Surprising ways to reduce bitrate in video surveillance
The importance of reducing bitrate
Bitrate in video surveillance is important as it affects the bandwidth capacity and storage of the video. In simple terms, an increase in bitrate increases the bandwidth and storage required.
Each installation has limitations, challenges and absolute needs. That’s why the benefits of keeping a low bitrate varies from case to case. For some it could be crucial to minimize the investment of storage or bandwidth. For others the lower bitrate might provide the opportunity to keep the desired frame rate, resolution or retention time. It could even make it possible to add more cameras without the need for increased bandwidth or storage.
Keeping the bitrate at an optimum level can be directly related to either increasing image usability or saving money – sometimes both.
Technology that makes images clearer while reducing bitrate
Axis Lightfinder technology, for example, discerns color at extreme low-light and produces full color videos with important forensic information. Filming in low light often means high levels of image noise but since Lightfinder is developed to keep the image noise to a minimum, it improves both the image quality and keeps down the bitrate.
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is another example of making an image more fit for purpose, while reducing bitrate. Cameras mounted on high poles, near busy roads or at industrial sites can be shaken by winds or vibrations. The images are often blurry and troublesome to view. EIS technology detects vibration and shaking in the camera’s movements and automatically adjusts to provide a smooth, stable image that is less ’busy’ (and therefore using less bitrate), so it is easier to see what is happening in the scene.
A solution specifically for bitrate reduction
While these technologies, designed to improve the clarity of an image, have the added bonus of also reducing bitrate, Axis Zipstream has bitrate reduction as its primary objective. Designed specifically to compress videos without losing the quality and detail, Zipstream can dramatically reduce bitrate – by an average of 50% or more. This is of cause the great hero when it comes to bitrate-reducing technologies.