SteveSurf

Also, how reliable is IP66?

Panasonic

 

Pro's

Low light performance is excellent

very wide dynamic range

great anti smear

good resolution

proven product

 

Con's

Less features than Bosch

hard to set up

More fussy with lenses

no distribution amp,built in or motion detection

frame intergration multiplied too much by default

harder to use

Pricing

Support

no ability to save settings

A few things, regarding the Panasonic Model WV-CP484 SDIII Cam:

It actually does not have smear reduction.

The resolution is actually 540 TVL in color (compare with 480 on other)

Has a very large # of features (four B/W modes, two maskable BLC/SDIII, Electronic Sens Boost, Digital Motion Detect, I/O, Cable Compensation, One-touch Autobackfocus, Quick Reset. I actually agree with one Con, though - no ability to save settings.

Hey Marrkk

1. My recommendation of WV-CP484 still stands - well worth it.

2. Like you had stated, the very capable Fujinon Varifocal YV2.7x29LR4A-SA2

CBC Varifocal

TG3Z3510FCS-IR f/1.0 3.5-10.5mm

Prime lenses:

TG2010FCS-HSP f/1.0

HG0608FCS-HSP 6mm 1/2" format (it's ok) f/0.8

Panasonic Prime Lens:

WV-LA908C3A 9mm f/0.75

3. Oh boy, a favorite topic of mine.

There are many that state they use CCTV cable, but fail to meet the specs:

Belden 9259 or equivalent: Must have pure copper center conductor, not copper clad steel. 15 ohms per 1000' max. DC resistance. 95% or greater pure copper overall braided shield. Use solid pin BNC Connection (two or three-piece crimp style BNC only; not stamped pins.

Use of UTP cable can degrade a signal as the cable distance increases; in your case, IMHO you are making the right choice with coax. You'll be at the limit at 750' with RG59U coax; any larger gage cable will be insurance, but must conform to the same specs as above, espec. the pure Copper center conductor one.

Again, good luck!

For the indoor cameras, i'm planning on the Pixim DPS based Pelco CCC5100H-6 because I have 2 locations with contrast problems (outside light thru glass doors).

 

For exterior cameras (the DPS chip is not good in low-light), I was going to use the Pelco CCC1390H-6, but the first one I installed failed ...

These cameras will be looking over parking areas that are illuminated at night by sodium vapor lamps. I don't think i need a color/mono day/night camera.

 

For lenses, I've seen a test report that listed a Cosmicar/Pentax fixed focal length auto-iris as best (over 570 lines resolution -but it was a 1/2 lens). Coming in second were 1/3 Bosch and Panasonic lenses (about 480 lines).

Let's take the three items in order:

1. Ironically, you're considering using a Pixum-based camera that uses pre-set patterns for high contrast lighting situations. A great camera here is the Panasonic Model WV-CP484 (you should run a test side by side before you buy), with 128x brightness range resolving capability (SDIII) that is specifically made for this type of situation.

2. The key decision points here are the resolving of colors in the 2200 degree K range (I estimate) of your Sodium Vapor lights. Some cameras have the capability to cover a secondary lower Color Temp range. Here the Model WV-CP484 also has (and a few other mfrs also) an ATW2 range (automatic white balance secondary range). FYI this is also a very sensitive Day/Night camera, with Auto Backfocus, eliminating focus shift issues.

3. Here I am shocked that Fujinon or CBC was not #1. Perhaps this may say something about the test! In any case, start with Fujinon, then CBC, then Panasonic, then Tamron, but consider only the Aspherical, fast, large maximum aperture lenses. Choose a prime (fixed focal length) if possible, like a 9mm f/0.75. You'll be shocked how great your results will be by adding a more sensitive lens.

Good luck with the purchase.

Anyone have any pics/vids of this dome cam? day/night/outside, etc. In particular, I would like to see what kind of quality at night.

Brand A (left) VS WV-CW474AS (right) @ Below 1Lux, Color Mode

Brand A (left) VS WV-CW474AS (right) @ Below 1Lux, B/W Mode w/IR

I'll try to get some actual outdoor B/W no IR images for you.

Anyone know what the difference is between the two? Same with the WV-CU360 vs WV-CU360C controller. C model newer? Thx.

Keep in mind that you can still access 8-step mode control with the non-"C" controller (backward compatibility). However, as a rule, you should avoid incompatibilities if possible. Good luck with the products.

I think you mean multicast/unicast solutions. Of course - multicast is most wanted. What I know - Milestone is limited to 64 remote cameras (too small) - but thanks for help.

The Milestone Enterprise product actually supports a maximum view of 64 cameras per screen (!) and 64 cameras per server (multiple servers supported) and 16 remotely viewed cameras. The design limits on the system are determined by Frame Rate (indiv. cam), a max of 600,000 images recorded per camera and a number of other items accurately calculated here and here.

Good luck with your purchase!

The cameras I'm trying to install are rated 4.5 watts at 24VAC. They also will run on DC but the Watts @ 12VDC are not listed. ZK

Here is a link to the Altronix Voltage Drop Chart; here is the VD calc by Panasonic

Among all of the DVR Card Manufacturers, who from your personal opinions/experiences uses the least CPU and Systems Resources. Please list DVR card model, Computer Configuration and anything else that would be helpful.

 

Here is an example of one of our cards on a pentium 2.0 Ghz/256MB DDR Ram/MSI 865pe-V MOBO/Win2000 Sp4. System was Webcam enabled, remote access, and recording. CPU usage was at 30%.

Hello there. I am sorry, but I am not here to offer data for your study, but a recommendation. CPU usage is not the only measure in a comprehensive performance test! Some other points of measurement can include:

1. # clients logged on, and at what viewing/playback resolution

2. Recording resolution/settings/compression/image rate

3. Are all channels being recorded continuously or by motion, and then, 4. what is the avg % motion on those event-driven channels

4. What happens when a motion-based search is performed?

5. What happens to the CPU usage when higher resolution cameras are used, or cameras without an adequate sync signal

There are a number of manufacturers that perform these detailed tests, for their own use in guiding where the product should be used. They will typically not release all this data publicly, since it could be the subject of misinterpretaion without some information on the test criteria itself. I hope this helps you in your future testing!

There are many atandalone DVRs that engage FTP sessions with a remote host, sending individual images. These systems send sets of individual pictures to be stored anywhere you specify on a local or remote server.

I believe you are requesting direct recording at multiple locations of the same streaming video, or selected timeframes of that video. This is typically done with a streaming device like an encoder or IP camera that can maintain multiple IP streams (and the performance required) to two different locations. As stated earlier in the thread, it assumes you've got the bandwidth!

I know of two systems that can perform this; Milestone (server level), Verint (encoder), along with a number of IP camera manufacturers such as Panasonic. I hope this helps, and I apologize if I bumped this inadvertantly into the IP world!

These are difficult choices, Tom. Many people deploy non-enterprise unprotected wireless solutions for the obvious reasons that they save installation $. They only find out that the performance decreases and/or complications arise when adequate security is deployed over these networks.

I really believe it will get better soon, but resellers need to stop looking at all-in-one compromised WiFi solutions in lieu of more robust and not-that-more-expensive external WiFi bridges and servers.

I regularly read a publication that periodically lists all the default SSIDs for new routers; I find it equally amazing that most people have their defaults enabled and allow free access to their network and protect the PCs themselves.

If anyone wants to learn how to cost effectively secure a network, speak to the IT admins at large universities. They must permit access, but still protect their network from all sorts of attacks and snoopers. The newer security software actually permits more instrusions, but monitors their behaviour. Interesting article.

Hi I'm in search of a good wireless system for a mobile application. I have a customer, a local town, that wants a camera that can be moved around for certain activities. I have seen a lot of wireless systems and I don't know where to start or end there are so many of them. I'm looking also into the system being solar powered if possible, I have seen something like it from Dotworkz. It's a 120W system so I don't know if it's possible to adapt it to my needs.

 

Thanks.

Some of these also have the very desireable 12VDC Power Capability as well!

AirVisual makes a great app for direct use with Windows Mobile and a few high/mid range DVRs, like Panasonic's Model WJ-HD316A. It not only provides for continuous video feeds, but GIS coordinates as well, so they can interface easily with multi-site applications.

www.airvisual.com; contact Tom Hansen

FYI with Auto Backfocus (ABF; model WV-CP484), you need not worry about D/N lenses or focus shift, the camera does the adjustment of the imager itself automatically.

Del, the Panasonic Model WV-CP180 combines audio, video and power over a single coax and combines the SDIII (Super Dynamic) technology.

A typical System would be as follows:

Eight ( WV-CP180

One (1) WV-PS158

...oh there are a few

head-fi.org

bikeforums.net

nikonians.org

ilounge.com

SteveSurf & Rory:

 

I'm leaning towards the Panasonic WV-CP484 for my next sample. Does someone want to suggest a lens? Remember these are mobile, outdoor, with no control over lighting, and need day/night with wide angle coverage. Other than that, I'm easy

 

A suggestion or two for appropriate outdoor enclosures (with heater) wouldn't be ignored either.

The 484 is a great choice, but will only be successful if coupled with a high performance lens. So, I'm a photographer, and lenses are my "hot-button"!

CBC TG2010FCS-HSP 2mm f/1.0

CBC TG2Z1816FCS 1.8~3,6 f/1.6*

CBC TG2Z2814FCS-2 2.8 - 6mm f/1.4*

*(I am not sure if this is a constant aperture zoom)

These lenses will match the performance of the WV-CP484. Any less in terms of Max aperture, Glass, etc and you are reducing the capability of the camera/lens imaging system.

Good luck!

I have a client who currently uses a pelco dx3100. I was under the impression that pelco where high end. TIA

Both cameras and DVRs swapout can show some improvement, depending on the cameras' performance. The DX3100 is a discontinued unit and, perhaps a little older compression technology, so I would recommend contacting a Panasonic or Bosch Rep and trying out their DVRs with the same cameras.

Steve surf_

What are your recommendations on a high level Swith and Router. What have you used and what has worked the best for you in regards to a networked DVR.

 

Thanks

These may be quite expensive, but most of the systems we're involved in have 4 or more DVRs. At least you can compare capabilities.

Layer 2: Cisco 2950

Layer 3: Cisco 3550 Cisco 3750

Core Layer 3: Cisco 6500

Panasonic:

WV-CP484 - Wide Dynamic

WV-CP474H

Rory

With either of these two models you'll be able to handle:

128x or 64x brightness difference of the scene, respectively.

Pixel-based Dynamic Rangeadjustment or quad area-based Dynamic Range adjustment, respectively.

Automatic or manual activation of B/W mode with a no-hunting mode (camera does not bob back-n-forth in Day or Night Mode when IR light turns on (either model)

Secondary White Balance Mode for low color temp applications (Sodium Vapor Lighting.

Also, the Model WV-CP484 has auto backfocus, which will automatically refocus the camera with a swichover from Day-to-Night, eliminating focus shift. Good luck!

I know it's an old post, but...

I got one of these old thins that I'm using in my house as a way to bring all my cams together for my tv viewing. one thing that it does is it scrolls a black line in the top of the images.

There is nothing wrong with your picture (like in the Outer Limits TV show).

You have the VD2 sync pulse turned on. The Model WJ-FS616 real-time multiplexer has telemetry (camera control) built into the first four camera ports. When you connect cameras without the ability for Panasonic over-the-coax capability, you get little black lines. Turn VD2 and Camera Control off on those channels and the lines will disappear.

Here are my some thoughts on the differing compression options.

MPEG-2

 

Principle

Based on MPEG-1 compression

Extends with higher image resolution and quality

Adds new tools to achieve better compression

Pros

Real video compression (i.e., makes use of temporal redundancies)

License free

Supports higher resolution and quality

Cons

Limited bit rate, resolution and image quality

Vulnerable to information loss

Introduces latency

Complex to encode and decode

Frame rate fixed to 25 / 30 fps

Even more complex to encode and decode

Requires license fee for encoding and decoding

 

MPEG-4

 

Principle

Based on MPEG-1/MPEG-2 compression

Adds new tools to increase coding efficiency

Targets a wide range of resolutions, frame rates and bit rates

Adds object-based compression and coding of synthetic audio and video

Pros

As Per MPEG-2

Extremely versatile and flexible

Adjustable frame rate

Cons

As Per MPEG-2

A large number of profiles and levels (i.e., two MPEG-4:s are not necessarily alike)

Requires license fee for encoding and decoding

 

H.264 is a combination brainchild of the MPEG Group and the VCEG group and is a very high compression codec when people say that H.264 is actually MPEG4 they are somewhat correct. The ISO/IEC MPEG-4 Part 10 standard (formally, ISO/IEC 14496-10) are technically identical, and the technology is also known as AVC, for Advanced Video Coding

 

H.264 is a high quality video compression algorithm and is suited for all types of applications with different ranges of bit rates. H.264 compressed video data can be stored inside AVI or OGG files with the option of saving the file with or without the audio data

I know this is an older post, but I have a few comments.

Regarding latency, either MPEG2 or MPEG4 Part 2 can have lower latency through I-frame insertion. Most MPEG4 encoders do not insert extra I-frames to keep the bandwidth usage down. I have found MPEG4 Part 2 encoders to introduce far more latency than their MPEG2 counterparts. Most MPEG4 systems have latencies of around 400~500 msec, while modified MPEG2 hovers around 100~150 msec, with far better image quality, often rivaling broadcast video.

And now a brief bandwidth comparison. After an initial burst, the MPEG2 stream settles down nicely. If your network cannot handle a brief burst of up to 1.5 times the original setting, you do not receive the video stream.

MPEG4, however, might look like a substantially lower bandwidth with a network display device that measures an average usage over time. However, on closer inspection or time interval magnification, there are frequent, regular data bursts that may result in packet loss should the network not be able to handle it. Packet loss can appear like blocks, often confused with digital artifacts.

Some best practices include checking the encoder or DVR on the network itself for evaluation. Using high level switches or routers will avoid bottlenecks. Finally, developing a set of test data or system template that you are familiar with is equally important with IP-based systems as with analog.

Does anyone know the communications Protocol for the Panasonic matrix switcher. Will the Pelco protocol work. I'm using a Panasonic Matrix switcher and would like to use a speed dome controller that is not Panasonic. The Controller uses the Pelco Protocol.

PM me your contact information and the Model in question and I will help you get the protocol.

Check the Current draw of the Pano, and the total Amps of the Mutli Power supply. What make is the Multi Power supply? Take another camera off and see if the Pano then works. Whats the distance? Whats the guage of power wire used? Is the seperate power supply 12VDC or 24VAC? Does the camera have a switch for 12VDC to 24VAC?

The Model wv-cp484 has a power consump of 4.7W; check if the shielded cable is grounded. The WV-CP484 is automatic power sensing (oserve polarity for 12VDC only. The Power Supply sounds like has poor isolation.

1.) AC24 vs 12V DC

2.) Bullet Camera vs a standard camera

3.) How is the stability of the PC DVR's.

4.) Distributor's

5.) Reflection ring on 14led ir bullet camera. what usuallly causes these rings and how can they be fixed.

6.) Stable routers - I am trying to find a middle ground router for a bout $150