides simultaneous transmission of up to two video streams in H.264 and MPEG-4 formats with a frequency of up to 25 fps and a resolution of up to D1 (720 x 576 pixels). It connects directly to the 10/100 BaseTX network, is equipped with a web server and supports two-way stereo audio transmission. IP Gateway has a motion detector, 3 alarm inputs for connecting external security sensors, 1 relay output for controlling the operation of the actuator, RS-422, RS-485 and RS-232 ports through which you can control analog PTZ and speed dome cameras of the CCTV system using a joystick, remote control or web browser.
Single-channel IP video server with audio channel Smartec STS-IPT180/MPEG4
The STS-IPT180 video server from Smartec converts analog video signal from a surveillance camera to digital MPEG-4 format and transmits it over the network together with the audio signal from an external or built-in microphone. It can connect to LAN and WAN networks simultaneously, supports QoS and multicasting, and transmits digital video with a resolution of 720×576 pixels and a frequency of 25 fps over networks with a bandwidth of 28 kbps to 3 Mbps. The STS-IPT180 is equipped with a motion detector, 2 inputs for connecting external security sensors, 2 alarm outputs, and allows the operator to configure various algorithms for its response to alarms. The IP video server has RS-232/422/485 interfaces for connecting analog PTZ camera telemetry receivers, can be configured from a regular web browser, and is equipped with free Russified NVR software, on the basis of which you can create a 32-channel IP video system.
Single-channel IP video server Vivotek VS7100
The VS7100 allows video transmission over the network using 2 compression codecs: MJPEG and MPEG-4. Possibility of simultaneous transmission of two video streams. Maximum frame resolution is D1 (704 x 576), maximum image refresh rate is up to 30 fps for CIF resolution (352 x 288). Supports two-way audio. When using a controlled camera, the operation of the tilt, rotation, and zoom servos can be controlled via the RS-485 interface using one of the following protocols: DynaDome/SmartDome, Pelco D, LiLin. Remote video surveillance using the Vivotek VS7100 is possible in several ways: connection to the network via the Ethernet port and a dedicated fixed external IP address, via a connection via the RS-232 port with an analog modem or a cell phone with GPRS, 3GPP support for mobile devices. 3 motion detection windows, alarm input and output. Included free software — a fully functional DVR for continuous monitoring of up to 32 IP cameras and IP video servers.