Axis Communications 0288-004 User manual
USER’S MANUAL
AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder
Notices
This manual is intended for administrators and users of the AXIS Q7401
Video Encoder, and is applicable for firmware release 5.20 and later. It
includes instructions for using and managing the encoder on your
network. Previous experience of networking will be of use when using
this product. Some knowledge of UNIX or Linux-based systems may also
be beneficial, for developing shell scripts and applications. Later
versions of this document will be posted to the Axis Website, as
required. See also the product’s online help, available via the
Web-based interface. AXIS Q7401 supports ONVIF v1.0. For more
information about ONVIF go to www.onvif.org For more information
about enabling ONVIF go to the developers page at www.axis.com
Liability
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this manual. Please
inform your local Axis office of any inaccuracies or omissions. Axis
Communications AB cannot be held responsible for any technical or
typographical errors and reserves the right to make changes to the
product and manuals without prior notice. Axis Communications AB
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the material contained
within this document, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Axis
Communications AB shall not be liable nor responsible for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance
or use of this material.
Intellectual Property Rights
Axis AB has intellectual property rights relating to technology
embodied in the product described in this document. In particular, and
without limitation, these intellectual property rights may include one or
more of the patents listed at http://www.axis.com/patent.htm and one
or more additional patents or pending patent applications in the US and
other countries.
This product contains licensed third-party software. See the menu item
“About” in the product’s user interface for more information.
This product contains source code copyright Apple Computer, Inc.,
under the terms of Apple Public Source License 2.0 (see
http://www.opensource.apple.com/apsl/).
The source code is available from:
http://developer.apple.com/darwin/projects/bonjour/
AXIS Q7401 - User’s Manual
Equipment Modifications
This equipment must be installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions given in the user documentation. This equipment contains
no user-serviceable components. Unauthorized equipment changes or
modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and
approvals.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Apple, Boa, Bonjour, Ethernet, Internet Explorer, Linux, Microsoft,
Mozilla, Netscape Navigator, OS/2, Real, QuickTime, UNIX, Windows,
WWW are registered trademarks of the respective holders. Java and all
Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other
countries. Axis Communications AB is independent of Sun Microsystems
Inc.
UPnPTM is a certification mark of the UPnPTM Implementers Corporation.
Support
Should you require any technical assistance, please contact your Axis
reseller. If your questions cannot be answered immediately, your
reseller will forward your queries through the appropriate channels to
ensure a rapid response. If you are connected to the Internet, you can:
• download user documentation and firmware updates
• find answers to resolved problems in the FAQ database. Search by
product, category, or phrases
• report problems to Axis support by logging in to your private support
area
• visit Axis Support at www.axis.com/techsup
AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder User’s Manual
Copyright© Axis Communications AB, 2008 - 2012
April 2012 Part no. 47342
Rev. 2.1
AXIS Q7401 - Table of contents
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Key features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
LED indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Accessing the Video Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Access from a browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Access from the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Setting the root password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Live View page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Video and Audio Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
How to stream H.264 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Motion JPEG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Alternative methods of accessing the video stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Accessing audio streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Video & Audio settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Video Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Stream Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Overlay Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Privacy mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Audio Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Live View Config . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Installing the PTZ driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Preset positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Guard tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
PTZ controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Application Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Event Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Event Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
How to set up a triggered event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Camera tampering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Motion Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Port Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Recordings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Continuous Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Storage - Disk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Ports & Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Resetting to the Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Unit connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
LED indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Checking the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Upgrading the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Optimizing your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
3
AXIS Q7401 - Product Description
Product Description
This manual applies to the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder.
Key features
• Superb video quality
AXIS Q7401 offers the highly efficient H.264 video compression, which drastically reduces bandwidth and storage
requirements without compromising image quality. Motion JPEG is also supported for increased flexibility.
• Multiple H.264 streams
AXIS Q7401 can deliver multiple, individually configurable video streams simultaneously at full frame rate in all
resolutions up to D1 (720x480 in NTSC, 720x576 in PAL). This means that several video streams can be configured with
different compression formats, resolutions and frame rates for different needs.
• Image setting adjustment
The video encoder also enables users to adjust image settings such as contrast, brightness and saturation to improve
images before encoding takes place.
• Intelligent video capabilities
AXIS Q7401 includes intelligent capabilities such as enhanced video motion detection, active tampering alarm and audio
detection. The encoder’s external inputs and outputs can be connected to devices such as sensors and relays, enabling the
system to react to alarms and activate lights or open/close doors.
• Power over Ethernet
Support for Power over Ethernet (IEEE802.3af) enables the unit, as well as the analog camera that is connected to it, to
receive power through the same cable as for data transmission. This makes for easy installation since no power outlet is
needed.
• Audio support and Local storage
AXIS Q7401 also supports two-way audio and has an SD/SDHC memory card slot for local storage.
•ONVIF
This is a global interface standard that makes it easier for end users, integrators, consultants, and manufacturers to take
advantage of the possibilities offered by network video technology. ONVIF enables interoperability between different
vendor products, increased flexibility, reduced cost, and future-proof systems.
4
Overview
Mounting hole
Mounting hole
LED indicators for
power, status and
network
Control button
Power adapter connectorRS-422/RS-485 connector
Video input Network connector (PoE)
PoE switch class 2 and 3
75 Ohm
termination switch
Audio in/out 6-pin I/O terminal
SD memory card slot
Product ID & Serial number (S/N).
The serial number may be
required during the installation.
Product label includes:
AXIS Q7401 - Product Description
LED indicators
LED Color Indication
Network Green Steady for connection to a 100 Mbit/s network. Flashes for network activity.
Amber Steady for connection to 10 Mbit/s network. Flashes for network activity.
Unlit No network connection.
Status Green Steady green for normal operation.
Amber Steady during startup, during reset to factory default or when restoring settings.
Red Slow flash for failed upgrade.
Power Green Normal operation.
Amber Flashes green/amber during firmware upgrade.
5
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder
Accessing the Video Encoder
Refer to the installation guide supplied with your product in order to install the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder.
The AXIS Q7401 can be used with most standard operating systems and browsers.
Notes:
• To view streaming video in Microsoft Internet Explorer, set your browser to allow ActiveX controls and install AXIS
Media Control (AMC) on your workstation.
• QuickTime
• If your workstation restricts the use of additional software components, the video encoder can be configured to
use a Java applet for viewing Motion JPEG.
• The video encoder includes one (1) decoder license for viewing H.264 video streams. This is automatically installed
with AMC. The administrator can disable the installation of the H.264 decoder, to prevent installation of
unlicensed copies.
Access from a browser
1. Start a browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari).
2. Enter the IP address or host name of the encoder in the Location/Address field of your browser.
To access the video encoder from a Macintosh computer (Mac OSX), click on the Bonjour tab and select the AXIS
Q7401 from the drop-down list.
3. If this is the first time you are accessing the AXIS Q7401, see Access from the Internet, on page 7. Otherwise enter
your user name and password, set by the administrator.
4. The encoder’s Live View page appears in your browser.
TM
is also supported for viewing streaming H.264 video and audio.
Note:
The layout of the Live View page may have been customized to specific requirements. Consequently, some of the
examples and functions featured here may differ from those displayed on your own Live View page.
6
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder
To configure the password
directly via an unencrypted
connection, enter the password here.
To create an HTTPS connection,
start by clicking this button.
Access from the Internet
Once connected, the video encoder is accessible on your local network (LAN). To access the video encoder from the Internet
you must configure your broadband router to allow incoming data traffic to the video encoder. To do this, enable the
NAT-traversal feature, which will attempt to automatically configure the router to allow access to the video encoder. This is
enabled from Setup > System Options > Network > TCP/IP Advanced.
For more information, please see NAT traversal (port mapping) for IPv4, on page 38. See also the AXIS Internet Dynamic DNS
Service at www.axiscam.net For Technical notes on this and other topics, visit the Axis Support web at www.axis.com/techsup
Setting the root password
To gain access to the product, the password for the default administrator user root must be set. This is done in the ‘Configure
Root Password’ dialog, which is displayed when the video encoder is accessed for the first time.
To prevent network eavesdropping when setting the root password, this can be done via an encrypted HTTPS connection,
which requires an HTTPS certificate (see note below).
To set the password via a standard HTTP connection, enter it directly in the first dialog shown below.
To set the password via an encrypted HTTPS connection, follow these steps:
1. Click the Create self-signed certificate button.
2. Provide the requested information and click OK. The certificate is created and the password can now be set
securely. All traffic to and from the video encoder is encrypted from this point on.
3. Enter a password and then re-enter it to confirm the spelling. Click OK. The password has now been configured.
Notes:
• The default administrator user name ‘root’ is permanent and cannot be deleted.
• If the password for root is lost, the camera must be reset to the factory default settings. See page 45.
• If prompted, click Yes to install AXIS Media Control, which allows viewing of the video stream in Internet Explorer.
You will need administrator rights on the computer to do this. If using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you must also
run Internet Explorer as administrator; right-click the Internet Explorer icon and select Run as administrator.
7
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder
The Live View page
If your video encoder has been customized to meet specific requirements, the buttons and other items described below may or
may not be displayed on the Live View page. The following provides an overview of each available button:
General controls
The Stream Profile drop-down list allows you to select a customized or pre-programmed stream profile on the Live View page. Stream profiles are configured under Video & Audio > Stream Profiles,
see Stream Profiles, on page 14 for more information.
Pulse - click this button to activate the output for a defined period of time - e.g. switching a light on
for 20 seconds.
Active/Inactive - click these buttons to manually start and stop a connected device - e.g. switch a
light on/off.
The Action buttons can trigger an event directly from the Live View page. These are configured
under Setup > Live View Config > Layout.
The Snapshot button saves a snapshot of the video image currently on display. Right-click on the
video image to save it in JPEG format on your computer. This button is primarily intended for use
when the AMC viewer toolbar is not available.
AXIS Media Control toolbar
The AMC viewer toolbar (AXIS Media Control) is available in Microsoft Internet Explorer only. See AXIS Media Control (AMC),
on page 11 for more information. AMC displays the following buttons:
The Play button connects to the Axis product and starts playing a media stream.
The Stop button stops the video stream being played.
The Snapshot button takes a snapshot of the current image. The location where the image is saved can be
specified using the AXIS Media Control (AMC).
Click the View Full Screen button and the video image will fill the entire screen area. No other windows will
be visible. Press Esc (Escape) on the computer keyboard to cancel full screen view.
The Record button is used to record the current video stream. The location where the recording is saved can
be specified using the AXIS Media Control toolbar.
8
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder
AMC Audio controls
AMC audio buttons control the speakers and microphone connected to the client computer. The buttons are only visible when
audio is enabled.
Speaker button – Click to switch the sound on or off.
Microphone button – Click to switch the sound on or off.
In Simplex - Network Camera speaker only mode, click this button to stop sending audio to the network camera.
Use the slider to control the volume of the speakers and the microphone.
Half-duplex mode
The Talk/Listen button is used to switch between sending and receiving audio. The button can be configured from the Audio tab in the AMC Control panel:
• Push-To-Talk mode: Click and hold the button to talk/send, release the button to listen.
• Toggle mode: Click once to switch between talking and listening.
Simplex – Network Camera speaker only mode
To send audio, the Talk and Microphone buttons must both be enabled. Click either button to stop audio
transmission.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom controls
When in Center Mode, click on any part of the image other than its exact center and the video encoder will
move so that the point you clicked on becomes the new center of the image.
If you select Emulate Joystick Mode, the video encoder moves in the direction of the mouse pointer. If you
click and hold down on the left mouse button, and then point your cursor at the lower left hand corner of
the image, the video encoder continues to move left and down until you release the mouse button.
9
AXIS Q7401 - Video and Audio Streams
Video and Audio Streams
The video encoder provides several image and video stream formats. Your requirements and the properties of your network
will determine the type you use.
The Live View page in the video encoder provides access to H.264 and Motion JPEG video streams, and to the list of available
stream profiles. Other applications and clients can also access these video streams/images directly, without going via the Live
View page.
How to stream H.264
This video compression standard makes good use of bandwidth, and can provide high quality video streams at less than 1
Mbit/s.
Deciding which combination of protocols and methods to use depends on your viewing requirements, and on the properties of
your network. The available options in AMC are:
Unicast RTP This unicast method (RTP over UDP) should
be your first consideration for live unicast
video, especially when it is important to
always have an up-to-date video stream,
even if some images are dropped.
RTP over RTSP This unicast method (RTP tunneled over
RTSP) is useful as it is relatively simple to
configure firewalls to allow RTSP traffic.
RTP over RTSP over
HTTP
This unicast method can be used to traverse
firewalls. Firewalls are commonly configured
to allow the HTTP protocol, thus allowing
RTP to be tunneled.
Unicasting is used for video-on-demand broadcasting,
so that there is no video traffic on the network until a
client connects and requests the stream.
Note that there are a maximum of 20 simultaneous
unicast connections.
Multicast RTP This method (RTP over UDP) should be used for live multicast video. The video stream is always
up-to-date, even if some images are dropped.
Multicasting provides the most efficient usage of bandwidth when there are large numbers of clients viewing simultaneously. A multicast broadcast cannot however, pass a network router unless
the router is configured to allow this. It is not possible to multicast over the Internet, for example.
Note also that all multicast viewers count as one unicast viewer in the maximum total of 20
simultaneous connections.
AMC negotiates with the video encoder to determine the transport protocol to use in the order listed above. This order can be
changed and the options disabled, to suit specific requirements.
Important!
H.264 is licensed technology. The video encoder includes one viewing client license. Installing additional unlicensed
copies of the viewing client is prohibited. To purchase additional licenses, contact your Axis reseller.
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AXIS Q7401 - Video and Audio Streams
AXIS Media Control (AMC)
The recommended method of accessing live video from the video encoder
is to use the AXIS Media Control (AMC) in Microsoft Internet Explorer in
Windows.
The AMC control panel can be used to configure various video and audio
settings. Please see the readme file included in the tool for more
information.
The AMC control panel is automatically installed on first use, after which
it can be configured.
Open the AMC Control Panel from:
• Windows Control Panel (from the Start menu)
• Alternatively, right-click the video image in Internet Explorer and
click Settings to access the AMC window.
Motion JPEG
This format uses standard JPEG still images for the video stream. These images are then displayed and updated at a rate
sufficient to create a stream that shows constantly updated motion.
The Motion JPEG stream uses considerable amounts of bandwidth, but provides excellent image quality and access to every
image contained in the stream. The recommended method of accessing Motion JPEG live video from the video encoder is to
use the AXIS Media Control (AMC) in Microsoft Internet Explorer in Windows.
Alternative methods of accessing the video stream
Video/images from the video encoder can also be accessed in the following ways:
• Motion JPEG server push (if supported by the client, Firefox, for example). This option maintains an open HTTP connection to the browser and sends data as and when required, for as long as required.
• Still JPEG images in a browser. Enter the path - http://<ip>/axis-cgi/jpg/image.cgi
• Windows Media Player. This requires AMC and the H.264 viewing client to be installed. The paths that can be used are
listed below in the order of preference:
• Unicast via RTP: axrtpu://<ip>/axis-media/media.amp
• Unicast via RTSP: axrtsp://<ip>/axis-media/media.amp
• Unicast via RTSP, tunneled via HTTP: axrtsphttp://<ip>/axis-media/media.amp
• Multicast: axrtpm://<ip>/axis-media/media.amp
• To access the video stream from QuickTime™ the following paths can be used:
• rtsp://<ip>/axis-media/media.amp
• rtsp://<ip>/axis-media/media.3gp
Notes:
• The video encoder supports QuickTime 6.5.1 and later
• QuickTime adds latency to the video and audio stream (up to 3 seconds)
• It may be possible to use other players to view the H.264 stream using the paths above, although Axis does not
guarantee this
• <ip> = IP address
11
AXIS Q7401 - Video and Audio Streams
Accessing audio streams
The Live View page provides access to audio through AXIS Media Control; in addition audio can be accessed in the following
ways:
VAPIX®
Audio can be accessed through the VAPIX® Application Programming Interface (API). For more information visit
http://www.axis.com/techsup
QuickTime and Windows Media Player
Simplex audio can be accessed via QuickTime and Windows Media Player by using the same paths as for video streams (see
above). QuickTime supports G.711 and AAC audio encoding.
Java applet
The Java applet supports simplex audio with G.711 encoding.
12
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings
Text,
overlay
date & time
Video & Audio settings
This section describes how to configure the video encoder, and is intended for product Administrators, who have unrestricted
access to all the Setup tools; and Operators, who have access to the settings for Video & Image, Audio, Live View Config, and
Event Configuration.
You can configure the video encoder by clicking Setup in the top right-hand corner of the Live View page. Click on this
page to access the online help that explains the setup tools.
Video Stream
The video stream settings are separated into 4 different
tabs:
•Image
•Audio
• H.264
•MJPEG
Image
Image Appearance
Use these settings to modify the image resolution and
compression. Setting the compression level affects the
image quality and the amount of bandwidth required,
the lower the compression, the higher the image quality
with higher bandwidth requirements. The image can also
be mirrored (reversed), and rotated. Define the color setting as color or black and white. Black and white uses less bandwidth
than color. See the online help files
Video Stream
To avoid bandwidth problems on the network, the frame rate allowed to each viewer can be limited. Select the Unlimited
radio button to allow the highest available frame rate or select the Limited to... radio button and enter a value (1-30) fps in
the field.
Text Overlay Settings
Use these settings to include a text, date, and time as
overlay. You can also define the color and the
background of the text, and its position on the image.
Click
Preview
For a preview of the image before saving, select video
format and Open. When satisfied with the settings,
click Save.
for information on available options.
for more information.l
Audio
Enable Audio
Check this box to enable audio in the video stream.
Note:
Audio Setup > Systems Options > Audio
Support > Enable audio support must be selected to enable sound. See Audio Support, on page 36.
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AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings
Current Audio Settings:
Configuration under Video & Audio > Audio Settings will be shown here. See Audio Settings, on page 16 for more
information on the audio settings.
H.264
GOV Settings
The GOV structure describes the composition of the video stream and setting the GOV-length to a higher value saves
considerably on bandwidth.
Bit Rate Control
The bit rate can be set as Variable Bit Rate (VBR) or Constant Bit Rate (CBR).
VBR adjusts the bit rate according to the image complexity, using up bandwidth for increased activity in the image, and less
for lower activity in the monitored area.
When using CBR you can set a fixed Target bit rate, which will ensure that the level of bandwidth consumed is predictable.
Priority - As the bit rate would usually need to increase for increased image activity, but cannot when CBR is selected, the
frame rate and image quality will both be affected negatively. To go some of the way towards compensating for this, it is
possible to prioritize either the frame rate or the image quality whenever the bit rate would normally need to be increased.
Not setting a priority means the frame rate and image quality will be affected approximately equally.
MJPEG
Sometimes the image size is large due to low light or complex scenery. Adjusting the maximum frame size helps to control the
bandwidth and storage used by the Motion JPEG video stream in these situations. Defining the frame size as Unlimited
provides consistently good image quality at the expense of increased bandwidth and storage usage during low light. Limiting
the frame size optimizes bandwidth and storage usage, but may give poor image quality. To prevent increased bandwidth and
storage usage, the maximum frame size should be set to an optimal value.
Stream Profiles
There are 4 pre-programmed stream profiles available for quick set-up. These settings can be adjusted and new customized
profiles can be created. Each profile has a descriptive name, describing its usage and/or purpose. The profiles can be accessed
from the Live View page.
• To add a new stream profile, click Add to bring up the Stream Profile Settings panel.
• Choose a descriptive name and enter a description for your profile.
• Choose the form of Video encoding you wish to use from the drop-down list:
H.264 - Also known as MPEG-4 Part 10. This is the new generation compression standard for digital video. This function
offers higher video resolution than Motion JPEG or MPEG-4 at the same bit rate and bandwidth, or the same quality
video at a lower bit rate.
Motion JPEG - Delivers a high quality video stream, from which individual images can be extracted and saved.
• Copy an existing stream profile to your system and rename the copy
• Modify an existing stream profile based on the light situation and motion to be captured by your video encoder. See
Stream Profile Settings for more information.
• Highlight the stream profile you wish to remove, then click Remove to remove it from the list.
14
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings
Camera Settings
This page provides access to the advanced image settings for the AXIS Q7401.
Image Appearance
Color level - Select an appropriate level by entering a value in the range 0-100. Lower values mean less color saturation,
whilst the value 100 gives maximum color saturation.
Brightness - The image brightness can be adjusted in the range 0-100, where a higher value produces a brighter image.
Contrast - Adjust the image's contrast by raising or lowering the value in this field.
Rotate image - The image can be rotated to the correct orientation. Select the appropriate value from the drop-down
list.
Video Input
To eliminate a black border surrounding the image, change the horizontal and vertical synchronization for the image.
Note: Be careful to only use low values, no more than 1-3, as higher values may put the image out of sync.
To improve image quality from analog devices, select Adaptive Interpolation from the 4CIF de-interlacing drop down list for
best image quality or select Blending for improved image quality. If de-interlacing is not necessary select None.
Once satisfied, click Save. Click View to view the video stream with the current configuration.
Overlay Image
An overlay image is a static image superimposed over the video image. An overlay can be used to e.g. provide extra
information, or to mask a part of the video image.
Selecting and Uploading Overlay Images
To use an overlay image in the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder, it must be selected from the drop-down list of available images.
The overlay (e.g. a logo) is then displayed in the video image.
To use your own image, first upload it to the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder by entering the name of the file in the field provided,
or by clicking the Browse button and locating it. Then click the Upload button.
Once your own image has been uploaded it will be available for selection from the drop-down list.
Image Overlay Placement
To place the overlay image at specific coordinates in the live view image, check Include overlay image at the coordinates and
enter the X and Y coordinates.
View Image Settings
To test the overlay and it's placement click Save and View. A popup window appears with the camera's live view image.
For more information, please see the online help .
Privacy mask
Privacy masks are up to 3 configurable areas of solid color that allow concealment of parts of the image that are not to be
viewable. Privacy masks cannot be bypassed via the AXIS VAPIX HTTP API.
15
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings
Privacy Mask List
The Privacy Mask List shows all the masks that are currently configured in the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder and if they are
enabled.
Add/Edit Mask
To define a new mask:
1. Click Add and place the box over the desired area to conceal.
2. Choose a color, black, white, gray or red for the box from the drop-down list Privacy mask color
3. Enter a descriptive name in Mask name.
4. Click Save.
To edit a privacy mask, select it and reshape, move or change color as needed.
Audio Settings
This section describes how to configure the basic audio settings for the video encoder.
The audio functionality for all streams is enabled under Video & Audio > Video Stream > Audio.
Audio Channels
Audio mode - The Half duplex mode transmits and receives audio in both directions, but only in one direction at a time. To
speak, press and hold the button (check that the microphone is not muted). To receive audio, release the button.
Note:
The push-to-talk button is configured from AMC (see AXIS Media Control toolbar, on page 8). It is possible to
configure the push-to-talk button so that it toggles between the speaking and listening modes.
When selecting the Simplex - Network Video Encoder speaker only mode, the speaker connected to the video encoder plays
audio, but no audio is transmitted from the video encoder to other web clients. This could be used to provide spoken
instructions to a person seen in the camera. This mode requires you to use the push-to-talk button.
The Simplex - Network Video Encoder microphone only mode transmits audio only from the video encoder to web clients. It
does not receive audio from other web clients. This can be used in remote monitoring, and web attractions, to provide live
audio and video, of a monitored situation.
Audio Input
Audio from an external microphone or a line source can be connected to the Audio in the connector of the video encoder. The
audio source must be set to Microphone or Line depending on the connected device.
The Enable microphone power option provides DC power for an external microphone. If using a small electret condenser
microphone such as a clip-on microphone or a PC microphone, enable this option.
Note:
To use a high impedance dynamic microphone, do not enable microphone power. Microphone power will not harm the
microphone; if you are uncertain, try switching it off and on. The default value is microphone power enabled. To use a
professional microphone requiring 48V phantom power, you need an external power supply and a
balanced-unbalanced converter (audio transformer) in between.
If the sound input is too low or too high, adjust the input gain for the microphone attached to the video encoder.
Select the desired audio Encoding format: AAC, G.711 μ-law or G.726.
Select the required Sample rate (number of times per second the sound is sampled). The higher the sample rate, the better the
audio quality and the greater the bandwidth required.
16
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings
Depending on the selected encoding, set the desired audio quality (Bit rate). The settings affect the available bandwidth and
the required audio quality.
The video encoder can be set to trigger an event if the incoming sound level rises above, falls below, or passes the set value.
The Alarm level is set between 0-100%.
Audio Output
If the sound from the speaker is too low or too high, adjust the output gain for the active speaker attached to the video
encoder.
When satisfied with the settings, click Save, or click Reset to revert to previously saved settings.
17
Live View Config
Layout
AXIS Q7401 - Live View Config
Stream Profile
From the Stream Profile drop-down list, select the stream profile that is to be used for the Live View page. Listed are the
standard stream profiles as well as the ones created under Video & Audio > Stream Profiles. See the online help files
on
this page for more information.
Default Viewer
From the drop-down lists, select the default method for viewing video images for your browser. The video encoder attempts to
show the video images in the selected video format and viewer. If this is not possible, the video encoder overrides the settings
and selects the best available combination.
Browser Viewer Description
AMC Recommended viewer in Windows Internet Explorer (H.264/Motion JPEG).
QuickTime H.264 only.
Windows
Internet Explorer
Other browsers
Java applet A slower imaging alternative to AMC. Requires one of the following installed on the client:
• JVM (J2SE) 1.4.2 or higher
• JRE (J2SE) 5.0 or higher
Still image Displays still images only. Hit the Refresh button in your browser to view a new image.
Server Push Recommended viewer for other browsers (Motion JPEG).
QuickTime H.264 only.
Java applet A slower imaging alternative to Server Push (Motion JPEG only).
Still image Displays still images only. Hit the Refresh button in your browser to view a new image.
18
AXIS Q7401 - Live View Config
user defined link
Viewer Settings
Check the Show viewer toolbar box to display the AXIS Media Control (AMC) or the QuickTime viewer toolbar under the video
image in your browser.
The administrator can disable the installation of the H.264 decoder included with AMC. This is used to prevent the
installation of unlicensed copies. Further decoder licenses can be purchased from your Axis dealer.
Enable Show crosshair in PTZ joystick mode and a cross will indicate the center of the image in PTZ joystick mode.
Use PTZ joystick mode as default - this mode can be changed temporarily on the PTZ Control Panel, but will default to
joystick if enabled.
Check the Enable recording button to enable recording from the Live View page.
Action Buttons
The Show manual trigger button can be used to manually trigger and stop an event from the Live View page. See Events, on
page 28.
Check the Show snapshot button to save a snapshot from the video stream. This button is mainly intended for use with
browsers other than Internet Explorer, or when not using AXIS Media Control (AMC) to view the video stream. AMC for
Internet Explorer provides its own snapshot button.
Show audio clip section - Enabling the display of the Audio clip drop-down box and play button allows users to play a
pre-recorded audio clip from the camera. Go to Video & Audio > Audio Clips to work with the audio clips.
User Defined Links
User defined links can be CGI links or web links. Once
configured, the link(s) appear on the Live View page.
To set up a web link, select the Use as web link radio
button, enter a descriptive name and enter the URL in
the provided field. Click Save and the link appears in
the Live View page.
User defined CGI links can be used to issue HTTP API
requests, such as PTZ commands.
Example:
1. Check Show Custom Link 1.
2. Enter a descriptive name, such as “Start
continuous pan”.
3. Select the Use as cgi link radio button and
enter the cgi link in the field:
http://<ip>/axis-cgi/com/ptz.cgi?continuouspantiltmove=30,-30
4. Check Show Custom Link 2.
5. Enter a descriptive name, such as “Stop continuous pan”.
6. Select the Use as cgi link radio button and enter the cgi link in the field:
http://<ip>/axis-cgi/com/ptz.cgi?continuouspantiltmove=0,0
These links appear in the web interface and can be used to control the Axis video encoder.
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