February 26, 2019 at 10:36AXIS vs IDIS - the battle of video surveillance manufacturers
In the right corner of the ring is AXIS, the patriarch of the video surveillance industry, displaced from the throne by Chinese companies. In the left corner is IDIS, which until 2013 was known in narrow circles as an OEM / ODM solutions provider. Which were squeezed by the same Chinese. And in 2015, they already rented one of the ten largest stands at ISC West, and announced that they had come to change the rules of the game in the industry.
Words about the rules of the game, the reference is quite specific, in 2015 only one company set the rules of the game in the industry is AXIS. In the yard 2019, it's time to take a look at what happened.
First of all, Axis is certainly a leader in the field of IP video surveillance, except for leadership distinguished by its 21 years of experience. And that is precisely why, of course, it is more interesting to compare with them than with anyone else. But there is a second.
For the second year in a row, Axis has experienced problems with the presence of cameras in distributors' warehouses. Delivery times reach several months. The problem affects not only Russia, in the United States the problem was discussed quite widely in 2017 and continues to be discussed in 2018 .
Axis has been explaining these problems in a similar way for the second year — more than they expected in demand. And this is already becoming similar to the situation with Russian public utilities for which winter every year comes unexpectedly.
And on the one hand, you can’t help but be happy for Axis, and on the other hand, you won’t be upset for several months waiting for your order.
The question is, who if not Axis, for the video surveillance industry, is almost as sacred as who, if not Putin, for Russia.
On the one hand, it creates the feeling that there is no one to choose from. HikVision and Dahua, which with their $ 4,624.1 and $ 2,022.6 million dollars in revenue for 2017, at first glance make an unambiguous bid for leadership. But with its +100500 vulnerabilities, and a ban from the US government , which, judging by the experience of Kaspersky, makes one doubt that they can seriously claim a significant presence in Western markets. About HikVision we wrote a big article on Habré .
And of course, neither HikVision nor Dahua can be called technology leaders, like probably any Chinese manufacturers. They brought to perfection, all the ability to quickly and cheaply copy technical know-how, for this we love them. But there is no talk of technological leadership yet. Although there are outlines of the situation may change. We will observe.
On the other hand, the absence of obvious pursuers gives a chance to everything that everyone is trying to take advantage of, declaring their claims who is what they want.
IDIS is just one of many in the list of applicants, moreover, at the moment it is not the most successful, judging by the financial statements.
But at the same time, declaring his desire to compete with industry leaders with his price and marketing positioning. For example onISC West 2015, IDIS rented one of the 10 largest stands next to Axis, Bosch and Honeywell.
But personally, I was not hooked by a large stand, one distinguishing feature that is absent in almost all video surveillance manufacturers.
This feature is DirectIP technology, which, in addition to a bunch of nice buns, allows you to provide a very high level of cybersecurity, a question that has been a sore subject for a couple of years now, as in video surveillance systems. Sick, but surprisingly unsolvable.
Founders Martin Gren - No. 1 on the list of the most influential people in the security technology industry, Mikael Karlsson, Keith Bloodworth, CEO Ray Mauritsson , CTO Johan Paulsson - No. 2 on the list of the most influential people in the security technology industry.
In 2015, Canon acquired AXIS for $ 2.8 billion.
Over the past few years, Axis has begun to offer a wider range of hardware and software. In addition to CCTV cameras, a few DVRs, a whole range of equipment for access control systems, and software appeared in the AXIS portfolio.
Founded in 1997 in South Korea, IDIS is part of IDIS Holdings Co., Ltd., the parent company with an annual turnover of more than 450 million US dollars.
In addition to IDIS, the holding includes Kortek Corporation , a leading manufacturer of monitors for industrial use, a manufacturer of HD PRO video surveillance systems , No. 28 in the ranking of security systems manufacturers ASmag, and IDP Corp , a manufacturer of identity card printers.
The founders and management of IDIS also do not slurp borscht: Jamie Barnfield is just the Sales Director at IDIS EUROPE, and already number 9 on the list of the most influential people in the industry. YD Kim - Founder and CEO,Albert Ryu - the founder and president of
IDIS, positions itself as a provider of integrated solutions for video surveillance systems with high quality products comparable to AXIS, but at a lower price. Despite this, IDIS does not position itself as a supplier of equipment from the low price range, and is not going to compete with HikVision and Dahua in prices.
Until 2013, the company positioned itself in the international market as a supplier of OEM and ODM solutions.
Since 2013, the company begins to actively promote its own brand by investing heavily in its promotion in international markets. IDIS marketing positioning is built around the DirectIP protocol.
Without claiming to be full-fledged financial analytics, some of the most important indicators of financial activity need to be cited. Because no matter what the equipment, it is the financial stability of the company that determines how correct and effective the development strategy is.
The graph shows the dynamics of revenue from 2009 - 2017
AXIS and IDIS are public companies, more detailed financial information is available through the links.
Probably the revenue, as nothing else shows, the entire abyss between AXIS and IDIS. On the other hand, three years, the time to launch a new brand on the highly competitive microscopic market.
Only IP cameras are represented in the AXIS assortment, but IDIS also produces, in addition to IP cameras, HD TVI cameras , this is an excellent solution for the price, especially for upgrading obsolete analog systems. But for the sake of clarity, we will only compare the range of IP equipment of both vendors.
Housing cameras are a basic and reliable solution that provides great lamp-like and lively images, which subjectively brings them closer to analog cameras. However, you will not be able to feel all their advantages simply by connecting to the switch, first you need to pre-configure. Also a feature is that the body camera necessarily requires additional accessories in the form of a mounted lens, as well as the use of an external casing for outdoor use. If observation is required in the dark, the IR illuminator will not be out of place.
AXIS offers 21 case cameras .
All case camera models have a pre-installed external lens included in the price. An option is the presence or absence of a casing, which is supplied by the manufacturer.
In total, the IDIS assortment includes 4 case models , two of which have a built-in lens with autofocus, but can also be installed in an external casing. IDIS does not have its own thermal housings for housing cameras.
The most important element of the body camera is an external lens, saving on which you can lose all the advantages of the device.
IDIS recommends using Tamron lenses, or a more expensive solution in the form of Japanese products from Theia. That is, the price of the lens will need to be added to the indicated prices.
Dome cameras - in most cases, will be the best solution for indoor use.
AXIS offers 68 dome models . Dome cameras were taken into account in the traditional sense, without fisheye and multi-sensor models.
The IDIS range includes 37 dome camera models .
Outdoor cameras are most often structurally executed in the form of a cylinder, one of the most common form factors of video cameras for outdoor use. Self-contained product, including a pre-installed lens and a protective housing.
The AXIS assortment includes 19 street cylindrical models , not including explosion-proof ones.
The IDIS range includes 17 street cylindrical models .
As can be seen from the comparison, street or cylindrical cameras are the only category where the IDIS range is wider.
Another typical group of cameras is PTZ cameras, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. They have a built-in electromechanical drive that allows you to remotely control the camcorder.
The AXIS assortment includes 26 models of PTZ cameras , not including explosion-proof ones.
The IDIS assortment includes 9 models of PTZ cameras .
A relatively recent category of camcorders. These cameras are distinguished by the use of ultra-wide-angle lenses with a viewing angle of 180 g or more. Which, in turn, introduce strong distortion along the edges of the frame, however, it can be successfully compensated by software methods, which ultimately gives the effect of using a rotary camera in the absence of any moving parts.
The IDIS range includes 3 panoramic cameras .
AXIS offers 6 panoramic models .
Modular cameras, as the name implies, consist of detachable functional modules. The base, where the “brain” of the camcorder is located, and the compression, video analysis, etc. algorithms are executed ... And a compact video module, which is not a standalone device, but connected to the base, usually using a UTP cable or, less commonly, specialized loops. Such plug-in video modules can be either one or several. In fact, such a connection topology is a miniaturized version of the analog camera and recorder bundle with access to the network.
The IDIS assortment contains 1 modular model DC-V3213XJ - the price is 44 500 rubles , which has one remote video module.
AXIS Modular Camerasare one of the strengths, as evidenced by a rather extensive line of modular cameras in various form factors and a different number of video modules available for connection. Unlike IDIS, AXIS has the option of choosing video modules and base stations, so they are implemented separately.
In total, the manufacturer offers 23 different modules , including 11 optical modules, 4 main units and 8 ready-made modular video surveillance kits.
Thermal cameras or thermal imagers capture thermal radiation using a special sensor. The main application of thermal imaging cameras is to send them into the distance at distances that can even be measured in kilometers to detect moving and, as a rule, warm-blooded objects. In addition, thermal imagers can be used in industry to control overheating mechanisms. An important advantage of thermal imagers is that they are not sensitive to mechanical pollution.
That is, a thermal imager with a lens covered with a thick layer of dirt or dust will still work out correctly, which becomes possible due to the features of its operation.
IDIS Thermal Imagers represented by two products in a cylindrical form factor, which differ only in the maximum resolution and frame rate.
The range of AXIS thermal imagers is an order of magnitude wider - 21 models . In addition to stationary thermal imagers, the range also includes rotary products, cameras with temperature alarms, as well as some hybrids of an ordinary camera and thermal imager or the so-called bispectral cameras. But the manufacturer was not limited to this, therefore, he also has compact thermal imaging cameras.
In addition, AXIS has a number of more highly specialized solutions that are not represented by IDIS, which include bispectral, multi-matrix, positionable, explosion-proof, etc. the price of which reaches several million rubles.
AXIS also produces solutions for access control systems - one, but what kind of controller for access control systems , intercoms and a fairly wide range of accessories.
IDIS, in turn, supplements its product lines with switches, monitors, and analog high-definition video surveillance systems.
I would like to separately consider the 4K format as one of the actively developing formats. Plus, these cameras are at the peak of the manufacturer’s technological capabilities, which is always especially interesting.
The main purpose of multi-megapixel video cameras in video surveillance systems is the use of digital zoom as a working tool and the resulting ability to cover objects with fewer video cameras compared to the classic FullHD standard. That is, in theory, one 4K video camera can replace 4 FullHD. Arithmetic is simple - 2 is multiplied by 4 and we get 8 million pixels. And of course, this leads to a decrease in the cost of the system, since one 4K video camera is usually still cheaper than 4 FullHD.
The AXIS 4K line of camcorders includes just7 models with a resolution of 4K , with a price range from 85 580 to 309 663 rubles.
In addition, AXIS has a number of specialized solutions with even higher resolution, such as the AXIS Q1659 case model with a resolution of 20 megapixels and a Canon pre-installed lens, the price is 483 903 rubles .
The price varies greatly depending on the lens used and may exceed 1,000,000 rubles. Nevertheless, such a camera can already compete with products used in the cinema.
The IDIS range is represented by 3 4K cameras in various designs:
As well as two 12-megapixel cameras and a Fisheye-camera with a resolution of 3200x2944 pixels.
In addition to cameras, the IDIS product line contains video recorders with support for recording in 4K resolution of streams from cameras, not only of its own production, but also of a third-party one. In order to feel the full quality of 4K images, not only when using digital zoom, but also in the main form of the camera, it is possible to directly connect 4K monitors to the recorders via the HDMI interface. At the same time, the flagship model allows you to synchronously play up to 4 channels of 4K.
Since the company includes Kortec, a manufacturer and manufacturer of video monitors, the line includes 4K monitors with diagonals of 28 inches and 84 inches at once. 84 inch panel has a price higher than that of similar products produced by mass brands, such as Samsung. The narrow specialization of these monitors for video surveillance systems apparently affects the availability of pixel shift functions to prevent them from burning out and ensuring 24/7 readiness for work, and buns in the form of a metal case, Picture-in-picture functions, trigger inputs for alarm sensors.
In total, we get a complete system from a single manufacturer: I shoot in 4K, I write in 4K, I look in 4K.
At the moment, the manufacturer presents all the components of a 4K video surveillance system, i.e. 8 megapixel cameras, NVR capable of recording and playing back the archive in 4K quality, and in fact 4K IDIS monitors, where all this could be viewed.
The range of AXIS cameras is about one and a half times wider than that of IDIS, primarily due to the greater optionality, which is a definite plus for any designer. Secondly, here AXIS would not be AXIS, due to unique cameras there are simply no analogues in the IDIS assortment.
In turn, IDIS cameras are generally cheaper, which is no less a plus for any client than a greater option for the designer.
Speaking about video recorders, it is important to make a reservation of what is its fundamental difference from a video server, since many manufacturers mix these concepts. So the DVR is a standalone device, an operating system that is not located on the HDD, but directly on the motherboard chip. HDDs are used to store records. In this case, the operating system is usually based on Linux.
If we are talking about a device running Windows and having a PC architecture, then it is already a video server, albeit externally it is similar to DVRs and has a sticker on the case with the brand name of the CCTV brand. The real collector and manufacturer are usually such companies as HP, IBM, Dell and others that are not directly related to video surveillance systems.
Speaking of axiswe can say that in their assortment of DVRs in the correct sense there is no. There is a line of video recording devices that are video servers or PC-Based recorders, as you like. Apparently this is where AXIS chose its side in the eternal dispute - Are PC dead?
In total, AXIS offers 11 network server models that Dell manufactures for AXIS.
The cost of the budget line of compact devices AXIS Companion Recorder - the price is from 369 dollars
The cost of a professional video server AXIS S2024 is 483 903 rubles .
IDIS has the opposite situation . They modestly call themselves pioneers of digital recorders in principle, which began to replace video recorders in the late 90s.
Since 1997, they have been an OEM supplier of a number of first-tier brands: Panasonic, Bosch, Honeywell, Infinity, Hitron, Siemens.
Now IDIS has a wide range of IP video recorders - 28 models , differing in wall-to-rack configuration, with a maximum number of channels from 4 to 64 and a number of slots for installing hard drives from 1 to 8. All of them are built on the same architecture and use Linux OS . Their main feature is multi-level fault tolerance. It lies in the fact that several algorithms at once provide a guarantee of archive continuity. This is its own version of edge storage technology - IDIS Smart Failover, the ability to duplicate recordings and back up the archive in IDIS Solution Suite software.
And perhaps the most noteworthy feature for real-world video surveillance systems is the hot standby NVR Failover DVRs . When we have a main recorder recording video cameras and its full analogue, which tracks the state of the main one. If it is discovered that the main registrar for some reason has failed, within 60 seconds its functionality takes over the duplicate. After restoring the main one, the system automatically returns to its original state. One such redundant NVR can track the status of up to 10 major ones.
A number of DVRs have a built-in ability to organize a RAID array .
At the same time, IDIS PC-based solutions are implemented using camera recording software, which can be delivered both without a hardware platform and together with it.
If the choice falls on PC-based solutions, then available
Round
One should probably say right away that a video archive is the main reason for the existence of video surveillance. For one simple reason, 350 million surveillance cameras have been installed in the world ( according to 2016 data ), given the fact that one operator is physically able to work with a limited number of cameras.
For example, investigation of crimes in hot pursuit, always gives at times a greater chance of solving the crime. Including because the shelf life of the video archive of the urban video surveillance system is usually not very long, in Moscow it is about one week.
Therefore, it’s a mystery to me why AXIS presents such a mediocre assortment. Even if we ignore the fact that in their assortment there are no registrars in principle. The server line is very small.
Surveillance servers, a more flexible, and functional solution compared to DVRs. But also more expensive, it is not only about the purchase price and energy efficiency, but also the installation price. That is, these are solutions for large businesses, but rather for businesses for which video surveillance is a key working environment.
Why is AXIS so persistently and consistently ignoring small and medium-sized businesses. The line of two AXIS Companion Recorder registrars cannot be considered a serious attempt to enter this market. By the way, even they are not sold in Russia.
The IDIS strategy, on the contrary, seems to make a serious bet on DVRs, turning them into Plug and Play devices.
Software in video surveillance systems is divided into the following categories: utility utilities for searching and setting device settings, classic client software denoted by CMS. And the most large-scale professional multiserver software systems with almost unlimited functionality are most often called VMS. By the way, on our site we have a review of 128 software solutions for video surveillance from around the world , 10 of which are distributed free of charge .
As a classic VMS system, the free IDIS Center software is used . With a classic set of features required for such software. The flagship software is IDIS Solution Suite . This is a multi-server tool for recording an unlimited number of cameras organized on the basis of the Windows OS.
Software has a client-server architecture. The server part, in turn, consists of a set of services. The main ones are - administration service, monitoring service, recording service, streaming service. Each service is determined by its functionality, IP-address and network port. This separation allows the flexible use of PC hardware resources. That is, we can understand which service requires a lot of computing power, for example, a streaming service that broadcasts 4K video streams to dozens of users, and which one requires a little computing power - for example, an already announced administration service that only manages a license and is a gateway for interacting with client software. Failover or hot backup services of the main servers, backup and video analytics are also available for users.
In addition, IDIS Solution Suite is recognized as the winner of the 4th annual SSI Security Solutions Awards 2018
The license allows you to combine several IDIS Solution Suite systems into a federation, under the control of a super admin, gaining access to all video cameras and devices. That is, the user does not have to connect the client application to a particular server each time, he will immediately get access to all devices in all systems. The versatility and scalability of the IDIS Solution Suite is confirmed by the support of different versions (for example, between the client software and the server) and unlimited backward compatibility, which means that all products released by IDIS for more than 20 years of existence can be connected to the current version of the software.
Cloud video surveillance, which has gained popularity now, is implemented in IDIS as its own P2P cloud service - IDIS FEN. One of the features of which is that you can independently set the identifier for the device, that is, you do not have to memorize long combinations of letters and numbers, or go to the device using the QR code on the package.
In conjunction with the P2P service are mobile applications for Android and iOS . Well and standard browser ActiveX plug-ins for IE, Chrome and Safari.
AXIS software is intermediate between the second and third types described above.
AXIS Companion
The first of them is AXIS Companion monolithic software for access to IP cameras, if recording is done on their built-in memory cards. This software is sold only in conjunction with products from the AXIS Companion Recorder line.
AXIS Camera Station
The second is AXIS Camera Station client-server software that replaces classic Linux video recorders with AXIS and usually comes pre-installed on the server. According to AXIS, it is only suitable for medium-sized systems.
The licensing scheme is slightly different than IDIS and is optimized directly for devices from the AXIS Camera Station line.
Round
AXIS has no proprietary software for truly global systems. AXIS Camera Station is more comparable to the free IDIS Center or IDIS Solution Suite Compact software.
IDIS software is universal, suitable not only for its own devices, but also for third-party ones, including AXIS cameras integrated with the native protocol and in the IDIS Solution Suite. And it can be the basis for any video surveillance system of almost any complexity
In the previous section, we played enough with quantitative characteristics, raise rates and move on to qualitative ones. Obviously, they will be the most important.
It is interesting to compare quality in isolation from reality only for the purposes of basic science, but we will try to understand this issue in the most practical way.
Take the best-selling Axis cameras, pick an analog from IDIS and compare.
Using only our own sales statistics would not be representative and uninteresting even for ourselves, so we traditionally took statistics from the Yandex search engine, which is still the most popular.
We compare dome cameras, one of the most popular in the AXIS line, the M3046-V dome camera and the IDIS DC-D3212X camera. We will compare the bitrate, image quality in artificial lighting, in low light and contrast lighting. With photos and video examples.
Video comparison of image quality obtained from Axis M3046-V and IDIS DC-D3212RX cameras in the conditions of: artificial lighting, in low light conditions and in contrast lighting conditions.
A detailed analysis of camera comparisons between Axis M3046-V and IDIS DC-D3212RX cameras is available in a separate review .
We compare case cameras, one of the most popular AXIS P1367 case camera and IDIS DC-B3303X case camera in the AXIS line. We will compare the bitrate, image quality in artificial lighting, in low light and contrast lighting. With photo and video examples
Video comparison of image quality obtained from AXIS P1367 and IDIS DC-B3303X cameras in conditions of: artificial lighting, in low light conditions and in contrast lighting conditions.
A detailed analysis of the comparison of camera cameras AXIS P1367 and IDIS DC-B3303X is available in a separate review .
We compare cylindrical outdoor cameras, one of the most popular in the AXIS line of cameras, the AXIS P1425-LE Mk II outdoor camera and the IDIS DC-T3233HRXL outdoor camera. We will compare the bitrate, image quality in artificial lighting, in low light and contrast lighting. With photos and video examples.
Video comparison of image quality obtained from AXIS P1425-LE Mk II and IDIS DC-T3233HRXL cameras in conditions of: artificial lighting, in low light conditions and in contrast lighting conditions.
A detailed analysis of camera comparisons between the AXIS P1425-LE Mk II and IDIS DC-T3233HRXL cameras is available in a separate review .
For additional data compression, AXIS uses a technology called AXIS ZIPSTREAM. This is an add-on on the H.264 and H.265 codecs that allows you to optimize its use using a number of dynamic algorithms, the essence of which is that the frames are differentiated into important fragments and secondary ones. Important ones such as faces or license plates are stored in high detail. As secondary, not interesting, examples are given such as white walls, lawn and vegetation, the image of which is removed. Total, according to Axis ZIPSTREAM allows you to achieve fifty percent boost to traffic compression.
Also, not so long ago, ZIPSTREAM introduced a technology for dynamically changing frame rates. When, in the absence of movement in the field of view of the camera, the frame rate drops, and when the movement appears, it returns to its original values.
ZIPSTREAM working example
IDIS's additional data compression technology is called Intelligent Codec, but this is already an add-in on H.264 and H.265 codecs. The essence of Intelligent Codec is this. In the process of compressing a video stream, it is divided into reference frames I-frames and transition frames P-frames with a certain periodicity; in Intelligent Codec, X-frames or sub-supporting frames are also added to this process. Due to the appearance of which, another 15% compression is added to the 50% gain of H.265 against the background of H.264.
Here is how it is illustrated on the IDIS website: IDIS
dynamic frame rate technology is also used and has its own name IDIS MAT
MAT can be used in conjunction with H.265 and Intelligent Codec, which already provides 90% savings compared to standard H.264. without loss in quality.
One of the most popular features at the moment is the ability to transmit a color image in low light, such that ordinary cameras would have already switched to black-and-white with IR illumination on. Each manufacturer calls this function in its own way, but the essence remains the same everywhere. So in our case, for AXIS this function is called LightFinder, for IDIS it is called LightMaster.
The basis for the possibility of transmitting a color image in very low light conditions is the use of a physically large matrix, size 1 / 1.7 ", 1 / 1.8"; when transmitting images in FullHD resolution, this allows you to increase the size of each pixel on the sensor, which provides a high level of photosensitivity and low noise level.
However, AXIS LightFinder technology is based not only on this principle. In general, most AXIS cameras, according to the manufacturer, have high photosensitivity, even without the use of large matrices, so this technology is supported by most of the AXIS video camera line.
At IDIS, similar LightMaster technology is realized only through the use of physically large matrices. Therefore, this line includes only two cameras, the cylindrical DC-T3233HRXL and the dome DC-D3233HRXL . What the letter L indicates in the title.
According to expert opinions, it is on the field of video analytics and cloud video surveillance that the main battle for the video surveillance market will unfold. Concerning about cloud video surveillance we already wrote about it in detail on Habré .
And as for video analytics, there is a detailed selection guide in our corporate , in which we examined the entire global video analytics market.
At present, AXIS is moving very actively in the field of video analytics . In 2018, Canon bought the Israeli company BriefCam , which offers archive compression solutions for the quick search for moving objects in the frame.
Company Milestone wasacquired by Canon back in 2014, the transaction amount was not disclosed, but given that Milestone’s revenue in 2013 amounted to $ 72 million, experts estimate the purchase amount to be between $ 150 and $ 250 million.
AXIS itself in 2016 bought the company Citilog for 11.5 million US dollars, specializing in video analytics for the transportation industry. And Cognimatics , a company specializing in video analytics for Retail. Cognimatics no longer exists, and AXIS already specializes in video analytics for retail.
What will result from such cooperation so far can only be assumed. But so far, the main type of analytics offered by AXIS is an open platform hosted by AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) cameras , where third-party analytics algorithms can be downloaded. The gallery of such available applications features 105 video analytics applications.
IDIS video analytics is represented by several types of detectors.
Standard detectors are a motion detector, a detector for the appearance of a person in the frame, a region crossing detector, a camera exposure detector.
Far more interesting is the VA Box concept.. The VA Box is a PoE video analytics device connected to DVRs. It has three types of analytics for retail: counting visitors, a gradient activity map and a queue detector. At the same time, several types of analytics can be configured on one channel, and is built on the H.265 codec. The cost of the device is 64,999 rubles .
IDIS VA video analytics overview in the Box
Even more interesting is the machine learning technology implemented in IDIS IDLA and integrated into the flagship IDIS Solution Suite software. IDIS Deep Learning Analytics uses advanced machine learning algorithms. It allows you to detect the fact of an invasion of a certain zone or the fact of a long stay of such objects as a person, motorcycle, car.
IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) video demonstration
One of the most discussed topics by video surveillance experts, and at the same time practically not discussed by end users. Well, at least not discussed until the moment when the video from their cameras starts googling on requests like cam pranks .
The relevance of the issue of cybersecurity has especially increased after high-profile scandals related to the detection of vulnerabilities in the world's leading manufacturers of video surveillance systems.
AXIS are also noted on this list. In 2016, it was discovered that all devices manufactured since 2010 have a critical vulnerability. Information was published on the IPVM website that an attacker could initiate a telnet connection to the camera, after which he gets complete control over it, including the ability to reboot, turn it off, and even turn it into a brick. After spreading information about this vulnerability, AXIS quickly fixed this shortcoming by releasing a new firmware for the devices. Also posting a report on this on your website . There are more recent reports, VDOO researchers recently discovered serious vulnerabilities in Axis cameras that could allow an attacker to gain control of a device.
AXIS has an approach to cybersecurity, which consists in dividing it into different levels. According to the guide , there are 4 levels for users posted on the company's website:
From all this, a logical conclusion arises that, despite all these recommendations, a certain percentage of the “chosen ones” can still remain at the standard level of protection against network attacks, which in the current conditions may turn out to be insufficient.
That is, while AXIS largely entrusts cybersecurity to the end consumer by issuing appropriate guides and training tests, then IDIS provides a high level of network security by default and pre-installed. In general, for IDIS, a high level of cybersecurity in general is one of the pillars of marketing positioning. It is built on their DirectIP 2.0 technology.
This is a technology for connecting network devices that differs from the usual Onvif and is based on two basic principles: ease of setup and network security.
All this is achieved by the unconditional pairing of the camera and the recorder. That is, the registrar, as it were, absorbs the cameras for all external connections, all network ports, the web interface are blocked and now all camera settings are carried out only through the program interface of the DVR.
For its detection by the registrar, only the physical presence of switching is required. Everything is as simple as in an analog system connecting a coaxial cable to the BNC connector. And then it doesn’t matter what the network settings of the camera were, so the registrar can connect to it using protocols including Auto-IP, mDNS (Bonjour), DNS-SD.
Transmission of video streams from cameras to the DVR, in turn, is protected by TLS encryption, which replaced SSL. In parallel with this, the video archive frames are assigned a kind of interconnected watermarks, which implements IDIS Chained Fingerprint archive integrity protection technology. It vaguely resembles the now popular blockchain data protection technology.
Password encryption for access to the NVR is performed using the SHA-256 algorithm .
Several types of passwords are used to access the registrar’s interface at once: a separate password for accessing the settings menu, a password for receiving an RTSP stream, a password for connecting to the registrar as a remote desktop.
Also, two-factor authentication can be used in the user’s account in the NVR when the smartphone is linked, in which it is necessary to confirm the entry into the registrar.
The registrar also has a built-in firewall (Eng. Firewall).
What is the difference between DirectIP and ONVIF
If you suddenly need more detailed information about ONVIF, and you should pay attention to this standard outside the article’s content, this review explains in more detail why .
That is, DirectIP allows you to configure the IP-video surveillance system without using a PC. And only through a bunch of NVR-camcorder.
The ability to minimize PC usage and their inherent Windows OS with all the unexpected surprises inherent in it is generally one of the principles of IDIS. For example, we can also organize the operator’s workplace using a decoder. This is some kind of DVR with a similar interface, but truncated functionality. Allowing you to watch only live broadcasts from selected cameras.
AXIS
Warranty The basic AXIS hardware warranty is 3 years. In addition, users have the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty package for up to 5 years.
Warranty for IDIS The
warranty for IDIS equipment is 5 years. This includes the entire range of camcorders, recorders and accessories. The exception is the nodes of the rotary mechanisms in the PTZ.
Flagship registrars are covered by an extended 7-year warranty. However, it requires additional device registration.
So let's go through the main points of our comparison in the form of a check list:
The assortment range and variability of AXIS camcorders obviously has a total weight greater than all the other items in our table combined. This is what ensures the leadership of AXIS, and makes it today difficult to achieve for the pursuers.
IDIS obviously understands this, and unlike 90% of the players in the video surveillance market, it does not just offer prices lower than the leader. IDIS offers solutions that have no analogues.
And even if it fully concerns only DirectIP, read cybersecurity, but who else can boast not just some cosmetic improvement. And a full-fledged product that has no analogues, and is also in demand in practice.
Obviously, at least in terms of revenue, that only DirectIP is not enough to grow in a highly competitive market. Obviously, this is for IDIS, which announces a lot ofvalidity for 2019. There are solutions for vertical markets, new video analytics, and new equipment.
The plans are ambitious, and it is unlikely to be an easy walk, but IDIS is from South Korea, and Asian tigers are not used to realizing the most ambitious plans.
Words about the rules of the game, the reference is quite specific, in 2015 only one company set the rules of the game in the industry is AXIS. In the yard 2019, it's time to take a look at what happened.
Why Axis
First of all, Axis is certainly a leader in the field of IP video surveillance, except for leadership distinguished by its 21 years of experience. And that is precisely why, of course, it is more interesting to compare with them than with anyone else. But there is a second.
For the second year in a row, Axis has experienced problems with the presence of cameras in distributors' warehouses. Delivery times reach several months. The problem affects not only Russia, in the United States the problem was discussed quite widely in 2017 and continues to be discussed in 2018 .
Axis has been explaining these problems in a similar way for the second year — more than they expected in demand. And this is already becoming similar to the situation with Russian public utilities for which winter every year comes unexpectedly.
And on the one hand, you can’t help but be happy for Axis, and on the other hand, you won’t be upset for several months waiting for your order.
Why IDIS
The question is, who if not Axis, for the video surveillance industry, is almost as sacred as who, if not Putin, for Russia.
On the one hand, it creates the feeling that there is no one to choose from. HikVision and Dahua, which with their $ 4,624.1 and $ 2,022.6 million dollars in revenue for 2017, at first glance make an unambiguous bid for leadership. But with its +100500 vulnerabilities, and a ban from the US government , which, judging by the experience of Kaspersky, makes one doubt that they can seriously claim a significant presence in Western markets. About HikVision we wrote a big article on Habré .
And of course, neither HikVision nor Dahua can be called technology leaders, like probably any Chinese manufacturers. They brought to perfection, all the ability to quickly and cheaply copy technical know-how, for this we love them. But there is no talk of technological leadership yet. Although there are outlines of the situation may change. We will observe.
On the other hand, the absence of obvious pursuers gives a chance to everything that everyone is trying to take advantage of, declaring their claims who is what they want.
IDIS is just one of many in the list of applicants, moreover, at the moment it is not the most successful, judging by the financial statements.
But at the same time, declaring his desire to compete with industry leaders with his price and marketing positioning. For example onISC West 2015, IDIS rented one of the 10 largest stands next to Axis, Bosch and Honeywell.
But personally, I was not hooked by a large stand, one distinguishing feature that is absent in almost all video surveillance manufacturers.
This feature is DirectIP technology, which, in addition to a bunch of nice buns, allows you to provide a very high level of cybersecurity, a question that has been a sore subject for a couple of years now, as in video surveillance systems. Sick, but surprisingly unsolvable.
A bit about Axis Communications
Founders Martin Gren - No. 1 on the list of the most influential people in the security technology industry, Mikael Karlsson, Keith Bloodworth, CEO Ray Mauritsson , CTO Johan Paulsson - No. 2 on the list of the most influential people in the security technology industry.
In 2015, Canon acquired AXIS for $ 2.8 billion.
Over the past few years, Axis has begun to offer a wider range of hardware and software. In addition to CCTV cameras, a few DVRs, a whole range of equipment for access control systems, and software appeared in the AXIS portfolio.
A bit about IDIS Global
Founded in 1997 in South Korea, IDIS is part of IDIS Holdings Co., Ltd., the parent company with an annual turnover of more than 450 million US dollars.
In addition to IDIS, the holding includes Kortek Corporation , a leading manufacturer of monitors for industrial use, a manufacturer of HD PRO video surveillance systems , No. 28 in the ranking of security systems manufacturers ASmag, and IDP Corp , a manufacturer of identity card printers.
The founders and management of IDIS also do not slurp borscht: Jamie Barnfield is just the Sales Director at IDIS EUROPE, and already number 9 on the list of the most influential people in the industry. YD Kim - Founder and CEO,Albert Ryu - the founder and president of
IDIS, positions itself as a provider of integrated solutions for video surveillance systems with high quality products comparable to AXIS, but at a lower price. Despite this, IDIS does not position itself as a supplier of equipment from the low price range, and is not going to compete with HikVision and Dahua in prices.
Until 2013, the company positioned itself in the international market as a supplier of OEM and ODM solutions.
Since 2013, the company begins to actively promote its own brand by investing heavily in its promotion in international markets. IDIS marketing positioning is built around the DirectIP protocol.
Financial performance
Without claiming to be full-fledged financial analytics, some of the most important indicators of financial activity need to be cited. Because no matter what the equipment, it is the financial stability of the company that determines how correct and effective the development strategy is.
The graph shows the dynamics of revenue from 2009 - 2017
AXIS and IDIS are public companies, more detailed financial information is available through the links.
Probably the revenue, as nothing else shows, the entire abyss between AXIS and IDIS. On the other hand, three years, the time to launch a new brand on the highly competitive microscopic market.
Comparison of assortment in numbers
Camcorders
Only IP cameras are represented in the AXIS assortment, but IDIS also produces, in addition to IP cameras, HD TVI cameras , this is an excellent solution for the price, especially for upgrading obsolete analog systems. But for the sake of clarity, we will only compare the range of IP equipment of both vendors.
Box cameras
Housing cameras are a basic and reliable solution that provides great lamp-like and lively images, which subjectively brings them closer to analog cameras. However, you will not be able to feel all their advantages simply by connecting to the switch, first you need to pre-configure. Also a feature is that the body camera necessarily requires additional accessories in the form of a mounted lens, as well as the use of an external casing for outdoor use. If observation is required in the dark, the IR illuminator will not be out of place.
AXIS offers 21 case cameras .
- The cheapest M1124 - the price is 33 783 rubles
- The most expensive Q1659 70-200 mm - the price is 813,022 rubles
All case camera models have a pre-installed external lens included in the price. An option is the presence or absence of a casing, which is supplied by the manufacturer.
In total, the IDIS assortment includes 4 case models , two of which have a built-in lens with autofocus, but can also be installed in an external casing. IDIS does not have its own thermal housings for housing cameras.
- The cheapest DC-B1203X - the price is 24 966 rubles
- The most expensive DC-Z1263 - price 51 976 rubles
The most important element of the body camera is an external lens, saving on which you can lose all the advantages of the device.
IDIS recommends using Tamron lenses, or a more expensive solution in the form of Japanese products from Theia. That is, the price of the lens will need to be added to the indicated prices.
Dome Cameras
Dome cameras - in most cases, will be the best solution for indoor use.
AXIS offers 68 dome models . Dome cameras were taken into account in the traditional sense, without fisheye and multi-sensor models.
- The cheapest AXIS M3044-V - price 19,263 rubles
- The most expensive AXIS Q3609-PVE - price 232 222 rubles
The IDIS range includes 37 dome camera models .
- The cheapest IDIS DC-D4212R - price 9 990 rubles
- The most expensive DC-S1163WH - price 98 696 rubles
Outdoor camcorders
Outdoor cameras are most often structurally executed in the form of a cylinder, one of the most common form factors of video cameras for outdoor use. Self-contained product, including a pre-installed lens and a protective housing.
The AXIS assortment includes 19 street cylindrical models , not including explosion-proof ones.
- The cheapest AXIS M2025-LE - the price is 31 846 rubles
- The most expensive AXIS Q1765-LE - price 135 423 rubles
The IDIS range includes 17 street cylindrical models .
- The cheapest DC-E4212WR - price 10 990 rubles
- The most expensive DC-T1244WR - price 115 999 rubles
As can be seen from the comparison, street or cylindrical cameras are the only category where the IDIS range is wider.
PTZ camcorders
Another typical group of cameras is PTZ cameras, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. They have a built-in electromechanical drive that allows you to remotely control the camcorder.
The AXIS assortment includes 26 models of PTZ cameras , not including explosion-proof ones.
- The cheapest AXIS M5014 - the price is 48 303 rubles
- The most expensive AXIS Q8685-LE - the price is 503,263 rubles
The IDIS assortment includes 9 models of PTZ cameras .
- The cheapest DC-S1263WH - price 79 500 rubles
- The most expensive DC-S3883HRX - the price is 395 000 rubles
Fisheye panoramic camcorders
A relatively recent category of camcorders. These cameras are distinguished by the use of ultra-wide-angle lenses with a viewing angle of 180 g or more. Which, in turn, introduce strong distortion along the edges of the frame, however, it can be successfully compensated by software methods, which ultimately gives the effect of using a rotary camera in the absence of any moving parts.
The IDIS range includes 3 panoramic cameras .
- The cheapest DC-Y1514 - the price is 47 500 rubles
- The most expensive at DC-Y3C14WRX - price 79,700 rubles
AXIS offers 6 panoramic models .
- The cheapest M3037-P - price 45 399 rubles
- The most expensive M3058-PLVE - price 82 183 rubles
Modular Camcorders
Modular cameras, as the name implies, consist of detachable functional modules. The base, where the “brain” of the camcorder is located, and the compression, video analysis, etc. algorithms are executed ... And a compact video module, which is not a standalone device, but connected to the base, usually using a UTP cable or, less commonly, specialized loops. Such plug-in video modules can be either one or several. In fact, such a connection topology is a miniaturized version of the analog camera and recorder bundle with access to the network.
The IDIS assortment contains 1 modular model DC-V3213XJ - the price is 44 500 rubles , which has one remote video module.
AXIS Modular Camerasare one of the strengths, as evidenced by a rather extensive line of modular cameras in various form factors and a different number of video modules available for connection. Unlike IDIS, AXIS has the option of choosing video modules and base stations, so they are implemented separately.
In total, the manufacturer offers 23 different modules , including 11 optical modules, 4 main units and 8 ready-made modular video surveillance kits.
- The cost of the simplest modular video camera complete with the main unit starts from 17 047 rubles .
- The most expensive unit of the Axis F44 modular camera - price 53,143 rubles
Thermal imaging cameras
Thermal cameras or thermal imagers capture thermal radiation using a special sensor. The main application of thermal imaging cameras is to send them into the distance at distances that can even be measured in kilometers to detect moving and, as a rule, warm-blooded objects. In addition, thermal imagers can be used in industry to control overheating mechanisms. An important advantage of thermal imagers is that they are not sensitive to mechanical pollution.
That is, a thermal imager with a lens covered with a thick layer of dirt or dust will still work out correctly, which becomes possible due to the features of its operation.
IDIS Thermal Imagers represented by two products in a cylindrical form factor, which differ only in the maximum resolution and frame rate.
- Model DC-TH101WR with QVGA resolution - price 385 411 rubles
- And the DC-TH103WR model with VGA resolution - the price is 722 647 rubles
The range of AXIS thermal imagers is an order of magnitude wider - 21 models . In addition to stationary thermal imagers, the range also includes rotary products, cameras with temperature alarms, as well as some hybrids of an ordinary camera and thermal imager or the so-called bispectral cameras. But the manufacturer was not limited to this, therefore, he also has compact thermal imaging cameras.
- The cheapest P1280-E - price 68,448 rubles
- The most expensive Q8742-LE - the price of 2 284 380 rubles
Other
In addition, AXIS has a number of more highly specialized solutions that are not represented by IDIS, which include bispectral, multi-matrix, positionable, explosion-proof, etc. the price of which reaches several million rubles.
AXIS also produces solutions for access control systems - one, but what kind of controller for access control systems , intercoms and a fairly wide range of accessories.
IDIS, in turn, supplements its product lines with switches, monitors, and analog high-definition video surveillance systems.
4K line of camcorders
I would like to separately consider the 4K format as one of the actively developing formats. Plus, these cameras are at the peak of the manufacturer’s technological capabilities, which is always especially interesting.
The main purpose of multi-megapixel video cameras in video surveillance systems is the use of digital zoom as a working tool and the resulting ability to cover objects with fewer video cameras compared to the classic FullHD standard. That is, in theory, one 4K video camera can replace 4 FullHD. Arithmetic is simple - 2 is multiplied by 4 and we get 8 million pixels. And of course, this leads to a decrease in the cost of the system, since one 4K video camera is usually still cheaper than 4 FullHD.
The AXIS 4K line of camcorders includes just7 models with a resolution of 4K , with a price range from 85 580 to 309 663 rubles.
- The cheapest AXIS P1368-E - the price is 91 863 rubles .
- The most expensive AXIS Axis Q6128-E - the price is 309 663 rubles .
In addition, AXIS has a number of specialized solutions with even higher resolution, such as the AXIS Q1659 case model with a resolution of 20 megapixels and a Canon pre-installed lens, the price is 483 903 rubles .
The price varies greatly depending on the lens used and may exceed 1,000,000 rubles. Nevertheless, such a camera can already compete with products used in the cinema.
The IDIS range is represented by 3 4K cameras in various designs:
- Case camera DC-B1803 - price 39 931 rubles
- Street cylindrical DC-T1833WHR - price 79 789 rubles
- High-speed PTZ camera DC-S3883HRX with heater - the price is 395 000 rubles .
As well as two 12-megapixel cameras and a Fisheye-camera with a resolution of 3200x2944 pixels.
In addition to cameras, the IDIS product line contains video recorders with support for recording in 4K resolution of streams from cameras, not only of its own production, but also of a third-party one. In order to feel the full quality of 4K images, not only when using digital zoom, but also in the main form of the camera, it is possible to directly connect 4K monitors to the recorders via the HDMI interface. At the same time, the flagship model allows you to synchronously play up to 4 channels of 4K.
Since the company includes Kortec, a manufacturer and manufacturer of video monitors, the line includes 4K monitors with diagonals of 28 inches and 84 inches at once. 84 inch panel has a price higher than that of similar products produced by mass brands, such as Samsung. The narrow specialization of these monitors for video surveillance systems apparently affects the availability of pixel shift functions to prevent them from burning out and ensuring 24/7 readiness for work, and buns in the form of a metal case, Picture-in-picture functions, trigger inputs for alarm sensors.
In total, we get a complete system from a single manufacturer: I shoot in 4K, I write in 4K, I look in 4K.
At the moment, the manufacturer presents all the components of a 4K video surveillance system, i.e. 8 megapixel cameras, NVR capable of recording and playing back the archive in 4K quality, and in fact 4K IDIS monitors, where all this could be viewed.
Round
The range of AXIS cameras is about one and a half times wider than that of IDIS, primarily due to the greater optionality, which is a definite plus for any designer. Secondly, here AXIS would not be AXIS, due to unique cameras there are simply no analogues in the IDIS assortment.
In turn, IDIS cameras are generally cheaper, which is no less a plus for any client than a greater option for the designer.
Video archive storage devices
Speaking about video recorders, it is important to make a reservation of what is its fundamental difference from a video server, since many manufacturers mix these concepts. So the DVR is a standalone device, an operating system that is not located on the HDD, but directly on the motherboard chip. HDDs are used to store records. In this case, the operating system is usually based on Linux.
If we are talking about a device running Windows and having a PC architecture, then it is already a video server, albeit externally it is similar to DVRs and has a sticker on the case with the brand name of the CCTV brand. The real collector and manufacturer are usually such companies as HP, IBM, Dell and others that are not directly related to video surveillance systems.
Speaking of axiswe can say that in their assortment of DVRs in the correct sense there is no. There is a line of video recording devices that are video servers or PC-Based recorders, as you like. Apparently this is where AXIS chose its side in the eternal dispute - Are PC dead?
In total, AXIS offers 11 network server models that Dell manufactures for AXIS.
The cost of the budget line of compact devices AXIS Companion Recorder - the price is from 369 dollars
The cost of a professional video server AXIS S2024 is 483 903 rubles .
IDIS has the opposite situation . They modestly call themselves pioneers of digital recorders in principle, which began to replace video recorders in the late 90s.
Since 1997, they have been an OEM supplier of a number of first-tier brands: Panasonic, Bosch, Honeywell, Infinity, Hitron, Siemens.
Now IDIS has a wide range of IP video recorders - 28 models , differing in wall-to-rack configuration, with a maximum number of channels from 4 to 64 and a number of slots for installing hard drives from 1 to 8. All of them are built on the same architecture and use Linux OS . Their main feature is multi-level fault tolerance. It lies in the fact that several algorithms at once provide a guarantee of archive continuity. This is its own version of edge storage technology - IDIS Smart Failover, the ability to duplicate recordings and back up the archive in IDIS Solution Suite software.
And perhaps the most noteworthy feature for real-world video surveillance systems is the hot standby NVR Failover DVRs . When we have a main recorder recording video cameras and its full analogue, which tracks the state of the main one. If it is discovered that the main registrar for some reason has failed, within 60 seconds its functionality takes over the duplicate. After restoring the main one, the system automatically returns to its original state. One such redundant NVR can track the status of up to 10 major ones.
- The cheapest desktop DVR is the DR-1204P - the price is 19 900 rubles .
- The most expensive DR-8364FD ( Failover recorder with redundant power supply) - the price is 475,000 rubles .
A number of DVRs have a built-in ability to organize a RAID array .
- IDIS DVRs with RAID1 support - price from 49 500 rubles
- IDIS video recorders with RAID5 support - price from 249 500 rubles
- IDIS DVRs with RAID6 support - price from 265,000 rubles
- IDIS video recorders with RAID10 support - price from 249 500 rubles
At the same time, IDIS PC-based solutions are implemented using camera recording software, which can be delivered both without a hardware platform and together with it.
If the choice falls on PC-based solutions, then available
- 32-channel video server IR-100 - price 329 000 rubles
- 64-channel IR-300 video server - the price is 429 000 rubles
Round
One should probably say right away that a video archive is the main reason for the existence of video surveillance. For one simple reason, 350 million surveillance cameras have been installed in the world ( according to 2016 data ), given the fact that one operator is physically able to work with a limited number of cameras.
For example, investigation of crimes in hot pursuit, always gives at times a greater chance of solving the crime. Including because the shelf life of the video archive of the urban video surveillance system is usually not very long, in Moscow it is about one week.
Therefore, it’s a mystery to me why AXIS presents such a mediocre assortment. Even if we ignore the fact that in their assortment there are no registrars in principle. The server line is very small.
Surveillance servers, a more flexible, and functional solution compared to DVRs. But also more expensive, it is not only about the purchase price and energy efficiency, but also the installation price. That is, these are solutions for large businesses, but rather for businesses for which video surveillance is a key working environment.
Why is AXIS so persistently and consistently ignoring small and medium-sized businesses. The line of two AXIS Companion Recorder registrars cannot be considered a serious attempt to enter this market. By the way, even they are not sold in Russia.
The IDIS strategy, on the contrary, seems to make a serious bet on DVRs, turning them into Plug and Play devices.
Software
Software in video surveillance systems is divided into the following categories: utility utilities for searching and setting device settings, classic client software denoted by CMS. And the most large-scale professional multiserver software systems with almost unlimited functionality are most often called VMS. By the way, on our site we have a review of 128 software solutions for video surveillance from around the world , 10 of which are distributed free of charge .
IDIS Software
As a classic VMS system, the free IDIS Center software is used . With a classic set of features required for such software. The flagship software is IDIS Solution Suite . This is a multi-server tool for recording an unlimited number of cameras organized on the basis of the Windows OS.
Software has a client-server architecture. The server part, in turn, consists of a set of services. The main ones are - administration service, monitoring service, recording service, streaming service. Each service is determined by its functionality, IP-address and network port. This separation allows the flexible use of PC hardware resources. That is, we can understand which service requires a lot of computing power, for example, a streaming service that broadcasts 4K video streams to dozens of users, and which one requires a little computing power - for example, an already announced administration service that only manages a license and is a gateway for interacting with client software. Failover or hot backup services of the main servers, backup and video analytics are also available for users.
In addition, IDIS Solution Suite is recognized as the winner of the 4th annual SSI Security Solutions Awards 2018
- Licensed per channel, cost per channel - price 5 990 rubles
- The cost of additional services - the price is from 3990 rubles
- The combination of several systems - the price of 3 899 rubles
The license allows you to combine several IDIS Solution Suite systems into a federation, under the control of a super admin, gaining access to all video cameras and devices. That is, the user does not have to connect the client application to a particular server each time, he will immediately get access to all devices in all systems. The versatility and scalability of the IDIS Solution Suite is confirmed by the support of different versions (for example, between the client software and the server) and unlimited backward compatibility, which means that all products released by IDIS for more than 20 years of existence can be connected to the current version of the software.
Cloud video surveillance, which has gained popularity now, is implemented in IDIS as its own P2P cloud service - IDIS FEN. One of the features of which is that you can independently set the identifier for the device, that is, you do not have to memorize long combinations of letters and numbers, or go to the device using the QR code on the package.
In conjunction with the P2P service are mobile applications for Android and iOS . Well and standard browser ActiveX plug-ins for IE, Chrome and Safari.
AXIS Software
AXIS software is intermediate between the second and third types described above.
AXIS Companion
The first of them is AXIS Companion monolithic software for access to IP cameras, if recording is done on their built-in memory cards. This software is sold only in conjunction with products from the AXIS Companion Recorder line.
AXIS Camera Station
The second is AXIS Camera Station client-server software that replaces classic Linux video recorders with AXIS and usually comes pre-installed on the server. According to AXIS, it is only suitable for medium-sized systems.
The licensing scheme is slightly different than IDIS and is optimized directly for devices from the AXIS Camera Station line.
Round
AXIS has no proprietary software for truly global systems. AXIS Camera Station is more comparable to the free IDIS Center or IDIS Solution Suite Compact software.
IDIS software is universal, suitable not only for its own devices, but also for third-party ones, including AXIS cameras integrated with the native protocol and in the IDIS Solution Suite. And it can be the basis for any video surveillance system of almost any complexity
Qualitative comparison of the proposed solutions
In the previous section, we played enough with quantitative characteristics, raise rates and move on to qualitative ones. Obviously, they will be the most important.
It is interesting to compare quality in isolation from reality only for the purposes of basic science, but we will try to understand this issue in the most practical way.
Take the best-selling Axis cameras, pick an analog from IDIS and compare.
Using only our own sales statistics would not be representative and uninteresting even for ourselves, so we traditionally took statistics from the Yandex search engine, which is still the most popular.
Comparison of Axis M3046-V and IDIS DC-D3212RX cameras
We compare dome cameras, one of the most popular in the AXIS line, the M3046-V dome camera and the IDIS DC-D3212X camera. We will compare the bitrate, image quality in artificial lighting, in low light and contrast lighting. With photos and video examples.
| The compact dome camera with a fixed lens for outdoor installation |  |  |
| Price | ||
| Bit rate |  |  |
| Image quality under artificial lighting | | |
| Image quality in low light conditions | | |
| Image quality in contrasting light conditions | | |
| Integrated video analytics | | |
Video comparison of image quality obtained from Axis M3046-V and IDIS DC-D3212RX cameras in the conditions of: artificial lighting, in low light conditions and in contrast lighting conditions.
A detailed analysis of camera comparisons between Axis M3046-V and IDIS DC-D3212RX cameras is available in a separate review .
Comparison of AXIS P1367 and IDIS DC-B3303X Cameras
We compare case cameras, one of the most popular AXIS P1367 case camera and IDIS DC-B3303X case camera in the AXIS line. We will compare the bitrate, image quality in artificial lighting, in low light and contrast lighting. With photo and video examples
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| Model | AXIS P1367 , Computar f = 2.8-8.5 mm lens, P-Iris | DC-B3303X , Tamron DCL-M2880P f = 2.8-8 mm lens, P-Iris |
| Price | ( 29 300/428 $ + 15 001/219 $ ) | |
| Bit rate | | |
| Image quality under artificial lighting | | |
| Image quality in low light conditions | | |
| Image quality in contrasting light conditions | | |
| Integrated video analytics | | |
Video comparison of image quality obtained from AXIS P1367 and IDIS DC-B3303X cameras in conditions of: artificial lighting, in low light conditions and in contrast lighting conditions.
A detailed analysis of the comparison of camera cameras AXIS P1367 and IDIS DC-B3303X is available in a separate review .
Comparison of AXIS P1425-LE Mk II and IDIS DC-T3233HRXL cameras
We compare cylindrical outdoor cameras, one of the most popular in the AXIS line of cameras, the AXIS P1425-LE Mk II outdoor camera and the IDIS DC-T3233HRXL outdoor camera. We will compare the bitrate, image quality in artificial lighting, in low light and contrast lighting. With photos and video examples.
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| Model | ||
| Price | ||
| Bit rate | | |
| Image quality under artificial lighting | | |
| Image quality in low light conditions | | |
| Image quality in contrasting light conditions | | |
| Integrated video analytics | | |
Video comparison of image quality obtained from AXIS P1425-LE Mk II and IDIS DC-T3233HRXL cameras in conditions of: artificial lighting, in low light conditions and in contrast lighting conditions.
A detailed analysis of camera comparisons between the AXIS P1425-LE Mk II and IDIS DC-T3233HRXL cameras is available in a separate review .
Technology comparison
Data compression technology
For additional data compression, AXIS uses a technology called AXIS ZIPSTREAM. This is an add-on on the H.264 and H.265 codecs that allows you to optimize its use using a number of dynamic algorithms, the essence of which is that the frames are differentiated into important fragments and secondary ones. Important ones such as faces or license plates are stored in high detail. As secondary, not interesting, examples are given such as white walls, lawn and vegetation, the image of which is removed. Total, according to Axis ZIPSTREAM allows you to achieve fifty percent boost to traffic compression.
Also, not so long ago, ZIPSTREAM introduced a technology for dynamically changing frame rates. When, in the absence of movement in the field of view of the camera, the frame rate drops, and when the movement appears, it returns to its original values.
ZIPSTREAM working example
IDIS's additional data compression technology is called Intelligent Codec, but this is already an add-in on H.264 and H.265 codecs. The essence of Intelligent Codec is this. In the process of compressing a video stream, it is divided into reference frames I-frames and transition frames P-frames with a certain periodicity; in Intelligent Codec, X-frames or sub-supporting frames are also added to this process. Due to the appearance of which, another 15% compression is added to the 50% gain of H.265 against the background of H.264.
Here is how it is illustrated on the IDIS website: IDIS
dynamic frame rate technology is also used and has its own name IDIS MAT
MAT can be used in conjunction with H.265 and Intelligent Codec, which already provides 90% savings compared to standard H.264. without loss in quality.
Low light operation
One of the most popular features at the moment is the ability to transmit a color image in low light, such that ordinary cameras would have already switched to black-and-white with IR illumination on. Each manufacturer calls this function in its own way, but the essence remains the same everywhere. So in our case, for AXIS this function is called LightFinder, for IDIS it is called LightMaster.
The basis for the possibility of transmitting a color image in very low light conditions is the use of a physically large matrix, size 1 / 1.7 ", 1 / 1.8"; when transmitting images in FullHD resolution, this allows you to increase the size of each pixel on the sensor, which provides a high level of photosensitivity and low noise level.
However, AXIS LightFinder technology is based not only on this principle. In general, most AXIS cameras, according to the manufacturer, have high photosensitivity, even without the use of large matrices, so this technology is supported by most of the AXIS video camera line.
At IDIS, similar LightMaster technology is realized only through the use of physically large matrices. Therefore, this line includes only two cameras, the cylindrical DC-T3233HRXL and the dome DC-D3233HRXL . What the letter L indicates in the title.
Video analytics
According to expert opinions, it is on the field of video analytics and cloud video surveillance that the main battle for the video surveillance market will unfold. Concerning about cloud video surveillance we already wrote about it in detail on Habré .
And as for video analytics, there is a detailed selection guide in our corporate , in which we examined the entire global video analytics market.
At present, AXIS is moving very actively in the field of video analytics . In 2018, Canon bought the Israeli company BriefCam , which offers archive compression solutions for the quick search for moving objects in the frame.
Company Milestone wasacquired by Canon back in 2014, the transaction amount was not disclosed, but given that Milestone’s revenue in 2013 amounted to $ 72 million, experts estimate the purchase amount to be between $ 150 and $ 250 million.
AXIS itself in 2016 bought the company Citilog for 11.5 million US dollars, specializing in video analytics for the transportation industry. And Cognimatics , a company specializing in video analytics for Retail. Cognimatics no longer exists, and AXIS already specializes in video analytics for retail.
What will result from such cooperation so far can only be assumed. But so far, the main type of analytics offered by AXIS is an open platform hosted by AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) cameras , where third-party analytics algorithms can be downloaded. The gallery of such available applications features 105 video analytics applications.
IDIS video analytics is represented by several types of detectors.
Standard detectors are a motion detector, a detector for the appearance of a person in the frame, a region crossing detector, a camera exposure detector.
Far more interesting is the VA Box concept.. The VA Box is a PoE video analytics device connected to DVRs. It has three types of analytics for retail: counting visitors, a gradient activity map and a queue detector. At the same time, several types of analytics can be configured on one channel, and is built on the H.265 codec. The cost of the device is 64,999 rubles .
IDIS VA video analytics overview in the Box
Even more interesting is the machine learning technology implemented in IDIS IDLA and integrated into the flagship IDIS Solution Suite software. IDIS Deep Learning Analytics uses advanced machine learning algorithms. It allows you to detect the fact of an invasion of a certain zone or the fact of a long stay of such objects as a person, motorcycle, car.
IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) video demonstration
Cybersecurity
One of the most discussed topics by video surveillance experts, and at the same time practically not discussed by end users. Well, at least not discussed until the moment when the video from their cameras starts googling on requests like cam pranks .
The relevance of the issue of cybersecurity has especially increased after high-profile scandals related to the detection of vulnerabilities in the world's leading manufacturers of video surveillance systems.
AXIS are also noted on this list. In 2016, it was discovered that all devices manufactured since 2010 have a critical vulnerability. Information was published on the IPVM website that an attacker could initiate a telnet connection to the camera, after which he gets complete control over it, including the ability to reboot, turn it off, and even turn it into a brick. After spreading information about this vulnerability, AXIS quickly fixed this shortcoming by releasing a new firmware for the devices. Also posting a report on this on your website . There are more recent reports, VDOO researchers recently discovered serious vulnerabilities in Axis cameras that could allow an attacker to gain control of a device.
AXIS Cybersecurity
AXIS has an approach to cybersecurity, which consists in dividing it into different levels. According to the guide , there are 4 levels for users posted on the company's website:
| Protection level | Application | Fixed assets |
| 0 - Default Protection | Should not be used on existing facilities. | Not |
| 1 - Standard protection | For small local systems where the user and the administrator are one person. | — обновить прошивку до последней версии — задать собственный пароль в камере — создать в камере дополнительный аккаунт для просмотра, отличный от предустановленного «root» — зашифровать данные, записываемые на SD карту в камере |
| 2 — Корпоративная защита | Для систем с несколькими пользователями и различными правами доступа | — ручная настройка доступных портов и закрытие неиспользуемых — ручная настройка сетевых параметров камер — https шифрование |
| 3 — Управляемая корпоративная защита | For systems managed by the IT department, the need to implement a video surveillance system in a single corporate structure | - use of IEEE802.1X protocol - SNMP monitoring - remote logging of cameras to a central server |
From all this, a logical conclusion arises that, despite all these recommendations, a certain percentage of the “chosen ones” can still remain at the standard level of protection against network attacks, which in the current conditions may turn out to be insufficient.
Cyber Security IDIS
That is, while AXIS largely entrusts cybersecurity to the end consumer by issuing appropriate guides and training tests, then IDIS provides a high level of network security by default and pre-installed. In general, for IDIS, a high level of cybersecurity in general is one of the pillars of marketing positioning. It is built on their DirectIP 2.0 technology.
This is a technology for connecting network devices that differs from the usual Onvif and is based on two basic principles: ease of setup and network security.
All this is achieved by the unconditional pairing of the camera and the recorder. That is, the registrar, as it were, absorbs the cameras for all external connections, all network ports, the web interface are blocked and now all camera settings are carried out only through the program interface of the DVR.
For its detection by the registrar, only the physical presence of switching is required. Everything is as simple as in an analog system connecting a coaxial cable to the BNC connector. And then it doesn’t matter what the network settings of the camera were, so the registrar can connect to it using protocols including Auto-IP, mDNS (Bonjour), DNS-SD.
Transmission of video streams from cameras to the DVR, in turn, is protected by TLS encryption, which replaced SSL. In parallel with this, the video archive frames are assigned a kind of interconnected watermarks, which implements IDIS Chained Fingerprint archive integrity protection technology. It vaguely resembles the now popular blockchain data protection technology.
Password encryption for access to the NVR is performed using the SHA-256 algorithm .
Several types of passwords are used to access the registrar’s interface at once: a separate password for accessing the settings menu, a password for receiving an RTSP stream, a password for connecting to the registrar as a remote desktop.
Also, two-factor authentication can be used in the user’s account in the NVR when the smartphone is linked, in which it is necessary to confirm the entry into the registrar.
The registrar also has a built-in firewall (Eng. Firewall).
What is the difference between DirectIP and ONVIF
If you suddenly need more detailed information about ONVIF, and you should pay attention to this standard outside the article’s content, this review explains in more detail why .
| Parameter | Onvif | Directip |
| Access webcam interface | there is | blocked, access only via NVR |
| Time synchronization | is customizable | automatically |
| Network setup | by DHCP or manually | automatic |
| WAN Connection | perhaps | perhaps after configuring the firewall and NAT |
That is, DirectIP allows you to configure the IP-video surveillance system without using a PC. And only through a bunch of NVR-camcorder.
The ability to minimize PC usage and their inherent Windows OS with all the unexpected surprises inherent in it is generally one of the principles of IDIS. For example, we can also organize the operator’s workplace using a decoder. This is some kind of DVR with a similar interface, but truncated functionality. Allowing you to watch only live broadcasts from selected cameras.
Hardware Warranty
AXIS
Warranty The basic AXIS hardware warranty is 3 years. In addition, users have the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty package for up to 5 years.
Warranty for IDIS The
warranty for IDIS equipment is 5 years. This includes the entire range of camcorders, recorders and accessories. The exception is the nodes of the rotary mechanisms in the PTZ.
Flagship registrars are covered by an extended 7-year warranty. However, it requires additional device registration.
Summar
So let's go through the main points of our comparison in the form of a check list:
| Parameter | A comment | ||
| Camcorders | + | - | Едва ли кто-либо, в ближайшее время сможет обогнать по технологичности и удобству ассортимент камер AXIS, даже при более высокой цене. Слияние с Canon еще больше укрепит эту позицию. IDIS пытается противопоставить сходное качество и более низкие цены. |
| Видеорегистраторы | — | + | IDIS уверенно опережает AXIS со своей линейкой видеорегистраторов (NVR). DirectIP — обеспечивает простоту настройки на уровне аналоговых систем видеонаблюдения, с акцентом на кибербезопасность и отказоустойчивость. У Axis линейка уже, и в основном PC-based решения |
| Программное обеспечение | — | + | IDIS имеет собственный софт для записи и управления системами видеонаблюдения. Софт универсален, подходит не только для собственных устройств, но и для сторонних, в том числе и AXIS. И может являться основой для любой системы безопасности. У AXIS локальное решение для средних систем |
| Видеоаналитика | + | — | Большая вариация собственных движков аналитики (несколько видов пересечения зоны, несколько видов детекторов движения) расширяется еще больше благодаря платформе для прикладных программ AXIS Camera Application Platform. Подход очень интересный и имеющий мало аналогов У IDIS предустановленный набор аналитик, есть базовая аналитика для ритейла, для более серьезных задач выполнена интеграция с ведущими игроками рынка видеоанализа |
| Кибербезопасность | — | + | Кибербезопасность AXIS на уровне, но продвигать этот тренд они стали совместно со всем рынком, т.е в 2016-2017гг. В том числе после обнаружения собственных критических уязвимостей. IDIS тут лидирует, так как кибербезопасность изначально была одним из столпов своего позиционирования на рынке. Т.е. еще с 2013-2014 гг, во времена оптимистичного и наивного бума на IP системы с простым доступом по облаку к каждой камере со своего смартфона. IDIS один из столпов систем в целом, основа позиционирования, предустановленная, безусловная, «из коробки» У AXIS есть упоминания о наличии уязвимостях, во многом обеспечение возлагается на пользователей |
| Гарантия | — | + | AXIS — 3 года, IDIS — 5 лет |
The assortment range and variability of AXIS camcorders obviously has a total weight greater than all the other items in our table combined. This is what ensures the leadership of AXIS, and makes it today difficult to achieve for the pursuers.
IDIS obviously understands this, and unlike 90% of the players in the video surveillance market, it does not just offer prices lower than the leader. IDIS offers solutions that have no analogues.
And even if it fully concerns only DirectIP, read cybersecurity, but who else can boast not just some cosmetic improvement. And a full-fledged product that has no analogues, and is also in demand in practice.
Obviously, at least in terms of revenue, that only DirectIP is not enough to grow in a highly competitive market. Obviously, this is for IDIS, which announces a lot ofvalidity for 2019. There are solutions for vertical markets, new video analytics, and new equipment.
The plans are ambitious, and it is unlikely to be an easy walk, but IDIS is from South Korea, and Asian tigers are not used to realizing the most ambitious plans.
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Ready to view IDIS as a replacement for AXIS?
- 68.7% Yes 11
- 31.2% No 5