Axis Camera Companion Uses Edge Storage

Axis Communications, Inc. announces Camera Companion, a cost-effective IP video solution designed for small installations.

Consisting of a free software client for 1-16 Axis network cameras or video encoders with SD card support, the solution requires only Ethernet cabling and a standard switch/router to stream and record surveillance video.

Camera Companion will be showcased live at ISC West 2012 Security Conference & Exhibition, from March 28-30, Las Vegas.

Unlike analog surveillance systems that are prevalent in the small camera count market, Camera Companion does not require a central recording device – a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR) or even a computer – to operate. While a laptop or PC is required for initial setup, the solution runs entirely inside the camera or encoder, and then only needs the free software client to monitor and record video.

IP cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables, and existing analog cameras can be integrated using video encoders. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card at the edge and the cameras and encoders keep recording even in the event of a network failure. This reduces cost, simplifies installation and ensures that there is no single point of failure. With this hardware setup, Camera Companion is for retail stores, offices, hotels or other small businesses that need video surveillance.

The new solution also enables small business owners to integrate HDTV network cameras to clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other safety and security incidents. Video can be viewed live or played back from any Internet-connected device, and NAS can be added for higher storage capacity or to work with Axis cameras/encoders that do not offer edge storage.

Camera Companion software supports motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control, and video clips and snapshots can be exported to colleagues and authorities at the touch of a button. Third-party apps are also available for mobile devices, such as iPhone, iPad and Android-powered products.

"While network video surveillance is the de facto choice in North America for systems of 25 cameras or more, analog still has a stronghold on the small system, less-than-16-camera market," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications, Inc. "Axis Camera Companion offers an entirely new IP option for this market and provides a high-quality, reliable, intuitive and scalable solution to drive the shift from analog to digital surveillance."

The Axis Camera Companion solution
consists of three parts:

• standard Axis network cameras or video encoders with edge storage support;
• a free software client and third-party mobile apps used for viewing live and recorded video; and
• standard third-party network equipment such as routers, switches, SD cards and NAS devices.

Several of Axis network cameras and encoders already support Camera Companion and the majority of Axis products with integrated edge storage and 5.40 firmware or higher will support the system in the future. Camera Companion software is available as a free download since March 21, 2012, and IP cameras and encoders are available through Axis’ channel partner program.

Axis’s products that currently support Camera Companion include: M50 PTZ Dome, P5532/34/-E PTZ Dome, Q6032/34/-E PTZ Dome, P334x Fixed Dome and P13 Network Cameras, as well as M70 and P72 Video Encoders.