With an incredibly low bitrate, the SoC helps deliver high-quality imaging with outstanding forensic detail. Additionally, ARTPEC-9 offers enhanced deep learning capabilities that allow users to leverage the latest video analytics and accelerate the implementation of AI technology.  Additionally, according to Axis Communications, the company maintains complete control over all aspects of the chip’s development to ensure the highest degree of quality and cyber security.

Initially introduced 25 years ago, Axis Communications’ ARTPEC was the first SoC specifically designed for the commercial video surveillance market. In another first for network video, ARTPEC-9 now supports the proven AV1 video encoding standard from the Alliance for Open Media (AOM). Together with Axis Zipstream technology, AV1 makes it easy to review and store high-quality video. Additionally, ARTPEC-9 builds upon the capabilities and features that characterise previous generations of the company’s in-house-designed chip, including support for Advanced Video Coding and compressions standards such as H.264, H.265 and MJPEG.

With the ARTPEC-9, H.264 is able to achieve a 20% improvement in efficiency compared to the previous SoC, and by utilising AV1, bitrate is further reduced by an additional 20%. The new SoC also promises to triple video analytics performance and boosts graphics speed by 2x. Altogether, ARTPEC-9 empowers leading-edge AI applications, greater image quality, more precise scene intelligence and higher streaming throughput. The new and improved features of the ARTPEC-9 SoC ensure that users can leverage today’s most advanced technologies for both security and business intelligence use cases.

“With its industry-first support for AV1, ARTPEC-9 enables more efficient streaming of high-resolution video—it’s really a win for the industry,” said Johan Paulsson, Chief Technology Officer, Axis Communications. “Regarding AV1, the keywords are ‘easy access’ and ‘open’—qualities which align perfectly with our vision of innovating for a smarter, safer world. Like all of our SoCs, ARTPEC-9 is made expressly for network video—so in addition to advanced compression, our customers benefit from its ability to deliver superior imaging, AI-powered analytics and enhanced cyber security. And of course, as always, we’re proud to retain complete control of the SoC production process.”

First camera featuring ARTPEC-9

The first Axis camera to feature the ARTPEC-9 SoC—the Axis Q1728 Block Camera— recently debuted at ISC East, NYC. The Axis Q1728 is a new, enclosure-ready 8 MP device designed to support next-generation AI-powered analytics. With superior light sensitivity and image quality in 4K and multiple lens options available, the new device leverages the advanced capabilities of the ARTPEC-9 SoC including powerful analytics applications at the network edge. Accordingly, the Axis Q1728 comes preinstalled with Axis Object Analytics, Axis Image Health Analytics, and Axis Live Privacy Shield to ensure users receive reliable, accurate, and high-quality video and actionable insights without sacrificing privacy or security.