AXIS M3204 Network Camera

Media Streams

Media Streams

The Axis product provides several video stream formats. Your requirements and the properties of your network will determine the type you use.

The Live View page in the product provides access to H.264 and Motion JPEG video streams, and to the list of available stream profiles. Other applications and clients can access video streams directly, without going via the Live View page.

How to Stream H.264

H.264 can, without compromising image quality, reduce the size of a digital video file by more than 80% compared with the Motion JPEG format and as much as 50% more than the MPEG-4 standard. This means that much less network bandwidth and storage space are required for a video file. Or seen another way, much higher video quality can be achieved for a given bit rate.

Deciding which combination of protocols and methods to use depends on your viewing requirements, and on the properties of your network. The available options in AXIS Media Control are:

Unicast RTP

This unicast method (RTP over UDP) is used

 

 

 

for live unicast video, especially when it is

 

 

 

important to always have an up-to-date video

 

 

stream, even if some frames are dropped.

 

Unicasting is used for video-on-demand

RTP over RTSP

This unicast method (RTP tunneled over RTSP)

transmission so that there is no video traffic

on the network until a client connects and

 

is useful as it is relatively simple to configure

 

 

 

requests the stream.

 

firewalls to allow RTSP traffic.

 

 

 

Note that there are a maximum of 20

 

 

 

RTP over RTSP over HTTP

This unicast method can be used to traverse

 

simultaneous unicast connections.

 

firewalls. Firewalls are commonly configured

to

 

 

allow the HTTP protocol, thus allowing RTP to

 

 

be tunneled.

 

 

 

 

 

Multicast RTP

This method (RTP over UDP) should be used for live multicast video. The video stream is always

 

up-to-date, even if some frames are dropped.

 

 

Multicasting provides the most efficient usage of bandwidth when there are large numbers of

 

clients viewing simultaneously. A multicast cannot however, pass a network router unless the

 

router is configured to allow this. It is not possible to multicast over the Internet, for example.

 

Note also that all multicast viewers count as one unicast viewer in the maximum total of 20

 

simultaneous connections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AXIS Media Control negotiates with the Axis product to determine the transport protocol to use. The order of priority, listed in the AMC Control Panel, can be changed and the options disabled, to suit specific requirements.

Note

H.264 is licensed technology. The Axis product includes one H.264 viewing client license. Installing additional unlicensed copies of the client is prohibited. To purchase additional licenses, contact your Axis reseller.

MJPEG

This format uses standard JPEG still images for the video stream. These images are then displayed and updated at a rate sufficient to create a stream that shows constantly updated motion.

The Motion JPEG stream uses considerable amounts of bandwidth, but provides excellent image quality and access to every image contained in the stream. The recommended method of accessing Motion JPEG live video from the Axis product is to use the AXIS Media Control in Internet Explorer in Windows.

AXIS Media Control (AMC)

AXIS Media Control (AMC) in Internet Explorer in Windows is the recommended method of accessing live video from the Axis product.

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Axis Communications M3204 user manual Media Streams, How to Stream H.264, Axis Media Control AMC

M3204 specifications

Axis Communications is renowned for its innovative approach to network video technology, and its M3200 series is a testament to this legacy, comprising models such as the M3204-V, M3203-V, M3203, and M3204. These cameras are designed to meet the diverse needs of surveillance applications while maintaining high standards of video quality and performance.

One of the standout features of the M3200 series is its compact and discreet design. The cameras are ideal for indoor use in environments where aesthetics are vital, such as retail stores, hotels, and offices. Their unobtrusive form factor allows them to blend seamlessly into various settings while providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

The M3204-V and M3204 models support two-way audio, allowing users to not only monitor but also communicate through the camera. This feature is particularly useful for interactive communication in scenarios like customer service or security personnel directions. Additionally, it supports an audio input for connecting external microphones, which enhances situational awareness.

All models in the series are equipped with Axis’ Lightfinder technology, enabling them to capture high-quality video in low-light conditions. This technology ensures that users receive clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting environments. Furthermore, the M3200 series offers Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) functionality, which helps to enhance the visibility of both dark and bright areas in a scene simultaneously.

With support for1080p resolution at up to 30 frames per second, the M3200 series delivers crisp and detailed video, making identification easier. The cameras also feature H.264 compression technology, which helps optimize bandwidth and storage requirements without sacrificing quality.

For added versatility, the M3200 series includes a wide variety of mounting options, making it easy to install the cameras in various settings. They also come equipped with an IP51 rating for dust and drip protection, ensuring reliable operation even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Moreover, the integration of Axis' Zipstream technology efficiently compresses video, thereby decreasing storage and bandwidth usage while retaining critical forensic details. This is particularly beneficial for long-term archiving of footage without quality loss.

In conclusion, Axis Communications M3200 series models such as the M3204-V, M3203-V, M3203, and M3204 offer advanced features tailored for effective surveillance. The combination of compact design, enhanced low-light capabilities, flexible installation options, and superior image quality positions the M3200 series as a top choice for those seeking reliable and efficient security solutions.