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Updated camera companion software

Following the successful introduction of the Axis Camera Companion, the leader in network video solutions has announced a major upgrade of the free software client to further improve effective surveillance in retail environments. The new release includes new features such as audio, support for Public View Monitoring, Axis’ Corridor Format and video authentication.

“The first version was well received by the market. Until August 2012 we have registered more than 20 000 downloads of the software,” says Roy Alves, country manager, Axis Communications.

The new version includes support for one-way audio to easily listen in on an area. The use of IP technology makes audio easy and affordable. A network camera with audio support sends both audio and video over the same network cable, removing the need for separate audio cabling. Another supported feature is Axis’ Corridor Format for effective surveillance of, for example staircases, hallways and aisles. The new version also supports Public View Monitoring for loss prevention in retail environments. By downloading a third-party application to a mobile device, the camera can stream live images to any standard monitor. To ensure that the video is accurately preserved for use as evidence, the new release also offers digital signing of exported material.

Axis Camera Companion allows small business owners to use HDTV network cameras to help them clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other incidents. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back from anywhere – onsite or remotely over the Internet. The system supports motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control. Video clips and snapshots can be easily exported to colleagues and authorities, and the system supports third-party apps for viewing live and recorded video on leading smartphones and tablets, such as iPhone, iPad and Android.

Unlike analogue surveillance installations, Axis Camera Companion does not require a central recording device – a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR), or even a computer. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card in each camera, and the cameras keep recording even if the network fails. The cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables. This reduces cost, simplifies installation, and makes the system more robust as there is no single point of failure. To further protect customers’ investments, existing analogue cameras can be integrated via video encoders.

The new Axis Camera Companion 1.2 software client is available for free download from http://www.axis.com/products/cam_companion_software/index.htm. A competitively priced Axis M1014 Network Camera Surveillance Kit is also available – a packaged solution for the smaller retail store with four HDTV 720p network cameras including Axis Camera Companion. Please see: http://www.axis.com/products/video/bundles/m10/index.htm

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