What is a video server?

A video server digitizes analog video signals and sends digital images directly over an IP network, such as a LAN, intranet or Internet. It essentially turns an analog video system into a network video system and enables users to view live images using a Web browser or a video management software on any local or remote computer on a network. It allows authorized viewers from different locations to simultaneously access images from the same analog camera, as well as network cameras if they are added to the system. 

Axis video servers integrate easily into your existing analog CCTV (closed circuit television) system. You can acquire all the benefits that digital technology offers without scrapping your investment in an analog system. 

An IP-based surveillance system will give you the ability to secure people and property, or monitor equipment and facilities, remotely from anywhere there is a networked computer. In addition, by utilizing the serial ports of a video server, you can remotely control existing equipment such as pan/tilt/zoom devices or time-lapse tape recorders. A video server can be connected to a wide variety of specialized cameras such as a miniature or microscope camera.

• High-quality video from analog video sources to digital format
• Direct connection to 10/100BaseT Ethernet networks
• Independent system with embedded web server

  Remote configuration and status using web-based tools
• Products with Motion JPEG and MPEG-4
• Powerful Application Programming Interface (API) for software integration, including AXIS VAPIX™ and AXIS Media Control SDK