[Ef] Webcam upgrade recommendation

[Lomonaco, Pedro]

Hi Tommy,

We also have two systems, quite similar to those described by Walter.

First, a monitoring system connected as webcams. These are quite simple Axis 211, 213 and 214 cameras, SD, and actually discontinued by Axis. However, they do their job, which is enabling outside observes to see what is going on, with very limited capabilities.

Then, we have an HD system. We have 6 Panasonic AW-HE60SN which we can connect to a Panasonic AW-RP50 Controller and an AW-HS50 Switcher. We have 2 sets of controllers and switches, one for each facility. The cameras are also connected to a Sound/Devices PXI-240 or PXI-260i recorders. We have 2 PXI-240 recorders and 4 PXI-260i recorders. We have used video to record data and synchronization becomes important. The system has the possibility of external triggering and time stamps from a server connected to a GPS antenna.

We record on HD-SDI and the size of the videos are quite considerable (about ¼ of a Terabyte for 2.5 hours of video). Compression is possible of course, but it has to be done after the fact.

Attached I have included a sketch of the system. Bear in mind that some of the final models we have used are different, but in general this describes our implementation.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Pedro Lomonaco, PhD | Director
O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory | Oregon State University | School of Civil and Construction Engineering
3550 SW Jefferson Way | Corvallis, OR 97331 | 541-737-2875 (Direct Line) | 541-737-6974 (FAX)
pedro.lomonaco at oregonstate.edu<mailto:pedro.lomonaco at oregonstate.edu> | http://wave.oregonstate.edu<http://wave.oregonstate.edu/>

From: Ef [mailto:ef-bounces at designsafe-ci.org] On Behalf Of Walter Conklin
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 10:40 AM
To: Thomas Marullo <tmm3 at lehigh.edu>; ef at designsafe-ci.org
Subject: Re: [Ef] Webcam upgrade recommendation

Hello Tommy, This is Walter Conklin from the FIU Wall of Wind.

We have two systems. The surveillance system uses IP Cameras connected to a Security Server through a PoE Switch. You may also need PoE injectors for some PTZ cameras that require more power such as the WV-SW395 mentioned below.
The server software uses H.264 compression.
It is mostly used for monitoring and web streaming.  Depending on how many cameras you are using and the bandwidth you have will dictate the fps.
You sometimes have to tweak which cameras you want at 30fps and what cameras can be slower. The quality is OK but you don’t really get HD quality even though the camera may say 720.
It depends on the server settings. Also, make sure you are using CAT5E or CAT6 cable otherwise it may not handle the bandwidth and you’ll scratch your head wondering why can ‘t I get 30fps from this camera.
Cameras PTZ – Panasonic WV-SW395
Cameras Single Point – Panasonic WV-NW502S
You can speak with a BHphotovideo.com representative to walk you through a system. Choosing the right server and software is more important than the cameras.
Some labs my know about free open source video serving software.


Our other system is HD using coaxial cable to transmit an SDI signal to an SDI recorder.
The cameras also require an additional CAT cable for controlling the PTZ of each camera and a PTZ controller.
We only have two of these right now. If we add more a dedicated SDI recorder is required  for each camera.
I’m sure there are other ways to do it but this is within our budget.
This is HD quality video that we use for archiving our testing.
File sizes are large because we do not compress these videos.
HD Camera – Panasonic AW-HE60SN (60fps at 1080 and 720)

Just a quick overview of our systems.


Walter Conklin
Laboratory Manager
Florida International University
International Hurricane Research Center
Wall of Wind Research Facility
11200 SW 8th Street,  Bldg. AHC5 - 222
Miami, Florida 33199
305-348-7499
Walter.Conklin at fiu.edu<mailto:Walter.Conklin at fiu.edu>
http://wow.fiu.edu




From: Ef [mailto:ef-bounces at designsafe-ci.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Marullo
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 11:07 AM
To: ef at designsafe-ci.org<mailto:ef at designsafe-ci.org>
Subject: [Ef] Webcam upgrade recommendation

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for webcams. We are using 10 year old Sony and Axis cams that are SD and Ethernet. I want to upgrade to HD and if wireless is an option for 30fps HD over wireless with PTZ. Also curious what sites are using for their webcam systems, if they are just independent or do you use a DVR/portal like service for all cams.

Thanks,
Tommy Marullo


--
Thomas M. Marullo, Research Scientist III & RTMD IT Manager
ATLSS Engineering Research Center
Lehigh University, 117 ATLSS Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015
(610) 758-6683
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