Today Milestone Systems announced the release of version 4.0 of their XProtect Corporate software. XProtect Corporate is open platform IP video management software designed for use with high-capacity, multi-site installations. The software supports an unlimited number of cameras and users.

If you’re looking for IP cameras that will provide much higher resolution and clearer video images than traditional security cameras, then megapixel cameras may be the right solution for you. With improved resolution megapixel cameras significantly increase the camera’s field of view without losing any image detail. A single megapixel camera can cover areas that would normally be monitored by multiple surveillance cameras.

With the New Year come new products. Earlier this week D-Link announced its latest range of IP surveillance cameras designed specifically for use in the home

When it comes to managing video compression in an IP camera network, it’s a balancing act between maintaining high-quality images and reducing video file sizes to optimize network bandwidth and storage capacity. There are a number of video compression technologies available, and today’s IP cameras usually come equipped with several options to achieve the best possible compression ratios for any given surveillance application.

In environments where artificial light is restricted, it can be challenging to capture high-quality images. When lighting conditions are less than optimal, day/night IP cameras are equipped to automatically adjust to handle light-challenged situations. Using infrared technology, day/night cameras offer 24/7 surveillance, providing high-caliber images around the clock.

Like megapixel cameras, HDTV network cameras offer superb image detail and outstanding color representation. HDTV cameras capture crisp and clear images formatted for modern screens and TVs. For applications where full frame rates and high-quality imaging are a priority, HDTV cameras are an ideal fit.

The simplicity of video storage and archival with IP camera systems is a definite upgrade from the days of bulky cassette tapes that came along with analog surveillance. IP-based surveillance systems have the ability to store video footage straight to a hard disk which improves storage capacity and enhances searching capabilities.

From operating in challenging weather conditions, figuring out how to best supply power to network cameras, and maintaining image quality in poor lighting, outdoor surveillance comes with its own unique set of challenges. Outdoor IP cameras have a range of features that make them well-suited to handle difficult outdoor surveillance applications.

For increased visibility in darkness, Axis recently developed the T90C fixed dome IR-LED for all outdoor cameras in the Axis P33 series. The IR illuminator provides fixed angle illumination for network cameras in the series including the P3343-VE, P3344-VE, and P3346-VE.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an incredibly flexible technology used commonly with network camera systems. With Power over Ethernet, LAN-enabled devices such as network cameras can be powered over an IP network infrastructure using standard Ethernet cabling. Many IP-based surveillance systems today incorporate PoE technology, taking advantage of a variety of benefits including cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

ExacqVision has just released the latest edition of its exacqVision VMS software.

Arecont Vision has added two panoramic day/night dome cameras to its powerful SurroundVideo collection.

QNAP announces its ONVIF compliant update from Viostor Network Video Recorder. Firmware version 3.3.1 supports more than 1,000 models of IP cameras and video servers by 38 brands.

VideoSurveillance.com welcomes four new Vivotek IP cameras: Vivotek FD8133V, Vivotek FD8134V, Vivotek IP8151P and Vivotek IP8352.

VideoSurveillance.com is introducing five new Arecont Vision cameras: AV2805, AV1315, AV2815, AV1325 and AV2825. Arecont Vision is renowned for its powerful, megapixel cameras and advanced features like forensic zoom.

QNAP has announced the release of its first consumer-specific standalone network video recorders. The VioStor VS-2008L and VS-2004L are Linux-embedded for reliable management of video surveillance programs. They are an economical solution for recording up to eight or four cameras respectively.

Panasonic has announced a new rugged outdoor version of its i-PRO SmartHD dome camera. The new Super Dynamic WV-SW395 is equipped against direct sunlight, humidity, water, dust, extreme temperatures and challenging weather.

Boasting an incredibly compact build, Axis’ new M50 cameras provide discreet 360° surveillance.

Milestone Systems recently announced its impending release of a new product, the XProtect Essential NVR. Designed for easy setup and usability, this stand alone network video recorder comes equipped with preinstalled video management software and runs on Windows 7.

Panasonic is releasing two new network vandal-resistant dome cameras: the WV-SF346 and WV-SF342. The new rugged cameras excel in noise reduction and offer wide dynamic range to compensate for high contrast lighting scenarios. Both have integrated video motion detector technology that can be customized to the needs of an application with four detection areas, 15 sensitivity levels and two privacy zones.

Good news for those using Vivotek IP cameras; now you can turn your iPhone or iPad into a remote monitoring station. iViewer allows users to view live video feeds from anywhere within a 3G network with a compatible touch screen device.

QNAP released the latest upgrade to VMobile, its remote viewing app for Apple touch screen devices. Version 1.0.3 offers improvements both in quality and in convenience.

Joining the ranks of the Axis P33 camera series is the new P3367, which is available in an indoor and outdoor model. These fixed dome cameras boast 5 megapixels, perfect for capturing highly detailed images of people and surroundings.

Axis is adding another high performance IP camera to its impressive lineup. The Q6032 is designed for indoor use and well suited for applications requiring powerful zoom and facial detection.

Axis announced this spring its impending release of the Q6035. This network dome camera offers extensive PTZ capabilities, such as 360-degree endless pan and 20x optical zoom. Combined with autofocus and a wide 16:9 field of view, the Q6035 can cover a lot of space without comprising details.

QNAP is releasing a new version of its VMobile app that enables Android users to reap the benefits of mobile monitoring. With an Android in hand, users can view live footage from numerous cameras and enjoy the convenience of touch screen controls. Options include multi-channel display, sequential video display, alarm notifications and more.

Axis has added two new small dome IP cameras to its lineup of network surveillance cameras. The P5512 and the outdoor P5512-E offer 360-degree pan and 12x optical zoom for thorough coverage of wide areas. With a width of less than 7.5 inches wide, these unobtrusive cameras are suited for monitoring large areas.

Vivotek has released a new video codec which enables video to be divided into layers that can be individually configured for resolution and frame rate. Scalable Video Coding (SVC) is based on industry-leading H.264 video compression.

Axis recently announced a new PTZ dome camera with HDTV quality video and 360-degree panoramic view. Featuring two different lenses, the P5544 is part of Axis’ collection of Panopsis cameras.

Arecont Vision is releasing two new day/night panoramic cameras boasting 20 megapixels. Available in a 180-degree model and a 360-degree model, these high resolution cameras can do the work of an entire fleet of conventional cameras.

VideoSurveillance is offering five new Axis cameras, including three rugged outdoor network cameras and two indoor PTZ network dome cameras.

Mobotix is rolling out a new IP camera that supports high-quality 6.2 megapixel dual images using two 3.1 megapixel image sensors and two different types of lenses. With this innovative set-up, the camera can provide a total panorama, 180-degree view of the scene and supports synchronized exposure settings with linked image control. The D14 offers higher maximum frame rates in all resolutions.

SecuritySpy, a multi-camera video surveillance software solution for the Mac platform recently released SecuritySpy 2.1, an update to their previous software version. SecuritySpy comes with features that include motion detection, real-time compression of multiple video and audio feeds, remote monitoring, and more.

When Alloin, an international player in the freight and courier market needed a video management software solution to help support their anti-intruder video surveillance system for their 33 courier depots, they turned to Milestone XProtect Enterprise. XProtect Enterprise is ideally suited for handling multi-site operations with rich functionality and resilience on high data traffic servers.

Good news for Milestone XProtect users; Milestone has further expanded its comprehensive list of supported IP cameras with the new XProtect Device Pack 5.6. This free upgrade also offers updated support for IP cameras previously supported by XProtect.

We have added two Axis PTZ cameras and two fixed camera from Vivotek to our lineup of network dome cameras.

Axis creates products that make video surveillance systems easier to install and use. Such is the case with two of our recently added items, the T8412 Installation Display and the P7701 Network Video Decoder.

We are now offering two additional cameras, the Vivotek PZ8111 PTZ indoor daytime camera and the Vivtotek IP8331 day/night outdoor bullet.

IR illuminators are lamps that emit infrared light used by day/night cameras to produce images in complete darkness. This light is mostly invisible to the human eye, though some IR lights cast a red hue. Because they are difficult to detect in the dark, IR illuminators are especially beneficial in situations requiring discreet video surveillance.

There are some exciting new products coming out of the Panasonic exhibit at ASIS International 2011 this week. Early on in the security show, the manufacturer introduced a new line of i-PRO SmartHD weather-resistant cameras.

The Bulgarian RIO Pravetz Golf and Spa recently unveiled its brand new gaming casino. To minimize security threats, the luxury resort installed a top of the line video surveillance system featuring Axis network cameras and Milestone XProtect video management software.

We already shared some of the highlights of last month’s ASIS 2011 with you, and now we have another one. Megapixel-specialist, Arecont Vision unveiled its new D4SO series of MegaDome compact all-in-one outdoor domes at the trade show as well.

As of today, Milestone’s XProtect Device Pack 5.7 is available. The update enables support for dozens of IP cameras and devices from manufacturers such as ACTi, Sony and Vivotek. In addition, the new update offers improved support for existing products.

Network camera systems are continually evolving, and who knows, perhaps in the next five years, security cameras will come equipped with built-in robotic arms that can actually identify and handcuff the prowler until the authorities arrive at the scene of the crime. However, until the day comes, we’ll remain forever grateful for the superior alarm and event management analytics that the IP security cameras include in their settings.