|
If you've been watching the Web for the last two years, you've noticed that Web-based animation/video had grown by leaps and bounds. Today's Web video is usually viewed within the Web browser using proprietary technology, usually in the form of browser plug-ins. While the video quality of some of these is fair, the audience is limited to those with the plug-in. AXIS Communications has come up with a solution that works for all graphical Web browsers.
The NetEye 200 isn't actually a video camera, but is a snapshot JPEG camera. It can take pictures at a rate of two per second, and make them available over an intranet or the Internet. Using a standard Web browser, users can view the contantly updated image taken by the camera. NetEye is totally self-contained, utilizing its own HTTP server to serve out the images. Data is transmitted using TCP/IP, FTP or even a modem if the camera is not connected to a network (you can remotely dial-in to NetEye for a real time view).
Installation of NetEye is a breeze--just connect it to your network hub using 10-baseT or twisted pair cable, assign it an IP address, and turn it on. That's it! When a snapshot is triggered by a request from a user's Web browser (using the camera's URL or IP), the snapshot is taken by the camera, compressed into JPEG format and transmitted over the network (or the Internet) back to the browser, typically taking less than two seconds to get a full size image. Images are available in several different sizes, from full-size, to hugesize, to zoom, according to the URL you use.
Internet developers are encouraged to use software that AXIS provides, called EyeGet, to take some of the system strain off heavily trafficed NetEyes. EyeGet moves the pictures taken by NetEye to your Web server, which can presumably handle more hits.
The NetEye server features the ability for developers to use parameters to specify:
- compression
- color
- clock
- rotation
- mirror
- cropping
NetEye is secure, as it is its own server, and it can be password protected. Management is accomplished through the Web browser, and updates to the software can be accomplished by using the administration page.
So what kind of applications are most folks using the NetEye 200 for? Security, demonstrations, and tourism sites are all potential applications, but entertainment is what the NetEye does best. Many sites are using the NetEye for live "performances," contests, skits and adult entertainment. Some are charging a per-minute fee to access the camera view, and users are able to control the size and camera position. The potential for such a tool is limited only by your imagination, and the length of your 10-baseT cable.
The NetEye 200 is not going to replace your video cam any day soon, nor will it win any awards for picture of the year, but it does give developers the ability to utilize dynamically created, live color images on their Web site. It's easy to set up, requires little maintenance, and takes little skill to use. Oh, and it's only $995 retail--a price that includes the camera, server and housing, all-in-one. See you on the Web!
|
