Volume XVI, Number 8 August 1, 2007 Vicon Industries Inc. 1967 2007 Sales Alert: ViconNet 4.0 and Virtual Matrix Controller INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Introduction Page 1 ViconNet 4.0 New Feature Highlights ViconNet and VMC main application Page 3 Page 4-5 VMC Hardware Page 6 VMC Keypads Page 7 KRX-3 Page 8 Release stages Page 9 Enhancement and Upgrade options Page 10-11 API Support Page 12 ViconNet 4.0 is Available Vicon is proud to release the new and improved ViconNet version 4.0. Version 4.0 offers enhanced software capabilities and top of the line video management solutions. It also introduces the new and exciting Virtual Matrix Controller as yet another option for users when designing and selecting the method used to operate their CCTV system. The entire ViconNet family of digital video products, including the Kollector series DVRs, IP cameras, IP encoders and decoders and, of course, the ViconNet VN-NVR and video management software, are fully compatible with each other when running version 4. This allows for tremendous flexibility in system design from traditional analog up to pure IP-based and anything in between. Existing ViconNet devices can be easily upgraded from either version 2.x or 3.x to version 4. See page 10 for details on purchasing software upgrades to your system. Virtual Matrix Controller Option With the release of version 4, ViconNet introduces a new option for system operation. This is in response to a desire among some users of digital video systems to control the video stream in a traditional matrix like manner. These users might have or would like to have an analog monitor array for displaying video. VMC Design Examples Page 13-17 ViconNet Virtual Matrix Controller (VMC) offers the ability to send video to any analog monitor (BNC, S-Video, VGA) that is connected to the network using the new KRX-3 Video Decoder (see page 8). ViconNet and VMC features Page 18-32 Written By Guy Arazi, Manager Digital Products The Virtual Matrix Controller is fully compatible with all other ViconNet version 4 devices, so it can be either added on to an existing system (upgraded to V4) or used for standalone design. The VMC also works in tandem with the PC-based viewing software (VN100/500/1000), providing users with the ability to select the right control solution for each location. For example, a control room might make use of an array of monitors with VMC while the system s supervisor is running the PC-based viewing software in his office. They all work with the same video at the same time. The PC-based controller offers the same look and feel as the rest of the ViconNet software with a simple and intuitive way to control the video system. Vicon Industries Inc. 89 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788 P: (631) 952-2288 F: (631) 951-2288 www.vicon-cctv.com
As always, any ViconNet system component that is running the same software is fully compatible with the other parts of the system. The Virtual Matrix Controller is another building block in the ViconNet system. Example of an installation using a VMC to control video on a multi-monitor display Page 2
ViconNet 4.0 - New Feature Highlights ViconNet version 4 software offers the following new features and functions. Refer to the pages 18-32 for a detailed description: 1. Higher PC resolution Version 4 provides the GUI at 1280 x 1024 for those who find the 1024 x 768 resolution too low. 2. Camera grouping This feature allows the user to group cameras from different devices under logical groups. This feature can be used globally for all users or used to create individual groups per operator. 3. Record FPS control This feature allows recording at a lower FPS than the one used for display. This allows saving valuable disk space while keeping a high FPS display. 4. New video clip export options This enhances the export to AVI functionality and allows exporting clips to other formats. The new formats offer a smaller file size, time stamp and camera name on the video. 5. Playback from alarm report This feature allows starting video directly from the alarm report with a predefined number of seconds before the actual alarm. Provides a quick and easy way to scan alarm events. 6. Email and text message macro This feature allows sending an email or text message through a macro. The macro can be triggered by alarm, schedule or manually. 7. Enhanced picture control This feature allows the user to set a new default to the picture settings (brightness, color and contrast) in order to allow returning to it later. 8. Limit recording no. of days This feature allows limiting the number of days recorded on the database even if the actual disk space allows more days (mainly to comply with European law). 9. Mange storage and archive options This feature allows enabling and disabling the ability to use network drives and removable USB drives for archiving. 10. Camera call up from keyboard If cameras are grouped using the grouping feature, the user can use their numerical ID to call up video to the PC from the PC keyboard instead of the mouse. 11. Better support of VPN Support customer VPN dialers that create an 0.0.0.0 IP. 12. Overall system and database stability enhancements. ViconNet Virtual Matrix Controller offers the following functionality: 1. Graphical monitor layout This feature allows each operator to set monitor icons in any layout. This allows the user to create an easy to use and intuitive layout. 2. Numerical ID for cameras and monitor Part of the grouping feature and the monitor layout, the user can assign numerical IDs to the cameras and monitor. These numbers can be used when using a CCTV keypad for camera call-up. 3. Spot Window This window on the application will alway show a spot view of the selected monitor. Using the spot window, the user can focus on video as well as control PTZ functions. 4. Free text on monitors this feature allows the user to send free text to monitors. The text will be overlaid on the video. 5. Keypad and serial control The VMC can handle up to 2 keypads or serial control. These connect to the RS232 ports on the VMC using a special adapter. Page 3
ViconNet Application Below is the main application screen. It is almost identical to the version 3 screen except for the Groups List option next to the Site List and Map List. Current Details Area Toolbar Site List/ Site Map/ Groups Lists Video Display Area Control Dialog Display Area Display Mode Controls Other Controls Function Controls Playback Controls System Status Area Page 4
Virtual Matrix Application The Virtual Matrix application screen serves as a PC-based keypad, allowing the operator an intuitive way to recognize and control the camera to monitor layout. This application runs separately from the overall ViconNet application and is meant to be used as an operator interface and not as a management console. Current Details Area Sites List/ Groups List/ Storage List Toolbar Monitor Display Layout Other Controls Control Dialog Display Area Function Controls Legend Display Mode Controls Video Display Area Page 5
Vicon offers two options of the Virtual Matrix Controller (VMC): A compact, low profile, desktop version A 19 1U rack-mounted version Virtual Matrix Controller Hardware Both versions are specifically designed and tested to perform as a ViconNet VMC and are sold preloaded with the VMC software. Vicon highly recommends purchasing the VMC as a complete package in order to achieve both excellent performance and high reliability. Desktop Small Form Controller- VN-VMC-V4 Rack Mount 1U Controller- VN-VMC-V4-R *NOTE: Each VMC has a limit of 32 camera streams that may be controlled at any one time. The 32 camera limit is independent of the total number of cameras that may be connected to the network. At any time, the VMC operator may change his selection of which 32 cameras he is controlling. The 32 limit is also independent of whether the video streams are output to KRX-3 decoders as quads or as full screen images. To control more than 32 cameras simultaneously, additional VMCs must be added to the network. Model VN-VMC-V4 VN-VMC-V4-R Product Code Description 9141-00 ViconNet Virtual Matrix Controller: pre-loaded with virtual matrix software; can handle up to 2 keypads and up to 32 concurrent camera streams* 9141-01 ViconNet Virtual Matrix Controller: pre-loaded with virtual matrix software; can handle up to 2 keypads and up to 32 concurrent camera streams*; rackmount version VN-VM-SW 9141-10 ViconNet Virtual Matrix software for installation on PC: can handle up to 2 keypads and up to 32 concurrent camera streams. Single license. KRX-3 Page 6 9119-00 Video Decoder: for use with ViconNet IP video system. Decodes up to three separate IP video streams for display on analog monitors.
When using a keypad to control the Virtual Matrix, the user can connect up to two keypads to each VMC. The keypads connect to the VMC on a serial (COM) port (one on each). Although all Vicon keypads are compatible with the VMC, the V1400 series is the most suitable to use. We have created VMC-Keypad Prepacs that include the following: Keypad RS422 to RS 232 converter VMC keypad quick guide Keypad Connection and Control Using these PrePacs will ensure that the necessary parts will be included to allow connecting the keypad to the VMC. Product Code Model Description 9222-00 VMC-V1410X PrePac for V1410X-DVC keypad, V422-CONV and XX177-60 for use with Virtual Matrix Controller 9222-01 VMC-V1411X PrePac for V1411X-DVC keypad, V422-CONV and XX177-60 for use with Virtual Matrix Controller 9222-02 VMC-V1411J PrePac for V1411J-DVC keypad, V422-CONV and XX177-60 for use with Virtual Matrix Controller Variable Speed Keypads V1411X-DVC V1411J-DVC V1410X-DVC Page 7
KRX-3 Video Decoder To complete the Virtual Matrix Controller, Vicon developed a state-of-the-art video decoder, the KRX-3. This unit is packaged in the same compact and efficient way as the KTX-4 Encoder. It offers the same mounting options as the KTX-4 and can be powered from either 24 VAC or PoE. The KRX-3 supports 3 monitors and allows the VMC to use monitors virtually anywhere on the network. Rear Panel VN100 and VN500 Viewers Both viewer software VN100 (4 cameras viewer) and VN500 (16 camera viewer) will be available in Version 4. These software packages offer a low-cost viewer for live and playback across the network. As in former versions (2.x and 3.x), these software packages will not include the complete feature set that the fully registered software (VN1000) allows. The following is a list of the basic features that are supported by VN100 and VN500: View live and playback video from any device on the network (authorization dependent) Control PTZ cameras Archive video Export and print JPEG images The following is a list of basic features that are NOT supported by the VN100 and VN500: Local recording Local or remote management (feature configuration) of other devices Museum search Maps Groups Export AVI / Xvid / MPEG4 video Page 8
Release Stages Although the software will be released in August and available for production, any orders will be sent out with ViconNet version 3.2c by default. Only orders that MUST have version 4.0 will be shipped with the 4.0 software. The purpose of this process is to allow us a controlled launch of the new software and assist us in identifying technical problems before we go into default production. We expect to move to full production by the end of October. Date Stage Production Selling Status Upgrades Aug 2007 Sept 2007 DVR, NVR, VMC, KRX-3, IP camera software: End of QA and Beta, Formal release KTX-4 software On request On request When required for the sale When required for the sale When required for the sale When required for the sale Oct 2007 Full Production Default Version 4 is the leading version Available for: Enhancement package holders Paying upgrades During the 60 days of controlled release, extensive field testing and deployment experience will allow us to eliminate any last minute concerns regarding a mass production/deployment of this new version. Once version 4 becomes the default production version, Vicon will discontinue version 2.x production and maintenance. At that time, Vicon will make a formal announcement and offer special upgrade options. Page 9
Enhancement and Upgrade Options Users that currently hold a valid software enhancement package are entitled to a free upgrade to the new version. Users that do not have these packages will need to purchase upgrade licenses for all the devices in their system. Upgrade licenses are available for both users running 2.x or users running 3.x software on their system. Note that these are different upgrade licenses and carry a different cost. For larger sites with limited access to the systems, Vicon will offer a remote upgrade package. This package will be discussed in a separate sale alert after the release of the main version and will only work for upgrades from version 3.x. Distribution will be limited to large-scale installations with equipment in locations that are difficult to physically access. The remote upgrade will NOT work for upgrades from 2.x to 4.0. Important Note: Upgrading to version 4 DOES NOT include Virtual Matrix by default! Users who wish to have a Virtual Matrix have to purchase the VMC and the KRX-3s separately, in addition to any upgrade. Current Systems Version 4.0 Software (from Oct 2007) Existing user running 2.x or 3.x software New customer purchasing 3.x to expand an existing system New customer purchasing 4.0 system Upgrade Policy Free if covered by SW Enhancement package. If not, at relevant upgrade package cost. Recommended to purchase enhancement packages to cover future upgrades. Recommended to purchase enhancement packages to cover future upgrades. IP cameras and KTX-4 Free with the upgrade of DVRs/NVRs on site. Enhancement and Upgrade List and Pricing As part of the transition to version 4 and the need for a more comprehensive software licenses model, Vicon made changes to the software enhancement and upgrade plan. The pricing of the enhancement package, both initial and renewal, were updated to offer the customer a better incentive to purchase and keep renewing the package. The upgrade packages were updated accordingly. For each product, the following license options will be available: Purchase enhancement at any time - Base price Purchase enhancement during system purchase - Initial price Yearly renewal of enhancement package - Renewal price Upgrade 1 version (i.e., 3.x to 4.x) - Upgrade 1 level price Upgrade 2 versions (i.e., 2.x to 4.x) - Upgrade 2 levels price Upgrade 1 version + enhancement - UPG + ENH 1 level Upgrade 2 versions + enhancement - UPG + ENH 2 levels Note that an installation CD will be provided with each license. Page 10
Enhancement and Upgrade list and Pricing Base License Initial License Renewal License Upgrade 1 version (3.x-4.x) License Upgrade 2 versions (2.x-4.x) License Upgrade (1 or 2 ver) + Enhancement KEX VN-KE-SE (8251-00) VN-KE-SE-I (8251-01) VN-KE-SE-R (8251-02) KE-UPG-1VER (9217-00) KE-UPG-2VER (9218-00) KE-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-00) KE-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-00) KPX VN-KPR-SE (8252-00) VN-KPR-SE-I (8252-01) VN-KPR-SE-R (8252-02) KP-UPG-1VER (9217-01) KP-UPG-2VER (9218-01) KP-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-01) KP-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-01) KLX/KN VN-KL/KN-SE (8251-10) VN-KL/KN-SE-I (8251-11) VN-KL/KN-SE-R (8251-12) KL/KN-UPG-1VER (9217-02) KL/KN-UPG-2VER (9218-02) KL/KN-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-02) KL/KN-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-02) VN-NVR VN-NVR-SE (8253-50) VN-NVR-SE-I (8253-51) VN-NVR-SE-R (8253-52) VN-NVR-UPG-1VER (9217-05) VN-NVR-UPG-2VER (9218-05) VNNVR-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-05) VNNVR-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-05) VN1000 VN-SW-1000-SE (8253-00) VN-SW-1000-SE-I (8253-01) VN-SW-1000-SE-R (8253-02) VN1000-UPG-1VER (9217-04) VN1000-UPG-2VER (9218-04) VN1000-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-04) VN1000-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-04) VN500 VN-SW-500-SE (8254-00) VN-SW-500-SE-I (8254-01) VN-SW-500-SE-R (8254-02) VN500-UPG-1VER (9217-03) VN500-UPG-2VER (9218-03) VN500-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-03) VN500-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-03) VMC VN-VMC-SE (9212-03) VN-VMC-SE-I (9212-04) VN-VMC-SE-R (9212-05) VN-VMC-UPG-1VER (9217-06) VN-VMC-UPG-2VER (9218-06) VNVMC-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-06) VNVMC-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-06) VMC-SW VN-SW-VMC-SE (9212-00) VN-SW-VMC-SE-I (9212-01) VN-SW-VMC-SE-R (9212-02) VN-VMCSW-UPG-1VER (9217-07) VN-VMCSW-UPG-2VER (9218-07) VNVMCSW-SE+UPG-1VER (9219-07) VNVMCSW-SE+UPG-2VER (9220-07)
Version 4 API The new ViconNet version 4.0 includes a new API package to allow integration with the ViconNet system. The ViconNet 4.0 API is different from previous ViconNet API versions and requires the following: Existing API users (integrated packages) who want to start using the ViconNet 4.0 DVRs and IP cameras will have to upgrade their software to support the new API. This upgrade is fairly simple and Vicon will supply the necessary documents and support to do so. New API users (integrating for the first time) will receive the ViconNet 4.0 API and will be required to develop with it. A new and simpler API package (COM-based) will also be available and will allow a higher level of integration (basic functionality only). This API is another step in making integration easier and will be especially helpful to users wanting to call-up and playback ViconNet video from within other applications. Vicon will notify all the existing API users of the new API availability and will offer, together with the API itself, a fully documented switch over procedure. Page 12
Virtual Matrix Building Blocks Design the systems input components using DVRs, NVRs, IP cameras and encoders. Remember to include a Nucleus. How many matrix monitors (output) will the system include? List by monitor type: BNC: S-Video: VGA: Calculate the number of KRX-3s. These are the available configuration options for a KRX-3: Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 BNC BNC BNC VGA VGA BNC S-Video S-Video BNC VGA S-Video BNC S-Video VGA BNC How many operators to the Virtual Matrix? Will the operators use the application GUI or a keypad? Each GUI user needs a VMC. 1 VMC can support 2 keypad users at the same time. Keep in mind that each VMC can handle up to 32 video streams at a time. If the user expects to do more (concurrently), the number of VMCs needs to be increased. Page 13
VMC Design Example 1 One user controlling 32 monitors through a VMC Requires 11 KRX-3 Decoders to have 32 outputs Total number of video stream, if each monitor shows a single camera, is 32. Page 14
VMC Design Example 2 One user controlling 8 monitors through a VMC Requires 3 KRX-3 Decoders to have 8 outputs Total number of video stream if each monitor displays a Quad is 32 The user can choose to display any combination to get the 32 streams Page 15
VMC Design Example 3 Two users controlling 9 monitors through 2 keypads connected to 1 VMC Requires 3 KRX-3 Decoders to have 9 outputs Total number of video streams depends on the different display patterns The user can choose to display any combination to get the 32 streams Page 16
VMC Design Example 4 One user controlling 12 monitors through a VMC Requires 4 KRX-3 Decoders to have 12 outputs Total number of video stream might (like the example) exceed 32 streams A second VMC (and optional keypad) will be necessary to enable distribution of more than 32 streams simultaneously. However, both VMCs can access ALL cameras and control ALL monitors. Operational example 1: ο VMC1 will run the macros and alarms to selected monitor ο VMC2 will be used by the operator for manual camera switching Operational example 2: ο VMC1 is used by the operator for manual switching ο VMC2 is controlled by a PLC to trigger certain display commands Page 17
Feature Name: Camera Grouping Availability: ViconNet and VMC Description: ViconNet Version 4 New Features The grouping feature allows users to establish different groups of their own description that include cameras and microphones from any device. This feature allows using a logical order of cameras instead of having to follow the Site List structure. Highlights: Multiple group sets can be created on each device to allow switching sets according to need. For example: morning shift might use different groups than the evening shift. Group sets in the Nucleus can be global, meaning the devices set to that group will have the same group structure as the one in the Nucleus and will receive any change made to that group. A camera can be member of more than one group. This allows having domes part of different groups, since they may cover different directions. A whole group can be dragged and dropped to the viewing area to start the video of all its cameras (up to 16). Known Limitations: Can t write a macro for a group; still needs to be macro per camera. Groups don t correlate to user, so there is no way for a certain group set to start for a specific user. Page 18
Feature Name: Record FPS Control Availability: ViconNet Description: ViconNet Version 4 New Features This feature allows recording video at a lower FPS than viewed. In ViconNet 3, when a camera was viewed or recorded from different stations, the FPS would either go to the highest requested or to the one set by the primary user (according to the system settings); most users chose to get the highest in order to have a close to real-time display rate. By doing so, the recording rate was also higher and the disk space not optimally used. The introduction of Virtual Matrix makes this problematic, as users expect real-time display like the analog matrix but don t want to record at real-time and waste the storage to do so. Highlights: There is no setup necessary to activate this feature. This isn t dual-streaming; the camera still sends 1 stream to each user (same stream whether for recording or display); this allows ViconNet to throttle down FPS to slower networks while keeping a high FPS to faster networks looking at the same camera. Unlike dual-streaming, this feature allows different users to record at different rates. The bandwidth utilization is the same as in version 3; all manipulations are done on the receiving end. Example 1: a 480 fps DVR is set to auto-record at 10 fps (total 160 fps). A user from the network views all 16 cameras from the DVR. The DVR will send 480 fps to the user while still recording at 160 fps. Example 2: 25 IP cameras on the network are recorded by an NVR running a recording macro @ 15 fps. Two workstations are viewing 5 cameras each; they will get 30 fps from each camera without forcing the recording to 30 fps each. Example 3: 10 IP camera being recorded on site by an NVR at 30 fps with the intention of getting 14 days of storage. At the same time, the cameras are being recorded at a remote location on an NVR at 5 fps for long term 60 days. Known Limitations: Picture quality (resolution) still depends on the setup to either highest or primary; there is no way to display at Q1 and record at Q5. The system still works in Unicast, meaning each user gets his own stream of data from the camera and generates higher bandwidth from camera to switch (same as version 3). This will also allow recording at a low FPS on the same PC you view high FPS. Page 19
Feature Name: Video Export Availability: ViconNet ViconNet Version 4 New Features Description: This feature enhances the capabilities of the Export AVI function on version 3. In ViconNet 4.0, Video Export allows for the ability to export to several file formats, creates smaller file sizes and offers better features. Highlights: The following file formats are supported: AVI, MPEG4, DivX (requires codec download from DivX web site) and Xvid. The exported video is corrected to a 4:3 aspect ratio so it will not look stretched. The exported video includes camera name and time stamp. The video clip is NOT encrypted or authenticated. The MPEG4, DivX and Xvid clips can be played by a regular DVD player that supports these formats. Known Limitation: The video clip is NOT encrypted or authenticated. This will still require the ViconNet archive tool that works the same way as version 3. Clip still can t be created if the resolution changes in the middle. This will require creating a clip up to the change and another one from the change on. Clip can be created for a single camera at a time. DivX codec will have to be downloaded and installed from the DivX website by the end user (if he wants to use it), this is a licensing limitation from DivX. Page 20
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Playback from Alarm Report Availability: ViconNet Description: This feature allows launching playback of a camera from the alarm report. In this way, a user looking at the alarm report can immediately playback the event. When playback is done, the user has a button to return to the report for the next event review. Highlights: From an event on the list the user can start playback from the time of the event or a set number of seconds before the event (like quick playback). The screen switches to the viewing window with the playback and shows a button to return to report. The report also allows to start a live view of the camera. Known Limitation: Playback one event-related camera at a time. Page 21
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Email and Text Message Macro Availability: ViconNet Description: This feature allows ViconNet to notify users of alarms or events in the system by sending an email or a text message to a cell phone or PDA. Highlights: ViconNet alarms (video loss, motion detection and sensor) can be sent to an email address or cell phone (requires an SMS modem). The sending is done through a macro. Sending email requires an email account for the system to use (on its local network). Email can also be sent on a scheduled macro and not only by an alarm. Known Limitations: Text messaging requires an SMS modem from a cellular operator on a COM port. Email requires an email account on the local mail server. Page 22
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Enhanced Picture Control Availability: ViconNet and VMC Description: This feature allows users to make adjustments to the video color, brightness and contrast from the various devices and make those the new defaults for the camera. Highlights: Allows defining a new picture default per camera in order to be able to return to it at any time. Setup done through the existing picture control on the main screen. New settings can be save as default if needed. Camera default or Factory default can be called at any time. Known Limitation: No known limitations. Page 23
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Limited Number of Recording Days Availability: ViconNet Description: This feature allows limiting the number of days a system will record on its database before it starts re-writing itself. Highlights: Feature added to the database setting screen and allows defining a maximum number of days to record. When the defined number of days is reached, the database will start overwriting itself regardless of its available storage. Main usage is for sites that do not want or are not allowed to keep recordings for over a certain no. of days. Known Limitation: In sites where extreme differences exists between high motion and low motion times, this feature might not be a 100% accurate and start FIFO later than expected. Page 24
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Manage Storage and Archive Options Availability: ViconNet Description: This feature allows setting (per system) the permission to archive and retrieve information to network drive and USB drives. Highlights: Feature existed in version 3.x and was now added to the GUI. Settings can allow or prohibit any specific system from creating or reading archives that are created on a network (mapped) drive or a USB-based drive. Allows blocking users ability to export archive to unprotected storage. Allows blocking users from reviewing archive library (if needed). Known Limitation: In case network drives are disconnected at the time ViconNet is started, the application will take time to load (up to several minutes). Page 25
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Camera Call Up from Keyboard Availability: ViconNet Description: This feature is based on the creation of camera groups and assigning them a 2 nd (numerical) ID. On the regular ViconNet software, the PC keyboard can be used for camera call up. Highlights: By typing a camera number and clicking ENTER, the video will start at the pink indicator frame. Typing a number of an already displayed camera will turn its video off. Known Limitations: In order to work, camera has to have a 2 nd ID assigned to it. The user has to be in Groups display (not Site list) for this to work. Page 26
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Better Support for VPN Availability: ViconNet Description: This feature enhances the ViconNet software support for VPN connection and corrects issues related to illegal IP addresses. Highlights: Former ViconNet software would not run if a 0.0.0.0 IP address was detected on the computer. Some VPN client software (Nortel and others) keep a 0.0.0.0 address on the computer causing ViconNet to stop from running when the VPN link isn't established. Version 4 includes an enhanced feature that will know how to ignore that illegal address and allow ViconNet to run even if it is present. Known Limitation: If the user wants to use VPN, ViconNet must be shut down and run again after reconnection. Page 27
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: VNSetup for KRX-3 Decoder Availability: VMC Description: The KRX-3 Decoder initial setup is similar to the setup of any IP camera or server. IP address, Nucleus address and name will be assigned using VNSetup in the exact same way. To accommodate the KRX-3, VNSetup now includes a configuration screen specific for the KRX-3 (Custom tab). This screen is used to configure the video system and channel output selection. Highlights: The entire configuration, including the Custom tab, needs to be unlocked with a password. Custom tab will include the following options: o Set video system to PAL or NTSC. o Set channel 1 to either its disabled, BNC, S-Video or VGA connector (each channel can be set to 1 of its outputs leaving the other two disabled). o Set channel 2 to either its disabled, BNC, S-Video or VGA connector (each channel can be set to 1 of its outputs leaving the other two disabled). o Set channel 3 to BNC or disabled (channel 3 has only 1 output option). When set to use the VGA output, the user can either configure the KRX-3 to show the picture original size or stretch it to fill the entire monitor. The user can choose not to show the ViconNet logo on a blank monitor (mainly to avoid burning of the screen). VNSetup is used for remotely upgrading the KRX-3 firmware. Known Limitation: When configuring the KRX-3 through the custom screen, each change needs to be applied separately.. Page 28
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: Virtual Matrix Controller Availability: VMC Description: The Virtual Matrix Controller is built to serve as a control application for the KRX-3 and allows the user a variety of functions to switch and control the video on the monitors. The VMC is meant to be used by a single operator, but allows connecting two Vicon CCTV keypads if the users don t want to use a GUI-based control. The VMC also supports a serial connection for PLC type of system to switch cameras. The VMC must be used in conjunction with KRX-3 decoders. Without the decoders, the VMC serves no purpose. Highlights: The VMC is built as a control application and can t be used to program and administer ViconNet (doesn t show the ViconNet devices on Setup). The VMC is not recording to its own hard drive, but can point to a drive on another ViconNet system for manual record purpose. The VMC doesn t have an advanced playback screen like the ViconNet application; it does allow quick and by date/time playback from the Main screen. Known Limitations: A VMC can not be the Nucleus for the system; there must be a Nucleus workstation for the VMC to connect to. Up to two keypads can connect to the VMC on different COM ports. VMC can control up to 32 streams of video; those can be 32 monitors with one camera each or 8 monitors with a quad on each, or any combination of these (see examples). No Map support yet expected in a patch after release. No Museum Search currently not planned to be added. Page 29
Feature Name: Monitor Layout Availability: VMC Description: ViconNet Version 4 New Features The monitor layout feature allows a user using the VMC to setup the application to show the actual monitor layout. The user can place the monitor icons in any shape desired, in the way the icons representing the monitor are matching the actual monitors and make it intuitive to control. Highlights: A monitor layout is created on each and every VMC to match what that operator needs to control. The monitors are set from the KRX-3 showing on the list and placed anywhere on the layout area. In this screen, the monitor gets named and numbered (numerical ID) for keypad use. The monitor layout also controls which monitor is dedicated for alarm and if a user can override a macro running on a monitor. When a monitor is selected as an alarm monitor, the system will start alarm related display on it; if several alarm events occur, the VMC will use all available alarm monitors in order and then start switching (if allowed) those to Quad so it will accommodate the maximum alarms at a time. Known Limitations: Monitor layouts can t be copied from VMC to VMC. Monitor icons need to fit the grid, although the grid can be hidden later. There is no way to start a playback on event (motion detection - start showing the camera from 15 sec ago automatically). Page 30
ViconNet Version 4 New Features Feature Name: 2nd (numerical) Camera and Monitor ID Availability: ViconNet and VMC Description: The introduction of the VMC and the requirement for keypad control force us to give every camera and every monitor a numerical ID to use with the keypad. The 2 nd ID for the cameras is given in the group set setting. The 2 nd ID for the monitor is given in the monitor layout setting. Highlights: Every camera in a group set has to have a unique 2 nd ID, but the different cameras in different group sets can have similar ID (for very specific situations where different users use different cameras but want their numbers to always be 1-10). When setting a group set or monitor layout, the system will not allow duplicate IDs. Every monitor on the same VMC has to have a unique 2 nd ID, but monitors on different VMCs can have similar IDs, although it s not a recommended configuration (confusing). The 2 nd ID can also be used in ViconNet to call up a camera to the pink frame window by typing the ID and pressing ENTER on the PC keyboard. Known Limitations: There must be a group of cameras setup in the system to assign 2 nd ID to the cameras even if the user doesn t need groups. Page 31
Feature Name: Spot Window Availability: ViconNet and VMC ViconNet Version 4 New Features Description: The spot window on the VMC will present the camera on the currently selected monitor. Highlights: When selecting a monitor, the camera on that monitor will also be presented in the spot window. The spot window can be switched to full size. Digital zoom using the mouse will work on the spot window for live and playback. PTZ control arrow will show up on the spot window. Known Limitations: There is only one spot window per VMC. Camera has to show up on the spot window for PTZ control. Page 32