Class 4 Assignment - Find Camera Maker's Claims About Low Bandwidth Consumption

IPVMU Certified

Find a camera's manufacturer claims about low bandwidth consumption. Share it and make three observations about what might be wrong or questionable about it.

For example, some manufacturers may claim they produce the ‘lowest’ overall consumption while some may have special ‘modes’.

To get you started, here are a few reports we've done on such claims:

Here's an example of one someone can use:

Vivotek Smart Stream

"Smart Stream technology intelligently allocates bandwidth when streaming moving objects or Regions of Interest in surveillance scenarios, resulting in increased savings in bandwidth and storage space"

So do some research on your own and see what you can find that's cool, new or unique. Share what you find with three observations that are concerning or questionable to you.

Reactions:

Melissa Jean

IPVMU Certified

Product: Avigilon HDSM SmartCodec

URL: http://ir.avigilon.com/Investor-Relations/Press-Releases/Press-Releases-Details/2017/Avigilon-Introduces-its-HDSM-SmartCodec-Technology-for-Bandwidth-Management-4252017/default.aspx

Claim: HDSM SmartCodec measures the level of activity within a scene, then optimizes image detail to reduce bandwidth up to 50%

Potential Issues: The technology itself is likely up to par with the rest of the industry, however there are issues that could arise if it is not configured correctly. If the camera is placed outside and the technology does not handle noise well, savings will be reduced by only a small amount. Also, If the camera is placed in an area the has a lot of activity, it will constantly be utilizing high quality encoding which will utilize the same amount of bandwidth. Finally, the user must check the VBR/MBR to ensure the highest quality the technology accesses is not above what they are will to spend in storage resources.

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(1)

John Durnell

IPVMU Certified

Currently we are using Axis and Panasonic Solutions to save space.

We have noticed significant space savings on amount of storage needed to

store footage.

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(1)

David Nguyen

IPVMU Certified

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05sfCQvI71s

CLAIM: Axis’ Zipstream technology was developed specifically for video surveillance and can lower bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more. It’s fully compatible with H.264 compression and third-party video management software. The enhanced version of Zipstream automatically adapts to PTZ camera movements in real-time, offering even further storage and bandwidth savings and eliminating bitrate peaks.

Axis’ Zipstream technology analyzes and optimizes the network camera’s video stream in real time. Scenes containing interesting details are recorded in full image quality and resolution while other areas are filtered out, to optimally use available bandwidth and storage.

Zipstream is able to adjust frame rates, instantly adapting to any changes in the scenes.

Compressing videos too much will affect the pictures quality

zipstream focus on dynamic moving objects and only compresses the other backgrounds so the focus of the scene preserves the details.

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(1)

Jacob Carian

IPVMU Certified

High-performance cameras for a wide range of typical surveillance needs
IP 5000 cameras from Bosch

New range of high definition and megapixel cameras
Up to 50 percent less bandwidth and storage requirements
Seamless integration with software and recording solutions from Bosch and third-party providers

Fairport, NY – With the introduction of its new IP 5000 HD and MP camera family, featuring resolutions as high as five megapixels, Bosch is offering high-performance technology for a wide range of typical surveillance needs. By the end of 2013, this series will consist of 13 cameras in four different designs – microdome, bullet, indoor, and outdoor domes – that offer a number of resolutions to cater to varying image detail requirements, while also supporting SD card storage. The various options for outdoor installation include vandal resistance, water- and dust-proof enclosures, as well as IR LEDs for night-time monitoring. In addition, varifocal lenses simplify the adjustment of the field of view.

The new cameras incorporate two special bandwidth reduction technologies. Intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction (iDNR) adapts the degree of noise reduction in real time based on an analysis of the contents of the scene. This can reduce bandwidth by up to 50 percent when no motion is present, but as soon as an important object is detected, the bandwidth increases to capture maximum detail. Bandwidth is further reduced by way of area-based encoding that enables compression parameters to be set for up to eight user-definable regions. This means the less interesting regions are more highly compressed, leaving more bandwidth available for the important parts of the scene.

Furthermore, two regions of interest can be selected and controlled by remote electronic pan, tilt and zoom (e-PTZ). The combination of these special streams with the main stream allows for a closer inspection of details while retaining situational awareness.

Additional features include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), privacy masking, audio capability, and an operational temperature range from as low as -22 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit. The cameras are supplied with Bosch Video Client PC software that features a user-friendly interface to support simple installation and configuration. It provides live viewing of multiple cameras, playback, forensic search, and the export of data.

Finally, an app, available free of charge from the App Store, enables access to HD surveillance images on an iPad or iPhone from anywhere, even over low-bandwidth connections. “Our Video Security app gives you complete control of all your cameras, from panning and tilting, to zoom and focus functions,” explains Ian Crosby, Head of Product Management at Bosch Security Systems. “It’s like taking your control room with you.”

The new cameras seamlessly integrate with a wide range of security software and recording solutions from Bosch as well as from other third-party providers, since they are ONVIF conformant. They are also supported by the Integration Partner Program, which gives partners immediate access to online tools for easy integration. Further details of the Bosch Integration Partner Program are available at ipp.boschsecurity.com

1. The use of two "special streams" with the main stream to be able to navigate separate areas of interest with ePTZ control. It seems to me that adding 2 extra, even though smaller, streams would negate your 50% savings, plus would either tax the camera or VMS client station more heavily than a full stream.

2. Having 8 user defined areas for less interesting spaces. This would only work in a relatively unchanging environment. In a dynamic scene your predefined "boring" areas could become interesting and the camera will not try to boost the bandwidth to catch a better image. You may as well mask the areas out all together.

3. I do agree with the use of iDNR, and I'm assuming that would be working in tandem with Variable Gain Control to drastically reduce dark scene noise.

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(1)

Sean Erickson

IPVMU Certified

Your favorite and mine, Arecont Vision has their SNAPstream solution listed on the website.

https://www.arecontvision.com/landing-pages/megadome-4k/overview.php

As a manufacture my company offers, I'll be attending a training in the upcoming months. Which they had better support in my territory... but that's a story for another day.

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(1)

Walid Jabr

IPVMU Certified

Product: Hikvision H.264+ Smart Codec:

URL: http://www.securitynewsdesk.com/hikvision-h-264-smart-codec-powers-surveillance-system/

Claim: Optimized compression offered by Hikvision’s Smart Codec minimizes bandwidth and storage requirements while maximizing video resolution in real world applications

Potential Issues: the minimization is not that much as they claiming

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(1)

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified

In reply to Walid Jabr

Potential Issues: the minimization is not that much as they claiming

Why/how?

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Ibrahima Sene

IPVMU Certified

Product: AXIS P3364-LVE

Claim: support of WDR (https://www.axis.com/files/datasheet/ds_p3364lve_1471711_en_1702.pdf)

Remarks: We are using AXIS P3364-LVE camera and are globally satisfied but are noticing some limitations regarding the WDR support. This camera is deemed not supporting true WDR but an attempt that AXIS documentation as WDR with dynamic contrast. Also we noticed that the P3364-LV does not come with built-in video analytics compared some completion with lower prices cameras (such as Sony snc-zm550 or Hikvision ds-2cd411fwd-iz -however it presents some advantages compared to these 2 cameras).

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(1)

Kelly Koshman

IPVMU Certified

http://overseas.hikvision.com/en/Smart2.0/

Claim:

Hikvision H.264+ Smart Codec

In a static nighttime environment, the bitrate of H.264+ can reach up to 50~60Kbps, 10~20x over standard H.264 codec, that not only saves bandwidth rresources, but efficiently decreases storage requirements.

Potential 3 issues: Actual performance can drop on complexity (1) and environmental (2) issues..this can also effect the quality (3) that you will receive...

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(1)

Jason Moore

Genetec Security Center on BW

IPVMU Certified

H.264+ Smart Codec vs H.264

By SavvyTech on January 3th, 2017

Observation

SavvyTech’s new H.264+ Smart Codec saves bandwidth compared to H.264.
Special equipment is required to take advantage of H.264+ Smart Codec.

Hypothesis

H.264+ Smart Codec will be more efficient than H.264. I expect a reduction of 20-50% in bandwidth over H.264. There also must be proprietary equipment for the Smart Codec to work properly. There has to be a trade-off for the performance increase.

Experiment (Setup)

Storage: Video files were stored on the Micro-SD card of the camera, and these are averages of several 8 minute recordings. This experiment was conducted by recording under these video conditions: 

Network :The use of Solar Winds Real-Time bandwidth monitor was used to track network traffic of the camera over SNMPv2 protocol to monitor data passed through the devices Ethernet port. Two recording and viewing devices, an NVR and a PC were viewing the main stream from the device and the total bitrate was averaged.
Still Scene: a scene where there were no moving objects or lighting changes.
Moving Scene: a spinning wheel used for LPR was run that occupied approximately 1/15.5 of the screen.

Storage

Network Traffic

Theory: Utilizing a cognitive encoding method, Smart Codec uses several technologies in order to reduce the amount of space and bit rate a video feed consume. By taking reference frames and applying them to refreshed frames the Smart Codec eliminates the need to transmit data for an unchanged image, or parts of the image where there is no movement. This supports the results of the experiment showing lower bit rates and also lower storage rates.

Conclusion: Dahua’s new H.264+ Smart Codec does save bandwidth compared to H.264, and the only special equipment required is a camera that can take advantage of the H.264+ Smart Codec. Results have shown that most h.264 compliant recorders can take advantage of this technology. The results have shown H.264+ does save storage and stream rates more or less around 20-50%. The tradeoff has not shown any signs of failure in the video stream as they playback just as well as h.264.

This Features could be apply to Dahua models such as HCVR5104H-S2/HCVR5108H-S2/HCVR5116H-S2/HCVR5208A-S2/HCVR5216A-S2/HCVR5416L-V2/HCVR5424L/HCVR5432L/HCVR7204A-S2/HCVR7204A-S2/HCVR7208A-S2/HCVR7816S/HCVR4232AN-S2/
Reference link:https://www.dahuawiki.com/News/H.264_Plus_vs._H.264`

1-Only applies to a few models

2- Actual reduction is very limited on motion, many users only transmit on motion, so gains are not that significant

3- Requires proprietary equipment.

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(1)

Geert Van Herbruggen

•Oct 21, 2017

IPVMU Certified

Product: Bosch camera

http://be.boschsecurity.com/nl/producten/videosystems_4/ipcameras_3/movingcamerasptz_3/movingcamerasptz_3_products_59529

Bosch pretend to reduce bitrates by up to 80% depending on the scene by Intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction and Intelligent streaming combined with H.265 video encoding, depending on the scene. I wander what this last assumption means, but I guess that the biggest win is in stable, static images.

The Bosch calculator lets you change the % in the type of scene to check the effect of it.

Source:

https://medium.com/advanced-computer-vision/h-264-vs-h-265-a-technical-comparison-when-will-h-265-dominate-the-market-26659303171a

https://ipvm.com/reports/h265-camera-test

http://www.boschsecurity.com/StorageCalculator/

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(1)

Jon Isaacson

•Oct 22, 2017

Claim: In Security Center 5.0, everything the operator sees in real time is stored in a secure cache. This allows real instantaneous and bandwidth-free playback. It's faster and totally transparent for the end user. If the operator requests something that is not available in the cache, the system downloads it from the server transparently.

Possible Issues: While caching the footage ahead of time is an interesting concept for small chunks of footage; a scenario with multiple operators accessing the same footage could potentially prove cumbersome. How much space to pre-cache the footage is allowed? A lack of enough cache space or high-load of data could lock up a camera possibly or cause huge delay potentially causing operators to miss critical moments. As well, any overflow of the secure-cache could potentially make it insecure as well and make it susceptible to data reconnaissance.

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(1)

Fardeen Osmani

•Oct 23, 2017

IPVMU Certified

Logizoom by Logipix

LOGIPIX MULTI-MEGAPIXEL VIDEO MONITORING SYSTEM

Generally if only a limited bandwidth network is available then the transmission of multi-megapixel images can be performed only at a very low frame rate or not at all. Good news that LOGIPIX solved the problem as our engineers developed Logi-Zoom, the hardware driven zoom function. This extremely cost effective solution efficiently utilizes the scalability of the JPEG2000 compression standard. It allows to send only the currently required, zoomed picture area in high resolution (approximately 25 KB/image section), with the rest of the image being sent in a lower, screen optimized resolution (25 KB/image). This function can be used both in live and archive modes.

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(1)

Brian Rhodes

In reply to Fardeen Osmani

IPVMU Certified

This response does not satisfy the assignment. Please redo it, email me with questions: brian@ipvm.com

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Jerome Paukovits

•Oct 23, 2017

IPVMU Certified

New Lines of High-Performance H.265 Megapixel IP Surveillance Cameras

That Offer Advanced Performance and Specialized Features while Reducing Bandwidth and Storage Requirements

Now Shipping!

Vicon is proud to announce a full line of new high-performance cameras offering H.265 compression and exceptional image quality. Available in a range of form factors to suit any application, these new H.265-ready options provide higher and more efficient image compression rates than previous H.264 cameras while providing superior image quality.

Our family of technologically advanced and cost-effective IP cameras can dramatically decrease the cost of overall video management system operation, requiring significantly less bandwidth for video transmission and decreasing storage requirements due to the smaller size of recorded video files.

The new camera lines include models appropriate for every market, ranging from robust outdoor cameras for all kinds of weather conditions to vandal-proof products for sensitive environments. The new cameras include a selection of domes, mini bullets, bullets and turret cameras, in a range of resolutions with a choice of fixed or varifocal lenses. All cameras may be powered via PoE (Power-over-Ethernet).

While specifications vary by camera, all offer exceptional image clarity due to features that include wide dynamic range, digital noise reduction and dynamic IR illumination for visibility in low lighting conditions. The cameras are ONVIF compliant, offer full frame-rate recording, and multi-streaming.

V940 Series

Outdoor Impact-Resistant Dome and Bullet Cameras

These IK-10 rated outdoor cameras that replace our Alliance-mx series, are perfect for correctional facilities, city streets, airports, university grounds, and any setting where vandalism is a concern. For installations with a large numbers of cameras, the benefits of H.265 compression become even more pronounced, as system-wide impact on bandwidth consumption and storage increase proportionally with the number of cameras. In addition, these cameras feature on-board video analytics for camera tampering, line crossing and intrusion detection, providing alerts to system administrators when an event occurs.

With options that include true WDR, IP66 weatherproof ratings and vandal-resistant designs, these outdoor security cameras are sure to be the perfect fit for your outdoor security monitoring needs. Their rugged construction is designed to cope with the rigors of the environment while securing any outdoor application requiring surveillance. They deliver features for optimal results as described below.

NETWORK OUTDOOR VANDAL CAMERA DOMES

2 MP, 4 MP and 5 MP models; ultra-high-sensitivity 2 MP model
True WDR (120 dB); 2 MP model with 132 dB WDR
265/H.264 compression
Smart encoding
Smart IR LED technology (98 ft/30 m range)
Motorized zoom and focus varifocal lens
Video Content Analysis (VCA)
IP66 and IK10 rated

V940D Dome Camera

V940B Bullet Camera

V800 Series

Indoor Dome Cameras and Indoor/Outdoor Bullet Cameras

Vicon’s indoor dome cameras and indoor/outdoor mini bullet cameras combine excellent quality video with cost-effective and easy-to-install housings. School districts, office buildings, retail space and hospitality venues are just a few of the environments in which they make sense. Various models with a choice of fixed or motorized varifocal autoiris lens provide superior image quality in all lighting conditions. The indoor domes have true WDR while the bullets provide D-WDR. The advanced features of these cameras are highlighted below.

2 MP and 4 MP models
265/H.264 compression
WDR
IR LEDs (98 ft/30 m range)
Fixed and motorized varifocal lens models
1 lux low light capabilities (color)
Smart encoding
Video Content Analysis (VCA)
Triple streaming

V810B-MIR Bullet Camera

2 MP and 4 MP models
265/H.264 compression
True WDR (120 dB)
IR LEDs (82 ft/25 m range)
Fixed and motorized varifocal lens models
1 lux low light capabilities (color)
Quad streaming
Smart encoding
Video Content Analysis (VCA)

V800D Dome Camera

V930/V9500 Series

Network Outdoor Turret Cameras

Vicon’s outdoor turret cameras are perfect for installations requiring an unusual or difficult angle of view. They are mounted similarly to dome cameras but provide the advantage of no interference from a surrounding dome and are easier to position. There is also no “IR bounce” of small dots that sometimes occurs when IR illuminators reflect in the glass of a dome camera. Vicon’s models offer a choice of fixed or motorized varifocal autoiris lens. These cameras provide excellent IR night-vision capabilities and provide fantastic color image quality in low light conditions. They’re typically suitable for outdoor use with IP66 weatherproof ratings. They can be mounted on a wall or ceiling; their unique design provides for simplified installations. Other features are highlighted below.

2 MP and 4 MP models
265/H.264 compression
WDR
IR LEDs (98 ft/30 m range)
Fixed (V930D) and motorized (V9500D) lens models
1 lux low light capabilities (color)
Triple streaming
IP66 rated

V930D Turret Camera

V9500D Turret Camera

V930EZ

Remote Position Cameras

The V933EZ dome is the ultimate turret camera for easy installation. Integrated pan and tilt motors allow the camera to be installed and then remotely adjust the field of view as easily as controlling a standard PTZ camera; other advanced features of this camera are highlighted below.

Remote motorized pan and tilt controls
3 MP
Motorized focus and zoom varifocal lens
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)
IR LEDs (98 ft/30 m range)
1 lux low light capabilities (color)
Triple streaming
IK 10 and IP66 rated

V930EZ Dome Camera

Reactions:

Brian Rhodes

In reply to Jerome Paukovits

IPVMU Certified

This response does not satisfy the assignment. Please redo it, email me with questions: brian@ipvm.com

Reactions:

Khalil Azar

•Oct 23, 2017

IPVMU Certified

Panasonic go beyond H.265 with ultra-low bandwidth camera platform

Panasonic has introduced a new network camera range at Security Essen 2016, combining Full HD resolution with the company’s latest software, capable of reducing storage and network bandwidth by as much as 80 per cent beyond H.265.

The two new box cameras, WV-S1132 and WV-S1131, will be available from October 2016 and are the first from Panasonic’s new i-PRO Extreme camera platform. The cameras will be introduced as part of a new H.265 system which will include a recorder (WJ-NX400) and software (WV-ASM300).

The platform takes advantage of the power of H.265 compression, which provides a bandwidth reduction of 50% compared to H.264. However, when implemented with Panasonic’s Smart Coding technology, the new platform offers an unprecedented 80 per cent bandwidth and storage efficiency improvement beyond H.265 levels.

Both cameras are equipped with a new 1/3” sensor which provides impressive colour images even in very low light conditions. The new sensor provides the same low light illumination as a 1/2” sensor, but at a reduced cost.

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Timothy Queen

•Oct 24, 2017

Avigilon

High Definition Stream Management

http://avigilon.com/white-papers/maximum-bandwidth-management-and-high-resolution-imaging/

(A clip from the white paper)

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Jennie Gross

•Oct 24, 2017

IPVMU Certified

Axis Zipstream

https://www.axis.com/us/en/technologies/zipstream

Optimized for video surveillance, Axis Zipstream technology lowers bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more for many 24/7 surveillance situations.

Observations:

- Lowered Bandwidth by 50% or more

- Adapts to the movements of PTZ cameras, which can experience frames being skipped during bandwidth peaks

Potential Issues:

- According to Axis' website, when using Dynamic GOP, a feature of their Zipstream technology, the GOP length may vary, which could cause a problem with some VMSes.

Reactions:

John J. Ross

•Oct 26, 2017

Honeywell IP cameras offer superb image quality low bandwidth and less storage requirements.

FLIR IP cameras deliver low bandwidth and predictable storage, FLIR 1080p & 720p

cameras deliver pristine picture quality in outdoor and low light conditions resulting in cost savings in installation & power consumption.

Notes:

It seems every camera MFG tells you their cameras will give you the best quality picture with the lowest bandwidth.

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Arron Harms

•Oct 26, 2017

IPVMU Certified

www.axis.com/technologies/zipstream

Axis Zipstream technology lowers bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more for many 24/7 surveillance situations.

Zipstream also automatically adapts to the movements of PTZ camera. Bandwidth peaks are avoided thanks to a dynamic rate controller that is enabled automatically when a camera is panned, tilted or zoomed.

Axis Zipstream technology analyzes and optimizes your video stream in real time. Scenes containing interesting details are recorded in full image quality and resolution, while others areas are filtered out. Important forensic details like faces, tattoos or license plates are isolated and preserved, while irrelevant areas such as white walls, lawns and vegetation are sacrificed using smoothing.

fully compatible with the H.264 and H.265 compression standards

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Christopher Strehl

•Oct 26, 2017

IPVMU Certified

Axis Zipstream Technology

Claim - reducing storage requirements by an average of 50% or more in video surveillance applications

Observation - After reading about different manufacturers and their "low bandwidth consumption technology" there were a few things that popped out at me. It doesn't matter what low consumption technology you go with the question for me is how well does it work with your VMS. Any camera can give you a great live feed. My concerns have always been forensic after the fact. If your VMS cant handle what its being fed than the technology is for not. For example Axis has Dynamic GOP which in addition to zipstream can reduce bandwidth storage however my VMS doesn't support it. Another observation is that you have to take the time to program the camera effectively. I have had a couple vendors that install a camera plug in play and call it good. You need to make sure the camera is configured to optimize the technology with the scene that your lookign at. But you also need to take into account what your VMS can and cant do with the video you are sending it.

My overall take with video technology is it great and moving in the right direction. Its the VMS side that isn't mentioned that needs to catch up to take advantage of the new camera technology.

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Dave Lawes

•Nov 01, 2017

IPVMU Certified

Axis Zipstream Technology

URL: https://www.axis.com/hk/en/technologies/zipstream

Claim: Zipstream lowers bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50% or more for many 24/7 surveillance situations

Observation: This technology looks at each frame and compresses the interesting part of the frame to a lesser degree and compresses the interesting part less. My concern would be that the camera could misinterpret the scene and compress and interesting scene when it should have shown more detail.

It also supports sending fewer high bandwidth I-Frames when there is nothing interesting captured. I think this is a great way to reduce bandwidth and storage but again there is the same concern that the camera may not be configured to correctly identify an interesting scene and then miss some details due to high compression.

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Cary Menage