Axis Camera Companion IP surveillance software

Axis Communications has announced a major upgrade to the Axis Camera Companion free software client that doubles the recording capacity when using SD memory cards. The release also includes new features such as multiple user access levels and joystick support.

The company has also added support for 64 GB SDXC cards in all network video products with SD card capabilities, so users will benefit from the doubled recording capacity, meaning that each camera can record over one month of video in HDTV quality.

In addition to support for 64 GB SDXC cards, the version includes support for administrator, operator and viewer user-access levels, so that system access for different users can be restricted. Joystick support for efficient control of Axis PTZ network cameras is also available.

The 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 smartphones and tablets, such as iPhone, iPad and Android.

Unlike analog 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. Additionally, existing analog cameras can be integrated via video encoders.