IP Camera Roundup

IP Cameras

By Paula Bernier, Executive Editor, TMC  |  June 17, 2014

The market for IP cameras continues to expand at a respectable clip.

The global market for video surveillance and video surveillance as a service is expected to be worth $42.81 billion by 2019, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 19.1 percent from 2013 to 2019, according to Transparency Market Research’s November study on the matter.

“By system, [the] IP-based video surveillance market is expected to grow rapidly at a compound annual growth rate of 24.2 percent during the forecast period from 2013 to 2019,” according to the Transparency Market Research study. “Growing installations of IP cameras and need for surveillance cameras with better video quality is driving the demand for IP-based video surveillance systems, globally.”

As noted in a Markets and Markets September 2013 report: “Security concerns and the recent spate in terrorist activities have forced governments around the world to invest in video surveillance technologies for homeland security. This has significantly boosted the growth of the global video surveillance market. Video surveillance is now migrating towards computer networks, transmitting video by IP protocol, in an Intranet or the Internet.”

That’s in addition to the use of IP cameras in commercial, infrastructure, industrial and residential building applications, the firm notes.

“IP video surveillance has surfaced as an irreversible trend for the future,” according to the report.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the companies and offerings in the IP camera arena.

Bosch Security Systems Inc.

www.boschsecurity.us

Bosch offers IP cameras to meet a range of budget and image quality requirements – from good, to better, to best. The range includes affordable IP cameras for offices, schools and retail shops to high-performance cameras for the most demanding environments. All of the latest Bosch IP cameras feature unique intelligent dynamic image noise reduction, which dynamically tunes the degree of noise reduction based upon an analysis of important objects moving through the camera’s field of view. When no motion is present, bit rates are minimized. When an important object is detected, bit rates increase to capture movement with maximum details. This enables the IP cameras to deliver the highest quality images while lowering bandwidth and storage requirements by up to 50 percent, which reduces total system costs. This technology becomes increasingly important as the security industry moves toward the next generation of imaging: 4K ultra HD resolution with even higher data volumes and higher bandwidth and storage requirements. This year, Bosch introduced its first 4K ultra HD camera for video surveillance. It joins the complete Bosch IP camera portfolio, which includes HD and megapixel cameras for standard lighting, harsh lighting and starlight cameras for low light areas.

Cisco (News - Alert

www.cisco.com/go/physec

The Cisco family of IP cameras is comprised of a variety of cameras that range in resolution from 720p through 5MP and are available in indoor and outdoor models with a wide variety of mounting options. The key highlight of Cisco IP cameras is the added functionality above and beyond that of a typical surveillance system through a robust and flexible software solution. In a Medianet supported network, cameras can automatically configure and register themselves and also automatically help report and repair network problems. Cisco cameras are also an open platform for applications that can be run directly on the cameras. Cisco offers video and audio analytic applications but also offers unique applications not typically found in a video surveillance system. Cisco offers a scripting application, based on the LUA lightweight scripting language, where users can create custom scripts to execute specific actions based on a catalog of triggers and events. A SIP client is also available to very easily add two-way audio communications to a Cisco IP camera.

D-Link (News - Alert) Systems

www.dlink.com

D-Link Systems offers a full line up of IP surveillance solutions for small, medium and enterprise business IT environments. D-Link’s latest HD Mini Dome Network Camera (DCS-6004L) and the Full HD Mini Pan and Tilt Dome Network Camera (DCS-5615) are ideal for the business looking for a discrete surveillance solution. The DCS-6004L is a mydlink-enabled camera featuring Power over Ethernet and a compact form factor, making it ideal for monitoring areas that are hard to reach or require discrete surveillance. The DCS-5615 features high definition (full 1080p HD) megapixel resolution with 360-degree pan and 80-degree tilt control. In addition, with D-Link’s Full HD Mini Fixed Dome Network Camera (DCS-6210), businesses can keep an eye on outside environments with ease. Designed for operation in the harshest of conditions, the DCS-6210 is ideal for transportation, retail and school environments. Featuring a rugged industry-certified IK10 (vandal proof) and IP66 (weatherproof) housing, the compact DCS-6210L is designed to withstand sudden high impact and extreme weather conditions.

INSTEON

www.insteon.com

Creator of the best-selling home automation and control technology, INSTEON

offers smart home enthusiasts two different wireless IP cameras: one for outdoors and one for indoors. The INSTEON Wireless IP Camera (indoor) includes pan and tilt features and is available in black or white, while the silver INSTEON Wireless IP Camera (outdoor) has a weatherproof casing. Both of INSTEON’s Wireless IP Cameras have night vision, motion-sensing capabilities, and the ability to send still shots via e-mail when motion is detected. INSTEON’s IP security cameras were designed with functionality, simplicity, and affordability in mind. INSTEON’s mobile app for iOS and Android (News - Alert) allows users to connect with the IP cameras using their smartphones; whether at home or on-the-go, INSTEON’s Wireless IP Cameras allow you to monitor your home or business to ensure that everything is as it should be. To purchase either of the INSTEON Wireless IP Cameras, visit Smarthome.com. These products are also available from brick-and-mortar retailers, including Best Buy and Home Depot.

March Networks 

www.marchnetworks.com

March Networks offers a portfolio of high-definition, megapixel, and standard-definition IP cameras as part of a complete IP video solution. Most recently, the company introduced a new MegaPX 360 Indoor Dome IP camera designed specifically for bank branches, convenience stores, and other similarly-sized locations. The fixed, indoor dome reduces the number of cameras you need to install and maintain. It captures 360-degree and 180-degree panoramic overviews of an entire location in 5 MP resolution – eliminating blind spots and the need to deploy multiple cameras to capture the same area from every possible angle. In addition, the 360 Indoor Dome features a digital PTZ function that makes it easy to zoom-in in 360-degree mode and capture multiple views at the same time. Because the full field of view is recorded and dewarped in the client software – not on the camera itself – you can always go back to recorded video to view any area at any time. The dome integrates seamlessly with March Networks Command video management software and hybrid NVRs for convenient, browser-based management. It is a perfect complement to other March Networks HD and WDR cameras optimized for installation behind teller stations or point-of-sale devices, in ATM lobbies and other dedicated areas.

Panasonic System Communications Company of North America

http://us.panasonic.com/business-solutions/

Panasonic’s weather- and vandal-resistant 6 Series i-PRO fixed dome network cameras, available in HD (WV-SFV611L) and Full HD (WV-SFV631L) models, are engineered to capture high-quality images under any lighting conditions. Featuring Panasonic’s next-generation UniPhier LSI processors, 6 Series cameras deliver high-definition quality at 60 frames per second and the ability to encode up to four H.264 streams simultaneously, as well as improved compression efficiency via the new UniPhier Shadow Compression Engine. In addition, Panasonic’s Enhanced Super Dynamic and Super Chroma Compensation technologies and built-in LED illumination mechanisms enable up to 130db video dynamic range, allowing for reliable performance even in the most dynamic and challenging lighting conditions, while dual SDXC memory card slots are also supported for high-capacity edge recording. Complete with new mechanical designs, Auto Back Focus and Motorized Zoom lenses for easier installation, Panasonic’s 6 Series fixed dome network cameras are ideal for security applications in low-light or even no-light conditions.

Pelco

www.pelco.com

Pelco by Schneider Electric (News - Alert) is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of open, standards-based IP video security cameras. With an ever-expanding portfolio ideal for any lighting condition, environment, and application, Pelco is focused on delivering the products our industry demands backed by an unprecedented commitment to customer service and satisfaction. From high-definition megapixel to standard-definition, Pelco offers the industry's widest selection of fixed and positioning IP camera systems available, delivering high-resolution image quality and full frame-rate video. The Sarix Professional and Enhanced Ranges are fixed IP cameras featuring up to 5MP resolution and include models with SureVision 2.0, which delivers the best possible image when the scene contains extremely difficult lighting conditions. Most recently, Pelco has partnered with Oncam Grandeye to offer the Evolution 360-Degree Panoramic IP camera. Designed to deliver total situational awareness, Evolution 360 is a 5MP camera available with a range of housings to allow for indoor, outdoor, surface mount and concealed applications. The Pelco IP Camera portfolio also includes the Spectra HD high-speed dome positioning camera, the Esprit fully integrated PTZ camera system, Sarix TI Thermal Imaging for low-light and no-light applications, as well as the ExSite IP explosion-proof camera for hazardous-location applications.

Toshiba (News - Alert) Surveillance & IP Video

www.toshibasecurity.com

Toshiba Surveillance & IP Video provides a comprehensive line of IP cameras that keep a vigilant eye on physical security locations. Leveraging its position as a technology leader, Toshiba is changing the face of IP video with best-of-breed cameras designed to simplify deployment in new and existing installations, to reduce costs, and to assure the absolute highest quality images indoors and outdoors. Based on open IP standards, they’ll connect to any IP network including the Internet. The IK-WR14A HD IP vandal-dome camera reduces upfront installation time with its incorporation of remote optical zoom, one-touch remote focus, and a new cable management system based on PoE. Its H.264 and SRLED allow capture of 1080p video at 30 fps in challenging lighting conditions, while ONVIF means it is interoperable with third-party solutions. The IK-WR05A outdoor IP mini-dome has a wide angle, pre-focused lens and IR LEDs, making it ideal for large area surveillance. With a 110-degree viewing angle, 1080p and IR LEDs, it can cover almost all surveillance requirements. The IK-WB81A IP is a 1080p IP bullet camera with remote zoom and one-touch auto focus capabilities. With 3 advanced SRLED IR illuminators, mechanical IR filter, and wide dynamic range, it is a full-featured IP camera ready for outdoor deployments.




Edited by Stefania Viscusi