PRESS RELEASE

Axis Introduces High-performance Video Encoder Solutions Supporting H.264 Video Compression

Enable Analog Cameras to Be Integrated IntoIP-based Video Surveillance Systems

LAS VEGAS – April 2, 2008 – Axis Communications, the global leader in the network video market, today announced here at the International Security Conference & Exposition West (ISC West) three new video encoder products -- AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder, AXIS Q7406 Video Encoder Blade and AXIS Q7900 Rack -- that support the latest and highly efficient video compression format, H.264.

The products enable analog cameras to be integrated into a more efficient and powerful IP-based video surveillance system.  The new offerings are part of Axis’ new generation network video products (see AXIS Camera Station 3.0 Video Management Software announcement and AXIS P3301 Network Cameras announcement) that take full advantage of the in-house developed ARTPEC-3 chip. The new product generation incorporates the H.264 video compression standard, which allows improved image quality, simplified deployment and management of large systems and better cost-efficiency.
 

“Our new products are the first offerings on the market taking full advantage of a high-performance H.264 video encoder platform with unparalleled image processing capabilities,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications Inc. “Axis products can now deliver superb image quality with higher resolutions, frame rates and multiple streaming capabilities, and with much lower bandwidth and storage requirements using the H.264 compression standard. In addition, there is increased capacity for running intelligent video applications that help users effectively manage large-scale video surveillance systems.”

The three products consist of the standalone AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder for integrating one analog camera; AXIS Q7406 Video Encoder Blade, which supports six analog channels; and AXIS Q7900 Rack, which is one of the industry’s highest-density rack solutions with support for up to 84 analog cameras. The video encoders, which support all types of analog video cameras, convert analog signals into digital streams that are then sent over IP networks for viewing and recording.

Both the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder and AXIS Q7406 Video Encoder Blade incorporate an encoder for H.264, which is also known as MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC. Without compromising image quality, Axis’ H.264 encoder can reduce bandwidth and storage requirements by more than 80 percent compared with Motion JPEG and as much as 50% more than with the MPEG-4 Part 2 standard. The products also support Motion JPEG for increased flexibility.

The AXIS Q7401 and AXIS Q7406 also provide multiple, individually configurable video streams from each channel at full frame rate in all resolutions. Both products include intelligent capabilities such as enhanced video motion detection and active tampering alarm.

The AXIS Q7401 also supports Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af), which enables the unit, as well as the analog camera that is connected to it, to receive power through the network cable. It also offers two-way audio and audio detection, and has an SD/SDHC memory card slot for local storage.

The AXIS Q7900 Rack offers an expandable system that is ideal for use in installations with large numbers of analog cameras. The 19-inch rack holds up to 14 hot-swappable video encoder blades. With four ports that support Gigabit Ethernet, it can handle multiple video streams from each analog channel. It is also highly reliable with its redundant power supply units. In addition, it enables fan cassettes to be changed without the need to cut off power.

The Axis video encoders offer the market’s most comprehensive set of network capabilities, optimizing the network video solution for security, efficiency and manageability. The products are also supported by the AXIS Camera Station video management software, as well as the industry’s largest base of application software through the Axis Application Development Partner program.
 
The AXIS Q7401, AXIS Q7406 and AXIS Q7900 products are available through Axis’ distribution channels for the suggested retail prices of $599, $1,499 and $2,999 respectively in Q3 2008. Interested parties attending ISC West can obtain more information about this and other Axis products at booth #13601.



About Axis Communications
Axis is an IT company offering network video solutions for professional installations. The company is the global market leader in network video, driving the ongoing shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Axis products and solutions focus on security surveillance and remote monitoring, and are based on innovative, open technology platforms.

Axis is a Swedish-based company, operating worldwide with offices in 18 countries and cooperating with partners in more than 70 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange, Large Cap and Information Technology. For more information about Axis, please visit our website at www.axis.com.
 

                                                                                                                           ###


Contacts:
George Cohen                                      Valerie Wehler
617-325-0011                                        978-614-2068
axis@gccpr.com                                  valerie.wehler@axis.com