The rapid evolution of the multiple award-winning Axis Camera Companion continues. “As of April 2013 we have registered over 60,000 downloads of the free software client. This indicates that users really appreciate the simplicity and the superb HDTV image quality offered by Axis Camera Companion,” says Peter Friberg, Axis’ Director of System and Services. “By combining the advantages of a de-centralised system with the power the cloud brings, we can provide the market with a very flexible, easy-to-use and affordable recording solution.”

The new version also includes support for digital zoom in live and recorded video. Customers can now take advantage of the increasing range of HDTV cameras, as well as support for the panoramic views from Axis’s 360° fixed dome cameras, providing great overview and details with only one camera.

Axis Camera Companion allows small business owners to easily navigate to different sites and by the use of HDTV network cameras clearly identify intruders, shoplifters and other incidents. Video can be viewed live and recordings played back from anywhere – onsite or remotely over the Internet.

Unlike analogue surveillance installations, Axis Camera Companion does not require a central recording device – a digital video recorder (DVR), network video recorder (NVR), or even a computer. All images are recorded onto a standard SD memory card in each camera, and the cameras keep recording even if the network fails. The cameras are powered over the network, eliminating the need for separate power cables. This reduces cost, simplifies installation, and makes the system more robust as there is no single point of failure. To further protect customers’ investments, existing analogue cameras can be integrated via video encoders.

Further features of Axis Camera Companion include third-party apps for viewing live and recorded video and for integration of public view monitors for loss prevention on leading smartphones and tablets, such as Iphone, Ipad and Android. There is also support for 64 GB SDXC cards in all network video products with SD card capabilities. It includes administrator, operator and viewer user access levels, support for motion detection and pan/tilt/zoom control and one-way audio, and easy and secure export of video and snapshots from single or multiple cameras.