Costar Video Systems proudly introduces the iNEX Network Recording platform which seamlessly integrates existing analog video infrastructure with high definition network video. Without question, the overwhelming majority of security systems today are based on analog camera technology. The iNEX platform allows users to continue using analog cameras, and begin the upgrade to high resolution IP cameras on their own time table.
Costar expanded on the successful RAS+ user interface with the release of iNEX. The iNEX platform makes it possible to cost effectively combine analog cameras with mega pixel cameras within the same user interface. The iNEX user interface integrates features such as live viewing, logical camera grouping, mapping, user and event management, as well as video playback from a single client interface.
The convergence of analog and network video systems is accomplished using Costar Video Systems’’ Egdelink Technology in combination with the iNEX user interface. Costar Video’s Edge Video Recorder (EVR) incorporates Edgelink Technology to encode analog cameras, allowing them to be fully accessible by the iNEX Network user interface. Using a Costar Video EVR to encode existing analog cameras will allow customers to save money by continuing to use their existing analog infrastructure while introducing new IP technology into the system at their own pace.
The scalability of iNEX allows your customer’s CCTV system to grow as their needs grow. The iNEX user interface never changes regardless of the type of technology, number of cameras or number of locations which eliminates the need to reeducate personnel as the system becomes larger or more advanced. iNEX supports the universal OnVIF IP communication protocol which allows you to use many brands of IP cameras, protecting you from being locked into a proprietary platform. Utilizing an iNEX platform can help your customer achieve any CCTV goal whether their system is small with a tight budget or an enterprise level command center.
The illustration below shows how the iNEX user interface and a Costar Video Systems’ EVR will allow your existing CCTV system to evolve by providing a cost effective convergence pathway between existing analog and new network systems.
Step #1: Add a Costar Video Systems’ EVR with Edgelink Technology
Step #2: Add an iNEX server
Step #3: Add mega pixel cameras in addition to the existing analog cameras
Step #4: Begin watching, searching and programming your converged analog and digital system with the iNEX user interface.
User Management
Due to the sensitive nature of recorded video, managing access is critical to the success of your CCTV system. The iNEX user interface has a centralized user database which allows the system manager to manage all user authorities at once instead of device by device. System management can be delegated to the local level or managed at the corporate level. User management gives you the ability to select specific users’ monitoring rights, add new users, rearrange authority groups or delete existing users with a single “click” of a button!
Reference Mapping
The iNEX interface utilizes advanced visual reference maps which allow users to navigate to every camera in the system with ease. Imagine being able to see the event triggered location with instant live monitoring from your system’s enhanced map. For example, you can view video from the camera located at elevator 8, on the 5th floor, in building C within seconds with a single “click”. Each map has the ability to hyperlink to 64 maps giving you the ability to cover your facility’s system in detail. Manage live video, motion detection or view playback from a 2D or 3D floor plan map of your facility!
Logical Grouping
Monitoring a CCTV system can create a challenge for users when selecting specific cameras from multiple recording devices or locations. With the iNEX user interface, grouping is based off of camera not device so you can logically group cameras together from either analog or digital recording devices. Logical grouping means you can watch a combination of cameras on one screen from different recording devices or locations at the same time by grouping them together!
Integrating Technology
Integrating analog and IP camera technology onto the same platform has never been easier with the help of the iNEX user interface and Costar Video’s Edgelink Technology. The Edgelink Technology in Costar Video’s EVR acts as an encoder which provides the convergence pathway for analog and network systems at a fraction of the cost. This convergence allows analog and IP camera video streams to be monitored and viewed on the same screen within the iNEX user interface.