Axis Strengthens Network Video System Offerings With New Video Decoder, Network I/O Audio Module, Installation Display

ANAHEIM, CA – Sept. 21, 2009 – Axis Communications, the global leader in the network video market, today announced here at ASIS International 2009 three new products that help strengthen its network video system offerings.

They include the AXIS P7701 Video Decoder with support for H.264, the AXIS P8221 Network I/O Audio Module and the AXIS T8412 Installation Display, a device that makes it easier to set up a camera.

"With the growth of network video in all main markets, the need for accessory products is becoming more and more important to facilitate all system requirements such as audio and video decoding,‖ said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications Inc. Additionally, tools for reducing installation time like the Installation Display will save money for installers and end users."

AXIS P7701 Video Decoder

The AXIS P7701 provides an easy-to-use monitoring solution by enabling analog or digital monitors/projectors to connect to and display live video from Axis network cameras and video encoders. The AXIS P7701 is ideal for use with a public view monitor and in large and small surveillance systems. The video decoder can decode full frame-rate video streams in H.264, MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG in all resolutions up to D1 (720x480 pixels in NTSC) and provides RCA (analog) and DVI (digital and analog) outputs.

Video from any number of cameras can be shown in sequence. When an alarm is triggered in a network camera or video encoder, the AXIS P7701 can be configured to automatically display alarm-triggered video. The AXIS P7701 also decodes audio. The video decoder can be powered either through Power over Ethernet (PoE) or through an external power supply.

AXIS P8221 Network I/O Audio Module

The AXIS P8221 provides eight configurable input/output (I/O) ports and audio capabilities to a network video system that either does not have such support or requires additional support. Sensors such as a door switch, smoke detector, IR detector or glass break detector—used for triggering an alarm event—can be connected as inputs on the AXIS P8221. Output ports can be connected to control devices or relays, for instance, to open/close doors or turn on/off lights upon alarm. The AXIS P8221 supports two-way audio and has a built-in low power amplifier for small speakers so there is no need for an external preamplifier. It also has phantom power for a high-quality balanced microphone and can be powered through PoE.

AXIS T8412 Installation Display

The AXIS T8412 is a battery-powered handheld device that greatly simplifies the field installation of both Axis network cameras as well as existing analog cameras. It displays live video from a camera and makes setting a camera’s viewing angle and focus at the installation site easier than with the use of a laptop or remote computer. It offers user-friendly features such as touch-screen, zoom and snapshot functions. The AXIS T8412 can connect directly to a camera or to a network and search for Axis network video products. An Axis network camera with built-in PoE support can even be powered directly by the AXIS T8412, which gives installers greater flexibility.
The new products will be available in Q4 2009. Pricing for the P8221 is a suggested retail price of $349, the T8412 is $649 and the P7701 is $499.