TMCnet News
Axis Communications Enhances AXIS Camera Companion Client SoftwareSep 11, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Axis Communications has announced a major upgrade to the free software client, AXIS Camera Companion, that includes support for audio, Public View Monitors, Axis' Corridor Format and video identification. In a release, the Company said that these upgrades to AXIS Camera Companion, which was recently named "Security's Best Winner" in the 2012 ASIS Accolades Awards Competition, will be especially beneficial for retail stores that have surveillance systems of 16 cameras or less. "The first version of AXIS Camera Companion was well received by the market. By August 2012, we had already registered more than 20,000 downloads of the software. This indicates that users really appreciate the simplicity of AXIS Camera Companion and the superb HDTV image quality offered by IP cameras," said Peter Friberg, director of system and services, Axis Communications, AB. "Based on input from customers and partners, we are taking the next step (with this upgrade) and introducing a selection of features that will add even more value for small business owners." As described by the Company, new features of AXIS Camera Companion 1.2 include: -Support for one-way audio to easily listen in on the area under surveillance. Since AXIS Camera Companion leverages IP technology, audio integration is simple and affordable with a single network cable to transmit both audio and video. -Integration with Public View Monitors for loss prevention in retail environments. By downloading a third-party application to a mobile device, the cameras can be configured to stream live images to any standard monitor. -Ability to leverage Axis' unique Corridor Format with compatible network cameras to produce a portrait-view, 9:16 aspect ratio for more accurate surveillance of vertically-oriented areas such as hallways, staircases and aisles. -Features for digital identification of exported material to ensure that the video is accurately preserved for use as evidence. Axis also announced the availability of competitively-priced AXIS M1014 Network Camera Series Surveillance Kits, a package of four 720p HDTV IP cameras coupled with an AXIS Camera Companion CD starting at $799 that is perfect for the smaller retail store. Unlike analog CCTV installations, AXIS Camera Companion does not require a central recording device - i.e. a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR) or even a computer to operate - making the IP-based digital surveillance system, the Company noted, affordable and easy to use for small camera system owners. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card inside each camera or video encoder, and the system continues to record even if the network fails. The free AXIS Camera Companion client software enables surveillance system owners of 16 cameras or less to use network cameras - including HDTV-quality cameras - to help clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other incidents as part of an IP-based surveillance system. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back either onsite or remotely over the Internet, and the system supports third-party apps on smartphones and tablets, including iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The system supports motion detection and PTZ control, and video clips and snapshots can be easily exported to colleagues and authorities. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |