Super Sarix

12 Jun 2009
by: By John Adams
The world’s largest CCTV manufacturer might not have been the first company to manufacture megapixel IP cameras but its recent release of Sarix technology shows Pelco Engineering has lost none of its potency.

SECURITY electronics people have a conservative streak that can make life tough for pioneering R&D teams. For a couple of years now, megapixel cameras have been available from a number of manufacturers who’ve battled against slow uptake despite widespread recognition megapixel delivers the best possible image quality.

 

In late 2008 and now 2009, the pace of that uptake has accelerated. The introduction of H.264 compression, exponential growth in gigabit Ethernet LANs, the falling cost of storage, faster processors and recording strategies driven by reliable movement detection are pushing megapixel onto centre stage.

 

Considering these variables, Pelco seems to have timed the release of its in-house Sarix megapixel technology platform to perfection. Platform? Yes indeed. Pelco’s boffins are smart enough to see that the future of video surveillance does not lie entirely with hardware. Moving forward we’ll see remote firmware upgrades of camera networks that will globally enhance things like resolution, colour rendition and video analytics midlife.

 

So what is Sarix? In short, it’s a suite of technologies designed to enhance network camera performance combined together in a single unit. According to Pelco, Sarix is “rooted in the goals of delivering advanced lowlight capabilities in megapixel...imaging, consistent application of colour science across the entire Sarix product line, and a flexible platform to adapt to the needs of additional processing power needed to provide analytics.”

 

If this sounds a bit nebulous, think of Sarix as a range of HD megapixel IP cameras optioned for the perfect balance of resolution, frame rate, low light performance, network compatibility and upgradeability, with as many possible useful surveillance functionalities shoe-horned in for good measure. Pelco’s definition of Sarix is open-ended for good reason – megapixel technologies are driven by fast developing firmware – it would be a serious mistake to pin them down.

 

There are 4 cameras in the current Sarix range including a 0.5 SVGA standard definition camera, a 1.3 megapixel high definition camera, a 2.1 megapixel extended platform high def camera and at the top of the heap, a 3.1 megapixel high definition camera.

 

IX30 is the 3.1 megapixel high definition camera with a 1/3-inch CMOS imager. It features low light sensitivity of 0.05 lux, dual codec for delivery of dual video streams (H.264 and MJPEG), maximum resolution of 2040 x 1536 and maximum frame rate of 30ips (at 1280 x 720). IX30 also features Open IP standards allowing connectivity to third party software as well as an application programming interface.

 

Other relevant features include PoE, mini-SD for local alarm event storage, auto back focus, web viewing of up to 16 cameras at a time, colour and day/night options and remote setup and administration. The camera is progressive scan, reducing jitter when compared to analogue alternatives, it has a purpose-built lens, 50dB signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range of 60dB.

 

 

“Think of Sarix as a range of HD megapixel IP cameras optioned for the perfect balance of resolution, frame rate, low light performance, network compatibility and upgradeability, with as many possible useful surveillance functionalities shoe-horned in for good measure”

 

 

All these numbers are solid without venturing off into tantalising extremes that might impact on overall performance. When you consider the powerful 3.1 megapixel sensor is delivering 2040 x 1536 it’s clear that Sarix is driving cleverly along the crown of the road, offering users what Pelco’s engineers see as the best possible combination of performance and functionality available today.

 

According to Pelco Product Marketing Manager, Sara Scroggins, Pelco didn’t just develop some of the features that customers need and are asking for.

 

“We are planning to provide solutions for these and more in the future,” she says.

 

We keep coming back to the tone Pelco is using when it talks about Sarix but there’s good reason for this. Usually when a manufacturer aerates about a new product line-up, performance and functionality figures are cast in stone but not with Sarix. Clearly the technology is a work in progress. Pelco has recognised the fact that future IP surveillance technologies, like all IT platforms, are going to be flexible.

 

As part of this recognition, Sarix has a strong focus on imaging science. Pelco says that by leveraging the latest sensor technologies to multiply and average light per pixel, Sarix will set new standards for low light performance and sensitivity. This is an important focus and it will be an ongoing one.

 

“We will deploy colour sciences techniques that will allow us to deliver consistent detailed colour across all levels of camera products that deploy the Sarix platform,” Scroggins explains.

 

“This consistency will provide concise colour reproduction in the entire installation regardless of the camera choice.”

The evolutionary theme continues with processing power. Scroggins says Sarix Extended Platform processing power will “unlock the ability for options that will include on-board use of analytics with no compromise in video performance.

 

“Every camera in our line will have one analytic behaviour available for free, with additional analytic suites available as options,” she says.

 

Sarix is an important release for the big American. If first impressions are correct, this flexible Sarix technology will prove to be another of many Pelco success stories.