"An expanding market for high-end video servers is demanding full frame rate, or 30/25 frames per second per channel in MPEG-4 or motion JPEG video, and the combined Axis 243Q Blade and Axis 291 1U rack solution fulfills this need," says Anders Laurin, executive vice president, corporate strategy at Axis Communications. "This solution is cost-effective and easy to install, and allows users of analog video systems to take full advantage of the benefits of a high performance, IP-based, digital solution."

The AXIS 243Q Blade converts signals from up to four analog cameras into high quality, de-interlaced digital video. It delivers 30/25 (NTSC/PAL) frames per second per channel at 4CIF in MPEG-4 or motion JPEG compression standard. In addition, it offers a number of advanced features such as video motion detection, image upload, and scheduled and triggered event functionality with alarm notification. The video server's serial port enables the remote control of analog pan/tilt/zoom cameras. A comprehensive set of security features, including multiple user access levels, HTTPS encryption, IEEE 802.1X and IP address filtering ensures secure video handling and configuration. The Axis 243Q also supports quality of service (QoS) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) and IPv4 addresses.

The Axis 291 1U video server rack is a 19-inch rack that can hold three interchangeable Axis blade video servers. With a built-in gigabit switch, the rack can migrate from 4 to 12 analog cameras into IP-based solutions with the use of a single ethernet port. The Axis 291 1U provides connectors for network, serial port and I/O at the rear of each slot and an integrated power supply for simple installation. The rack enables hot swapping of blade video servers so there is no need to power down when installing or changing blades.

In conjunction with the launch of the AXIS 243Q Blade and AXIS 291 1U, Axis has significantly reduced the price of its existing video server products.

"The ongoing market shift from analog video surveillance to IP-based systems creates demand for high-performance video server solutions for different types of installations," says Mr. Laurin. "By re-pricing our existing video server product lines, we demonstrate our commitment to this market and enable an increasing number of users to benefit from modern, IP-based solutions for video surveillance."

The products are supported by the industry's largest base of application software through the Axis application development partner program, as well as the Axis camera station video management software. The new products are available through Axis' distribution channels in January 2007.