Axis Communications last week announced the introduction of its new Zipstream technology, which allows end users to reduce their bandwidth and storage requirements without having to invest in new cameras or software.
In a statement, Axis said that Zipstream is fully compatible with the H.264 compression standard and has been developed to reduce both bandwidth and storage requirements by an average of 50 percent or more.
"Demand for better image quality has been met with higher resolutions, frame rates and increased low-light performance. But these advancements have also increased the requirements on the network and storage infrastructure, often forcing users to choose between image quality and storage," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications. "Leveraging the network camera’s video compression engine, Axis’ Zipstream technology can drastically reduce bandwidth and storage needs without compromising important image details."
Zipstream 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. Important forensic details such as faces, tattoos or license plates are isolated and preserved, while irrelevant areas such as white walls, lawns and vegetation are sacrificed by smoothing in order to achieve better storage savings.
Customers can use Axis’ Zipstream technology alongside other Axis network camera technologies such as Wide Dynamic Range - Forensic Capture and Lightfinder. Additionally, Zipstream can be used with third-party video management software installations already in place, as well as with AXIS Camera Station and AXIS Camera Companion.
Zipstream technology will be available on existing network cameras via firmware updates, including AXIS Q1615, AXIS Q1635 and the AXIS Q35 Series. The first new products with Axis’ Zipstream installed are planned to be:
- AXIS M1124/-E and AXIS M1125/-E indoor and outdoor-ready network cameras
- AXIS P1365 and the outdoor ready AXIS P1365-E
- AXIS P3224-LV/-LVE and AXIS P3225-LV/-LVE fixed domes
