Axis introduces a professional day and night camera for demanding security applications

Axis Communications today launched the AXIS 221 Day & Night Network Camera, a high performance camera for round-the-clock surveillance over IP networks.

With the ability to provide high quality images under all lighting conditions, the AXIS 221 is an ideal solution for indoor and outdoor applications, including the surveillance of buildings, roads, parking areas, garages, railway stations and airports. The camera is supported by the industry's largest base of application software for video and alarm management. The AXIS 221 features an automatic, removable infrared-cut filter, which enables the camera to provide color video when there is sufficient light, and black and white video in dark conditions. It uses a high performance Pentax lens and a progressive scan CCD image sensor so that moving objects can be presented without distortion. In addition to support for full frame rate at all resolutions, the AXIS 221 offers simultaneous Motion JPEG and advanced MPEG-4 video streams to optimize image quality and bandwidth efficiency. The AXIS 221 also supports a number of advanced features that give the camera increased flexibility and intelligence, including: • Power over Ethernet, which enables power to be delivered through the network cable. This means the camera doesn't require separate cabling for power and is, therefore, easier to install. • Video motion detection, which can activate the camera to start sending and recording images once it detects any motion that occurs within its field of view or specifically within an area defined by a user. • Pre- and post-alarm buffer. This enables the camera to internally save images from before and after an alarm event occurs (approximately five minutes of video images in total). • Privacy masking. This allows areas of a recorded image to be blacked out for privacy reasons. • Inputs/outputs for connecting external devices such as door sensors and relays to activate light or close doors. The AXIS 221 and an optional protective housing are available through Axis' distribution channels in April 2005. For product images, please visit: www.axis.com/corporate/press/photos.htm