DVB broadcasters may have an early head start, but the rapid adoption of HEVC should level the playing field, bringing in IP operators as well. At least that is the thinking for SoftAtHome who is launches HEVC decoding for UHD videos.

SoftAtHome says. “There is already an abundance of 4K-cinema content available, so that VoD offerings can be operational at once.” By supporting the emerging HEVC compression technology, SoftAtHome’s solutions hope to help operators future-proof their devices and give them the opportunity to start educating their subscribers. Read more...

ONVIF, the leading global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, announces the Release Candidate for Profile G, the specification designed to store, search, retrieve and playback media on devices or clients that support recording capabilities and on-board storage.

This new Profile is now available for review on the ONVIF website.

As with Profile S, which ONVIF introduced in 2012 as the standard interface to stream video and audio between conformant devices and clients, Profile G now brings video playback into the Profile concept. Having global interface specifications, with specific functionalities easily identified by Profiles, makes it easier for end users, integrators, consultants and manufacturers to harness the opportunities offered by network video technology. Read more...

Sony’s new Scalable Management Software (SMS) views and controls Sony NSR and RSM recording products for security camera monitoring.

It can be used to connect up to 1000 Sony NSR-500 and/or NSR-1000 series recorders across multiple monitoring sites and allows for scalable monitoring systems – adding cameras on-the-fly. In addition, multiple site surveillance with a single system can be centralized. It’s a web-based client and includes map integration with virtual tracking feature that allows the user to associate multiple cameras in close proximity. Read more...

VDO360 has developed and brought to market “the first professional grade USB PTZ HD camera under $1,400:” the PTZHD-01, a 720P pan, tilt, and 12x zoom.

This maker hopes its device will enable the SME to have the same access to visual communications as the Fortune 500, at a fraction of the cost. Telemedicine is also a market that could benefit from this development, as the camera is capable of being controlled through RS232 VISCA commands, enabling visual examination from a distance.

While the idea of a USB HD PTZ camera isn’t exclusive to VDO360, the price point is. While the rest of the VTC industry has been pushing their way to the next great codec, the next great telepresence product, VDO360 says it has decided to focus on the actual users. Read more...