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Camera Best Practices

  • Camera Best Practices

    Following these settings before adding cameras to QxControl will prevent most connection, recording and live-view issues.

    Compatibility and firmware

    • Ensure the camera is at least ONVIF Profile S conformant and that ONVIF is turned on in the camera. Some manufacturers ship it turned off. Some camera manufacturers use the full name, “Open Network Video Interface”, instead of the acronym ONVIF.
    • Some cameras use a separate ONVIF user account. If so, create an ONVIF user with the same login you use to log in to the main camera, with Administrator access.
    • Be sure the camera is on the latest released firmware for the make/model.

    Network and time

    • It is best to have the camera on a Static IP, or a Reserved DHCP address.
    • Synchronize the camera’s time. ONVIF authentication fails if the camera and gateway clocks are too far apart.
      • Once Qumulex makes its initial connection to the camera, it automatically sets the Qx Gateway as the camera’s time server. If the camera’s time is too far off, that first connection fails, and the time must be set manually using one of the options below.
      • Best option: set the camera’s NTP server to the IP of the Qx Gateway NIC the camera is connected to (usually the LAN).
      • Alternative: use the camera’s “Synchronize with computer time” option.

    Streams

    • Qumulex will usually enable and connect to a high and a low resolution stream from the camera automatically. For most cameras this requires no interaction.
    • Use H.264 or H.265 encoding. If you use H.265, viewers need a browser that can decode HEVC. See: https://www.qumulex.com/kb/error-using-h265-video
    • Enable a high resolution stream and a lower resolution stream (ex. 640 or 720 wide) in the camera, and enable both in QxControl under Edit Camera. It is best if both streams have the same aspect ratio for seamless transitions.
    • The low resolution stream is often what’s used for live viewing, especially on mobile and multi-camera layouts. 10 to 15 frames per second on this stream is plenty for a smooth experience. There is no need to lower the frame rate on the high resolution stream, which is the one Qumulex records.
    • Set the GOP (Group of Pictures) to at least twice your frame rate. Note that ONVIF measures GOP in frames, not seconds.
      • Ex: If the camera is set to 15 FPS, the GOP should be 30.
    • Disable any dynamic or “smart” encoding features. These vary by manufacturer and may be labeled Dynamic GOP, Dynamic Intra Frame, Dynamic Frame Rate, Smart Codec or AI Codec. They can cause gaps in recording and repeated reconnects.

    Motion and analytics

    • Turn on motion detection in the camera. Some cameras ship with it turned off by default, and QxControl relies on the camera’s events to trigger event recording.
    • Set up at least one motion window/zone within the camera.
    • Keep constantly moving objects, such as trees, flags or TVs, out of the motion zone if possible.
    • Check sensitivity at night. Video noise in low light can trigger constant motion, so reduce sensitivity if needed without losing the daytime events you need.
    • Configure any analytics desired in the camera.
      • Ex: Line crossing, intrusion, loitering, enter, exit, appear, disappear and face detection

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