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One design, five types, nine models, and unlimited potential applications: the new IP camera range from ABUS is celebrating its world premiere at the Security Essen 2014 trade fair in Essen. The German quality manufacturer is thereby coming forward with a completely new IP video line-up for 2015. When it comes to obtaining optimal results in video surveillance, the constant flow of new megapixel solutions from the sector often miss the point, according to intensive market observation and feedback from ABUS partners over the past years. According to these findings, what is more important is an optimal resolution to required bandwidth ratio, image usability, compatibility with existing video surveillance systems, and ease of installation and configuration.
A video surveillance system is only ever as good as its weakest link. Image quality, handling of backlight conditions, fail-safe performance, compression and network load need to be perfectly attuned if a top product is to be delivered. However, the complete package must also prove convincing when it comes to service: from expert pre-sales consultation and support during start-up, right up to successful product marketing. All of these elements count towards turning satisfaction into enthusiasm. The ABUS formula is therefore: enthusiasm equals product times service.
Major investments in IP technology
ABUS Security-Center began gradually tapping into the IP video surveillance market early on, and has been supplying IP cameras including software and recorders for ten years now. This subsidiary of ABUS KG has grown from a company that counted only five employees when it was founded near Augsburg in 1999, to a firm which now has around 300 employees worldwide. Over the past four years, the company has increased its investment in research and development for its own IP technology, with which ABUS Security-Center now wants to shape the future. The experts at the company headquarters near Augsburg work in close collaboration with their colleagues in Kiel (software development) and Taipei/Taiwan (R&D centre).
The ABUS answer
At first glance, it sounds less than spectacular: full HD 1080p resolution with 1920 x 1080 at 25 fps or HD 720p with 1280 x 720 at 25 fps now come as standard. However, ABUS Security-Center is taking a different approach; it is maintaining an 'eye for detail', as CEO Benjamin Pflaum explains: "We want to bring IP cameras to the market that are better than the competition in terms of the key details. Our commitment to quality applies not just to hardware but also to software, our services and, not least, the professionalism of our ABUS partners."
Technology at its best
All 1080p cameras are equipped with high-quality hardware components: a Sony Xarina DSP and Sony Exmore image sensor (1/2.8"), Tamron motor zoom lenses, an integrated Toshiba 16 GB eMMC memory to ensure data recording in the event of a network failure – that says it all. The standard motorised zoom lenses from Tamron allow all parameters, including image sharpness, to be easily configured and adapted over the network.
High image quality and reduced network traffic
"We want to bring IP cameras to the market that are better than the competition in terms of the key details. Our commitment to quality applies not just to hardware but also to software, our services and, not least, the professionalism of our ABUS partners" |
'Low-noise and high dynamics at a low bandwidth' – this is how ABUS engineers describe the image quality of the new IP camera in a nutshell. Indeed, the new IP series is characterised by particularly efficient use of existing bandwidth without compromising image quality. The fact that, at 1080p resolution, the data transfer rate stands at less than 50% of that of similar IP cameras is another merit of the DNR function: it ensures low-noise images as well as reduced network traffic. As for the WDR function, the developers have optimised the Sony chip set in order to exhaust its full potential – and have done so successfully, as a comparison with images from competing products has shown. The devices have three independent streams available for optimal display and recording: two streams come pre-optimised for recording and mobile terminals, and the third stream can be individually configured. ABUS recommends illuminating the area of the premises to be subject to surveillance with separate IR spotlights in low light conditions, and is offering a new range of high-performance discreet and semidiscreet illuminators, as well as a white light LED models for this purpose. IP tube and compact cameras from the new range are equipped with built-in high-performance LEDs, which round off the camera portfolio.
Deep integration into renowned VMS solutions
The customer has the choice of which video management software to use for operating the ABUS IP cameras. The roadmap indicates deep integration of the cameras into renowned VMS solutions such as Milestone or Seetec. And, of course, all products are ONVIF compatible.
Variable housing design for use in different locations
Nine new camera models in five designs will be available: indoor and outdoor domes, compact, tube and box cameras. Here, too, we are pursuing our goal of being better than the competition when it comes to the key details. Integrated mounts and covered cabling are part of a rigorously functional design which sets the new IP camera series apart. The web interface of the IP camera has already been optimised for mobile devices.
Customer service from A to Z
ABUS supplies the entire development and manufacturing process, including pre- and after-sales service, from a single source, and guarantees supreme product and system stability. The trust that installation companies have in ABUS is paying dividends: last year, premises such as the luxury Ritz Carlton hotel on Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, and the alarm receiving centre in Gardelegen, a high-security area of Dussmann Services, began using ABUS IP video surveillance systems. A huge contribution to the success of the project has been made by the extensive ABUS technical field service, which offers support for project planning or commissioning on site.
