AXIS 2120: 
Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Axis network cameras different?
A: They are directly network connected cameras with their own IP address. That means the camera has intelligence and can be connected without the need of a PC. In all real-world applications there is a need for this stand-alone functionality. The PC-less solution generates a lot lower total solution cost compared to the PC + Software + Frame-grabber card + Camera solution.

Q: How large are the images in Kbytes?
A: A normal sized image of (352 x 288 or 352x240) is only about 4-10 Kbytes.

Q: Does the device have its own IP address?
A: Yes, it acts as a standalone Web-server, with some limited memory space reserved for your own Web pages.

Q: Can the Axis network camera transmit only the changes between two pictures in order to reduce bandwidth?
A: No. As we have taken the approach to work with standard Web-browsers where there is no support for such a format we cannot do that now. This also gives us the advantage of having high quality on every single image transmitted.

Q: Can I use the Axis network cameras for videoconference?
A: For images transmitted across a LAN the Axis network cameras are ideal. However, they do not offer voice over LAN. A common solution is to use a regular phone for voice transmission and PC browser on each end. This is an easy-to-use videoconference system with better performance than e.g. 2 Webcams and NetMeeting. However, this is not our target application.

Q: How much bandwidth does it require?
A: This depends on the number of users and the image quality you have decided to use. The Axis network cameras have a configurable bandwidth usage limit which gives you complete control of how much bandwidth the unit is allowed to use.

Q: Which are the main features you would like to highlight?
A: There are several: Image quality. The AXIS 2120 Network Camera offers very high image quality. It is also very sensitive in dark light conditions - we specify it down to 1 Lux. The included vari-focal DC-Iris lens will give you optimal image quality in even extreme light conditions and it will protect your CCD from damage by over exposure. Built in applications and modem support that works with your local ISP. Built in motion detection.

Q: Why is it running Linux, and how can I see it?
A: The fact that the unit is running Linux is something that is not visible outside. But some of the benefits of running Linux include: Small footprint system, it does not take a lot of flash or ram memory. Longer term decentralized development, which we as a multinational company will benefit from. Much functionality available for "free". The source code for Linux is freely available to everyone. Axis posts source at developer.axis.com Developed under the GNU General Public License. Well-known and well-documented and reliable OS, easy to employ new developers and they will get up to speed very quickly.

Q: Where can I get accessories such as replacement lens, zoom lenses or other devices?
A: Axis does not offer this directly. You have to speak to our partners or to companies selling CCTV equipment. A short list is provided on our Web site at http://www.axis.com/products/video/accessories/

Q: I don't understand the principle for how the images are sent. Single-cast or can they be multicasts and/or do I have to request each image from a browser?
A: We are sending a stream of JPEG images (called motion JPEG). This has native support in Netscape or Internet Explorer for MAC. Internet Explorer on windows requires our ActiveX component or a Java applet (both downloaded automatically by IE from the Axis network camera). The transmission method is single-cast, but we do support up to 10 simultaneous clients.

Q: Does it come with a PC application for storing and managing images?
A: No. We do not provide an application. Axis network cameras are able to send images via FTP or SMTP (e-mail) but for more advanced applications we refer to third party software providers. Some advanced users develop their own applications which is fairly easy thanks to the open protocol standards used by Axis products, we have some tips and tricks available on our developers Web.