Media Profiles for ONVIF Cameras
The media profile in an ONVIF camera defines how video and audio are processed and transmitted. These settings in the camera's web interface play a crucial role in ensuring that the camera integrates smoothly with Banalytics VMS.
Let's explore several media profile combinations specifically designed for ONVIF cameras in different surveillance scenarios. These profiles take into account essential factors like resolution, video encoding, encoding mode, frame rate, and bit rate to ensure your ONVIF camera is optimized for the specific needs of your surveillance system. Whether you need efficient motion detection or top-quality video recording, we've got the ideal configuration for you.
In the proposed media profiles below, we'll use the following most common configuration options.
Video Encoding
- H.264B
- H.264M
- H.264H
- H.265
- MotionJPEG
Each encoding format has different efficiency levels, with H.265 being the most efficient at compressing video while maintaining quality, ideal for high-definition video. MotionJPEG, on the other hand, is less efficient and is typically used for lower-quality video or specific use cases.
Encoding Mode
The encoding mode affects the bit rate and how the camera handles video compression:
- CBR (Constant Bit Rate)
- VBRBest (Variable Bit Rate — Best Quality)
- VBRBetter (Variable Bit Rate — Better Quality)
- VBRGood (Variable Bit Rate — Good Quality)
- VBRNormal (Variable Bit Rate — Normal Quality)
- VBRPoor (Variable Bit Rate — Poor Quality)
CBR ensures a fixed bit rate for consistent video quality, while VBR allows the camera to adjust the bit rate depending on the complexity of the scene being captured. VBRBest and similar options offer higher video quality at the expense of higher bandwidth usage.
Resolution
The resolution setting determines the quality and size of the video feed. Common resolutions include 1920x1080 (Full HD) or 1280x720 (HD), but the available options will vary depending on the camera. Choosing a higher resolution improves video quality but may increase the bandwidth requirement.
Frame Rate
Frame rate is the number of frames displayed per second (FPS), with values typically ranging from 1-25 FPS for most ONVIF cameras. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video appears, though it also increases bandwidth requirements. A common setting for surveillance systems is 15-25 FPS for real-time video.
Bit Rate
Bit rate determines the amount of data transmitted per second for video streaming. A higher bit rate typically results in better video quality but requires more bandwidth. For efficient surveillance setups, you should choose an optimal bit rate that balances quality and available network bandwidth.
Profile for Motion Detection
When setting up for motion detection, the goal is typically to optimize bandwidth usage while ensuring that important motion events are captured clearly. This setup prioritizes a lower frame rate and moderate resolution, which helps to conserve bandwidth while still detecting motion reliably.
- Resolution: 1280x720 (HD)
- Video encoding: H.264B (a more efficient compression method for lower bandwidth usage)
- Encoding mode: VBRNormal (variable bit rate with a normal quality setting)
- Frame rate: 10 FPS (a lower frame rate is sufficient for motion detection)
- Bit rate: 1024 kbps (moderate bit rate that ensures motion details are captured without excessive bandwidth use)
Profile for Real-Time Remote Monitoring
For real-time remote monitoring, where you need clear and fluid video streaming, the profile should prioritize high resolution, higher frame rates, and better video quality. This setup ensures that video streams are smooth and offer a good viewing experience, even in low-bandwidth situations.
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)
- Video encoding: H.264H (provides a good balance of compression and quality)
- Encoding mode: CBR (Constant Bit Rate, ensuring consistent video quality and stream stability)
- Frame rate: 15-20 FPS (higher frame rate for smoother video during monitoring)
- Bit rate: 2048 kbps (higher bit rate for better clarity)
Profile for High-Quality Recording
When the goal is to achieve high-quality video recording with minimal loss of detail, particularly in areas with low motion, this profile should prioritize video quality and resolution. This will ensure the recorded footage is clear and suitable for evidence or detailed review.
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)
- Video encoding: H.265 (best for quality and compression efficiency)
- Encoding mode: VBRBest (highest quality video with variable bit rate)
- Frame rate: 25 FPS (full frame rate for high-quality recording, ensuring smooth motion)
- Bit rate: 4096 kbps (high bit rate for excellent video quality, suitable for recording detailed scenes)
Profile for Low-Bandwidth Environments
In environments where bandwidth is limited, you'll want a low-bandwidth profile that reduces video quality while still delivering usable footage. This profile is best for remote locations or situations where only essential video capture is needed.
- Resolution: 640x480 (SD)
- Video encoding: MotionJPEG (less efficient but compatible with low-bandwidth scenarios)
- Encoding mode: VBRPoor (low quality to conserve bandwidth)
- Frame rate: 5 FPS (low frame rate to save bandwidth)
- Bit rate: 512 kbps (very low bit rate to optimize for low bandwidth usage)
Profile for Nighttime or Low-Light Surveillance
For nighttime or low-light surveillance, where you need to prioritize clarity in dark environments, a combination of higher frame rates and lower resolution may be necessary to capture details while minimizing noise.
- Resolution: 1280x720 (HD)
- Video encoding: H.264M (a balance between quality and compression in low-light conditions)
- Encoding mode: VBRGood (better quality at moderate bit rates)
- Frame rate: 10 FPS (enough for low-light scenarios while saving bandwidth)
- Bit rate: 1024 kbps (a bit lower to reduce noise in low light)
Profile for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Control
When using PTZ cameras where the camera is frequently moving, you'll want a profile that maintains quality while minimizing bandwidth fluctuations during camera movement. This profile ensures smooth video while the camera is being adjusted remotely.
- Resolution: 1280x720 (HD)
- Video encoding: MotionJPEG (efficient and good for PTZ scenarios)
- Encoding mode: VBRBetter (good quality while still adapting to movement)
- Frame rate: 20 FPS (higher frame rate to keep up with the camera's movement)
- Bit rate: 2048 kbps (higher bit rate to ensure video quality during movement)
These media profile combinations help tailor your ONVIF camera settings for specific use cases, ensuring that your camera performs optimally based on your surveillance needs.
Summary
| Profile | Resolution | Video encoding | Encoding mode | Frame rate | Bit rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motion detection | 1280x720 (HD) | H.264B | VBRNormal | 10 FPS | 1024 kbps |
| Real-time remote monitoring | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | H.264H | CBR | 15-20 FPS | 2048 kbps |
| High-quality recording | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | H.265 | VBRBest | 25 FPS | 4096 kbps |
| Low-bandwidth environments | 640x480 (SD) | MotionJPEG | VBRPoor | 5 FPS | 512 kbps |
| Nighttime/low-light surveillance | 1280x720 (HD) | H.264M | VBRGood | 10 FPS | 1024 kbps |
| PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control | 1280x720 (HD) | MotionJPEG | VBRBetter | 20 FPS | 2048 kbps |