Implementation steps of network video encoder in video surveillance

What exactly is a network video encoder? A network encoder is a professional network transmission device that compresses and processes audio and video data, commonly known as a network encoder. There is also a device called a network video decoder (commonly known as a network decoder). The network video encoder is used at the front end, and the network video decoder is used at the back end. The two can be understood as a two-way transmission channel. After data is encoded, it needs to be decoded and restored. The two complement each other.

The basic structure of network video encoder

The network video encoder is composed of audio and video compression codec chip, input and output channels, network interface, audio and video interface, RS485 serial interface control, protocol interface control, system software management, etc. If it is applied to network video monitoring, it can be understood as a front-end device of the remote monitoring system, with external cameras and alarm signals, and can automatically dial to register to the central monitoring business platform to achieve remote monitoring.

Functions and workflow of network video encoders

The network video encoder mainly provides video compression or decompression functions, completes the acquisition or restoration of image data, etc. The currently popular image data compression based on MPEG-4 or H.264 transmits data through the Internet network and processes audio data.

The workflow of the network video encoder is to combine the video and control on a computer network for transmission, and restore the original appearance of the video signal at the network decoder. Through the hard network decoder, you can get a direct video signal, or connect a control keyboard to control the downstream device; through the soft network decoder, you can browse and control on the computer network. Upload the front-end video signal and download the back-end control signal. The downloaded control signal can control the matrix image processor alarm and other front-end devices. When sending to the main control center from multiple level centers, it has a strong advantage in cross-city and cross-provincial networking. Because the matching equipment is diverse and the underlying protocols are different, the network encoder and network decoder purchased directly need to be used after secondary development.

Next, I will talk about the steps of implementing network video encoders in video surveillance applications.

1) Required equipment

Network video encoder, network camera, PC that meets the requirements (CPU, hard disk, memory, operating system, browser, graphics card, these are all selected correctly according to the requirements of the network camera)

2) Install network video encoder and network camera

Design PC network, network video encoder and network camera need to be set in the same network segment, can be set manually or automatically obtain IP form, specific settings please refer to the product manual;

3) Configure network devices

To configure network devices with administrator privileges, you need to open a browser and access it through the IP address. Enter the administrator's account and password, then you can enter the main settings interface to see the remote monitoring screen. Find the setting point of the relevant parameters in the main settings interface, and you can set the relevant parameters of the network camera. Each network camera interface has its own style, so I won’t explain it here. If you are interested, you can operate and set it yourself if you have the chance.

Network Video Encoder

Overview of the Development of Network Video Encoders

As the demand for network monitoring is increasing, it has stimulated the majority of machine vision manufacturers, especially industrial camera manufacturers, to work hard on the development of network cameras, which has indirectly promoted the development of network video encoders. At present, network video encoders have gradually developed from single-function video transmission to those with WIFI network, local SD card storage, USB storage or IDE hard disk storage, etc.; the transmission channel has also gradually developed from the original single channel to: single channel D1, two channels HD1, four channels CIF and multi-channel compatible multi-menu operation and management integrated system.

At present, the communication mode of network video encoders has gradually developed from the original simple wired network to: compatible with wired and wireless WIFI (802.11abg communication protocol), and the wireless transmission distance has also developed from the original tens of meters (30-100 meters) to the current tens of kilometers (30-50 kilometers).

We know that encoders are devices that compile and convert signals or data for transmission. Network video encoders are just one of the common applications of encoders after their development, and they have been successfully applied to network devices and recognized and applied by a large number of electronic engineers.