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Alright, Axis’s Zipstream technology sells itself in a lot of ways you’re probably already familiar with. 50% reduction in storage requirements is the big one. Of course, that’s pretty possible – 50% is easy to achieve if you twist the stats and numbers of comparing systems. We will give Axis the fact that Zipstream is a pretty crafty technology that compresses very, very well. While we think the 50% is reaching it most cases, what is not ‘reaching’ is the fact that Zipstream has incredible compression tech for PTZ security cameras in particular.
What is Axis Zipstream?
What’s awesome about Axis’s Zipstream tech is that it has a lot of dynamic functionalities going on which it uses to squeeze out the best compression it can. Little things that, truly, put it over the edge of a lot of competitors. One of the best tricks Axis has implemented is that of Zipstream automatically adapting to the present activity. Basically, if the image has a lot going on, the camera will strengthen the quality to get a better recording. Conversely, if there’s little activity on screen, it will lower the image quality, giving it faster streaming speed as well as smaller files for storage.
Whereas most compression technologies slowly accrue worse bandwidth usage whenever a PTZ camera moves around, Zipstream compensates for this, cutting down on network data usage and, on the back end, video storage requirements.
Zipstream is compatible with the H.264 compression standard and couples well with all the Axis technologies. It operates in conjunction with video recorder tech such as Axis Companion as well as any third-party video management software.
How does Axis Zipstream work?
Axis Communications, a company that specializes in network video surveillance, offers a technology called “Axis Zipstream” to optimize video compression and reduce bandwidth and storage usage in their network cameras. Please note that there might have been developments or changes in the technology since then, so I recommend checking the latest Axis Communications documentation or resources for the most up-to-date information.
Here’s a general overview of how Axis Zipstream worked based on my last update:
Video Compression Optimization
Axis Zipstream is designed to optimize the compression of video streams in real-time. It uses various algorithms to analyze and prioritize different parts of the video frame. Not all areas of a video frame have the same level of detail or change at the same rate. Zipstream focuses on preserving the quality of critical areas while reducing the quality of less important regions.
Dynamic Adjustment
Zipstream dynamically adjusts the compression parameters based on the content of the video. In areas of the video frame where there is little to no motion or change, it increases compression to save bandwidth and storage space. Conversely, in areas with motion or important details, it reduces compression to maintain higher image quality.
Frame Rate Control
Another aspect of Zipstream is frame rate control. It can reduce the frame rate in situations where a high frame rate isn’t necessary. For example, if a camera is capturing a mostly static scene, it can reduce the frame rate to save bandwidth and storage without significantly impacting the quality of the video.
Enhanced Video Quality
While Zipstream reduces bandwidth and storage usage, it is designed to maintain image quality where it matters most. This ensures that critical details in the video are preserved, making it suitable for surveillance and security applications.
Compatibility
Axis Zipstream is typically compatible with Axis network cameras and video encoders. It can be configured and fine-tuned through Axis Camera Management software or the camera’s web interface.
Integration with Video Management Systems (VMS)
Axis Zipstream can often be integrated with various Axis Video Management Systems to provide seamless video streaming and storage optimization within a broader surveillance infrastructure.
Keep in mind that the exact workings of Axis Zipstream may vary based on the camera model and firmware version. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to Axis Communications’ official documentation and support resources.
