IP video surveillance is ideal for those who want to use the reach of their IP network and benefit from the flexibility it brings. These systems can allow a single operator to monitor cameras from anywhere on the network. Conversely, remote and occasional users have a variety of ways of accessing live and recorded video without requiring a significant amount of dedicated CCTV hardware.
Currently, there are no common standards in the CCTV market. Due to the incompatibility between IP video devices, options are limited with customers locked into particular manufacturer’s IP solutions. Custom software development is required by software developers to integrate between different CCTV systems, a lengthy and costly time consuming process.
The formation of ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) by Axis, Bosch and Sony in 2008 was due to the recognition that simplifying the integration process in the IP video market was a key component in accelerating adoption of IP video surveillance systems.
Devoted to the development of a standard interface for the network video market, ONVIF members are committed to the adoption of network video in the security market. The standard is intended to ensure interoperability between network video products regardless of the manufacturer, meaning any ONVIF compatible camera will work with any ONVIF compatible recording software or device.
With more than 300 companies expressing an interest and 11 of the top 15 video surveillance companies having joined ONVIF, the CCTV industry has decided that standards for the interface of network video products are desirable. Simon Harris at IMS Research said "With the rapid market growth of network video products, the need for a standardised interface has become more and more evident." It is believed that not only will a commonly used standard reduce costs but it will accelerate the migration to network video and give end users greater confidence in using IP based solutions.
ONVIF will define a method for how cameras communicate IP Video to other devices such as Network Video Recorders and Video Management Systems. Any IP cameras that are compliant with the standard will now be compatible with these devices, widening the network video market. It will also help to reduce the workload for developers, integrators and systems designers and benefit the end user through greater choice, flexibility and cost savings.
Following the recent release of the ONVIF test tool and conformance process, LILIN, one of the world’s largest CCTV manufacturers, recently released the world’s first ONVIF conformant network video products.
The first products include an extensive range of High Speed Domes, External IR cameras and a stand alone encoder.
"We congratulate LILIN on launching the first ONVIF conformant products," says Andreas Schneider, Sony Corporation and Chairman of ONVIF’s Technical Services Committee. "Having the first conformant products on the market is an important milestone for ONVIF. It also proves that the ONVIF specification, test tool and conformance process enable manufacturers to easily develop and verify ONVIF conformant products, which is key to achieve global interoperability."
"LILIN’s announcement further confirms ONVIF’s significance in the market. We expect other companies to follow in the near future and it is only a matter of time until we see a wide range of ONVIF conformant products available," says Andreas Schneider.
The LILIN IP program involves transitioning much of its extensive range to IP, with every new unit being ONVIF compliant. Over the coming months further announcements will herald the release of a full system offering and extended camera range. Not only will this allow LILIN to supply full IP systems with future proof interoperability but will also provide users with the option to select third party ONVIF compliant products for integration, including Video Analytics and Video Management Software.
Jason Hill, LILIN UK Managing Director said "This is a significant milestone for LILIN and the future IP CCTV market worldwide. Industry standards will provide LILIN IP products with compliance with any software regardless of manufacturer. I believe that standards have now positioned IP to take the market share from traditional analogue in the very near future and pave the way for making HD CCTV a reality in the next year or two. As an industry we now have to communicate the benefits that this and other standards are bringing to the End User and move the technology forward and upwards."
The overall goal on ONVIF is to make it easier for end users, system designers and consultants to take advantage of the possibilities offered by network video solutions – regardless of the brand of product they choose. An open standard will enable them to easily use products from various vendors in the same installation – achieving seamless integration of different network video surveillance products regardless of brand. In short, they’ll be able to take advantage of plug and play capabilities.
For more information on ONVIF, visit www.LILIN.co.uk or –
