Sony's Cutting Edge Sony SNC-RH164

Check out this video from Sony on their Cutting Edge HD Technology. The SNC-RH164 offers stunning imaging in 720p along with several other intelligent motion and other capabilities

The SNC-RH164 PTZ HD Camera along with all of the latest from Sony is available at WebCamProShop!

Features include:

- HD with 30 fps

- 10x Zoom

- XDNR (Excellent Dynamic Noise Reduction)

- Visibility Enhancer

- DEPA Advanced

- 210° Tilt

- Quick Release for Easy Installation

- hPoE (Compliant With IEEE802.3at)

- Triple Codec: H.264/MPEG-4/JPEG

- ONVIF Compliant

Milestone IP video supports Venaria, Italy: a small town with big security needs

COPENHAGEN – 27 April 2010. Milestone XProtect™, the world-leading open platform IP video management software, has been chosen as the foundation for a flexible surveillance system by the city of Venaria, Italy. The Milestone platform provides future scalability and the addition of new innovations such as Axis H.264 network cameras and the integration of license plate video analytics.

Just a few kilometers from Turin, Venaria last year welcomed one million visitors attracted by a beautiful 17th-century palace erected by the house of Savoy. The cultural complex and surrounding gardens constantly draw high-prestige visitors like the President of Italy, former US president George Bush and current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. On this basis alone, one can appreciate that Venaria’s security needs are of the highest level. In addition, the Ceronda Creek and Stura River flow through municipal territory where the effects of any flooding on the palace and historic center are dreaded.

The challenge of scalability for multiple needs
The municipal administration had tried to address these needs earlier with an analog video surveillance system, to protect some of the town’s crucial areas. That experience, according to Municipal Police Chief Luca Vivalda, “produced sparse results and brought critique.”

In January 2008 they conferred the task of a new IP installation to ASM Venaria, a public agency that is carrying out the project and handling the maintenance. The advantages are two-fold: cost savings and maximum guaranteed discretion in meeting high security needs associated with visiting public figures, as well as protecting the privacy of its citizens. The image data never leaves the municipality because there are no external agencies involved.

ASM personnel are Milestone-certified and directly involved in setting up the command center operations. They designed a scalable video surveillance system that was flexibly accessible, easy to use, compatible with privacy laws, and able to meet the local prefecture’s requirements pertaining to extraordinary events. The system covers the monitoring of traffic, the security of citizens, tourists and guests, and watching the rivers for the Civil Defense, where Axis cameras follow the watercourse flows in real time at critical junctures. The surveillance also monitors such areas as recreational parks and residential zones, schools and administration buildings.

Open IP video allows adding H.264 technology and analytics
ASM Venaria’s IT Manager Ivano Voghera explains the technology choices: “Chief Vivalda and I undertook inspections in other cities with video surveillance installations, carefully evaluating both hardware and software. We chose Milestone’s IP video software platform and Axis network cameras. The Milestone platform has the right functionality for the operations center, which fully met our requirements for a system simple enough for the staff to easily learn it, yet capable enough to guarantee immediate response to any need whatsoever.”

The project is entirely financed by the municipality. The installation required a new network infrastructure and that choice fell to mesh technology, which is quick to set up and reliable: in case of a radio link crash, the data communication is passed to another link. It is supported by a fiber optic network.

About 90 Axis network cameras are installed. Initially Axis 233 dome cameras and 233M fixed cameras had been chosen, however, they have since been nearly all replaced with the newer Axis Q1755, which is full HD and supports the H.264 protocol that uses less bandwidth.

The IP video software is Milestone XProtect Corporate, preferred for its greater degree of functionality. Ivano Voghera observes: “Milestone ensures a high level of service. For example, when we decided to go with the Axis Q1755, it was so new that not even Milestone had the proper drivers yet, but they supplied them in just 15 days, allowing the project to go forward as needed.”

In 2009 license plate recognition was also implemented, exploiting a much-appreciated capability of the Milestone platform to integrate new functions and video analysis modules that can be implemented as need arises by simply adding the required dedicated license, without having to modify the user interface.

The Milestone platform enabled the creation of a distributed architecture system in which all the images are converged onto a central server accessible by the municipal administration. Taking advantage of the Milestone video management for creating a varied and controlled user access hierarchy, the installation allows workstations to also be deployed at the traffic control center, municipal health authority, civil defense and the national police station. Operators are given rights to certain cameras by location, and to live or recorded images, as relevant.

The full customer case article is available in English, German and Italian here.

Download screenshots here

ProShop Tips and Tricks: Troubleshooting Your Network Camera and Components

Troubleshooting IP or network based live cameras is much simpler than it may appear. Most issues are related to power loss or a change in the network that supports the camera. All brands of cameras Axis, Sony, Panasonic and others are equally susceptible to outages and most likely will require some troubleshooting during the life of the camera.

The following outline was written by Steve Surfaro of Axis Communications:

When troubleshooting physical infrastructure, integrators must examine:

• Cabling and wireless networks,
• Equipment that controls the network devices and system power, and
• Wiring plant that supports the multiple network-based security systems.

The wiring plant includes the telecommunications closet, the intermediate cross-connect, the main cross-connect and the data center, as well as the command monitoring center and the main cable head where the physical infrastructure connects to TELCO services, external WANs or the Internet.}

To determine the source problem, ask these questions:
Is there power?
This is the most obvious place to start troubleshooting. Ferret out whether a break in the network cable is present or if the problem lies with the power sourcing equipment (PSE) or the powered device (PD) itself. It’s advantageous to have a network management system that can consistently monitor the endpoints of the network and pinpoint where performance has slowed down or stopped altogether, especially for larger networks.

Is the PSE’s capacity exceeded?
If an Ethernet cable connects devices to a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch, confirm that the device being powered can accept and use power from that Ethernet cable for its operation. As a safety precaution, a PoE switch or other PoE-compliant PSE won’t supply power over an Ethernet cable if it’s not connected to a PoE-compliant device.

Second, check the wattage rating of the network switch and the power requirements of all the PoE devices being powered by that switch. The PoE standard — also known as the IEEE 802.3af standard — designates a maximum power output of 15.4 watts per port, or 12.95 watts to the powered device after factoring in the normal power loss that occurs on a twisted pair cable. Attaching too many devices with large power requirements to a switch can exceed its power capacity. To determine the classification of a particular powered device, check the manufacturer’s specification sheet.

If the network switch supports the newly ratified Hi PoE standard — also known as IEEE 802.3at or PoE+ — it can deliver 25 watts of power per port, or 22.55 watts to the powered device once power dissipation in the cable is considered. If the Hi PoE network switch uses all four of the twisted pairs in the Cat 5 cable, it can deliver up to 51 watts of power per channel. This is more than sufficient to power and control pan/tilt/zoom network cameras, as well as (small) heaters and fans in outdoor network cameras, over a single Ethernet cable.

Is the wireless network experiencing interference?
Much like hardwired network systems, integrators should set up a network management system to monitor wireless transceivers or radios for power loss, fluctuating network throughput and poor signal strength. Radios can also be monitored for interference from external sources.

Rooting Out Logical Infrastructure Problems
When troubleshooting logical infrastructure, integrators must examine:

• Network switches,
• Firewalls, and
• Network management systems.

This is the virtual portion of your network that controls how you segment access to network security devices and systems. It also involves the way you guarantee quality of service (QoS) for critical systems during spikes in bandwidth demand from various security systems on the network.

To determine where the problem might be originating in the logical infrastructure, here are a few pertinent questions to investigate:
Does the user have permission to access the system?
If a user complains that they’re not receiving information from a particular network-based device, check the Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) to see if they have been granted permission to access that device. The VLAN is designed to separate groups of users to prevent unauthorized access to network components such as devices or databases.

For instance, human resources might have permission to look at an access control database but is barred from the access control panels themselves. A school superintendent may be able to see all of the video cameras in the district, but principals can see only the cameras covering their own campuses. Or in an emergency, first responders may be given temporary access to a building’s security cameras.

Is a new logical security application causing communication failures?
If network-based devices suddenly stop communication, check to see if the network administrator has introduced a new logical security application that may have triggered the failure. This could be a new proxy server that doesn’t recognize the device, a new firewall that creates a barrier between the device and the network in accordance with the company’s information security management (ISM) policy, or a piece of security software that is blocking the network port used by the device.

The best way to test for these problems is to shut down the new application and see if the device begins communicating again. Start with the simplest communications path possible and then add layers of logical infrastructure and tracking when things start to fail.

Troubleshooting Specific, Network-Based Security Systems
After investigating the infrastructures, integrators should move on to the specific network systems for further inspection. The diagnostic strategies for two of the more popular network-based security systems — video surveillance and access control — are very similar.

Is the powered device working?
Whether it’s a network camera or a card reader, the first thing to check is the device itself. Is it receiving power? Are all its parts functioning? If the problem doesn’t seem to be power or part failure, try resetting the device. Start with a soft reset: simply powering down the device and then powering it back up again. If that doesn’t work, a hard reset will restore the device’s settings to its factory default. Then you can change the settings one at a time to see if a particular new setting is causing the problem.

Is the problem in the firmware?
One of the most common oversights in upgrading network-based systems is firmware compatibility between the network camera and the video management system or between the card reader, the door control panel and the access control management system. A manufacturer might have shipped you a firmware revision for the network device that isn’t supported by the management system. Or the network administrator might have upgraded the management system without considering its compatibility with the network device. Any of these scenarios could lead to a communications issue.

Are the databases synched?
If multiple network-based security systems are designed to work in tandem, it’s important to synchronize their databases to ensure that they operate properly. For example, a visitor management system might allow visitors to enroll online to ensure a badge is waiting for them when they arrive at the facility. However, if that information doesn’t automatically populate the access control system database, then the visitor’s badge won’t be recognized by the card reader.

Is remote access being hampered?
For network video surveillance systems in particular, problems can emerge with WAN connectivity when monitoring video streams remotely. To correct, first ensure that the individual monitoring the cameras is accessing the correct static IP addresses. If the network doesn’t use static IP addresses for the network cameras, check that correct port forwarding or network address translation protocols are in place. This might require specialized programming to determine if the camera’s video stream is transmitting properly through the router. Hosted video solutions (i.e www.USrelay.com) avoid much of this complex protocol connectivity by connecting the cameras to an outside dispatch service. The service automatically reconfigures the cameras to stream video to a hosted video portal, where it can be accessed by remote users.

Keeping It Simple
Even in a complex network environment, the simplest approach is the most effective one. Start troubleshooting by ruling out more obvious problems such as power loss before exploring other possible issues affecting system performance. Try to recreate a simple communications path between the network device and the user of that device’s information — be it a video stream or an entrance permission. Then gradually introduce other areas of the network to determine where and when the problem occurs. This systematic layering of complexity will make it easier and faster for you to root out the problem and bring the security systems back to full operation.

Troubleshooting Checklist:

Check physical infrastructure

• Power to all devices?
• Manual soft or hard reset?
• PoE capacity exceeded?
• Wireless interference?

Check logical infrastructure

• User permission for VLAN?
• New logical security application?
• (Proxy server, firewall, security software, etc.)
• Firmware compatibility?

Axis Introduces New Outdoor-Ready Fixed Network Cameras

Axis Communications, the market leader in network video, today announces a new series of outdoor-ready, high-performance fixed network cameras that save installation time and costs. The IP66-rated cameras have protection against dust, rain, snow and sun, and can operate in temperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F). Arctic Temperature Control is available for secure start-up of zoom cameras in freezing temperatures. The cameras are powered by Power over Ethernet for easy installation.

The outdoor-ready cameras, including megapixel (MP) / HDTV models, deliver superb image quality and support multiple streams in H.264 and Motion JPEG, two-way audio, intelligent video functionalities such as video motion detection, audio detection, active tampering alarm, and have built-in SD/SDHC memory card slot for storing recordings locally. The cameras consist of the following:





• AXIS P1343-E Network Camera: SVGA resolution, day and night, digital pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ), remote back focus;
• AXIS P1344-E Network Camera: 1 MP resolution / HDTV 720p, day and night, digital PTZ, remote back focus;
• AXIS P1346-E Network Camera: 3 MP resolution / HDTV 1080p, day and night, P-Iris (precise iris control), digital PTZ, multi-view streaming, remote back focus;
• AXIS Q1755-E Network Camera: 2 MP resolution / HDTV 720p and 1080i, day and night, 10x zoom, autofocus and pan/tilt head support.





WebCamProShop currently offers the Dotworkz S-Type Environmental Enclosure Series, designed for different weather conditions and climates: COOLDOME™ for extreme heat applications, Ring of Fire for cold climates and harsh winter conditions, as well as the Heater/Blower for average temperatures and Tornado for hot/humid temperatures. All models of fixed network cameras, including the Axis models P1343, P1344, P1346 and Q1755, are compatible with and fit inside the S-Type.

Axis Product Discontinuations and Replacements

These cameras will be discontinued on May 31st, 2010. Axis will continue with support until May 26th, 2013. Suggested replacement products:

• For AXIS 223M: AXIS P1346, a 3-megapixel camera with superb 1080p HDTV image quality and multi-view streaming.

• For AXIS 225FD: AXIS P3343-VE, an outdoor-ready, day/night fixed dome supporting remote focus and zoom.

• For AXIS 211A: AXIS P1343, which offers audio support and day/night functionality in a robust design.

• For AXIS 210A: AXIS P1311, a camera with fixed focal, CS-mount lens, offering audio support in a robust design.

Please note that AXIS 210 and AXIS 211 are not included in this statement, no discontinuation dates are set for those cameras.

IMPORTANT: Axis VT Dome Housing DBH24 and Verso “Cool” Outdoor Housing will be discontinued May 31st, 2010 with support until May 31st, 2011. We suggest replacing these with the Dotworkz D2/D3 with Heater Blower, Tornado, Ring of Fire, and COOLDOME for Axis PTZ network cameras and the Static or Brick-Style cameras respectively in the Dotworkz S-TYPE versions. When testing the imported Axis aluminum housings T92A and T95A against the D2, D3 and S-Type we found the Dotworkz housing to be much more durable to impact and generally a much better value.

AXIS T8121 High PoE Midspan 1-port will also be discontinued May 31st, 2010 with support until May 31st, 2011, and suggested replacement product is the upcoming AXIS T8123 High PoE Midspan 1-port.

New Axis Products for Spring 2010

AXIS PRODUCT NEWS FOR SPRING 2010

Axis Q6034 PTZ Dome Network Camera(Available May)

A high-performance HDTV 720p PTZ dome with outstanding mechanical precision and speed and 18x zoom for indoor applications. Finally a HD camera value play! Perfect for use as a marketing or web traffic camera. Find out how setting up a HD camera can actually earn monthly revenue! Visit www.hdrelay.com for more information.

AXIS P5532 PTZ Dome Network Camera (Available April)

A cost-effective PTZ camera with D1 resolution and 29x optical zoom for indoor applications. Although not a HD camera this unit uses the H.264 compression for efficient networking at full frame rates. We suggest combining this with the D2 camera protection system Base model for schools, parking, warehouses and other applications for the ultimate combination of value, long lasting protection and performance.

AXIS P1347 Network Camera (Available in April 2010)
A fixed indoor ready camera that provides 5 megapixel resolution, and superb image quality with P-Iris for applications that require high image detail in a limited area or coverage of a large area. Use this camera on entrances and exits so not to miss a single detail. This indoor camera can be set up with the Dotworkz new S-Type housing for solid IP67 outdoor protection. Note the P1347-E includes a similar housing but does not have the features or the value of the S-Type product. Look for this combo as the WebCamProShop model P1347- S. Due to the 5 Megapixel image this camera can be married with a small form NVR for maximum performance and long term storage all at the edge inside the housing.




AXIS M11 Network Camera Series (Available in April 2010)
This series is comprised of 4 compact and affordable fixed cameras (M1113 shown), ranging from an SVGA model to an HDTV, varifocal, DC-iris version. The smaller image size and form factor make this the option for entry ways and other over exposed sun lit to darker low light contrasts. Due to the lower price, setting up this Axis HD camera for public use can actually earn monthly revenue. Visit www.hdrelay.com for more information.




AXIS T8310 Surveillance Control Board (Coming Soon!)
A modular system consisting of a joystick for control of PTZ cameras and a keypad and a jog dial for management of live and recorded video in professional video surveillance. The joystick option takes all the great features of network video and combines them with of what was good with the old analog CCTV hardware.

AXIS Camera Station 3.30 (Available in April 2010)
A new version of Axis comprehensive video management software with new features to further improve surveillance efficiency. We are offering the Axis Camera Station recording (VMS) software with the open platform NVRs from Dotworkz so that the end customer or dealer simply has load the license key on to the NVR and the project install is practically done all at a great price and warranty.

Converting Your Surveillance System to Digital Output

Phasing in digital surveillance options into your analog system doesn't have to be daunting. WCPS has all of the tools you need to convert your system from analog to digital with ease. In addition to being economical, digitizing your system has many additional benefits, including future-proof integration, remote accessibility, and recording flexibility.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Analog Components, including Monitors, Multiplexers, VCRs and Cameras, can easily be converted into digital media with the help of a Video Server.
2. Video Servers, which come in 1, 4 or 6 Channel and Rack Solutions, can digitize existing analog camera feeds by converting the images then feeding them through an IP network and onto your PC, making monitoring more accessible and convenient.
3. You can also integrate Network Cameras into your system and take advantage of superior image quality that IP cameras provide. Adding a PC Server with video management software will allow more options for recording formats, time lengths, and more.
4. The images captured by your Analog and Network Cameras can be viewed any time and from anywhere simultaneously over the Internet.

Visit our Analog to Digital Information Page for a more in-depth explanation. You can also view an Interactive Version of this graphic from Axis Communications.

Need help converting you existing system? Call us at 619.270.8414.

Axis P5534 Must Buy Accessory Kit!

This Just In! If you're trying to house your Brand New Axis P5534 into an Enclosure, like for instance the Dotworkz D2 COOLDOME, then you are definitely missing an integral piece to the puzzle. BUT, have no fear, WebCamProShop has solved this mini mystery...

It looks like Axis is now offering the Axis Multi-Connector Cable for Power, Audio, and I/O (Product #5502-491). So please don't forget to order this additional component when purchasing your Axis P5534!