This manual is intended for administrators and users of
Axis video servers. This manual describes AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA, with firmware release 4.47. The
manual includes instructions for using and managing the
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA on your network. Previous
experience of networking will be of use when installing
and using this product. Some knowledge of UNIX or
Linux-based systems would 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.
Safety Notices Used In This Manual
Caution! - Indicates a potential hazard that can damage the
product.
Important! operation.
Do not proceed beyond any of the above notices until you
have fully understood the implications.
Indicates a hazard that can seriously impair
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
enu item “About” in the product’s user interface for more
m
information.
Legal Considerations
Camera and audio surveillance can be prohibited by laws
that vary from country to country. Check the laws in your
local region before using this product for surveillance
purposes. This product includes one (1) MPEG-4 decoder
license. To purchase further licenses, contact your reseller.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures: Re-orient or relocate the
receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment to an
outlet on a different circuit to the receiver. Consult your
dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded (STP) network cables must be used with this unit
to ensure compliance with EMC standards.
USA - This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B computing device
pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at his/her own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
required to correct the interference.
Europe - This digital equipment fulfills the requirements
for radiated emission according to limit B of EN55022/1998,
and the requirem
residential, commercial, and light industry.
ents for immunity according to EN55024/1998
Liability
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this manual;
Please inform your local Axis office of any inaccuracy or
omission. 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.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Ethernet, Internet Explorer, Linux, Microsoft, Mozilla, OS/2,
UNIX, Windows, WWW are registered trademarks of the
respective holders. QuickTime™ is a trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 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. UPnP™ is a certification
mark of the UPnP™ Implementers Corporation.
Support Services
Should you require 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.
h by product, category, or phrases
Searc
• report problems to Axis support staff by logging in to your
private support area
• visit the Axis Support Web at www.axis.com/techsup/
Safety Notice - Battery Replacement
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA uses a 3.0V CR2032 Lithium
battery as the power supply for its internal real-time clock
(RTC). This battery will, under normal conditions, last for a
minimum of 5 years. Low battery power affects the operation of
the RTC, causing it to reset at every power-up. A log message
will appear when battery replacement is required.
The battery should not be replaced unless required!
If the battery does need replacing, observe the following points:
Caution!
• Danger of Explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced
• Replace only with the same or equivalent battery, as
recommended by the manufacturer.
• Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's
This manual describes the AXIS 241QA: 4-port video server including 2-way audio, and
the AXIS 241SA: 1-port video server including 2-way audio.
Overview of the AXIS video server
The Axis video server is fully featured for security surveillance and remote monitoring
needs. It is based on the AXIS ARTPEC-2 compression chip, and can digitize up to four
analog video sources and make these available on the network as real-time, full frame rate
Motion JPEG and/or MPEG-4 video streams.
5
The Axis video server is equipped with RS-232 and RS-485 ports for connecting third
PTZ systems. The 4 alarm inputs and four alarm outputs can be used to connect various
third party devices, such as door sensors and alarm bells.
Up to 20 viewers can access the Axis video server sim
and MPEG-4 unicast. The number of simultaneous viewers can be increased by using
multicast MPEG-4. When using AXIS Media Control (AMC) to view MPEG-4 video streams,
each MPEG-4 viewer requires a separate MPEG-4 decoder license. One license is included,
and further licenses can be purchased separately from your Axis dealer. If using other
clients to view the MPEG-4 video stream, no further MPEG-4 decoder licenses are required.
Video can be viewed in five resolutions (up to 4CIF),
configurable. The Axis video server contains support for video motion detection, which
allows the unit to trigger on activity in the video image, and advanced scheduling tools
which can also be used to trigger an event. As the Axis video server is designed for use in
security systems, it is equipped with several security features, such as IP address filtering,
several user levels with passwords and HTTPS.
The Axis video server has a built-in web server,
through the use of a web browser. The built-in scripting tool allows basic applications to
be created, providing basic surveillance solutions. For advanced functionality, the video
server can be integrated via the use of VAPIX® Axis Communications’ powerful API (see
www.axis.com/developer for further information).
ultaneously when using Motion JPEG
and image compression is
providing full access to all features
party
Page 6
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Product description
DIP switch
LED indicators for Network, Status & Power
Video input (x4)
Control button
Line/Mic In &
Line Out
Front panel - AXIS 241QA
6
AXIS 241QA
The AXIS 241QA provides 4 BNC inputs for connecting analog video devices.
The AXIS 241QA also provides a Line/Microphone In (mono) connector for connecting
an
external microphone or other source, producing a line level signal. An active speaker with
a built-in amplifier can be connected to Line Out (mono), to enable two-way
communication. Audio communication can be bi-directional (full-duplex), push to talk
(half-duplex) or in one direction only (simplex).
AXIS 241SA
The AXIS 241SA provides 1 BNC input and 1 matching loop-through output. This model
can also accommodate S-Video (Y/C) by using a Y/C to BNC cable (not included).
The AXIS 241SA also provides a Line/Mic In (mono) connector for connecting
microphone or other source producing a line level signal. An active speaker with a built-in
amplifier can be connected to Line Out (mono) to enable two-way communication. Audio
communication can be bi-directional (full-duplex), push to talk (half-duplex) or in one
direction only (simplex).
an external
LED indicators
After completion of the startup and self-test routines, the multi-colored LED indicators
signal the following conditions:
Network
Status
UnlitNo connection.
GreenSteady for connection to a 100 Mbit/s network. Flashes for network activity.
AmberSteady for connection to a 10 Mbit/s network. Flashes
UnlitWhen configured for “no flash” on access.
GreenSteady for normal operation. Can be configured to flas
whenever the unit is accessed.
AmberSteady during startup, reset to factory def
RedSlow flash for failed firmware upgrade.
for network activity.
h green at intervals
ault or when restoring settings.
Page 7
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Product description
Power adapter
connector
12-pin I/O terminal
connector
RS-232
connector
Network
connector
Serial number on underside label
PowerGreenNormal operation.
AmberFlashes green/amber during firmware upgrade.
Switches & connectors
DIP switch - A corresponding line termination switch is supplied for each video input. All
units are shipped with line termination enabled for each video input; that is, with the DIP
switch set in the down position.
If the video source is to be connected in parallel with other equipment, disable the input termination by
Note:
turning the corresponding DIP switch to the up position (OFF). Failure to do so may cause reduced image
quality.
Control Button - Press this button to restore the factory default settings, as described in
Resetting to the factory default settings,
video server using AXIS Internet Dynamic DNS
Installation Guide).
on page 56. This button is also used to install the
Service (See the Axis Video Server
7
Video Input - Each supported video input (1
or 4 depending on the model) is connected
using a coax/BNC connector. Physical connections made using a 75 ohm coaxial video
cable have a recommended maximum length of 800 feet (250 meters).
Line Out - Mono
audio output (line level), which can be connected to a public address (PA)
system or an active speaker with a built-in amplifier. A pair of headphones can also be
attached.
Line/Mic In - Sin
gle 3.5 mm input for a mono microphone, or line level mono signal (only
the left channel is used from a stereo signal).
Rear panel
Power adapter connector - For connecting the power adapter.
I/O terminal connector - The
I/O terminal connector provides the physical interface to four
digital transistor outputs, 4 digital inputs and an RS-485 interface. See Unit connectors, on
page 57 for more information.
Page 8
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Product description
8
Note: The I/O terminal connector also provides an auxiliary connection point for DC power.
Network connector - The Axis video server connects to the network via a standard
network cable, and automatically detects the speed of the local network segment
(10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet).
RS-232 connector - A 9-pin D-SUB connector
Typically used for connecting Pan/Tilt/Zoom devices. See Unit connectors,
more information.
providing an RS-232 serial connection.
on page 57 for
Page 9
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Using the video server
Using the video server
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can be used with most operating systems and web browsers.
The recommended browser is Internet Explorer with Windows, and Mozilla with other
operating systems. See also the Technical specifications, on page 66.
9
Note: For information on installing the video server, pl
ease refer to the Installation Guide.
Accessing the video
server
1. Start your web
browser.
2. Enter the IP address or host name of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA in the
Location/Address field of your browser.
3. If you are accessing the camera for the first time, see Setting the root password,
on page 10. Otherwise enter your user name and password, as set by the
administrator.
4. A video image is displayed in your browser.
Page 10
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Using the video server
10
Notes: •To view streaming video in Microsoft Internet Explorer, you must set your web browser to
allow the AXIS Media Control (AMC) to be installed on your computer. AMC is required to
use audio in the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA. AMC also provides an MPEG-4 decoder for
viewing MPEG-4 video streams. This decoder is installed the first time an MPEG-4 video
stream is accessed. Please note that the product administrator may have disabled the
installation of the decoder, as a license is required for each instance.
•If your computer restricts the use of additional software components, the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA can be configured to use a Java applet for updating JPEG images.
Please see the online help for more information.
•When using a browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer with AMC, instead of a stop,
a snapshot and a full screen button, there is a stop and a play button in the bottom left
corner of the live view page. For a description of these buttons see The Live View Page,
below.
Setting the root password
1. When accessing a camera for the first time, the ‘Configure Root Password’ dialog
is displayed on the screen.
Note: Before you enter your password at this point, you can secure configuration
of the
root password via HTTPS by creating a self-signed certificate. To do so, click the Create self-signed certificate... button in the Create Certificate window, and then proceed as
follows.
2. Enter a password, and re-enter to confirm the spellin
g. Click OK.
3. The ‘Enter Network Password’ dialog appears. Enter the User name: root
Note: The default administrator user name root is permanent and
cannot be deleted.
4. Enter the password as set in step 2 above, and click OK. If the password is lost,
the cameras must be reset to the factory default settings. See page 56.
Page 11
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Using the video server
Pulse - click this button to activate the port
for a defined period of time, such as switching
on a light for 20 seconds.
Active/Inactive - click these buttons to
manually start and stop a connected device,
such as switching a light on/off.
5. If required, click Yes to install the AXIS Media Control (AMC). You will need
administrator rights on the computer to do this.
The Live View Page
If your AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA has been customized to meet specific requirements, all
the buttons and other items described below may not be displayed on the Live View page.
Below you have an overview of all the buttons:
The Video Format drop-down list allows the
View page to be temporarily changed.
The Output buttons control
an output directly from the
Live View page. These
buttons are configured
under Setup > Live View Config > Layout.
video format on the Live
11
These buttons start/stop the Sequence Mode. This mode is created in Setup >
Live View Config > Sequence mode and automatically displays the view
from two or more video sources at set intervals.
From the Source list, select the desired video image(s). The list can
contain internal video sources, external video sources, or the Quad
Stream view. The Quad Stream option displays all four video images
in one stream.
The trigger buttons trigger
buttons are configured under Setup
buttons to manually start and stop events.
Use the Snapshot button to capture a snapshot of the image currently
displayed in the window. Right-click on the image to save it in on your
computer.
The AMC viewer
Explorer only and displays the following buttons:
toolbar (AXIS Media Control) is available in Microsoft Internet
The Play/Stop buttons start and
an event directly from the Live View page. These
> Live View Config > Layout. Click these
stop the media stream.
Page 12
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Using the video server
12
The Snapshot button saves a snapshot of the video image currently displayed.
Snapshot function and the target directory for saving snapshots can be
from the AMC Control Applet, which can be opened from the Windows Control
Panel or by right-clicking the image.
Click the View Full
area. No other windows will be visible. Press Esc
cancel full screen view.
Click the Record button to
viewing MPEG-4).
AMC Audio controls
There are audio controls for controlling the client computer’s speaker output. These
controls are only available in the MPEG-4 video format and when audio is enabled, see
Audio Settings,
Click the Speaker and Microphone buttons
speaker and microphone, re
When using Half-duplex mode, this button toggles between allowing you to speak
and listen. The first icon indica
video server plays your voice. The second icon indicates that you will hear audio
from the video server, but no audio is sent to web clients. When in simplex talk
mode, the icon toggles between allowing you to speak, and is dimmed when you do not
want other clients to receive any audio.
on page 23.
Use the slider to control the volume on the speaker and microphone.
The volume can be set between 0 and 100.
Screen button and the video image will fill the entire screen
(Escape) on your keyboard to
start an MPEG-4 recording (only available when
to switch the sound off and on, for the
spectively.
tes that you can talk and the speaker attached to the
configured
The
Note that these AMC toolbar functions can also be accessed by right-clicking in the image.
For information on using Pan/Tilt/Zoom cont
rols, please see Pan Tilt Zoom, on page 37.
Page 13
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video and audio streams
Video and audio streams
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA provides several different video and audio stream formats.
The type to use depends on your requirements and on the properties of your network.
13
The Live View page in the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA
MPEG-4 video and audio streams, as well as to single JPEG images. Other applications and
clients can also access these video and audio streams/images directly, without going via
the Live View page.
provides access to Motion JPEG and
Video stream types
Motion JPEG
This format uses standard JPEG still images in the vi
displayed and updated at a rate sufficient to create a stream that shows constantly updated
motion.
The Motion JPEG stream provides excellent image quality
individual image contained in the stream.
Note also that multiple clients
settings.
MPEG-4
This is a video compression standard that makes good
provide high-quality video streams at less than 1 Mbit/s.
The MPEG-4 standard provides scope for a large
various applications in different situations, and the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA provides
certain subsets of these tools. These are represented as Video object types, which are
selected for use with different viewing clients. The supported video object types are:
accessing Motion JPEG streams can use different image
deo stream. These images are then
and access to each and every
use of bandwidth, and which can
range of different coding tools for use by
• Simple - sets the
• Ad
vanced Simple - in Axis products, this sets the coding type to MPEG-4 Part 2
AMC (AXIS Media Control) supports both object types, while
Simple object type. When using MPEG-4 it is also possible to control the bit rate, which in
turn allows the amount of bandwidth usage to be controlled. CBR (constant bit rate) is used
to achieve a specific bit rate by varying the quality of the MPEG-4 stream. When using
VBR (variable bit rate), the quality of the video stream is kept as constant as possible, at the
cost of a varying bit rate.
Notes:
•MPEG-4 is licensed technology. The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA includes one license for the
decoder required for viewing in AMC. Installing additional unlicensed copies of this decoder
is prohibited. To purchase more decoder licenses, contact your Axis reseller.
•All clients viewing the MPEG-4 stream must use the same image settings.
coding type to H.263
QuickTime™ requires the
Page 14
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video and audio streams
14
MPEG-4 protocols and communication methods
To deliver live streaming video over IP networks, various combinations of transport
protocols and broadcast methods are employed.
• RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) is a protocol that
the real-time transmission of multimedia data, via unicast or multicast.
• RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol)
which transport protocol to use for the stream. RTSP is thus used by a viewing
client to start a unicast session, see below.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a communicati
service for exchanging data in a network that uses the Internet Protocol (IP). UDP
is an alternative to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). The advantage of
UDP is that it is not required to deliver all data and may drop network packets
when there is network congestion. This is suitable for live video, as there is no
point in re-transmitting old information that will not be displayed anyway.
• Unicasting is communication between a single se
network. This means that the video stream goes independently to each user, and
each user gets their own stream. A benefit of unicasting is that if one stream fails,
it only affects one user.
• Multicast is bandwidth-conserving technology
simultaneously delivering a single stream of information to multiple network
recipients. This technology is used primarily on delimited networks (intranets), as
each user needs an uninterrupted data flow and should not rely on network
routers.
serves as a control protocol, to negotiate
allows programs to manage
ons protocol that offers limited
nder and a single receiver over a
that reduces bandwidth usage by
AXIS Media Control (AMC)
The recommended method of accessing live video and audio from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
241SA is to use the AXIS Media Control (AMC) in Microsoft Internet Explorer in Windows.
This ActiveX component is automatically installed on first use, after which it can be
configured by opening the AMC Control Panel applet from the Windows Control Panel.
Alternatively, right-click the video image in Internet Explorer.
How to stream MPEG-4
Deciding on the combination of protocols and methods to use depends on your viewing
requirements, and on the properties of your network. Setting the preferred method(s) is
done in the control applet for AMC, which is found in the Windows Control Panel. When
this has been set, AMC will test all the selected methods in the specified order, until the
first functioning one is found.
Page 15
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video and audio streams
RTP+RTSP
This method (actually RTP over UDP and RTSP over TCP) should be your first consideration
for live video, especially when it is important to always have an up-to-date video stream,
even if some images do get dropped. This can be configured as multicast or unicast.
15
Multicasting provides the most effic
large numbers of clients viewing simultaneously. Note however, that a multicast broadcast
cannot pass a network router unless the router is configured to allow this. It is thus not
possible to multicast over the Internet, for example.
Unicasting should be used for video-on-demand b
traffic on the network until a client connects and requests the stream. However, if more
and more unicast clients connect, the server will at some point become overloaded. There is
also a maximum of 20 simultaneous viewers to be considered.
RTP/RTSP
This unicast method is RTP tunneled over RTSP. This can be us
is relatively simple to configure firewalls to allow RTSP traffic.
RTP/RTSP/HTTP or RTP/RTSP/HTTPS
These two methods can also be used to traverse firewall
configured to allow the HTTP protocol, thus allowing RTP to be tunneled.
ient usage of bandwidth, especially when there are
roadcasting, so that there is no video
ed to exploit the fact that it
s. Firewalls are commonly
Other methods of accessing the video stream
Video/images from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can also be accessed in the following
ways:
• If supported by the client, the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can use Motion JPEG
server push to display video. This option maintains an open
the web browser and sends data as and when required, for as long as required.
• As single JPEG images in a browser
http://<ip>/axis-cgi/jpg/image.cgi?resolution=CIF
• Windows Media Player. This requires AMC and the MPEG-4 decoder
installed. The paths that can be used are listed below, in the order of preference.
• Unicast via RTP: axrtpu://<ip>/mpeg4/#/media.amp
Unicast via RTSP: axrtsp://<ip>/mpeg4/#/media.amp
•
• Unicast via RTSP, tunneled via HTTP: axrtsphttp://<ip>/mpeg4/#/media.amp
• Unicast via RTSP, tunneled via HTTPS: axrtsphttps://<ip>/mpeg4/#/media.amp
• Multicast: axrtpm://<ip>/mpeg4/#/media.amp
. Enter the path:
HTTP connection to
to be
Notes:
•<ip> = IP address.
•# = video source number or the quad stream. This is set to 1 if omitted.
Page 16
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video and audio streams
16
Other MPEG-4 clients
Although it may be possible to use other clients to view the MPEG-4 stream, it is not
guaranteed to work in all cases. For some other clients, such as QuickTime™ the Video
Object Type must be set to Simple. It may also be necessary to adjust the advanced
MPEG-4 settings.
To access the video stream from e.g. QuickTime™
rtsp://<ip>/mpeg4/#/media.amp
This path is for all supported methods, and the client will
241QA/AXIS 241SA to determine exactly which transport protocol to use.
Notes:
Audio transmission methods
The audio stream can be accessed in the
or MPEG-4.
Using Motion JPEG
The basic transmission method of audio used in conjunction with
streaming is transmission over HTTP. The video and audio streams are not synchronized
when using Motion JPEG so the streams may be slightly out of sync. The latency in any
stream should be low, but this will depend on the network infrastructure.
Using MPEG-4
When using MPEG-4, audio is streamed using
When audio is transmitted using MPEG-4, the
information along with the streams to the client performing the synchronization.
•<ip> = IP address.
•# = video source number or the quad stream. This is set to 1 if omitted.
Live View page when viewing either Motion JPEG
the following path can be used:
negotiate with the AXIS
Motion JPEG video
the same protocol as the video stream.
Axis video server sends synchronization
Audio is streamed from the client to the server over HTTP when using Motion JPEG and MPEG-4.
Note:
Accessing the audio streams
In addition to accessing audio in the Live View page using AMC, audio from the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA can also be accessed in the following ways:
AXIS VAPIX API
You can read about accessing audio for the
www.axis.com/techsup
QuickTime/Windows Media Player
It is possible to use QuickTime and Windows Media P
using the same methods to access video streams.
Java Applet
The Java applet supports simplex audio.
other protocols through the VAPIX® API at
layer to listen to the audio stream
Page 17
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Configuring the video server
Setup tools
Configuring the video server
This section describes how to configure the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA and is intended for
administrators, who have unrestricted access to all the Setup tools
17
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA is configured from the Setup link in a web b
more information on supported browsers, see the Technical specifications, on page 66.
Accessing the Setup tools
Follow the instructions below to access the Setup
1. Start the browser and enter the IP address or host name of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
241SA in the location/address field.
2. The Live View page is now displayed. Click Setup to display the Setup tools.
Tools from a web browser.
rowser. For
Page 18
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video & image settings
18
Video & image settings
Below you find examples of the features available in the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA. For
details of each setting, please refer to the online help available from each page. Clickto
access the online help.
Image settings
Image appearance
Modify image appearance to optimize the video images
All configuration of images and overlays will affect the performance of
depending on the usage and the available bandwidth.
• High resolution generates larger files
• Lower compression improves image quality
• Rotating the image 90 or 270 degrees
• Black & White uses less bandwidth than Color
See also the specifications for frame rates
will lower the maximum frame rate
and bandwidth on page 70.
according to your requirements.
, but generates larger files
the video server,
Page 19
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video & image settings
Mirroring
Mirroring is the horizontal flipping of an image, that gives you another image perspective.
This is a useful function when you need a direct view of the image, for example, in ATMs
and door phones. The mirroring settings should be defined before you define the
parameters for privacy masks and motion detection.
Text overlay settings
Include date, time and/or text of your
text may be set to white or black, while the background color may be set to white, black,
transparent or semitransparent. The position of the text is set either to the top or the
bottom of the image. For more information, please see the online help.
Video stream
The Maximum video stream time can be set
minutes or hours. When the set time has expired, a new stream on the Live View page can
be started by refreshing the page in the web browser. Note that the maximum video stream
time does not apply to clients connecting via multicast.
choice to be viewed on the image. The color of the
as Unlimited, or set per session in seconds,
19
To avoid bandwidth problems on the network, the
also be limited. Select either Unlimited or define a Maximum frame rate per viewer.
Test
For a preview of the image and overlay
satisfied with the settings, click Save.
settings before saving, click Test. When you are
frame rate allowed to each viewer can
Video source settings
These settings allow you to:
• enter a descriptive name for the
• eliminate black borders surrounding the image, by making O
See the online help for more information.
AXIS 241SA:
Select the physical connector the video sour
• BNC (composite video) connects a standard video camera
ment
• Y/C (S-video) connects a Y/C (S-Video) camera
video source
ffset adjustments.
ce is connected to, BNC or Y/C.
or other video equip-
or other video equipment
Advanced
MPEG-4 settings
These settings are the tools for adjusting the MPEG-4 settings an
bit rate.
d for controlling the video
Page 20
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video & image settings
Text
overlay
Image
Overlay
20
The MPEG-4 standard provides many different coding tools for various applications in
different situations. As most MPEG-4 clients do not support all of these tools, it is usual to
instead define and use subsets for different clients or groups of clients. These settings allow
you to define the type of viewing client to use.
Adjusting the maximum bit rate and setting it to
variable or constant is a good way of
controlling the bandwidth used by the MPEG-4 video stream.
MJPEG
Sometimes the image size is large due to low light or complex scen
ery. Adjusting the
maximum frame size helps to control the bandwidth and storage used by the MJPEG 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 gives poor image
quality. To prevent increased bandwidth and storage usage, the maximum frame size
should be set to an optimal value.
For more information on these advanced set
tings, please see the online help.
Quad stream settings
A Quad stream enables you to monitor all channels at the same time. Instead of having
four Internet Explorer windows open, you can have just one window open with the Quad
view. You can edit this view with the desired stream time, frame rate, and text overlay.
These settings are the same as the Image Settings. See page 18.
Overlay/Mask settings
Overlay/Mask type
Overlay/Mask type allows you to place
an
overlay, or up to three privacy
masks over the video image:
• Upload and place an image as
overlay - usually used to
an
provide extra information in
the video image.
• Place up to three configurable
privacy masks to conceal different areas of the video
image.
Selecting the overlay/mask type from the menu will
display further settings available for
the selected type. See the online help for further information.
Note:
A privacy mask cannot be bypassed, but an overlay image can be bypassed with the help of the VAPIX® API.
Page 21
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video & image settings
Upload and use an overlay image
1. Select Uploaded image as overlay in the drop-down list against Overlay/Mask
Type.
2. In the field Upload own image, click the Browse button and locate the image file
on your computer or server.
3. Click the Upload button and follow the on-screen instructions.
To use an already uploaded image:
21
1. Select an uploaded image from the Use
image drop-down list.
2. Place the image at the required location by entering the x and y coordinates.
3. Click Save.
Overlay image requirements:
Image FormatsImage Size
•Windows 24-bit BMP (full color)
•Windows 4-bit BMP (16 colors)
The height and width of the overlay image in
pixels must be divisible by 4.
Overlay image limitations:
• The maximum overlay image size
supported by the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA is
the same as the maximum image resolution. See the Technical Specifications, on
page 66.
• When a text overlay is also used, this reduces the amount
the overlay image. To keep the text readable at lower resolutions, the text overlay
occupies proportionally more of the image at lower resolutions.
• If the overlay is initially positioned so that p
art of it is outside the video image, it
is relocated so that it appears over the video image. It is always the entire image
that is displayed.
Please see the online helpfor more information.
of space available to
Page 22
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Video & image settings
22
Use a Privacy Mask
To use privacy masks to hide different areas of the video image:
1. Select Configurable areas as privacy mask in the Overlay/Mask Type
drop-down list.
2. Enter the (x,y) coordinates of the top left hand corner of the mask, and the height
and width to define the masks’ placement and size.
3. Select the color for the privacy mask - black, grey, white, or red.
4. Check the Enable box to enable the masks you have defined and click on Save.
Page 23
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Audio
Audio
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can transmit audio to other clients using an external
microphone and can play audio received from other clients by attaching a speaker. The
Audio Settings allow different audio configurations to be set up, such as full duplex, half
duplex, and simplex.
Note:
The speaker attached to the audio output of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA must have a built-in amplifier,
which is the case for e.g. some PC speakers.
Audio Settings
This section describes how to configure the basic audio
241SA, such as setting the communication mode and adjusting the sound levels in the
microphone and speaker connected to the camera.
settings for the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
23
Enable Audio
Select the video sources that the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA will transmit and
from.
Audio Channels
There are two mono audio channels between the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
connected client, one for receiving audio and the other for transmitting audio. Each audio
channel can be turned on or off, which means there are four audio mode options that can
be used.
241SA and a
receive audio
Page 24
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Audio
24
Full-duplex mode means that you can transmit and receive audio (talk and listen) at the
same time, without having to use any of the controls. This is just like having a telephone
conversation. The only controls you may wish to use are the mute buttons to turn off the
sound, and the sliders, to adjust the input/output volume levels. This mode requires that
the client PC has a sound card with support for full-duplex audio. If your available
bandwidth is 0.2 Mbit/s or less, it is recommended that you use Half-duplex mode instead.
Half-duplex mode
direction at a time. This means that you must select when to receive or transmit audio with
the help of the push-to-talk button. To speak, press and hold the button (check that the
microphone is not muted). When finished, release the button. You will now be receiving
audio from the other end of the connection.
Note that the push-to-talk button is configured from AMC, see
on page 14. It is also possible to configure the push-tobetween speaking and listening modes. Half-Duplex mode is best if you
bandwidth available.
If you select the S
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA plays audio, but no audio is transmitted from the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA to other web clients. This could be used to provide spoken instructions
to a person seen in a camera. This mode requires you to use the push-to-talk button.
Simplex - Video server microphone only mode transmits audio from the AXIS
The
241QA/AXIS 241SA to a web client. It does not receive audio from any other web client.
This can be used in remote monitoring, and web attractions, to provide live audio and
video of a monitored situation.
When using half-duplex, the Se
option transmits the audio signal from the client talking to all the other clients.
Audio Input
Audio from an external microphone or a
Line/Microphone In jack of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA. The audio source can be set to
Microphone or Line. If you are using a microphone, the Input sensitivity can be set to
High or Low. See Technical specifications, on page
also transmits and receives audio in both directions, but only in one
AXIS Media Control (AMC),
talk button so that it toggles
only have limited
implex - Video server speaker only mode, the speaker connected to the
nd the sound from the active client to all other clients
line source can be connected to the
66 for the exact maximum levels.
The Enable microphone
you use a small electret condenser microphone such as a clip-on microphone or a PC
microphone, this option needs to be enabled.
To use a high impedance dynamic microphone, DC power should not be enabled. DC
will not harm the microphone, but if you are uncertain, try switching it off and on. DC
power is enabled by default. To use a professional microphone requiring 48V phantom
power, you need an external power supply and must use a balanced-unbalanced converter
(audio transformer) in between.
power option provides DC power for the external microphone. If
power
Page 25
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Audio
If t the sound input is too low or high, it is possible to adjust the input gain for the
microphone attached to the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA.
Select the desired audio Encoding format, G711, G726.
25
Depending on the selected encoding, set the desired B
depend on the available bandwidth and the required audio quality, that is, a high bit rate
setting requires more bandwidth.
Audio Output
If the sound from the speaker is too low or high it
the active speaker attached to the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA.
When satisfied with the settings, click Sa
settings.
Advanced Audio Settings
The Audio Qual
ity Settings allow you to tune the audio input to suit your environment.
ve, or click Reset to revert to the previously saved
it rate (audio quality). The settings
is possible to adjust the output gain for
Enable s
to the person talking and can also help reduce background noise. The filter cuts the lowest
and the highest frequencies. The bypass frequency range is approximately 250Hz to
3700Hz (measured at -10dB cut-off points).
Enableecho cancellation can reduce the feedback generated when using
there is sound distortion, turning echo cancellation off may improve the sound quality.
Noise cancelling is a way of reducing the background
present. A typical application could be when there is a noisy environment and you are only
interested in hearing the sound when someone is speaking close to a microphone. There are
two adjustable parameters available to optimize this function:
peech filter improves the sound quality if using a microphone that is placed close
full duplex. If
noise when there is no useful audio
• Noise ca
• Noise ca
nceller threshold value
nceller attenuation
Page 26
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Audio
26
When the incoming sound is louder than the threshold, it will pass without any change.
When lower than the threshold, the incoming sound is reduced by a certain attenuation
factor. The threshold value should be set higher than the background noise, but lower than
the useful audio.
The noisLow. A lower threshold will allow most of the audio to pass. Only the weakest background
noise is reduced. A higher threshold makes the noise canceller act on even stronger
background noise. At the maximum level High, there is a risk of reducing useful audio as
well.
There is a trade-off between noise cancelling and sound quality. In
the Noise canceller attenuation value compromises sound quality. Adjust the threshold
and the attenuation to an optimum level by listening and changing the levels.
e canceller threshold value can be set to High, Medium High, Medium low and
other words, increasing
Page 27
Live View Config
Layout
These are the tools for deciding the layout
of the Live View page.
The layout can be set in two ways:
• Use Axis look - the layout is
unchanged.
• Use custom settings - modify the
default page
ors, and images. Click the Con-figure button to view the
options.
The other settings on this page relate
buttons and links to include in the Live
View page. See page 30 for more
information.
with your own col-
to
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Live View Config
27
Page 28
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Live View Config
Note that the setup address is http://<ip address>/operator/basic.shtml
28
Customizing the default page
The appearance of the default AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA Live View page can be
customized to suit your own requirements, or you can upload and use your own home
page. To upload your own files, click the Upload/Remove button and see the description
below.
Upload Own Web Files
Your own web files, and background pictures must
first be uploaded to the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA before they are available for selection in the Custom Settings page.
1. In the U
pload/Remove Own Web files page, enter the path to the file, or click the
Browse button.
2. Select the user level for the uploaded file. Setting the user access level means that
you have complete control over the pages can be viewed by users.
3. When the path is shown correctly in the text field, click the Upload button.
Uploaded files are now shown in the list in the lower section of the page.
Note:
To remove a file, check the relevant box under Remove Uploaded Files and click the Remove button.
4. To use your uploaded file, click on the radio button and select the file from the
drop-down list.
To use an external file located somewhere other than in the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
241SA,
select the External radio button and enter the URL in the field marked External.
Page 29
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Live View Config
Modify the Axis Look
Select the background and text colors from the drop-down lists. To add a background
picture, a banner and/or a logo, select your uploaded file or specify the location of an
external file as described above. Banners and logos can also be linked to web addresses.
Include a title to be shown above the video stream and/or a description displayed below
the video stream.
Own Home Page
To use a previously uploaded web page as the default p
box, select the page from the drop-down list and click OK.
Default Live View Video
Select a single video source or the quad view to use as the defaul
page.
Default Video Format
Select the default video format to use on the Live View page.
video format selection to view the drop-down list on the Live View page. Here you can
temporarily change the format.
Default Viewer
Select from the drop-down list th
the online help for more information.
e viewer you wish to use for your web browser. Please see
age, check the Own Home Page
t view on the Live View
Check the box against Show
29
Viewer Settings
Show viewer toolbar - enables
Enable MPEG-4 decoder installation - the admin
installation of the MPEG-4 decoder included with AMC. This is used to prevent the
installation of unlicensed copies. Further decoder licenses can be purchased from your Axis
dealer.
Show crosshair in PTZ joystick mode - this
image when the PTZ mode is set to joystick.
Use PTZ joystick mode as default - sets the
Enable recording button -
Live View page.
Action Buttons
The manual trigger buttons
View page. See Pan Tilt Zoom, on
a snapshot of the video stream and save
display of the viewer’s own toolbar under the image.
istrator can enable or disable the
enables the display of a crosshair in the video
PTZ joystick mode as the default mode.
allows the user to start an MPEG-4 recording directly from the
can be used to manually start and stop an event from the Live
page 32. The Show snapshot option allows you to take
it to a computer.
Page 30
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Live View Config
30
User-defined Links
Enter a descriptive name and the URL in the
field provided. The link appears on the Live View page.
User defined CGI links can be used to issue
HTTP API requests,
Example:
such as PTZ commands.
1. Check Show
2. Enter a descriptive name, such as CAM1
Start PTZ.
3. Enter the cgi link:
http://192.168.0.125/axis-cgi/com/ptz.cgi?
camera=1&continuouspantiltmove=30,-30
4. Check Show Custom Link 2.
5. Enter a descriptive name, such as CAM1 Stop PTZ.
6. Enter the cgi link:
http://192.168.0.125/axis-cgi/com/ptz.cgi?camera=1&continuouspantiltmove=0,0
These links appear in the web int
For more information on VAPIX® AXIS Communication’s powerful API, see the Developer
pages at the Axis web
See also the section on PTZ, on page 37.
Custom Link 1
erface and can be used to control the PTZ camera.
site www.axis.com/developer
HTML Examples
Live video from the Axis video server can be added to your own web page.
Select the preferred video format from the Sele
available options are Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 using AMC, and MPEG-4 using QuickTime. If
MPEG-4 using AMC is set as the video format, note that a separate MPEG-4 license is
required for each viewer.
ct video format drop down list. The
The Motion JPEG selection has addi
Optional settings for configuring the video stream to suit your web page. Click Update
when satisfied.
The video server then generates the required source code for your configuration. Copy this
code and p
aste it into your own web page code.
tional settings for Image Type, Image size and
Page 31
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Live View Config
External Video
You can add links to other Axis network devices available over the network. These sources
can be displayed on the Live View page, just as if they were video sources connected
directly to the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA.
31
Click the Add... button to
necessary settings.
Example of a path to an external video source:
http://192.168.0.125/axis-cgi/mjpeg/video.cgi
open the External Video SourceSetup dialog, and define the
Sequence Mode
The live view page can be configured to rotate through selected internal and/or external
video sources, in order or at random. PTZ preset positions can also be included.
Select the desired video sources and enter
59 minutes). Click Save.
The Sequence buttons appear in the Live
start and stop the sequence mode.
Please see the online help
for more information.
the time in seconds to display each source (up to
View page to allow the viewer to
Page 32
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
32
Pan Tilt Zoom
Installing PTZ devices
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA supports several PTZ devices. Please see www.axis.com for
a complete list of supported devices, and to obtain the correct driver. Follow the
instructions below to install a PTZ device:
1. Using an appropriate cable, connect the device to your selected port (RS-232 or
RS-485). These ports are available via the D-Sub connector and the I/O terminal
connector, respectively. See pages 57 and 59 for more information.
2. In the menu in your web page, go to Setup > System Options > Ports & Devices
and then select either port RS-232 or RS-485 to configure. See the figure below.
3. Select Pan Tilt Zoom from the Usage drop-down list.
4. Click Upload to install a PTZ driver.
(PTZ drivers are available from the Axis Web site at www.axis.com)
5. Click Port Options... to modify the port settings. The default values correspond to
the values specified by the PTZ driver.
6. From System Options > Ports & Devices, select the port configured for PTZ and
then select the video source to use with the device.
7. If required, click the Advanced Options button to make further settings and see
the online help.
Note:
Advanced users and application developers can also use the Axis Application Programming Interface and
HTTP specification for generic control of PTZ devices using CGI commands or a TCP/IP client. Please refer to
the Axis Website at www.axis.com for further information.
Page 33
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
PTZ configuration
Once PTZ has been installed for the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA, PTZ Configuration now
appears in the menu to the left with the following sub menus.
33
Preset positions
A preset position is a pre-defined camera view than can be used to quickly move the
camera to a specific location.
From Prese
to the required position. When satisfied with the camera's position, enter a descriptive
name. The camera position, iris and focus settings are then saved as a preset position.
The position can be assumed at any time, by sele
positions drop-down list. Preset positions can be selected in Live View, from events and in
Sequence mode.
One position can be set as the Hom
box beside Use current position as Home. The position's name will then have (H) added to
the end, such as Office Entrance (H).
t Position Setup, use the Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) controls to steer the camera
cting the preset's name from the Preset
e position, which is readily accessible by clicking the
Page 34
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
Video sources
Tilt bar (relative)
34
PTZ controls
If the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA has been appropriately configured, the Live View page
will display the controls available for the installed PTZ device. The administrator can
enable/disable the controls for specified users.
The exact controls shown depend on the make
Focus and Iris bars available as well, but the most common controls are:
• the Pan bar - moves the camera to the right an
• the Tilt bar - tips the camera up and down
• the Zoom bar - zooms the view in and out. Note that this is only available if the
camera is fitted with a zoom lens.
Clicking on the bars or on the arrows at the end
position. The type of movement and the location of this new position depends on the type
of PTZ driver.
When controlling the camera using a re
above) the new position is relative to the previous position, for example, left of, below,
above. Clicking the bar further from the center results in a larger movement.
lative PTZ driver (see the bars in the illustration
and model of PTZ device. There may be
d left
of the bars will move the camera to a new
Page 35
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
In contrast, when using an absolute driver, each
position on the bar (see right) represents a defined
position in the device’s range of movement, with the center of the bar representing the
point midway between the two extremes of movement.
35
Clicking a position directly on th
e bar moves the camera directly to the new position in
one smooth movement. Clicking on the arrows at the ends of a bar causes a stepped,
incremental change.
Using CGI links to control PTZ devices
User-defined CGI links on the Live View page c
an be used to issue HTTP API requests, such
as PTZ commands. These links are configured in the Live View Layout settings; see page 9.
PTZ control modes
The PTZ device can also be controlled using click-in-image movement, which has
two
different types of navigation; Center and Joystick.
Center mode means that when
clicking in the image, the camera view centers on the
absolute position that was clicked.
Joystick mode moves the camera in th
e direction of the mouse pointer. By clicking and
holding the mouse button down in the image, the PTZ device moves the camera in that
direction, relative to the center of the image. The further from the center the image is
clicked, the greater the movement. The camera stops moving when the button is released.
There is also joystick support in AXIS Media Control (AMC).
Note:
Control panel
The focus and iris (image brightness) can be adj
usted manually by using the control bars,
or they can be set for automatic adjustment, by clicking the Auto iris and Auto focus
buttons.
To access the Auto iris and Auto focus buttons,
click on the Control panel button. The menu to the right will then appear in the upper left
hand corner of the screen.
There are also driver specific shortcu
ts that can appear in the Control
Panel. In the screen to the right, a driver has been installed that
brings up the Wiper shortcut button, which allows the user to
configure and use a windshield wiping action with the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA.
Page 36
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
36
Preset positions
Also available with many PTZ devices are Preset positions. These presets are selected from
the drop-down Source list on the Live View page and will move and/or zoom the camera
to a pre-defined position, that is to cover an area of particular interest. Events can also be
configured to go to preset positions when triggered. For information on setting up preset
positions, please see Preset positions,
Guard tour
A guard tour moves between chosen Prese
order or at random, and for configurable time periods. Unlike the Sequence Mode, which is
a viewing application under Live View Config (see Live View Config, on page
guard tour sequence runs after the user
on page 33 and the online help.
t Positions, one-by-one, in a pre-determined
27), the
has logged off or closed the browser.
Advanced
Device - The Device Settings window i
window can vary depending on the driver installed. Options that can be configured
include: Driver Specific Settings for Video Source 1, Mechanical Limits for Moving
Video Source 1, Light Control for Video Source 1, and Extended Driver Specific Settings
for Video Source 1.
Controls - The Con
command buttons that are located under the Control panel. These buttons provide direct
access to various built-in auxiliary commands provided by the PTZ driver and are
displayed in the PTZ Panel.
trol settings window contains tools for creating and saving short
s for driver specific settings. The appearance of this
Page 37
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
OSD Menu - If the PTZ unit supports an internal configuration menu, this can be accessed
using the On-Screen Display (OSD). Configure the analog camera by opening and
navigating through its internal menu in this display.
37
PTZ control queue
Use the PTZ control queue window to enable and disable PTZ queueing. This window
allows you to set up a queue for viewers wanting to access the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA,
and limits the number of viewers and the length of time each viewer can access and
control the PTZ unit. For more information on how to set up the control queue, please see
the online help.
Note also that a viewer who belongs to a group
PTZ priority can go before other users in the
241QA/AXIS 241SA.
(see Security, on page 45) with a higher
queue and take control of the AXIS
Page 38
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Pan Tilt Zoom
38
The order of priority for taking control of the queue is as follows:
dministrators - an administrator takes over PTZ control regardless of who is
1. A
first in queue. The administrator is removed from the queue 60 seconds after their
last PTZ control command.
2. Event - the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can be set up to take control of the queue
and move to a specific position for 20 seconds when triggered by an alarm. The
event is immediately placed first in the queue, except when an administrator is in
control. For more information, see Triggered Event, on page 40.
3. Operator - same as administrator, but with lower priority.
4. Guard tour - a guard tour has PTZ control for an indefinite period of time. It may
be overridden by Operator, Event, or administrator. Guard tour resumes when
higher priority groups leave the queue. For more information see Guard tour, on
page 36.
5. Viewer - Multiple viewers must await their turn. The viewer has 60 seconds PTZ
control before control is passed to the next viewer in queue.
Note:
In order to identify different users in the viewer group, cookies must be enabled on the client.
Page 39
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Event configuration
Event configuration
This section describes how to configure the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA for alarm handling.
Various actions can be configured to run when certain types of events occur.
Event typeA set of parameters describing how and when the video server is to perform certain actions
Triggered Event (see page 40)
Scheduled Event (see page 41) the circumstances that start an eventat a pre-programmed time
Action
the circumstances that start an eventat a signal from an external d
switch or a motion sensor
what occurs when the event runsvideo images uploaded to an FTP server, email notifica-
tion sent.
Event servers
Event Servers are used for receiving uploaded image files and/or notification messages. To
set up an Event server for your AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA, click on Event Servers under Event Config and enter the required information according to the selected server type.
Server typePurposeInformation required
FTP Server• receives uploaded images• Descriptive n
HTTP Server• receives notification messages
TCP Server • receives notification messages• Descriptive n
receives uploaded images
•
•User Name and Password
• Upload path, (e.g. images/)
• Port number
• Use passive mode if there is a firewall between the video
server and FTP server
• Use a temporary file if your FTP server does not allow an
existing file to be overwritten by a new file with the same
name.
• Descriptive name of your choice
•URL
•User Name and Password
• Proxy address/Proxy port (if required)
• Proxy User Name and Password (if required)
• Port number
ame of your choice
ame of your choice
evice, such as a door
39
For details on each setting, please refer to the online helpavailable from each web
page.
Note:
The images in pre-trigger and post-trigger buffers will be lost if the connection to the event server fails.
When the setup is complete, the connection can be tested by clicking the Test button (the
test takes approximately 10 seconds).
Page 40
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Event configuration
40
Event types
An event type is a set of
parameters describing how
and when the video server
is to perform certain
actions.
Example:
the connected camera, and an event
has been configured to act on this,
the video server can record and send
video images to an FTP server, or
send a notification email to a
pre-configured email address with a pre-configured message. Video images can be sent as an attachment with the
email.
If somebody walks past
Triggered Event
A triggered event could be activated by:
• a push button connected to an input port on the video server
• detected movement in a configured motion detection window
• a lost signal from a video source
• a manual action clicking the trigger
button in the web interface
• on restart (reboot) after power loss
How to set up a triggered event
This example describes how to set the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA
to upload images when
the main door is opened:
1. Click A
dd triggered on the Event types page.
2. Enter a descriptive Name for the event, such as Main door.
3. Set the priority - High, Normal or Low (see online help files).
4. Select the video Source the event is to act on - Video 1 on Main door.
5. Set the Respond to Trigger... parameters defining when the event is to be active;
e.g. only after office hours
6. Select the trigger alternative from the Triggered by... drop-down list;
e.g. an Input port with a connected sensor if the door is opened.
7. Set the When Triggered... parameters, that is what the video server should do if
the main door is opened - e.g. upload images to an FTP server.
8. Click OK to save the event in the Event Types list.
Please see the online helpfor descriptions of each available option.
Page 41
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Event configuration
Pre-trigger and post-trigger buffers
This function is useful when checking to see what happened immediately before and after
a trigger, e.g. two minutes before and after a door was opened. Check the Upload images
option under Event Types > Add Triggered... > When triggered... to see available options.
41
Include pre-trigger buffer
- images stored internally in the server from the time
immediately preceding the trigger. Check the box to enable the pre-trigger buffer, enter the
desired length of time, and specify the required image frequency.
Include post-trigger buffer -
contains images from the time immediately after the trigger.
Configure as for pre-trigger.
If the pre- or post-buffer is too large for the Axis video server's internal memory, the frame rate is reduced
Note:
and individual images may be missing. If this occurs, an entry will be created in the unit's log file.
Continue image upload (unbuffered) - enables the upload of images for a fixed length of
time. Specify the time for the uploaded recording in seconds, minutes or hours, or for as
long as the trigger is active. Finally, set the desired image frequency to the maximum (the
maximum possible) or to a specified frame rate. The frame rate would be the best possible,
but might not be as high as specified, especially if uploading via a slow connection.
Scheduled event
A Scheduled event can be activated at
pre-set times, in a repeating pattern on selected
weekdays.
How to set up a scheduled event
This example describes how to set the video server to send an email notification with saved
images from a set
1. Click Ad
time:
d scheduled on the Event types page.
2. In the Scheduled Event Type Setup page, enter a descriptive name for the event,
such as Scheduled email.
3. Set the priority (High, Normal or Low).
4. Select the video source that is the source the event should act on;
e.g. Video 2 in Storage room.
5. Set the Activation Time parameters (24h clock) when the event should be active;
e.g. start on Sundays at 13.00 with a duration of 12 hours.
6. Set the When Activated... parameters that is what the video server should do at
the specified time; such as send uploaded images to an email address.
7. Click OK to save the Event in the Event Types list.
Please see the online helpfor descriptions of each available option.
Page 42
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Event configuration
42
Camera tampering
The camera tampering application generates an alarm whenever the camera is
repositioned, or when the lens is covered, sprayed, or severely defocused.
You must also create an event, (see How to s
camera to send an alarm.
Settings
The Minimum duration parameter sets the minimum tampering period,
will not be triggered until this period has lapsed, even if the tampering conditions are
otherwise met. This can help prevent false alarms for known conditions that affect the
image.
et up a triggered event, on page 40) for the
that is an alarm
If the camera lens is sprayed or covered so that
not be possible to distinguish this situation from other situations where the same effect is
seen, such as when lighting conditions change.
When the Alarm for dark images parameter
where the lights are either dimmed or turned off, or if the lens is sprayed, covered, or
severely defocused. If not enabled, no alarm is sent.
After you define these settings, click Save.
the camera’s live view becomes dark, it will
is enabled, alarms are generated for all cases
Page 43
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Event configuration
Motion detection
In the Motion Detection menu, you can configure the video source(s) for motion detection.
The motion detection feature is used to generate an alarm whenever movement occurs (or
stops) in the image. The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can use a maximum of 10
Include/Exclude windows.
43
• Include win
• Ex
clude windows are areas to be ignored within the Include window
Once configured, the motion detection windows wi
detection is selected to trigger an event. See How to set up a triggered event above.
Using the motion detection feature may decrease overall performance in the video server.
Note:
dows target specific areas within the image
ll appear in a list when motion
How to configure Motion Detection
This example describes how to configure motion detection:
1. Click Motion Detection in the Event Config menu.
2. Click New against Windows Name.
3. Select the Include or Exclude option to define an Include or Exclude window, and
enter a descriptive name in the field below.
4. Click Save.
5. Adjust the size (drag the bottom right-hand corner) and position (click on the text
at the top and drag to the desired position).
6. Adjust the Object Size, History and Sensitivity profile sliders (see table below for
Page 44
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Event configuration
44
7. details). Any detected motion within an active window is then indicated by red
peaks in the Activity window (the active window has a red frame).
8. Click Save.
If there are parts of the Include window that you wish to exclude, click the
Configure Excluded Windows radio button and perform steps 1-6 above.
Click Save.
Please use the online helpfor descriptions of each available option.
ParameterObject SizeHistorySensitivity
HighOnly very large objects
trigger motion detection
LowEven very small objects
r motion detection
trigge
Default values LowMedium to HighMedium to High
An object that appears in the region will
trigger the motion detection for a long
period
An object that appears in the region will
trigger motion detection for only a very
short period
Examples:
Ordinary colored objects against ordinary
backgrounds will trigger the motion
detection
Only very bright objects against a dark
background will trigger motion detection
•Avoid triggering on small objects in the image by selecting a high size level.
•To trigger motion detection as long as there is activity in the area, select a high history level.
•To only detect flashing light, low sensitivity can be selected. In other cases, a high sensitivity level is
recommended.
Port status
Under Event Configuration > Port Status, there is a list that shows the status for the
connected inputs and outputs of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA. This is for the benefit of an
operator, who cannot access the System Options section.
Example:
If the Normal state for a push button connected to an input is set to Open circuit, as long as the button is
not pushed, the state is inactive. If the button is pushed, the state of the input changes to active.
Page 45
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
System options
Security
User access control is enabled by default, when the administrator sets the root password on
first access. New users are authorized with user names and passwords, or the administrator
can choose to allow anonymous viewer login to the Live View page, as described below:
Users
ser list displays the authorized users and access levels:
The u
ViewerProvides the lowest level of access, which only allows the user access to the Live View page
OperatorAn Operator can view the Live View page, creat
settings. The Operator does not have access to the Systems Options configuration pages.
AdministratorAn administrator has unrestricted access to the Setup Tools and can
other users.
To prevent unauthorized use of the product, the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA network
ra supports multi-user password protection, where access can be restricted to a
came
defined number of users only (maximum of 20).
e and modify event types and adjust certain other
determine the registration of all
45
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA Network Camera supports
several methods of user
authentication. These are:
• HTTP Basic Authentication
- This authenticates the user by requesting a user
name and a password. The exchange of network credentials is in simple
base64 coding and is not encrypted.
• HTTP
Digest Authentication - This method also requests a user name and pass-
word, but the exchange of credentials is e
ncrypted, which better secures it
against eavesdropping.
User settings - ch
• Anony
• Anonymous
eck the corresponding checkboxes to enable:
mous viewer login - allows viewers direct access to the Live View page.
PTZ control login - allows any viewer access to the Pan Tilt Zoom
controls on the Live View page (if Pan/Tilt/Zoom is available).
IP Address Filter
cking the Enable IP address filtering box enables the IP address filtering function. Up
Che
to 256 IP address entries may be specified (a single entry can contain multiple IP
addresses). Click the Add button to add new filtered addresses.
When the IP address filter is enabled, addresses
added to the list are set as allowed or
denied addresses. If the addresses in the list are allowed, then all others are denied access,
and vice versa. See also the online help for more information.
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AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
46
Note that users from IP addresses that will be allowed must also be registered with the
appropriate access rights (User, Operator or Administrator). This is done from Setup >
System Options > Security > Users.
Referrals - to
prevent unauthorized sources from including the video stream from the
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA into external Web pages, check the Referrals box and enter the
IP address or Host name of the computer that hosts the Web pages with the included video
stream. Multiple IP addresses/host names can be defined and are separated by
semicolons(;)
Notes:
•If the referrals feature is enabled and you wish to also allow normal access to the Live View
page, the product's own IP address or host name must be added to the list of allowed
referrers.
•Restricting referrers has no effect on an MPEG-4 video stream. To restrict an MPEG-4
stream, IP address filtering must be enabled.
•Restricting referrers is of greatest value when not
filtering is used, then the allowed referrers are automatically restricted to those allowed IP
addresses.
using IP address filtering. If IP address
HTTPS
For greater security, the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can be configured to use HTTPS
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol over SSL (Secure Socket Layer)). That is, all communication
that would otherwise go via HTTP will instead go via an encrypted HTTPS connection.
To use HTTPS for communication with the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA, a certificate must be
created using one
• A self-signed certificate can be created
antee the same level of security as an
• An official certificate issued by a CA (Certificate Authorit
of these methods:
in the video server, but this does not guar-
official certificate.
y). A CA issues and
manages security credentials and public keys for message encryption.
To create a self-signed certificate:
1. Click either Create self-signed certificate or Create Certificate Request and enter
the required information
in the provided fields
2. Click OK.
3. The Create self-signed certificate... option generates and installs a certificate
which is displayed under Installed Certificate.
The Create Certificate Request option generates a PEM formatted request which
you copy and send to a CA for signing. When the signed certificate is returned,
click Install signed certificate... to install the certificate in the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
241SA.
4. Set the HTTPS Connection Policy for the administrator, Operator and Viewer to
enable HTTPS connection (set to HTTP by default)
Page 47
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
Please refer to the home page of your preferred CA for information on where to send the
request. For more information, please see the online help
47
Page 48
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
48
IEEE 802.1X
IEEE 802.1x is an IEEE standard for port-based Network Admission Control. It provides
authentication to devices attached to a network port (wired or wireless), establishing a
point-to-point connection, or if authentication fails, preventing access on that port. 802.1x
is based on EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol).
In a 802.1x enabled network switch, clients equipped with the
authenticated and allowed or denied network access at the Ethernet level.
Clients and servers in an 802.1x network may need to authenticate each other
means. In the Axis implementation this is done with the help of digital certificates
provided by a Certification Authority. These are then validated by a third-party entity,
such as a RADIUS server, examples of which are Free Radius and Microsoft Internet
Authentication Service.
To perform the authentication, the RADIUS server uses various EAP methods/protocols, of
hich there are many. The one used in the Axis implementation is EAP-TLS
w
(EAP-Transport Layer Security).
The AXIS network video device presents its certificat
forwards this to the RADIUS server. The RADIUS server validates or rejects the certificate
and responds to the switch, and sends its own certificate to the client for validation. The
switch then allows or denies network access accordingly, on a preconfigured port.
RADIUS
RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) is an AAA (Authentication
Authorization and Accounting) protocol for applications such as network access or IP
mobility. It is intended to work in both local and roaming situations.
CA servers
In cryptography, a Certification Authority (CA) is
certificates for use by other parties, and thus acts a trusted third party.
e to the network switch, which in turn
an entity that provides signed digital
correct software can be
by some
,
There are many commercial CAs that charge for th
governments may have their own CA, and there are free CAs available.
eir services. Institutions and
Date & time
Current server time - displays the current date and time (24h clock). The time can be
displayed in 12h clock format in overlay images.
New server time - se
saving time changes, if you want.
lect your Time Zone from the drop-down list and check the daylight
Page 49
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
From the Time Mode section, select the preferred method to use for setting the time:
49
• Synchronize with computer time - sets the time
from the clock on your com-
puter.
• Synchronize with NTP
server - the video server obtains the time from an NTP
server every 60 minutes. Specify the NTP server's IP address or host name.
Note that if using a host name for the NTP server, a DNS server must be configured under TCP/IP settings.
Note:
See Network > Advanced TCP/IP Settings below.
• Set manually - this option allows you to manually set the time and date.
Date & Time Format Used in Images - spec
ify the formats for the date and time (12h or
24h) displayed in the Live View video streams.
Use the predefined formats or use your own custom date and
time formats. See File Naming & Date/Time Formats in the online helpfor information on how to create
your own date and time formats.
Network - Basic TCP/IP settings
IP Address Configuration
Your Axis network camera supports both IP version 4 and IP version 6. Both versions may
abled simultaneously, and at least one version must always be enabled.
be en
When using IPv4, the IP address can be set automatica
can be set manually.
lly via DHCP, or a static IP address
If IPv6 is enabled, your camera will receive an IP address
according to the configuration in
the network router.
There are also options for setting up notification of changes in the IP
address, and for
using the AXIS Internet Dynamic DNS Service. For more information on setting the IP
address, please see the online help.
Notes:
•DHCP is a protocol for automatic IP address assignment on a network. IP address
assignment via DHCP may lead to the situation where the IP address changes and you lose
contact with the camera. Configure the options for notification of IP address change (under
Services) to receive notification from the camera when the IP address changes.
•Alternatively, if your DHCP server can update a DNS server, you can access the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA by host name which is always the same, regardless of the IP address.
Services
Enable ARP/Ping setting of IP Address - The
IP address can be set using the ARP/Ping
method, which associates the unit's MAC address with an IP address. Check this box to
enable the service. Leave disabled to prevent unintentional resetting of the IP address.
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AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
50
Notes: •The ARP/Ping service is automatically disabled two minutes after the unit is started, or as
soon as an IP address is set.
•Pinging the unit will still be possible when this service is disabled.
AXIS Internet Dynamic DNS Service - If the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA has been registered
with the Axis Internet Dynamic DNS service and the IP address for the product changes,
the service is updated to reflect the change. Check the box to enable/disable automatic
updates.
The domain name currently registered at the Axis Internet Dynamic DNS service for your
product can at any time be removed. To
instructions. For more information, please refer to the online help
do this click Settings... and follow the
Network - Advanced TCP/IP settings
DNS configuration
DNS (Domain Name System) provides the translation
your network.
of host names to IP addresses on
Obtain DNS server address via DHCP by the DHCP server. Click the View button to see the current settings.
Use the following DNS server address - enter the desired DNS server
following:
Domain name 241QA/AXIS 241SA. Multiple domains can be separated by semicolons (;). The host name
is always the first part of a Fully Qualified Domain Name, e.g. myserver is the host name
in the Fully Qualified Domain Name myserver.mycompany.com where mycompany.com
is the Domain name.
DNS servers - enter
NTP Configuration
Obtain NTP server address via DHCP server to synchronize clock of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA with the other devices on the
network
Use the following NTP server address - use
server for time synchronization.
Host Name Configuration
The AXIS AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can be accessed
address. The host name is usually the same as the assigned DNS Name.
enter the domain(s) to search for the host name used by the AXIS
the IP addresses of the primary and secondary DNS servers.
automatically use the DNS server settings provided
by specifying the
use a DHCP server to automatically find an NTP
the host name or IP address of a specific NTP
using a host name, instead of an IP
For more information, please see Secur
ity, on page 45.
Page 51
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
Link-Local address IPv4 Address
This is enabled by default and assigns the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA an additional IP
address for use with UPnP™. The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can have both a Link-Local IP
and a static or DHCP-supplied IP address at the same time - these will not affect each
other.
HTTP
The default HTTP port number (80) can be changed to
any port within the range
1024-65535. This is useful for simple port mapping.
HTTPS
The default HTTPS port number (443) can be changed to any port
within the range
1024-65535. This is useful for simple port mapping.
NAT traversal (port mapping) for IPv4
Use NAT traversal when your video server is located on
an intranet and you want to make
it available from the other side of a NAT router.
FTP
The FTP server running in the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA
enables the upload of new
firmware, user applications and so on. Check the box to enable the service.
51
RTSP
The RTSP protocol allows a connecting client to
start an MPEG-4 stream. Check the box to
enable the RTSP server and enter the RTSP port number to use. The default setting is 554,
and the allowed port range is 1024-65535. Note that MPEG-4 streams will not be available
if this is not enabled.
Network Traffic
The default setting is Auto-negotia
te which means that the correct speed is automatically
selected. If necessary, you can set the connection speed by selecting it from the drop-down
list.
Maximum bandwidth - Speci
fy, in Mbit/s or kbit/s, the maximum bandwidth that the
video server is allowed to use on your network. This is a useful function when connecting
your video server to busy or heavily loaded networks. The default setting is Unlimited.
When using MPEG-4 as the video format, remember that setting a maximum bandwidth value here may
Note:
create problems for individual video streams if the maximum value is less than the sum of the bit rates set
for the video streams.
For more information, please see the online help
Page 52
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
52
SOCKS
SOCKS is a networking proxy protocol. The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can be configured
to use a SOCKS server to reach networks on the other side of a firewall/proxy server. This
function is useful if the video server is located on a local network behind a firewall, but
notifications, uploads, and alarms need to be sent to a destination outside the local
network (such as the Internet).
QoS
Quality of Service (QoS) provides the means to guarantee a certain level
resource to selected traffic on a network. Quality can be defined as a maintained level of
bandwidth, low latency, and no packet losses. The main benefits of a QoS-aware network
can be summarized as:
• the ability to prioritize traffic and thus allow critical flows to be served before
flows with lesser priority
• greater reliability in the network, thanks to the control of
width an application may use, and thus control
applications.
The QoS in Axis network video products marks th
network traffic originating from the product. This makes it possible for network routers
and switches to reserve a fixed amount of bandwidth for these types of traffic. The
following types of traffic are marked:
.
over bandwidth races between
e data packets for various types of
of a specified
the amount of band-
• live video
• live audio
• event/alarm traffic
• management network traffic.
QoS Settings
For each type of network traffic supported by
DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value. This value is used to mark the traffic’s IP
header. When the marked traffic reaches a network router or switch, the DSCP value in the
IP header tells the router or switch which type of treatment to apply to this type of traffic,
for example, how much bandwidth to reserve for it.
Note that DSCP values can be entered
shown in decimal.
More information on Quality of Service at the Axis support web
SMTP (email)
Enter the host names or addresses for your
fields provided, to enable event and error email messages from the video server to
predefined addresses, via SMTP.
in decimal or hex form, but saved values are always
your Axis network video product, enter a
at www.axis.com/techsup
primary and secondary mail servers in the
Page 53
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
If the mail server requires SMTP authentication, check the box for Use authentication to
log in to this server and enter the user name and password used for logging in. Several
different methods of authentication are available. See the online help for more
information.
SNMP
The Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP) allows the remote management of
network devices. Select the version of SNMP to use, depending on the level of security
required. These versions have different levels of security. The three levels of security are:
• SNMP V1 and SNMP V2c - use very simple security, for example, using the community name as password
• SNMP V3 - provides encryption and secure
If using HTTPS, enter the password if it has not already been set. To
passwords. Use with HTTPS.
set the password
again, the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA must be reset to the factory default settings.
Trap reporting for SNMP versions 1 and 2
Network cameras use trap reporting to send
messages to a management system for
important events, or status changes. When these settings are used with SNMP versions 1
and 2, the security is limited as stated above. Example:
53
A trap message may be sent indicating that the co
nfigure file has changed, or has not
changed when SNMP has started; or when a link that has been down, is up again; or when
an authentication attempt fails.
Trap reporting for SNMP versions 3
SNMP v3 is a more secure version providing
encryption and secure passwords. To use
SNMP v3, HTTPS must be activated. To use traps with SNMP v3, an SNMP v3 management
application is needed.
UPnP™
The video server includes support for UPnP
™ in Windows ME and Windows XP. UPnP™ is
enabled by default.
Note:
UPnP™ must be installed on your workstation if running Windows XP. To do this, open the Control Panel
from the Start Menu and select Add/Remove Programs. Select Add/Remove Windows Components and
open the Networking Services section. Click Details and then select UPnP™ as the service to add.
RTP / MPEG-4
These settings are the port number, IP address, and
Time-To-Live value to use for the
media stream(s) in multicast MPEG-4 format. Only certain IP addresses and port numbers
should be used for multicast streams. For more information, please see the online help.
Bonjour
Your Axis network camera includes support for Bonjour. When
enabled, the camera is
automatically detected by operating systems and clients that support this protocol.
Page 54
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
54
Ports & devices
I/O Ports - the pinout, interface support and the control and monitoring functions
provided by this connector are described in Unit connectors,
on page 57.
RS232
operational modes listed on this page. For more information, please see COM ports RS-232 and RS-485,
RS485
modes listed on this page. For more information, please see COM ports RS-232 and RS-485, on page
- The COM port RS-232 on the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA supports several
on page 59.
- The COM ports on the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA supports several operational
59.
Maintenance
• Restart - The unit is restarted without changing any of the settings. Use this method if
the unit is not behaving as expected.
• Restore - The unit
ues. The settings that are not affected are:
• the boot protocol (DHCP or static)
•
the static IP address
• the default router
•the subnet mask
• the system time
fault - The default button should be used with caution. Pressing this will return all of
• De
the video server's settings to the factory default values (including the IP address)
• Upgrade
• Backup -
this button. If necessary, it is then possible to return to a previous configuration if settings are changed and there is unexpected behavior.
• Restore click the Restore button. The settings will be restored to the previous configuration.
Note:
Server - See Upgrading the firmware, on page 61.
To take a backup of all of the parameters, and any user-defined scripts, click
click the Browse button to locate the saved backup file (see above) and then
Backup and Restore can only be used on the same unit running the same firmware. This feature is not
intended for multi-configurations or for firmware upgrades.
is restarted and most current settings are reset to factory default val-
Support
The support overview page provides valuable information on troubleshooting and contact
information, should you require technical assistance.
The Sys
Logs & Reports
Report with your query.
tem Overview provides a summary of the status of the video server.
- when contacting Axis support, please be sure to provide a valid Server
Page 55
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
Advanced
Scripting is an advanced function that provides the possibility to customize and use
scripts. This function is a very powerful tool.
Caution!
Improper use may cause unexpected behavior or even cause loss of contact with the
unit. If a script does cause problems, reset the unit to its factory default settings. A
backup file may be of use to return the unit to its latest configuration).
Axis strongly recommends that you do not use this function unless you fully
understand the consequences. Note that Axis support does not provide assistance for
problems with customized scripts.
For more information, please visit the Developer pages at www.axis.com/developer
Plain Config - this function is for the advanced user with experience of Axis video
server configuration. All parameters can be set and modified from this page,
including the audio encoding format. Help is available from the standard help pages.
Information - The Log report and the Parameter List also provide valuable information for
troubleshooting and when contacting Axis support service.
Configuration:
55
Log Level for Log Files - from the drop-down list, select the level of
added to the Log file
Log Level for Email - from the drop-down list, select the level
email and enter the destination email address.
of information to send as
information to be
Page 56
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - System options
Control Button
Status Indicator
56
Resetting to the factory default settings
To reset the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA to the original default settings, go to the System
Options > Maintenance web page (described in Maintenance,
control button on the AXIS 241QA/AXIS
Using the Control Button
Follow the instructions
settings using the Control Button.
1. Switch off the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA by
disconnecting power.
2. Press and hold the Control
Button while reconnecting the
power.
3. Keep the Control button
pressed until the Status Indicator displays amber (this
may take up to 15 seconds).
4. Release the Control Button.
below to reset the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA to the factory default
241SA, as described below:
on page 54) or use the
5. When the Status Indicator changes to Green (may take up to 1 minute), the
process is complete and the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA has been reset.
6. Re-install the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA, as described in the Installation Guide.
Page 57
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Unit connectors
54321
6789
Unit connectors
The following connectors are described in this section:
57
• The D-Sub connector, on page
• The I/O terminal connector, on page
• COM ports RS-232 and RS-485, on page
57
58
59
The D-Sub connector
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA provides one 9-pin D-Sub connector, providing the physical
interface for an RS-232 port, used for connecting accessory equipment; such as standalone
PTZ devices for the remote control of connected video cameras.
Pin assignment table and pinout of the RS-232 connector:
PinFunction
1CD
2RXD
3TXD
4DTR
5GND
6DSR
7RTS
8CTS
9RI
Page 58
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Unit connectors
58
The I/O terminal connector
This section describes the pinout and interface support provided by the 12-pin I/O terminal
connector, which includes:
• 4 digital transistor outputs
• 4 digital inputs
• an RS-485 interface
• auxiliary power and GND
The terminal connector is used in
applications for e.g. motion detection, event triggering,
time lapse recording, alarm notification via email, image storage to FTP locations, etc.
• Inputs
- e.g. a push button. If the button is pressed, the state changes, and the
input will be active (shown under Event Configuration > Port Status).
• Outpu
ts - e.g. an alarm device that can be activated from Output buttons on the
Live View page or as an action to an Event Type. The output will show as active
(in Event Configuration > Port Status), if the device is activated.
PinFunction Description
1Auxiliary DC Power Input7-20 VDC/min 8W. Electrically connected in parallel with the power
connector, this provides an auxiliary connection for mains power to
the unit. If the product is powered via this pin, use a fuse (rating: 1A
Slow).
This pin can also be used to power auxiliary equipment, 9vDC max
100mA.
2GNDground
3Digital Input 1Connect to GND to activate or
4Digital Input 2
5Digital Input 3
6Digital Input 4
7Transistor OutputWith a maximum load of 100mA and maximum voltage of 24V DC, this
8Transistor Output
9Transistor Output
10Transistor Output
11RS-485 - A (non-inverting)A half-duplex RS-485 interface for controlling auxiliary equipment,
12RS-485 - B (inverting)
deactivate.
output has an open-collector NPN transistor with the emitter
connected to pin 2 (GND). If it is to be used with an external relay, a
diode must be connected in parallel with the load for protection
against any voltage transients.
e g. PTZ devices.
leave floating (or unconnected) to
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA includes one (green) 12-pin connecto
r block. Connect
input/output devices to this block:
1. Loosen the corresponding screw on top of the pin
on the connector block (see the
table above to determine which pin to use).
2. Push the cable into the connector block and secure it by fastening the screw.
3. Once all devices are connected, connect the connector block to the video server’s
terminal connector.
Page 59
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Unit connectors
o
z
o
z
z
z
o
o
o
z
o
o
o
oo
A
B
3.3V
Power adapter (9W)
e.g. push button
Device
GND PIN 5
RS-485
9
10
11
12
o
o
8
o
6
z
z
RS-232
D-SUB
o
5
o
4
o
3
o
2
Switch
Mode
Power
Supply
o
7
1
o
o
Relay
GND
+
Schematic diagram - I/O terminal connector
59
COM ports RS-232 and RS-485
The COM Ports RS-232 and RS-485 support several operational modes:
• Generic
TCP/IP - enables the video server to receive status/data and send com-
mands via TCP/IP
• Generic
HTTP - enables the video server to receive status/data and send com-
mands via HTTP
an Tilt Zoom (PTZ) - for controlling a PTZ device. A PTZ device requires a driver
• P
for its function. Drivers can be obtained from www.axis.com. Please see page 37
for information on how to connect PTZ devices.
Page 60
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Unit connectors
60
Page 61
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Checking the firmware
Firmware is software that determines the functionality of the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA.
One of your first actions when troubleshooting a problem should be to check the currently
installed version. The latest version may contain a correction that fixes your particular
problem. The current firmware version in your AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA can be seen
under Setup > Basic Configuration.
Upgrading the firmware
When you download the latest firmware from the Axis Web site, your Axis product will
receive the latest available functionality. Always read the upgrade instructions and release
notes available with each new release, before updating the firmware.
61
New firmware can be downloaded to the AXIS
Pre-configured and customized settings will be retained for use when the new firmware is running (pro-
Note:
vided the features are available in the new firmware) although this is not guaranteed by Axis Communications.
1. Save the firmware file to your computer. The latest version of the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA firmware is available free of charge from the Axis Web site at
www.axis.com/techsup or from your local distributor.
2. Go to Setup > System Options > Maintenance in the video server’s Web pages.
3. In the Upgrade Server section and browse to the desired firmware file on your
computer. Click Upgrade.
Notes:
•Always read the upgrade instructions available with each new release, before updating
the firmware.
•After starting the process, you should always wait at least 20 minutes before restarting
the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA, even if you suspect the procedure has failed.
•Your dealer reserves the right to charge for any repair attributable to faulty updating by
the user.
241QA/AXIS 241SA over the network.
Page 62
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Troubleshooting
62
Emergency recovery procedure
If power or the network connection to theAXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA is lost during the
upgrade, the process will fail and the unit will become unresponsive. A flashing red Status
LED indicates a failed upgrade. To recover the unit, follow the steps below. The serial
number is found on the underside label on the product casing.
1.Unix/Linux - From the command line,
arp -s <IP address of AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA> <serial number> temp
ping -s 408 <IP address of AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA>
Windows - From a command/DOS prompt, type the following:
arp -s <IP address of AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA> <serial number>
ping -l 408 -t <IP address of AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA>
2.If the unit does not reply within a few seconds, restart it and wait for a reply. Press
CTRL+C to stop Ping.
3.Open a web browser and type in the IP address for AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA. In the
page that appears, use the Browse button to select the upgrade file to use, e.g.
axis241qa.bin or axis241sa.bin. Then click the Load button to restart the upgrade
process.
4.After the upgrade has completed (1-10 minutes), the unit will automatically restart and
show a steady green on the Power and Status LEDs and flashing green or amber on the
Network LED.
5.Reinstall the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA.
6.Windows - If you are using a DHCP server, type the following from a command/DOS
prompt:
arp -d <IP address of AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA>
type the following:
If the emergency recovery procedure does not
running again, please contact Axis support at www.axis.com/techsup/
get theAXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA up and
Support
If you contact Axis support, please help us help you resolve your problems expediently by
providing a server report, log file and a brief description of the problem.
Server Report - go
contains important information about the server and its software, as well as a list of the
current parameters.
Log file - go
within the unit since the last restart of the system and can prove a useful diagnostic tool
for troubleshooting.
to Setup > System Options > Logs & Reports. The Log file records events
to Setup > System Options > Support Overview. The server report
Page 63
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Troubleshooting
Symptoms, Possible Causes and Remedial Actions
Problems setting the IP address
Using ARP/Ping - the IP address
must be set within two minutes
after power has been applied to
the video server
The video server is located on a
different subnet.
The IP address is being used by
another device
The AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA cannot be accessed from a web browser
Cannot log inIf the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA has been configured to use HTTPS, check that the protocol in
The IP address has been changed
by DHCP
Other networking problemsTest the network cable by connecting it to another network device, then Ping that device from
Cannot send notifications, uploads, alarms, etc, to a destination outside the local network
Firewall protectionThe video server can be configured to use a SOCKS server to reach networks on the other side
Your AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA is accessible locally, but not externally
Firewall protectionCheck the Internet firewall with your system administrator.
Default routers requiredCheck if you need to configure the default router settings.
The Internet site is too heavily
loaded
The Power indicator is not constantly lit
Faulty power supplyVerify that you are using the correct power adapter.
The Status indicator is flashing red and the server is inaccessible
A firmware upgrade has been
interrupted or the firmware has
been damaged in some other
way.
Restart the server and try again. Ensure also the ping length is set to 408. (See the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA Installation Guide)
If the IP address intended for the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA and the IP address of your computer
are located on different subnets, you will not be able to set the IP address. Contact your network administrator for an IP address on the same subnet as the computer you are performing
the installation from.
Disconnect power from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA.
Run the Ping command (in a Command/DOS window, type pi
If you receive:
address may already be in use by another device on your network. You must obtain a new IP
address and reinstall the unit.
If you receive: Request timed out - this means that the IP address is available for use with your
video server. In this case, check all cabling and reinstall the unit.
the URL used to access the unit is correct. You may need to type this in manually (i.e. http or
https) in the browser’s address field.
1) Move the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA to an isolated network or to one with no DHCP or BOOTP
server. Set the IP address again, using the ARP Ping command.
2) Access the unit and disable BOOTP and DHCP in th
main network. The unit now has a fixed IP address that will not change.
3) As an alternative to 2), if dynamic IP address via DHCP or BOOTP is required, select the
required service and then configure IP address change notification from the network settings.
Return the unit to the main network. The unit will now have a dynamic IP address, but will
notify you if the address changes.
your workstation. See instructions above.
of a firewall/proxy server
Use a script on your web server to relay images from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA to the Internet.
A rescue firmware is running in the product. First, set the IP address using AXIS IP utility or ARP
and Ping, (See the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA Installation Guide). Then, using a web browser,
access the unit and download the latest firmware to the product, see Upgrading the firmware,
on page 61.
Reply from <IP address>: bytes = 32; time = 10 ms..... - this means that the IP
ng <IP address of unit>
e TCP/IP settings. Return the unit to the
63
Page 64
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Troubleshooting
64
No images displayed in the Web interface
Problem with AMC
(Internet Explorer only)
Installation of additional ActiveX
component restricted or prohibited
Video Image Problems
Image too dark or too light.Check that the termination dip switch for the video source is set to the correct position. See
Black borders around the video
image
Problems uploading own filesThere is only limited space available for the upload of your own files. Try deleting one or more
Missing images in uploadsThis can occur when trying to use a larger image buffer than is actually available. Try lowering
Slow image updateConfiguring e.g. pre-buffers, motion detection, high resolution images, high frame rates, etc.,
Slow performanceSlow performance may be caused by e.g. heavy network traffic, multiple users accessing the
Bad snapshot images
Display incorrectly configured on
your workstation
Incorrect exposure in images
Incorrect line terminationIf the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA is to be connected in loop through with other equipment, dis-
Problems with the MPEG-4 format
Lower frame rate than expected. Check with the administrator that there is enough bandwidth available. Check also the settings
No MPEG-4 displayed in the
client.
No multicast MPEG-4 displayed
in the client.
Multicast MPEG-4 only accessible by local clients.
To enable the updating of images in Microsoft Internet Explorer, set your browser to allow
ActiveX controls. Also, make sure that AXIS Media Control (AMC) component is installed on
your workstation.
Configure your AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA to use a Java applet for updating the images under
Live View Config > Layout > Default Viewer for Internet Explorer. See the online help for more
information.
also the online help on Video Source Settings
Adjust the X and/or Y offset, in the Video Source Settings. See the online help for information.
existing files, to free up space
the frame rate or the upload period.
will reduce the performance of the video server.
unit, low performance clients, use of features such as Motion Detection, Event handling, Image
rotation.
In Display Properties, configure your display to show at least 65000 colors, i.e. at least 16-bit.
Using only 16 or 256 colors on your display will produce dithering artifacts in the image.
able the input termination by turning the corresponding DIP switch to OFF.
for bit rate control, in the Video & Image > Advanced> MPEG-4 settings. Using an inappropriate video object type can also affect the frame rate
tion.
Check in the AMC control panel applet (MPEG-4 tab) that
only I frames.
Lower the image resolution.
Reduce the number of applications running on the client computer.
Check that the correct network interface is selected in the AMC control panel applet (network
tab).
Check that the relevant MPEG-4 connection methods are enabled in the AMC control panel
applet (network tab).
In the AMC control applet, select the MPEG-4 tab and click the button Set to default MPEG-4
decoder.
Check with your network administrator that the multicast addresses used by the
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA are valid for your network.
Check with your network administrator to see if there is a firewall preventing viewing.
Check if your router supports multicasting, or if the router settings between the client and the
server need to be configured. The TTL (Time To Live) value may need to be increased.
. See the online help for more informa-
video processing is not set to Decode
Page 65
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Troubleshooting
65
Poor rendering of MPEG-4
images.
Color saturation is different in
MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG.
No audio (AXIS 241QA only)
Incorrect setup.Check that the sound card in the PC and the connections to the speaker and microphone are
Post Content Length in proxy
server.
Full duplex not supported.Sound card does not support full-duplex. For information on how to check if your sound card
Firewall or router settings.AXIS 241QA works locally, but not externally. Check the Internet firewall settings with your
DC power not enabled for microphone.
Audio volume too low/high
Volume settings incorrect.The volume of the microphone or speaker connected to the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA is either
Input and output gain set incorrectly.
Poor audio quality
Too many users.Too many users/clients listening to audio from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA may adversely
User too close to microphone.Enable the speech filter in Audio > Advanced Settings.
Feedback from speaker.Enable the echo cancellation filter in Audio > Advanced Settings.
Background noise.Adjust the noise cancellation threshold and attenuation to reduce background noise levels in
CPU overloaded.Reduce the number of listeners and viewers and decrease the image resolution and compres-
Color depth set incorrectly on clients. Set to 16-bit or 32-bit color.
If text overlays are blurred, or if there are other rendering problems, you may need to enable
Advanced Video Rendering. This is done on the MPEG-4 tab in the AMC control panel applet.
Ensure that your graphics card is using the latest device driver. The latest drivers can usually be
downloaded from the manufacturer's web site.
Modify the settings for your graphics adapter. Please see the adapter's documentation for more
information.
working. Ensure that the mute button is not pressed and the volume settings are correct.
Ensure that full-duplex is selected if you want to have two way audio communication.
The Post Content Length set in the proxy server is too low. Set the value of the Post Content
Length in your proxy server to 1MB or more. You may need to contact your system administrator to do this.
system administrator or reconfigure the default router settings.
If the microphone has a built-in amplifier then DC power must be enabled on the Audio Set-
tings page.
too high or too low. Change the volume for the speaker or microphone in the Live View page.
Change the input gain for the microphone and the output gain for the speaker to adjust the
audio levels on the Audio Settings page.
affect the sound quality.
Audio > Advanced Settings.
sion.
For additional assistance, please contact your reseller or check the product’s support pages
on the Axis Website at www.axis.com/techsup
Page 66
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Technical specifications
66
Technical specifications
ItemSpecification
Models• AXIS 241QA: Four video channels, two-way audio
• AXIS 241SA: One video channel, two-way audio
* Also available as Blade versions for Axis Video Rack Solution
Video compression• Motion JPEG
• MPEG-4 Part 2 (ISO/IEC 14496-2), Profiles: ASP and SP
Resolutions• Resolutions 4CIF, 2CIFExp,
• max 704x480 (NTSC) 704x576 (PAL)
• min 160x120 (NTSC) 176x144 (PAL)
Frame rate
(NTSC/PAL)
Video streaming • Simultaneous Motion JPEG and MPEG-4
• Installation tool on CD and web-based configuration
• Configuration backup and restore
• Firmware upgrades over HTTP or FTP,
• Camera live view
• Sequence tour capability for up to 20 PTZ
• Customizable HTML pages
• Pentium III CPU 500 MHz or higher, or equivalent AMD128 MB RAM AGP graphic
card, Direct Draw, 32 MB RAM
• Windows XP, 2000, Server 2003, NT4.0*, ME* or 98*, DirectX 9.0 or later Internet
er 5.x or later
Explor
• For other operating systems and br
*Motion JPEG only
• Powerful API for software integration available at www.axis.com, including AXIS
VAPIX API, AXIS Media Control SDK, event trigger data in video stream, embedded
scripting and access to serial port peripherals over HTTP/TCP
• Watchdog secures continuous operation, can be monitored by other systems via
event notification
• Embedded operating system: Linux 2.6
SMTP, FTP, DHCP, UPnP, ARP, DNS, DynDNS, SOCKS. More information on protocol
usage available at www.axis.com
* This product includes software developed by the Open SSL Project
Open SSL Toolkit.
pp, mono) to active speaker
with brackets for wall or cage mount
firmware available at www.axis.com
presets or other Axis video sources
owsers see www.axis.com/techsup
67
Mic in (max 54 mVpp) or Line in
(MIB-II), RTSP, RTP, UDP, IGMP, RTCP,
for use in the
Page 68
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Technical specifications
68
ItemSpecification
Included accessories • Power supply 9 V DC, mounting brackets, connector kit, Installation Guide, CD with
installation and management tools, software and User’s Manual, MPEG-4 licenses (1
encoder, 1 decoder), MPEG-4 decoder (Windows)
Applications (not
included)
Accessories (not included) • AXIS 292 Network Video Decoder
Approvals • EMC:
Dimensions (HxWxD) and
weight
• AXIS Camera Station - Surveillance application for viewing, recording and archiving
up to 25 cameras
• AXIS Camera Recorder - Surveillance application for viewing and recording up to 16
cameras
• AXIS Camera Explorer – Basic software for viewing and manual recording
• See www.axis.com/partner/ad
partners
• AXIS MPEG-4 Decoder 10 user license pack
• Power over Ethernet splitters and midspans IEEE 802.11g wireless b
point
• C-tick AS/NZS 3548 and ICES-003 Class B by compliance with EN 550022:1998
ss B
Cla
• Safety: UL and CSA (Power supply), EN60950
• 42 x 140 x 155 mm (1.7” x 5.5” x 6.1”)
• 540 g (1.2 lbs) excl. power supply
p_partners.htm for more software applications via
ridge and access
Page 69
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Technical specifications
General performance considerations
When setting up your system, it is important to consider how various settings and
situations will affect performance. Some factors affect the amount of bandwidth (the bit
rate) required, others can affect the frame rate, and some will affect both. If the load on the
CPU reaches its maximum, this will also affect the frame rate.
69
The following factors are among the most importan
• High image resolutions and/or lower compression
Bandwidth affected.
• Access by large numbers of Motion JPEG and/or
width affected.
• Simultaneous viewing of different streams
ferent clients. Frame rate
• Accessing both Motion JPEG and MPEG-4 video streams
rate and bandwidth affected.
• Heavy usage of event settings affects the CPU load. Frame rate affected.
• Enabled motion detection. Frame rate
• Heavy network utilization due to poor infrastructure. Bandwidth affected
• Viewing on poorly performing client PC lowers
rate affected.
• Access by large number of audio clients using full-duplex mode.
affected.
and bandwidth affected.
t to consider:
levels result in larger images.
unicast MPEG-4 clients. Band-
(resolution, compression, etc.) by dif-
simultaneously. Frame
and bandwidth affected.
perceived performance. Frame
Bandwidth
Optimizing your system
To see the bandwidth and frame rate currently required by the video stream, the AXIS
241QA/AXIS 241SA provides a tool that can be used to display these values directly in the
video image.
To do this, special format strings are added as part
of
a text overlay. Simply add #r (average frame
rate in fps) and/or #b (average bandwidth in Kbps)
to the overlay.
For detailed instructions, please see the online help
for Video &
help for File Naming & Date/Time Formats.
Image > Overlay Settings, and the
Page 70
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Technical specifications
70
Important!
•The figures displayed here are the values as delivered by the server. If other restrictions
are currently in force, (e.g. bandwidth limitation) these values might not correspond to
those actually received by the client.
•For Motion JPEG, these values will only be accurate as long as no frame rate limit has
been specified.
Frame rates - Motion JPEG
The following test results show the frame rates in frames/second (fps) for Motion JPEG
streams from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA, using a compression level of 50%. Note that
these values are guidelines only - actual values may vary.
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA
fps (NTSC/PAL)
1 c
hannel
4CIF30/2510/8
2CIF expanded30/2515/13
2CIF 30/2527/22
CIF30/2530/25
QCIF 30/2530/25
fps (NTSC/PAL)
4 channels
Frame rates - MPEG-4
The following test results show the frame rates in frames/second (fps) for MPEG-4 streams
from the AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA. Note that these values are guidelines only - actual
values may vary.
The MPEG-4 test conditions:
• Compression level = 50%
Video Object Type = Advanced Simple
•
• GOV structure = IP*
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA
(NTSC/PAL)
fps
1 channel
4CIF21/174/3
2CIF expanded21/175/4
2CIF 30/2510/9
CIF30/2520/17
QCIF 30/2530/25
Note that setting the GOV structure to use “I-frames only” will increase the frame rate.
* The GOV structure can take two different forms; I and IP. The I-structure sends complete images
(I-images) whereas the IP-structure mostly sends the differences compared with the previous image
(P-images) and only a few I-images. The IP-structure requires much less bandwidth than the I-structure.
fps (NTSC/PAL)
4 channels
Page 71
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Technical specifications
Bandwidth
As there are many factors affecting bandwidth, it is very difficult to predict the required
amounts. The settings that affect bandwidth are:
• the image resolution
• the image compression
•the frame rate
• the MPEG-4 object type
• the MPEG-4 GOV structure
• the analog cameras connected to the video server
• the audio settings
There are also factors in the monitored scene that will affect the bandwidth. These are:
• the amount of motion
• the image’s complexity
• the lighting conditions.
71
For MPEG-4, if there is only limited bandwidth avai
than the image quality, using a constant bit rate (CBR) is recommended. Use a variable bit
rate (VBR) if the image quality needs to be maintained at a higher level. If supported on the
network, consider also using MPEG-4 multicasting, as the bandwidth consumption will be
much lower.
lable, and if this is more important
Page 72
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Glossary
72
Glossary
Active Speaker - a speaker with a built-in power
amplifier.
ActiveX - ActiveX is a standard that enables software
components to interact with one another in a networked
environment, regardless of the language(s) used to create
them. Web browsers may come into contact with ActiveX
controls, ActiveX documents, and ActiveX scripts.
ActiveX controls are often downloaded and installed
automatically as required.
AF (Autofocus) - A system by which the camera lens
automatically focuses on a selected part of the subject.
AMC (AXIS Media Control) - AMC is the ActiveX
component required to view moving images from an Axis
video device in Internet Explorer. The component is
installed automatically on the viewing computer on first
use. Once installed, AMC can be configured from
Windows Control Panel.
Analog video camera - The signal from an analog video
camera is viewed directly on e.g. a monitor in the analog
system, which depends on traditional analog cabling.
Alternatively, the signal can be digitized with the use of a
video server, and can then be made available over a data
(IP) network.
Angle - The field of view, relative to a standard lens in a
35mm still camera, expressed in degrees, e.g. 30°. For
practical purposes, this is the area that a lens can cover,
where the angle of view is determined by the focal length
of the lens. A wide-angle lens has a short focal length and
covers a wider angle of view than standard or telephoto
lenses, which have longer focal lengths.
API (Application Programming Interface) - An API is a
set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software
applications. A good API makes it easier to develop a
program by providing all the required building blocks.
The Axis VAPIX API allows Axis products to be
integrated into other applications.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) - This protocol is used
to associate an IP address to a hardware MAC address. A
request is broadcast on the local network to discover the
MAC address for an IP address.
ARTPEC (Axis Real Time Picture Encoder) - A chip
designed by Axis for image compression. ARTPEC
supports a range of CCD and CMOS sensors, built-in
functionality for sharpening, backlight compensation,
noise reduction and white balance, support for multiple
Motion-JPEG streams, support for MPEG-4 part 2, up to
30 frames/second from 4 simultaneous video sources and
real-time compression of up to 45 Megapixels/second.
ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) - A circuit
designed for a specific application, as opposed to a
general purpose circuit, such as a microprocessor.
Aspect ratio - A ratio of width to height in images. A
common aspect ratio used for television screens and
computer monitors is 4:3. High-definition television
(HDTV) uses an aspect ratio of 9:16.
Autoiris (DC-Iris) - This special type of iris is electrically
controlled by the camera, to automatically regulate the
amount of light allowed to enter.
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) - A video format that
supports simultaneous playback of audio and video.
AXIS Internet Dynamic DNS Service - This free service
provides an Axis network product with a unique DNS or
domain name (URL address), which can then be used
instead of an IP address to access the product from a web
browser.
AXIS IP Utility - A tool for discovering and setting IP
addresses for Axis network devices. AXIS IP Utility is
supplied free of charge by Axis.
AXIS Camera Management - A powerful and efficient
installation and management tool for Axis network video
products. The tool can automatically find and set IP
addresses, show connection status and manage firmware
upgrades of multiple devices.
Bitmap - A bitmap is a data file representing a
rectangular grid of pixels. It defines a display space and
color for each pixel (or "bit") in the display space. This
type of image is known as a "raster graphic." GIFs and
JPEGs are examples of image file types that contain
bitmaps. Because a bitmap uses this fixed raster method,
it cannot easily be rescaled without losing definition.
Conversely, a vector graphic image uses geometrical
shapes to represent the image, and can thus be quickly
rescaled.
Bit rate - The bit rate (in kbit/s or Mbit/s) is often referred
to as speed, but actually defines the number of bits/time
unit and not distance/time unit.
Bluetooth - Bluetooth is an open standard for wireless
transmission of voice and data between mobile devices
(PCs, handheld computers, telephones and printers).
Bonjour - Also known as zero-configuration networking,
Bonjour enables the automatic discovery of computers,
devices, and services on IP networks. Bonjour allows
devices to automatically discover each other without the
need to enter IP addresses or configure DNS servers.
Bonjour is developed by Apple Computer Inc.
BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) - A protocol that can
automatically configure a network device (give it an IP
address). BOOTP is the basis for a more advanced network
nagement protocol, the Dynamic Host Configuration
ma
Protocol (DHCP).
Broadband - In network engineering terms, this describes
transmission methods where two or more signals share
the same carrier. In more popular terminology, broadband
is taken to mean high-speed data transmission.
Page 73
AXIS 241QA/AXIS 241SA - Glossary
73
CCD (Charged Coupled Device) - This light-sensitive
image device used in many digital cameras is a large
integrated circuit that contains hundreds of thousands of
photo-sites (pixels) that convert light energy into
electronic signals. Its size is measured diagonally and can
be 1/4", 1/3", 1/2" or 2/3".
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) - A CCTV system is a
closed/private video system, usually constructed with
coaxial cabling, and used within a single building/group
of buildings. It is used to visually monitor the location for
security or industrial purposes. Video from the CCTV
system can be recorded and viewed on-site or remotely.
CCTV video camera - A traditional CCTV video camera is
an analog camera, available in both monochrome (black
and white) and color. Cameras can be set in fixed
positions or placed on "Pan/Tilt/Zoom" devices, which
allow the camera to be maneuvered. Using a zoom lens
provides a closer view of the object being viewed. CCTV
analog video cameras can be viewed over a computer
network by using a video server.
CGI (Common Gateway Interface) - A specification for
communication between a web server and other (CGI)
programs. For example, a HTML page that contains a form
might use a CGI program to process the form data once it
is submitted.
CIF (Common Intermediate Format) - CIF refers to the
analog video resolutions 352x288 pixels (PAL) and
352x240 pixels (NTSC). See also Resolution.
Client-server - Client-server describes the relationship
between two computer programs in which one program,
the client, makes a service request from another program,
the server, which fulfils the request. Typically, multiple
client programs share the services of a common server
program. A web browser is a client program that requests
services (the sending of web pages or files) from a web
server.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) - A
CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor that uses
both negative and positive circuits. Since only one of the
circuit types is on at any given time, CMOS chips require
less power than chips using just one type of transistor.
CMOS image sensors also allow processing circuits to be
included on the same chip, an advantage not possible
with CCD sensors, which are also much more expensive to
produce.
Coaxial cable - Coaxial cable is the standard means of
transmitting analog video in a CCTV system. Coaxial is
also used by cable companies to distribute television in
residential buildings.
Codec - In communications engineering, a codec is
usually a coder/decoder. Codecs are used in integrated
circuits or chips that convert e.g. analog video and audio
signals into a digital format for transmission. The codec
also converts received digital signals back into analog
format. A codec uses analog-to-digital conversion and
digital-to-analog conversion in the same chip.
Codec can also mean compression/decompression, in
which case it is generally taken to mean an algorithm or
computer program for reducing the size of large files and
programs.
Composite video - A type of video signal in which the
red, blue and green signals (sometimes audio signals too)
are mixed together.
Compression - See Image Compression.
Contrast - Defines the degree of difference between the
lightest and darkest parts of an image or video stream.
Control unit - If a CCTV system has more than one
camera, there must be a way to control the video signals
going to recorders and monitors. There are three basic
types of Video Control Unit: Multiplexer, Switch and
Quad.
dB (Decibels) - A unit to measure sound level changes. A
3dB change is the smallest level change we can hear. A
3dB change is actually twice or half the audio power
level. A gain of 0dB will leave the signal level unchanged.
DC-Iris - This special type of iris is electrically controlled
by the camera, to automatically regulate the amount of
light allowed to enter.
Decoder - See video decoder.
De-interlacing - See interlacing.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - DHCP is
a protocol that lets network administrators automate and
centrally manage the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP)
addresses to network devices in a network.
HCP uses the concept of a "lease" or amount of time that
D
a given IP address will be valid for a computer. The lease
time can vary, depending on how long a user is likely to
require the network connection at a particular location.
DHCP also supports static addresses for e.g. computers
running web servers, which need a permanent IP address.
DNS (Domain Name System) - DNS is used to locate and
translate Internet domain names into IP (Internet
Protocol) addresses. A domain name is a meaningful and
easy-to-remember name for an Internet address. For
example the domain name www.example.com is much
easier to remember than 192.0.34.166. The translation
tables for domain names are contained in Domain name
servers.
Domain server - Domains can also be used by
organizations that wish to centralize the management of
their (Windows) computers. Each user within a domain
has an account that usually allows them to log in to and
use any computer in the domain, although restrictions
may also apply. The domain server is the server that
authenticates the users on the network.
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Dome network camera - A remotely controllable camera
mounted in a special housing, characterized by the dome
shaped glass or plastic covering behind which the camera
resides. Usually mounted on a ceiling and looking
downwards, a dome camera can often rotate up to 360
degrees, thus providing excellent coverage of large areas.
Duplex - See Full-duplex.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) - An optic disc with the
same physical size as a CD, but with significantly greater
storage capacity.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) - A DVR records analog
video to a hard disk in digital format. Most DVRs use the
MPEG-2 format for encoding analog video signals.
Encoder - See Video encoder.
Ethernet - Ethernet is the most widely installed local area
network technology. An Ethernet LAN typically uses
special grades of twisted pair wires. The most commonly
installed Ethernet systems are 10BASE-T and
100BASE-T10, which provide transmission speeds up to
10 Mbps and 100 Mbps respectively.
ETRAX (Ethernet Token Ring AXIS) - The ETRAX chip is
the cornerstone of Axis technology and the 'brain' in
nearly all Axis products. A multipurpose Linux chip with
integrated Ethernet networking and extremely flexible I/O
options.
Factory default settings - These are the settings that
originally applied for a device when it was first delivered
from the factory. If it should become necessary to reset a
device to its factory default settings, this will, for many
devices, completely reset any settings that were changed
by the user.
Firewall - A firewall works as a barrier between networks,
e.g. between a Local Area Network and the Internet. The
firewall ensures that only authorized users are allowed to
access the one network from the other. A firewall can be
software running on a computer, or it can be a standalone
hardware device.
Fixed dome network camera - This type of camera
cannot be remotely controlled as regards movement, but
is mounted in the same type of dome as a controllable
network dome camera. This camera must be positioned
manually to provide the required coverage.
Fixed network camera - This type of camera cannot be
remotely controlled as regards movement. It must be
positioned manually to provide the required coverage.
Fixed iris - See Autoiris.
Focal length - Measured in millimeters, the focal length
of a camera lens determines the width of the horizontal
field of view, which in turn is measured in degrees.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - FTP is an application
protocol that uses the TCP/IP protocols, used to exchange
files between computers/devices on networks.
Frame - A frame is a complete video image. In the 2:1
interlaced scanning format of the RS-170 and CCIR
formats, a frame is made up of two separate fields of
262.5 or 312.5 lines interlaced at 60 or 50 Hz to form a
complete frame, which appears at 30 or 25 Hz. In video
cameras with a progressive scan, each frame is scanned
line-by-line and not interlaced; most are also displayed at
30 and 25 Hz.
Frame rate - The frame rate used to describe the
frequency at which a video stream is updated is measured
in frames per second (fps). A higher frame rate is
advantageous when there is movement in the video
stream, as it maintains image quality throughout.
Full-duplex - Transmission of data in two directions
simultaneously. In an audio system this would describe
e.g. a telephone systems. Half-duplex also provides
bi-directional communication, but only in one direction
at a time, as in a walkie-talkie system. See also Simplex.
G.711 - The international standard for encoding
telephone audio on a 64 kbps channel. It is a pulse code
modulation (PCM) scheme operating at 8 kHz sample rate.
G.726 - A frequently used speech-compression algorithm
in telecommunications due to its high perceived speech
quality and low resource requirements.
Gain - Gain is the amplification factor and the extent to
which an analog amplifier boosts the strength of a signal.
Amplification factors are usually expressed in terms of
power. The decibel (dB) is the most common way of
quantifying the gain of an amplifier.
Gateway - A gateway is a point in a network that acts as
an entry point to another network. In a corporate network
for example, a computer server acting as a gateway often
also acts as a proxy server and a firewall server. A
gateway is often associated with both a router, which
knows where to direct a given packet of data that arrives
at the gateway, and a switch, which furnishes the actual
path in and out of the gateway for a given packet.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
st common file formats used for images in web pages.
mo
There are two versions of the format, 87a and 89a.
Version 89a supports animations, i.e. a short sequence of
images within a single GIF file. A GIF89a can also be
specified for interlaced presentation.
GOV (Group Of VOPs) - A group of VOPs is the basic unit
of an MPEG-4 video stream. The GOV contains different
types and numbers of VOPs (I-VOPs, P-VOPs) as
determined by the GOV length and GOV structure. See
also VOP.
GOV length - The GOV length determines the number of
images (VOPs) in the GOV structure.
See also GOV and VOP.
GOV structure - The GOV structure describes the
composition of an MPEG-4 video stream, as regards the
- GIF is one of the
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type of images (I-VOPs or P-VOPs) included in the stream,
and their internal order. See also GOV and VOP.
Half-duplex - See Full-duplex.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) - HTML is the set
of "markup" symbols or codes inserted in a file intended
for display in web browser. The markup tells the browser
how to display the page's words and images for the user.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) - HTTP is the set of
rules for exchanging files (text, graphic images, sound,
video, and other multimedia files) on the web. The HTTP
protocol runs on top of the TCP/IP suite of protocols.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol over SSL) - HTTPS
is a protocol used by web browsers and servers to encrypt
and decrypt user page requests and the pages returned by
the server. The encrypted exchange of information is
governed by the use of an HTTPS certificate (issued by a
Certificate Authority), which guarantees the authenticity
of the server.
Hub - A (network) hub is used to connect multiple devices
to the network. The hub transmits all data to all devices
connected to it, whereas a switch will only transmit the
data to the device it is specifically intended for.
IEEE 802.11 - A family of standards for wireless LANs.
The 802.11a standard supports 1 or 2 Mbit/s transmission
on the 5 GHz band. IEEE 802.11b supports data rates up
to11 Mbit/s on the 2.4 GHz band, while 802.11g allows up
to 54 Mbit/s on the 2.4 GHz band.
Image compression - Image compression minimizes the
file size (in bytes) of an image. Two of the most common
compressed image formats are JPEG and GIF. See also
MPEG and Motion JPEG.
Interlacing - Interlaced video is video captured at 50
pictures (known as fields) per second, of which every 2
consecutive fields (at half height) are then combined into
1 frame. Interlacing was developed many years ago for
the analog TV world and is still used widely today. It
provides good results when viewing motion in standard
TV pictures, although there is always some degree of
distortion in the image.
To view interlaced video on e.g. a computer monitor, the
video must first be de-interlaced, to produce progressive
video, which consists of complete images, one after the
other, at 25 frames per second. See also Progressive scan.
IP (Internet Protocol) - The Internet Protocol is a method
transmitting data over a network. Data to be sent is
divided into individual and completely independent
"packets." Each computer (or host) on the Internet has at
least one address that uniquely identifies it from all
others, and each data packet contains both the sender's
address and the receiver's address.
The Internet Protocol ensures that the data packets all
arrive at the intended address. As IP is a connectionless
protocol, which means that there is no established
connection between the communication end-points,
packets can be sent via different routes and do not need
to arrive at the destination in the correct order.
Once the data packets have arrived at the correct
destination, another protocol - Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP) - puts them in the right order.
See also TCP.
IP address - An IP address is simply an address on an IP
network used by a computer/device connected to that
network. IP addresses allow all the connected
computers/devices to find each other and to pass data
back and forth.
To avoid conflicts, each IP address on any given network
must be unique. An IP address can be assigned as fixed,
so that it does not change, or it can be assigned
dynamically (and automatically) by DHCP.
An IP address consists of four groups (or quads) of
decimal digits separated by periods, e.g. 130.5.5.25.
Different parts of the address represent different things.
Some part will represent the network number or address,
and some other part will represent the local machine
address. See also IP (Internet Protocol).
Infrared (IR) - Infrared radiation is radiation at a longer
wavelength than visible light, which means it cannot be
seen by the naked human eye. As infrared radiation can
be detected as heat, this can be shown on a screen or
captured by a digital camera, with hotter objects showing
up brighter against colder surroundings (e.g. a human
body against a colder background).
As color cameras can "see" infrared radiation as well as
visible light, these cameras are equipped with an IR-cut
filter, to prevent distortion of the colors the human eye
can see. To use the camera in very dark locations or at
night, thi
radiation to hit the image sensor and thus produce
images. An infrared lamp can be used for improved
illumination for night surveillance, while not producing
any extra visible light.
Inputs/Outputs (I/Os) - The digital I/Os on, for example, a
network camera can be used to connect any device that
can toggle between an open and a closed circuit.
For example, if a door switch is used as an input device,
opening the door could trigger the upload of video images
and the sending of notification messages.
An output might, for example, be used to automatically
start a siren when there is a motion detection trigger.
ISMA (Internet Streaming Media Alliance) - ISMA's goal
is: "To accelerate the adoption and deployment of open
standards for streaming rich media content such as video,
audio, and associated data, over Internet protocols."
I-VOP - See VOP.
s filter can be removed, to allow infrared
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JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) - Together
with the GIF file format, JPEG is an image file type
commonly used on the web. A JPEG image is a bitmap,
and usually has the file suffix '.jpg' or ".jpeg." When
creating a JPEG image, it is possible to configure the level
of compression to use. As the lowest compression (i.e. the
highest quality) results in the largest file, there is a
trade-off between image quality and file size.
kbit/s (kilobits per second) - A measure of the bit rate,
i.e. the rate at which bits are passing a given point. See
also Bit rate.
LAN (Local Area Network) - A LAN is a group of
computers and associated devices that typically share
common resources within a limited geographical area.
Linux - Linux is an open source operating system within
the Unix family. Because of its robustness and
availability, Linux has won popularity in the open source
community and among commercial application
developers.
Lux - A standard unit of illumination measurement.
MAC address (Media Access Control address) - A MAC
address is a unique identifier associated with a piece of
networking equipment, or more specifically, its interface
with the network. For example, the network card in a
computer has its own MAC address.
Manual iris - This is the opposite of an autoiris, i.e. the
camera iris must be adjusted manually to regulate the
amount of light allowed to reach the image sensor.
Mbit/s (Megabits per second) - A measure of the bit rate,
i.e. the rate at which bits are passing a given point.
Commonly used to give the "speed" of a network. A LAN
might run at 10 or 100 Mbit/s. See also Bit rate.
Monitor - A monitor is very similar to a television set, but
lacks the electronics to pick up regular television signals.
Motion JPEG - Motion JPEG is a simple
compression/decompression technique for network video.
Latency is low and image quality is guaranteed, regardless
of movement or complexity of the image. Image quality is
controlled by adjusting the compression level, which in
turn provides control over the file size, and thereby the bit
rate.
High-quality individual images from the Motion JPEG
stream are easily extracted. See also JPEG and GIF.
Megapixel - See Pixel.
MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) - The Moving
Picture Experts Group develops standards for digital video
and audio compression. It operates under the auspices of
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The MPEG standards are an evolving series, each designed
for a different purpose.
MPEG-2 - The designation for a group of audio and video
coding standards, and is typically used to encode audio
and video for broadcast signals, including digital satellite
and Cable TV. MPEG-2, with some modifications, is also
the coding format used by standard commercial DVD
movies.
MPEG-4 - MPEG-4 is a group of audio and video coding
standards and related technology. The primary uses for
the MPEG-4 standard are web (streaming media) and CD
distribution, conversational (videophone), and broadcast
television.
Most of the features included in MPEG-4 are left to
individual developers to decide whether to implement
them or not. This means that there are probably no
complete implementations of the entire MPEG-4 set of
standards. To deal with this, the standard includes the
concept of "profiles" and "levels", allowing a specific set
of capabilities to be defined in a manner appropriate for a
subset of applications.
Multicast - Bandwidth-conserving technology that
reduces bandwidth usage by simultaneously delivering a
single stream of information to multiple network
recipients. See also Unicast.
Multiplexer - A multiplexer is a high-speed switch that
provides full-screen images from up to 16 analog
cameras. Multiplexers can playback everything that
happened on any one camera with no interference from
the other cameras on the system.
Network camera (Network video camera) - A network
camera is a camera and computer combined in one
intelligent unit. It captures and sends live video directly
over an IP network such as a LAN, intranet or the
Internet. Users can view and/or manage the camera using
a web browser or application software from any local or
ote computer on a network. The camera allows
rem
multiple authorized viewers from different locations to
simultaneously access images. A network camera is
sometimes known as an IP camera.
Network connectivity - The physical (wired or wireless)
and logical (protocol) connection of a computer network
or an individual device to a network, such as the Internet
or a LAN.
Network video - Network video (often referred to as
IP-Surveillance for specific applications within security
surveillance and remote monitoring) is a system that gives
users the ability to monitor and record video over an IP
network (LAN/WAN/Internet).
NTSC (National Television System Committee) - NTSC is
an analog color encoding system used in television
systems in Japan, the United States and other parts of the
Americas. NTSC defines the video signal using 525 TV
lines per frame, at a refresh rate equal to 30 frames per
second. See also PAL.
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NVR (Network Video Recorder) - A dedicated Network
Video Recorder (NVR) can be used to gather data streams
from remote network cameras and video servers and store
them on a hard disk. An NVR can be a standard
networked PC, or a dedicated video recording hard disk
server with its own software application.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) - This is a
designation for companies that manufacture equipment
that is then marketed and sold to other companies under
their own names.
PAL (Phase Alternating Line) - PAL is an analog color
encoding system used in television systems in Europe and
in many other parts of the world. PAL defines the video
signal using 625 TV lines per frame, at a refresh rate equal
to 25 frames per second. See also NTSC.
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - A small handheld
computer, which usually provides at least a calendar, an
organizer and a notepad.
PEM (Privacy Enhanced Mail) - An early standard for
securing electronic mail. The PEM-format is often used
for representing an HTTPS certificate or certificate
request.
Ping - Ping is a basic network program used
diagnostically to check the status of a network host or
device. Ping can be used to see if a particular network
address (IP address or host name) is occupied or not, or if
the host at that address is responding normally. Ping can
be run from e.g. the Windows Command prompt or the
command line in Unix.
Pixel (Picture Element) - A pixel is one of the many tiny
dots that make up a digital image. The color and intensity
of each pixel represents a tiny area of the complete image.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) - Power over Ethernet
provides power to a network device via the same cable as
used for the network connection. This is very useful for
IP-Surveillance and remote monitoring applications in
places where it may be too impractical or expensive to
power the device from a power outlet.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) - A protocol that uses a
serial interface for communication between two network
devices. For example, a PC connected by a phone line to a
server.
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) - A protocol
(set of communication rules) that allows corporations to
extend their own corporate network through private
"tunnels" over the public Internet. In this way a
corporation can effectively use a WAN (Wide Area
Network) as a large single LAN (Local Area Network). This
kind of interconnection is known as a virtual private
network (VPN).
Pre/post alarm images - The images from immediately
before and after an alarm. These images are stored in a
buffer for later retrieval.
Progressive scan - Progressive scan, as opposed to
interlaced video, scans the entire picture, line by line
every sixteenth of a second. In other words, captured
images are not split into separate fields as in interlaced
scanning.
Computer monitors do not need interlace to show the
picture on the screen, but instead show them
progressively, on one line at a time in perfect order i.e. 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 etc., so there is virtually no "flickering"
effect. In a surveillance application, this can be critical
when viewing detail within a moving image, such as a
person running. A high-quality monitor is required to get
the best from progressive scan. See also Interlacing.
Protocol - A special set of rules governing how two
entities will communicate. Protocols are found at many
levels of communication, and there are hardware
protocols and software protocols.
Proxy server - In an enterprise that uses the Internet, a
proxy server acts as an intermediary between a
workstation user and the Internet. This provides security,
administrative control, and a caching service. Any proxy
server associated with a gateway server, or part of a
gateway server, effectively separates the enterprise
network from the outside network and the local firewall.
It is the firewall server that protects the enterprise
network from outside intrusion.
PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) - A PTZ-enabled camera can be
remotely controlled so as to change the view from the
camera. Panning is the movement of the camera along its
horizontal axis, tilting is the movement of the camera
along its vertical axis, and zooming is the adjustment of
the zoom lens to magnify the view.
P-VOP - See VOP.
Quad view - A Quad view displays images from up to
four cameras on a single screen; where the images from
each camera take up approximately a quarter of the
display area.
Remote monitoring - Network video gives users the
ability to gather information at all key points of an
operation and view it in realtime. This makes the
technology ideal for monitoring equipment, people and
ces, both locally and remotely. Application examples
pla
include traffic and production line monitoring, and the
monitoring of multiple store locations.
Resolution - Image resolution is a measure of how much
detail a digital image can hold: the greater the resolution,
the greater the level of detail. Resolution can be specified
as the number of pixel-columns (width) by the number of
pixel-rows (height), e.g. 320x240.
Alternatively, the total number of pixels (usually in
megapixels) in the image can be used. In analog systems
it is also common to use other format designations, such
as CIF, QCIF, 4CIF, etc.
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RS-232 - A long-established standard that describes the
physical interface and protocol for low-speed serial data
communication between devices. This is the interface that
e.g. a computer uses to talk to and exchange data with a
modem and other serial devices.
RS-422 - A serial data communication protocol that
specifies 4-wire, full-duplex, differential line, multi-drop
communications. It provides balanced data transmission
with unidirectional/non-reversible, terminated or
non-terminated transmission lines. RS-422 does not allow
multiple drivers, only multiple receivers. Maximum
recommended range is 4,000 feet (1200 meters).
Maximum recommended baud rate is 10Mbit/s.
RS-485 - An upgraded version of RS-422 that supports
up to 32 devices on the same connection. RS-485 is an
electrical specification of a two-wire, half-duplex,
multipoint serial connection. It enables the configuration
of inexpensive local networks and multidrop
communications links. It offers high data transmission
speeds (up to 10Mbit/s), and as it uses a differential
balanced line over twisted pair (like RS-422), it can span
relatively large distances (4000 feet or 1200 meters).
RS-485 only specifies the electrical characteristics of the
driver and the receiver. It does not specify or recommend
any data protocol.
RTCP (Real-Time Control Protocol) - RTCP provides
support for real-time conferencing of groups of any size
within an intranet. This support includes source
identification and support for gateways like audio and
video bridges as well as multicast-to-unicast translators.
It offers quality-of-service feedback from receivers to the
multicast group as well as support for the synchronization
of different media streams.
RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) - An Internet
protocol for the transport of real-time data, e.g. audio and
video. It can be used for media-on-demand as well as
interactive services such as Internet telephony.
RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) - A control
protocol, and a starting point for negotiating transports
such as RTP, multicast and Unicast, and for negotiating
codecs. RTSP can be considered a "remote control" for
controlling the media stream delivered by a media server.
RTSP servers typically use RTP as the protocol for the
actual transport of audio/video data.
Router - A device that determines the next network point
to which a packet should be forwarded on its way to its
final destination. A router creates and/or maintains a
special routing table that stores information on how best
to reach certain destinations. A router is sometimes
included as part of a network switch. See also Switch.
Security surveillance - Network video's advanced
functionality makes it highly suited to the applications
involved in security surveillance. The flexibility of digital
technology enhances security personnel's ability to
protect people, property and assets. Such systems are
therefore an especially attractive option for companies
currently using CCTV.
Server - In general, a server is a computer program that
provides services to other computer programs in the same
or other computers. A computer running a server program
is also frequently referred to as a server. In practice, the
server may contain any number of server and client
programs. A web server is the computer program that
supplies the requested HTML pages or files to the client
(web browser).
Sharpness - This is the control of fine detail within a
picture. This feature was originally introduced into color
TV sets that used notch filter decoders. This filter took
away all high frequency detail in the black and white
region of the picture. The sharpness control attempted to
put some of that detail back in the picture. Sharpness
controls are mostly superfluous in today's high-end TVs.
The only logical requirement for it nowadays is on a VHS
machine.
Simplex - In simplex operation, a network cable or
communications channel can only send information in
one direction. See also Full-duplex.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) - Used for sending
and receiving e-mail. However, as it is "simple," it is
limited in its ability to queue messages at the receiving
end, and is usually used with one of two other protocols,
POP3 or IMAP. These other protocols allow the user to
save messages in a server mailbox and download them
periodically from the server.
SMTP authentication - An extension of SMTP, where the
client is required to log into the mail server before or
during the sending of email. It can be used to allow
legitimate users to send email while denying the service to
unauthorized users, such as spammers.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - SNMP
forms part of the Internet Protocol suite, as defined by the
Internet Engineering Task Force. The protocol can support
monitoring of network-attached devices for any
conditions that warrant administrative attention.
Sockets - Sockets are a method for communication
between a client program and a server program over a
network. A socket is defined as "the endpoint in a
connection." Sockets are created and used with a set of
programming requests or "function calls" sometimes
called the sockets application programming interface
(API).
SSL/TSL
(Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) - These
two protocols (SSL is succeeded by TSL) are cryptographic
cols that provide secure communication on a
proto
network. SSL is commonly used over HTTP to form
HTTPS, as used e.g. on the Internet for electronic financial
transactions. SSL uses public key certificates to verify the
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identity of the server.
Subnet & subnet mask - A subnet is an identifiably
separate part of an organization's network. Typically, a
subnet may represent all the machines at one geographic
location, in one building, or on the same local area
network (LAN). Having an organization's network divided
into subnets allows it to be connected to the Internet with
a single shared network address.
The subnet mask is the part of the IP address that tells a
network router how to find the subnet that the data
packet should be delivered to. Using a subnet mask saves
the router having to handle the entire 32-bit IP address; it
simply looks at the bits selected by the mask.
Switch - A network device that connects network
segments together, and which selects a path for sending a
unit of data to its next destination. In general, a switch is
a simpler and faster mechanism than a router, which
requires knowledge about the network and how to
determine the route. Some switches include the router
function. See also Router.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - TCP is used along
with the Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit data as packets
between computers over the network. While IP takes care
of the actual packet delivery, TCP keeps track of the
individual packets that the communication (e.g. requested
a web page file) is divided into, and, when all packets
have arrived at their destination, it reassembles them to
re-form the complete file.
TCP is a connection-oriented protocol, which means that
a connection is established between the two end-points
and is maintained until the data has been successfully
exchanged between the communicating applications.
Telnet - Telnet is a simple method with which to access
another network device, e.g. a computer. The HTTP
protocol and the FTP protocols allow you to request
specific files from remote computers, but do not allow you
logon as a user of that computer. With Telnet, you log on
as a regular user with whatever privileges you may have
been granted for specific applications and data residing
on that computer.
Time-lapse recorder - This type of video recorder is
commonly used in the security industry and has the
ability to record up to one week of video on a single tape.
The most commonly used timing is the 24-hour mode.
Having to change tapes only once a day and retaining
large amounts of information are perceived as key
advantages in using this particular mode of recording.
TVL (TV Lines) - A method of defining resolutions in
analog video.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - UDP is a
communications protocol that offers limited service for
exchanging data in a network that uses the Internet
Protocol (IP). UDP is an alternative to the Transmission
Control Protocol (TCP). The advantage of UDP is that it is
not required to deliver all data and may drop network
packets when there is e.g. network congestion. This is
suitable for live video, as there is no point in
re-transmitting old information that will not be displayed
anyway.
Unicast - Communication between a single sender and a
single receiver over a network. A new connection is
established for each new user. See also Multicast.
TM
- A set of computer network protocols that allows
UPnP
the automatic peer-to-peer detection of devices on the
network. UPnP is promoted by the UPnP Forum.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - An "address" on the
network.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) - A plug-and-play interface
between a computer and peripheral devices (scanners,
printers)
Varifocal lens - A lens that provides a wide range of focal
lengths, as opposed to a lens with a fixed focal length,
which only provides one.
Video camera - See Network camera and CCTV video
camera.
Video decoder - A network video decoder converts digital
video and audio streams back into analog signals, which
can then be displayed on standard TV sets, analog
monitors and video switches.
Video encoder (video server) - A video encoder/server
digitizes analog video signals and sends digital images
directly over an IP network, such as a LAN, intranet or the
Internet. In effect, it turns an analog video system into a
network video system and enables users to view live
images using a web browser or application software on
any local or remote computer on a network.
Video management software - Video management
software supplies the means for monitoring, analyzing
and recording network video. In its simplest form, it offers
live viewing, storage and retrieval of video sequences.
Advanced applications may also provide support for
recording of live video from multiple devices, different
recording modes, search functions, remote access via a
web browser, control of PTZ devices, etc.
VMD (Video Motion Detection) - Video Motion detection
defines activity (motion) in a monitored scene by
analyzing image data and differences in series of images.
This detection can, for example, be used to trigger an
alarm event in a network camera and start the upload of
images from the camera.
Video switcher - An analog video switcher sequentially
displays full screen images, from one camera after
another, typically at 3-5 seconds intervals. Other camera
sources are not recorded while the image source from one
camera is displayed on screen.
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VPN (Virtual Private Network) - This creates a secure
"tunnel" between the points within the VPN. Only devices
with the correct "key" will be able to work within the
VPN. The VPN network can be within a company LAN
(Local Area Network), but different sites can also be
connected over the Internet in a secure way. One common
use for VPN is for connecting a remote computer to the
corporate network, via e.g. a direct phone line or via the
Internet.
VOP (Video Object Plane) - A VOP is an image frame in
an MPEG-4 video stream. There are several types of VOP:
- An I-VOP is a complete image frame.
- An P-VOP codes the differences between images, as long
as it is more efficient to do so. Otherwise it codes the
whole image, which may also be a completely new image.
WAN (Wide-Area-Network) - Similar to a LAN, but on a
larger geographical scale.
W-LAN (Wireless LAN) - A wireless LAN is a wireless
local area network that uses radio waves as its carrier:
where the network connections for end-users are wireless.
The main network structure usually uses cables.
Web camera (Webcam) - A camera that requires a
constant connection (via e.g. USB) to a PC for its
operation. See also Network camera.
Web server - A program that allows web browsers to
retrieve files from computers connected to the Internet.
The Web server listens for requests from browsers and
upon receiving a request for a file sends it back to the
browser. The primary function of a Web server is to serve
pages to other remote computers.
WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) - A wireless security
protocol, specified in the IEEE 802.11 standard, which is
designed to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN)
with a level of security and privacy comparable to that
usually expected of a wired LAN. Security is at two
different levels; 40-bit and 128-bit encryption. The higher
the bit number, the more secure the encryption.
WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service) - Part of the
Microsoft Windows NT Server, WINS manages the
association of workstation names and locations with IP
addresses, without the user or administrator having to be
involved in each configuration change.
WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access - Pre-Shared Key) This wireless encryption method uses a pre-shared key
(PSK) for key management. Keys can usually be entered as
manual hex values, as hexadecimal characters, or as a
Passphrase. WPA-PSK provides a greater degree of
security than WEP.
Zoom lens - A zoom lens can be moved (zoomed) to
enlarge the view of an object to show more detail.
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81
Index
A
Action 39
Action buttons 30
Active/Inactive 11
Administrators 17, 45
Advanced TCP/IP settings 50
Alarm 39, 43, 58
Allowed IP addresses 45
AMC Viewer Toolbar 12
Anonymous viewers 45
ARP/Ping 49
Audio input 24
Audio mode 23
Audio output 25
Audio settings 23
Audio transmission 16
AXIS Internet Dynamic DNS Service 50
AXIS Media Control (AMC) 14