With the introduction of its new IP 5000 HD and MP camera family, featuring resolutions as high as five megapixels, Bosch is offering high-performance technology for a wide range of typical surveillance needs. By the end of 2013 this series will consist of thirteen cameras in four different designs – microdome, bullet, indoor, and outdoor domes – that offer a number of resolutions to cater for varying image detail requirements while also supporting SD card storage. The various options for outdoor installation include vandal resistance, water and dust-proof enclosures, as well as IR LEDs for night-time monitoring. In addition, varifocal lenses simplify the adjustment of the field of view.
All the new cameras incorporate two special bandwidth reduction technologies. Firstly, intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction (iDNR) adapts the degree of noise reduction in real time based on an analysis of the contents of the scene. For example, this reduces bandwidth by up to 50% when no motion is present, but as soon as an important object is detected, the bandwidth increases to capture maximum detail. Secondly, bandwidth is further reduced by way of area-based encoding that enables compression parameters to be set for up to eight user-definable regions. This means the less interesting regions are more highly compressed, leaving more bandwidth available for the important parts of the scene.
Furthermore, two particular regions of interest can be selected and controlled by remote electronic pan, tilt and zoom (e-PTZ). The combination of these special streams with the main stream allows for a closer inspection of details while retaining situational awareness.
Additional features include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), privacy masking, audio capability, and an operational temperature range from as low as -30 right up to +50 degrees Celsius. The cameras are supplied with the Bosch Video Client PC software that features a user-friendly interface to support simple installation and configuration. It provides live viewing of multiple cameras, playback, forensic search, and the export of data.
Finally, an app, available free of charge from the App Store, enables access to HD surveillance images on an iPad or iPhone from anywhere, even over low-bandwidth connections. “Our Video Security app gives you complete control of all your cameras, from panning and tilting, to zoom and focus functions,” explains Ian Crosby, Head of Product Management at Bosch Security Systems. “It’s like taking your control room with you.”
The new cameras seamlessly integrate with a wide range of security software and recording solutions from Bosch as well as from other third-party providers, since they are ONVIF conformant. They are also supported by the Integration Partner Program, which gives partners immediate access to online tools for easy integration.