AXIS P3304 Fixed Dome Network Camera

Media Streams

Media Streams

The Axis product provides several audio and 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, audio streams and to the list of available stream profiles. Other applications and clients can access video and audio 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 P3304 user manual Media Streams, How to Stream H.264, Axis Media Control AMC

P3304 specifications

The Axis Communications P3304 is a highly regarded network camera that caters to a variety of surveillance needs. Renowned for its robust performance and advanced features, the P3304 has become a popular choice for businesses and organizations seeking reliable security solutions.

One of the main features of the Axis P3304 is its exceptional image quality. Equipped with a 1/3” progressive scan RGB CMOS sensor, the camera delivers high-definition video footage with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, ensuring that critical details are captured clearly. The camera supports multiple video streams, allowing users to optimize bandwidth usage and customize viewing options according to specific requirements.

The P3304 boasts a wide dynamic range (WDR) technology, which enables it to handle challenging lighting conditions. This feature enhances visibility in environments with bright and dark areas, making it ideal for settings like entrance foyers or retail stores, where varying lighting can make surveillance difficult. WDR ensures that both shadows and highlights are captured effectively, leading to improved overall image quality.

Additionally, the camera is equipped with Axis’ Zipstream technology, which optimizes bandwidth and storage without compromising image quality. By analyzing the scene and automatically reducing the bitrate of areas with little detail, Zipstream allows for significant savings in data storage and transmission costs, making it an efficient choice for businesses with extensive surveillance needs.

The Axis P3304 also includes features designed for enhanced security and ease of use. It is compliant with the ONVIF profile, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of video management systems. This makes integration into existing security infrastructures seamless and hassle-free. Furthermore, the camera has built-in analytics capabilities, such as motion detection and tampering alarm, which bolster its functionality and provide additional layers of security.

Durability is another hallmark of the Axis P3304. The camera is designed to operate in various environmental conditions, with an IP51 rating for ingress protection against dust and moisture. This makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.

In summary, the Axis Communications P3304 is a versatile network camera that combines high-definition video quality, advanced technologies like WDR and Zipstream, and strong durability. With its array of features tailored for security and surveillance, it provides an effective solution for a wide range of applications, meeting the demands of modern security needs efficiently.