The arrival of H.264 video compression is helping lay to rest any remaining concerns of those who still cling to the idea that analog CCTV systems compare favorably to their new IP-based counterparts. A typical worry amongst analog purists is the cost of network video storage and bandwidth. With H.264, those thoughts are quickly squelched. H.264 significantly reduces storage and bandwidth costs compared to previous compression technologies, making it even easier to capture and save the highest quality video footage without bogging down your network. That's the big key for H.264 compression: it provides high-quality video at a much lower bit rate so you can get the absolute most out of those high-resolution network cameras.

Last week at the ASIS 2009 trade show in Anaheim, Arecont Vision rolled out its latest day/night megapixel camera, the AV3135. This dual-sensor IP camera is designed to capture high-resolution video images while providing outstanding low-light sensitivity. In order to capture the highest quality footage both day and night, the Arecont Vision AV3135 features two 1/2" CMOS sensors – a 3 megapixel color sensor, and a separate 1.3 megapixel black and white senor for darker conditions. The black and white sensor has larger individual pixels to provide higher sensitivity in low light. It's also infrared sensitive, which makes the AV3135 suitable for use in completely dark situations.

Today Bosch announced a new network camera solution designed to operate without the need for a PC or digital video recorder. The Bosh NBC-225-P is an all-in-one network camera features a Secure Digital (SD) flash memory card that can record and store days of high-quality surveillance video footage. With onboard recording capabilities built into the camera, users can save costs on storage, while easing the load on network bandwidth. The camera can also be connected to the network using a single cable for power, camera control, and delivery of video and audio.

Sony just announced four new IP cameras built to deliver high-definition surveillance footage. Each network camera model offers H.264, MPEG-4, and JPEG compression, and can stream high-def video at up to 30 frames per second in full 1280 x 720 resolution.

Sanyo recently announced an exciting new lineup of HD network cameras offering full frame rate and H.264/MJPEG dual codecs. We're pleased to announce this powerful collection of Sanyo IP cameras is now available in the VideoSurveillance.com online store. The Sanyo network camera series includes robust, vandal-resistant domes, fixed day/night models, zoom cameras, and high-performance PTZ cameras, all offering megapixel resolution and HDTV image quality.

This September, the University of Louisville is opening up a state-of-the-art basketball arena deliciously dubbed "The KFC Yum! Center." Despite its amusing name, this is truly a first-class facility, from design and layout all the way to its video security system. Currently there are 106 IP network cameras monitoring the arena, with an additional 40 security cameras providing coverage of the parking garage. Almost all of the IP cameras operate using Power over Ethernet for flexible installation anywhere along the network infrastructure. And to save bandwidth and storage space, the cameras utilize H.264 video compression.

With a focus on small to mid-sized businesses, Axis unveiled Surveillance Kits for their M10, M11, and M32 series of surveillance cameras. These kits offer easy and affordable indoor surveillance for use in office buildings, retail stores, banks, restaurants and more. Each of the kits features four cameras accompanied by easy-to-use Axis Camera Station video management software. For greater flexibility, the 4-camera kits can be scaled and combined to create any size system with up to 50 cameras.

As public transportation security concerns have increased in recent years, mobile surveillance systems have become increasingly popular for many varieties of public transit systems including buses, taxi cabs, light rail, trains, and subways. To alleviate rising security concerns, VideoSurveillance.com recently created two new Mobile Surveillance Systems that help deter criminal activity and inappropriate behavior, increase safety by helping drivers focus on their jobs, and provide law enforcement officials with crucial evidence in the event of a criminal investigation.

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.

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.