USER’S MANUAL AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder
AXIS Q7401 - User’s Manual Notices This manual is intended for administrators and users of the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder, and is applicable for firmware release 5.20 and later. It includes instructions for using and managing the encoder on your network. Previous experience of networking will be of use when using this product. Some knowledge of UNIX or Linux-based systems may also be beneficial, for developing shell scripts and applications.
AXIS Q7401 - Table of contents Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Key features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AXIS Q7401 - Product Description Product Description This manual applies to the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder. Key features • • • • • • • Superb video quality AXIS Q7401 offers the highly efficient H.264 video compression, which drastically reduces bandwidth and storage requirements without compromising image quality. Motion JPEG is also supported for increased flexibility. Multiple H.
AXIS Q7401 - Product Description Overview Mounting hole LED indicators for power, status and network Mounting hole Control button Video input Network connector (PoE) PoE switch class 2 and 3 RS-422/RS-485 connector 75 Ohm termination switch Audio in/out Power adapter connector 6-pin I/O terminal SD memory card slot Product label includes: Product ID & Serial number (S/N). The serial number may be required during the installation.
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder Accessing the Video Encoder Refer to the installation guide supplied with your product in order to install the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder. The AXIS Q7401 can be used with most standard operating systems and browsers. Notes: • • • • To view streaming video in Microsoft Internet Explorer, set your browser to allow ActiveX controls and install AXIS Media Control (AMC) on your workstation. QuickTimeTM is also supported for viewing streaming H.264 video and audio.
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder Access from the Internet Once connected, the video encoder is accessible on your local network (LAN). To access the video encoder from the Internet you must configure your broadband router to allow incoming data traffic to the video encoder. To do this, enable the NAT-traversal feature, which will attempt to automatically configure the router to allow access to the video encoder. This is enabled from Setup > System Options > Network > TCP/IP Advanced.
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder The Live View page If your video encoder has been customized to meet specific requirements, the buttons and other items described below may or may not be displayed on the Live View page. The following provides an overview of each available button: General controls The Stream Profile drop-down list allows you to select a customized or pre-programmed stream profile on the Live View page.
AXIS Q7401 - Accessing the Video Encoder AMC Audio controls AMC audio buttons control the speakers and microphone connected to the client computer. The buttons are only visible when audio is enabled. Speaker button – Click to switch the sound on or off. Microphone button – Click to switch the sound on or off. In Simplex - Network Camera speaker only mode, click this button to stop sending audio to the network camera. Use the slider to control the volume of the speakers and the microphone.
AXIS Q7401 - Video and Audio Streams Video and Audio Streams The video encoder provides several image and video stream formats. Your requirements and the properties of your network will determine the type you use. The Live View page in the video encoder provides access to H.264 and Motion JPEG video streams, and to the list of available stream profiles. Other applications and clients can also access these video streams/images directly, without going via the Live View page. How to stream H.
AXIS Q7401 - Video and Audio Streams AXIS Media Control (AMC) The recommended method of accessing live video from the video encoder is to use the AXIS Media Control (AMC) in Microsoft Internet Explorer in Windows. The AMC control panel can be used to configure various video and audio settings. Please see the readme file included in the tool for more information. The AMC control panel is automatically installed on first use, after which it can be configured.
AXIS Q7401 - Video and Audio Streams Accessing audio streams The Live View page provides access to audio through AXIS Media Control; in addition audio can be accessed in the following ways: VAPIX® Audio can be accessed through the VAPIX® Application Programming Interface (API). For more information visit http://www.axis.com/techsup QuickTime and Windows Media Player Simplex audio can be accessed via QuickTime and Windows Media Player by using the same paths as for video streams (see above).
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings Video & Audio settings This section describes how to configure the video encoder, and is intended for product Administrators, who have unrestricted access to all the Setup tools; and Operators, who have access to the settings for Video & Image, Audio, Live View Config, and Event Configuration. You can configure the video encoder by clicking Setup in the top right-hand corner of the Live View page. Click page to access the online help that explains the setup tools.
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings Current Audio Settings: Configuration under Video & Audio > Audio Settings will be shown here. See Audio Settings, on page 16 for more information on the audio settings. H.264 GOV Settings The GOV structure describes the composition of the video stream and setting the GOV-length to a higher value saves considerably on bandwidth. Bit Rate Control The bit rate can be set as Variable Bit Rate (VBR) or Constant Bit Rate (CBR).
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings Camera Settings This page provides access to the advanced image settings for the AXIS Q7401. Image Appearance Color level - Select an appropriate level by entering a value in the range 0-100. Lower values mean less color saturation, whilst the value 100 gives maximum color saturation. Brightness - The image brightness can be adjusted in the range 0-100, where a higher value produces a brighter image.
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings Privacy Mask List The Privacy Mask List shows all the masks that are currently configured in the AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder and if they are enabled. Add/Edit Mask To define a new mask: 1. Click Add and place the box over the desired area to conceal. 2. Choose a color, black, white, gray or red for the box from the drop-down list Privacy mask color 3. Enter a descriptive name in Mask name. 4. Click Save.
AXIS Q7401 - Video & Audio settings Depending on the selected encoding, set the desired audio quality (Bit rate). The settings affect the available bandwidth and the required audio quality. The video encoder can be set to trigger an event if the incoming sound level rises above, falls below, or passes the set value. The Alarm level is set between 0-100%. Audio Output If the sound from the speaker is too low or too high, adjust the output gain for the active speaker attached to the video encoder.
AXIS Q7401 - Live View Config Live View Config Layout Stream Profile From the Stream Profile drop-down list, select the stream profile that is to be used for the Live View page. Listed are the on standard stream profiles as well as the ones created under Video & Audio > Stream Profiles. See the online help files this page for more information. Default Viewer From the drop-down lists, select the default method for viewing video images for your browser.
AXIS Q7401 - Live View Config Viewer Settings Check the Show viewer toolbar box to display the AXIS Media Control (AMC) or the QuickTime viewer toolbar under the video image in your browser. The administrator can disable the installation of the H.264 decoder included with AMC. This is used to prevent the installation of unlicensed copies. Further decoder licenses can be purchased from your Axis dealer.
AXIS Q7401 - Live View Config For more information on the Axis HTTP API, see the Support/Developer pages on the Axis Web site at http://www.axis.com Please use the online help files for more information. Output Buttons The output buttons are used to manually activate the output from the Live View page, for example, switching a light on and off.
AXIS Q7401 - PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) This Axis product supports several PTZ devices. Please see www.axis.com for a complete list of supported devices, and to obtain the correct driver. Follow the instructions below to install a PTZ device. Installing a PTZ device is accomplished in two steps: • Installing the PTZ driver • Setting up the COM Port, see page 43 Installing the PTZ driver 1. Go to PTZ > Driver Selection. 2. Under Upload, click Browse... to find the driver.
AXIS Q7401 - PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) Notes: • • After a PTZ driver has been installed, PTZ > Advanced > Device will contain additional driver specific settings that can be configured for the PTZ device. Advanced users and application developers can also use the Axis Application Programming Interface and HTTP specification for generic control of PTZ devices using CGI commands or a TCP/IP client. Refer to the Axis website at www.axis.com for further information. Uninstalling a PTZ driver 1.
AXIS Q7401 - PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) Guard tour A guard tour moves between chosen Preset Positions, one-by-one, in a pre-determined order or at random, and for configurable time periods. The guard tour sequence will keep running, after the user has logged off or closed the browser. Advanced Device Settings - The device settings window is for driver specific settings, so the appearance of this window can vary depending on the driver installed.
AXIS Q7401 - PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) OSD Menu - If the PTZ unit supports an internal configuration menu, this can be accessed using the On-Screen Display (OSD). Configure the analog camera by opening and navigating through its internal menu in this display. PTZ control queue Use the PTZ control queue window to enable and disable PTZ queueing.
AXIS Q7401 - PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) PTZ controls If the video encoder has been appropriately configured, the Live View page displays the controls available for the installed Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) device. The administrator can enable/disable the controls for specified users. The controls shown depends on the make and model of PTZ device. The most common controls are: • the Pan bar - moves the camera to the right and left • the Tilt bar - tips the camera up and down • the Zoom bar - zooms the view in and out.
AXIS Q7401 - PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) Using CGI links to control PTZ devices User-defined CGI links on the Live View page can be used to issue HTTP API requests, such as PTZ commands. These links are configured in the Live View Layout settings, see Live View Config, on page 18. PTZ control modes The PTZ device can also be controlled using click-in-image movement, which has two different types of navigation - Center and Joystick.
AXIS Q7401 - Applications Applications Application Packages The Applications feature allows you to upload third party applications for use on this device. Listed under Applications > Packages are the applications that have already been installed. Click on the name to view the menu options - Settings, License and About. Settings - This depends on the application. License - Once uploaded some applications need a license to run, and a license code is required for the uploaded application.
AXIS Q7401 - Events Events Pre-defined parameters, known as an event or Event Type can trigger certain actions in the camera. A common event type is an alarm that causes the camera to upload images. Many event types use an Event Server, to receive uploaded images. An event that is triggered by a signal, such as a door switch, motion detection, or system event, is called a triggered event, see page 29. A scheduled event runs at pre-programmed times. An Action refers to what happens when the event occurs.
AXIS Q7401 - Events Triggered Event A triggered event could be activated by: • • • • • • • • • a push button connected to the video encoder’s input port a manually activated action, such as from an action button in the web interface an application that has been uploaded to the video encoder.
AXIS Q7401 - Events Scheduled Event A Scheduled event can be activated at preset times, in a repeating pattern on selected weekdays. Configuration example: 1. Click Add scheduled... on the Event Types page. 2. Enter a descriptive Name for the event, such as Scheduled e-mail upload. 3. Set the Priority (High, Normal or Low). 4. Set the Activation Time parameters (24h clock) for the event - start on Sundays at 13.00 with a duration of 12 hours. 5. Set the When Activated...
AXIS Q7401 - Events Motion Detection Motion detection is used to generate an alarm whenever movement occurs (or stops) in the video image. A total of 10 Include and/or Exclude windows can be configured.
AXIS Q7401 - Events Object Size History Sensitivity An object that appears in the region will trigger the motion detection for a long period Ordinary colored objects on ordinary backgrounds will trigger the motion detection High level Only very large objects trigger motion detection Low level Even very small objects An object that appears in the region Only very bright objects on a dark trigger motion detec- will trigger motion detection for only background trigger motion detection tion a very shor
AXIS Q7401 - Recordings Recordings The AXIS Q7401 Video Encoder can be set to record continuously or as result of a triggered or scheduled event. See Continuous Recording, on page 34 and Event Types, on page 28 for more information. The Recording List window contains a list of recordings made to the local storage. It shows each recording's start time, length, the event type used to start the recording, and if the recording is locked so that it can neither be deleted nor recorded over.
AXIS Q7401 - Recordings Continuous Recording The AXIS Q7401 video encoder can be configured to continuously save video to local storage. Automatic Disk Cleanup should be enabled when using Continuous Recording to prevent the local storage from becoming full. See Storage - Disk Management, on page 42. Recording Settings Enabled - Must be checked to record continuously. Disk - Shows as SD Card for this product. Stream Profile - Select a stream profile to use for recordings.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options System Options Security Users User access control is enabled by default. An administrator can set up other users, by giving these user names and passwords. It is also possible to allow anonymous viewer login, which means that anybody may access the Live View page, as described below: The user list displays the authorized users and user groups (levels): Viewer Operator Administrator Provides the lowest level of access, which only allows access to the Live View page.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options To access a network protected by IEEE 802.1X, devices must authenticate themselves. The authentication is performed by a third-party entity called an authentication server, typically a RADIUS server, examples of which are FreeRADIUS and Microsoft Internet Authentication Service.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options Note: If using a host name for the NTP server, a DNS server must be configured under TCP/IP settings. See Network > Basic TCP/IP Settings below. Date & Time Format Used in Images - specify the formats for the date and time (12h or 24h) displayed in the video streams. Use the predefined formats or use your own custom date and time formats. See Advanced File Naming & Date/Time Formats in the online help for information on how to create your own date and time formats.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options Enable AVHS - AXIS Video Hosting System (AVHS) in conjunction with an AVHS service provides easy and secure Internet access to live and recorded video accessible from any location. For more information and help to find a local AVHS Service Provider please go to www.axis.com If AVHS is not to be used this option can be disabled. •One-Click enabled - Press the camera’s control button (see Hardware overview, on page 6) to connect to an AVHS service over the Internet.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options Use NAT traversal when your video encoders are located on an intranet (LAN) and you wish to make it available from the other (WAN) side of a NAT router. With NAT traversal properly configured, all HTTP traffic to an external HTTP port in the NAT router is forwarded to the video encoder. LAN (intranet) WAN (internet) Broadband (NAT) router ISP Notes: • • For NAT traversal to work, this must be supported by the broadband router.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options QoS (Quality of Service) Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees a certain level of a specified resource to selected traffic on a network. Quality can be defined as a maintained level of bandwidth, low latency, and no packet losses. The main benefits of a QoS-aware network can be summarized as: •The ability to prioritize traffic and thus allow critical flows to be served before flows with lesser priority.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options SNMP v3 - provides encryption and secure passwords. HTTPS must be enabled. To use traps with SNMP v3 an SNMP v3 management application is required. If the Enable SNMP v3 option is enabled, provide the Initial user password. Note that the initial password is activated only when HTTPS is enabled and can only be set once. If HTTPS is enabled, SNMP v1 and SNMP v2c should be disabled.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options Storage - Disk Management Disk Management is used to setup and manage local storage devices. Local storage can be used to save video streams from triggered, scheduled or continuous recordings. For information on how to use the local storage with Triggered and Scheduled .
AXIS Q7401 - System Options Ports & Devices I/O Ports - the pinout, interface support and the control and monitoring functions provided by this connector are described in Unit connectors, on page 46. COM Port The COM port and serial connector allow you to connect legacy and auxiliary equipment to the AXIS P3301/-V. After consulting the auxiliary device's user documentation, select the appropriate settings for connecting to the AXIS P3301/-V.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options Support The Support Overview page provides valuable information on troubleshooting and contact information, should you require technical assistance. System Overview - is an overview of the video encoder’s status and settings. Information that can be found here includes the video encoder’s firmware version, IP address, security, event and image settings and recent log items.
AXIS Q7401 - System Options To do this, enter the name and path to the file to upload in the field provided. The file might be on e.g. your workstation. As an alternative to entering the path directly, click the Browse button and then select the correct file. Now select the user level for the uploaded file. Setting the user access level means that you have complete control over which files can be viewed by which users. When the file is shown correctly in the text field, click the Upload button.
AXIS Q7401 - Unit connectors Unit connectors Network connector - RJ-45 Ethernet connector. Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Using shielded cables is recommended. PoE classification switch - Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af), selectable power classification: • Class 2 - max 6.49W • Class 3 - max 12.95W (default) Note: Power classification is performed at power up.
AXIS Q7401 - Unit connectors Function Pin number Notes GND 1 Ground Specifications 12VDC Power 2 Can be used to power auxiliary equipment. Max load = 100mA Notes: This pin can only be used as power out. Same voltage as pin 2 of the power connector. Configurable (Input or Output) 3-6 Digital input - Connect to GND to activate, or leave floating (or unconnected) to deactivate.
AXIS Q7401 - Unit connectors SDHC memory card slot - The high capacity SD memory card can be used for local recording with removable storage. BNC connector - Connect a 75 ohm coaxial video cable (max. length 800 feet (250 meters). Note: If the video source is to be connected in parallel with other equipment using a BNC T adaptor, disable the input termination by setting the 75 ohm termination switch to OFF. Failure to do so may cause reduced image quality.
AXIS Q7401 - LED indicators LED indicators LED Color Indication Network Green Steady for connection to a 100 Mbit/s network. Flashes for network activity. Amber Steady for connection to 10 Mbit/s network. Flashes for network activity. Unlit No network connection. Green Steady green for normal operation. Amber Steady during startup, during reset to factory default or when restoring settings. Red Slow flash for failed upgrade. Green Normal operation.
AXIS Q7401 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Checking the Firmware Firmware is software that determines the functionality of the video encoders. One of your first actions when troubleshooting a problem should be to check the current firmware version. The latest version may contain a correction that fixes your particular problem. The current firmware version in your encoder can be seen on the page Setup > Basic Setup or under About.
AXIS Q7401 - Troubleshooting If the emergency recovery procedure does not get the encoder up and running again, please contact Axis support at www.axis.com/techsup/ Axis Support If you contact Axis support, please help us to help you solve your problems by providing the server report, the log file and a detailed description of the problem. Server Report - go to Setup > System Options > Support > Support Overview.
AXIS Q7401 - Troubleshooting Symptoms, Possible Causes, and Remedial Action Problems setting the IP address When using ARP/Ping Try the installation again. The IP address must be set within two minutes after power has been applied to the encoder. Ensure the Ping length is set to 408. See the Installation Guide.
AXIS Q7401 - Troubleshooting Color saturation is different in H.264 and Motion JPEG Modify the settings for your graphics adapter. Please see the adapter's documentation for more information. Lower frame rate than expected Reduce number of applications running on the client computer. Limit the number of simultaneous viewers. Check with the system administrator that there is enough bandwidth available. See also the online help. Check in the AMC control panel applet (H.
AXIS Q7401 - Troubleshooting Audio volume too low/high Volume settings incorrect The volume of the microphone is either too high or too low. Change the volume for the microphone in the toolbar on the Live View page. Poor audio quality CPU overloaded Reduce the number of listeners and viewers and decrease the image resolution and compression. Unsynchronized audio and video It is recommended that the encoder's time setting is synchronized with an NTP Server.
AXIS Q7401 - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Item Specification Video compression • H.264 • Motion JPEG Resolutions • 176x120 to 720x576 Frame rate H.264 • 30/25 (NTSC/PAL) fps in all resolutions Frame rate Motion JPEG • 30/25 (NTSC/PAL) fps in all resolutions Video streaming • Multi-stream H.264 and Motion JPEG • Controllable frame rate and bandwidth • VBR/CBR H.
AXIS Q7401 - Technical Specifications Item Specification Video access from web • Camera live view browser • Video recording to file (ASF) • Customizable HTML pages • Windows XP, 2000, 2003 server • DirectX 9c or higher • For other operating systems and browsers see www.axis.com/techsup Casing Metal casing. Standalone or wall mount Processor and memory • ARTPEC-3, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB Flash • Battery backed-up real-time clock Power • 8-20 V DC, max. 7.2 W or • Power over Ethernet IEEE 802.
AXIS Q7401 - Technical Specifications General performance considerations When setting up your system, it is important to consider how various settings and situations will affect performance. Some factors affect the amount of bandwidth (the bit rate) required, others can affect the frame rate, and some will affect both. If the load on the CPU reaches its maximum, this will also affect the frame rate.
AXIS Q7401 - Glossary Glossary simultaneously. G.711 - G.711 is the international standard for encoding telephone audio on 64 kbps channel. It is a pulse code modulation (PCM) scheme operating at 8 kHz sample rate. Active Speaker - a speaker with a built-in power amplifier. ActiveX - A control (or set of rules) used by a browser. ActiveX controls are often downloaded and installed automatically as required. G.
AXIS Q7401 - Glossary resources (usually web pages) requested by the web user (the client). communication, and there are hardware protocols and software protocols. (QoS) Quality of Service - QoS provides the means to guarantee a certain level of a specified resource to selected traffic on a network. Quality can be defined as e.g. a maintained level of bandwidth, low latency, and no packet losses.
AXIS Q7401 - Index Index G A H GOV Settings 14 Action Buttons 8, 19 Active/Inactive 20 Administrator 13 Alarm 31, 46 AMC 6 Applications 27 ARP/Ping 37 Audio 13 Audio input 16 Audio output 17 AVHS 38, 55 AXIS Media Control 16 H.
AXIS Q7401 - Index R Recordings 33 Recovery 50 Referrals 35 Relative and absolute PTZ drivers 25 Restore 43 S Scheduled Event 30 Security 35 Server Time 36 SNMP 40 Specifications 55 Support 44 System Options 35 T TCP Server 28 TCP/IP Settings 37 Time Mode 36 Troubleshooting 50 U Upgrade Server 43 UPnP 38, 41 Users 35 V Video Stream 10, 13 61
