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Pete DeAngelis and Paul Bodell of IQinVision share their thoughts on choosing compression algorithms based on user requirements and CCTV system environment considerations.

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7. Camera Motion [Video Environment]

Camera Motion represents the worst case scenario for temporal compression algorithms because it represents 100 percent scene motion at all times (see Consideration #5). Camera motion can be caused by wind or vibrations, a pole swaying, or by panning, tilting, or zooming (PTZ) a camera. It can also be the result of a mobile application such as cameras mounted in trains, buses, police cars or emergency vehicles. H.264 video from an actively panning PTZ camera is very poor quality, which underscores the critical role scene motion plays in the selection of H.264 compression for a given application. For this reason, we recommend a frame-based compression like MJPEG for any mobile application or PTZ camera application, regardless of the impact of the other considerations we have outlined above.

In closing, here are some important rules of thumb based on the considerations outlined above:

• When using H.264 compression, be sure to factor in weather and lighting conditions when calculating bandwidth and storage needs.
• Select H.264 when there will be less than 20 percent maximum motion in the scene.
• Select MJPEG or utilize high frame rate H.264 compression when attempting to capture faster moving objects.
• Select MJPEG if the camera is on a mobile platform or in a PTZ unit.

In the third and final article of this series, look for a discussion of our final two considerations - the user requirements for recording and live viewing -- as well as more recommendations based on all nine considerations for what compression methodology is best for your application.
 

About the authors:

Peter DeAngelis is president and chief executive officer megapixel surveillance camera manufacturer for IQinVision.  Before joining IQinVision, Peter was co-founder, Vice President of Engineering, and Chief Technical Officer of San Diego-based Rokenbok Toy Company. Previously, he served as Director of New Products at Newpoint Corporation, a division of Proxima Corporation. Mr. DeAngelis’ successful career in start-up organizations began with PC Devices Inc., a company he founded in the early 1990s to market and sell PC-based audio products. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maine and holds numerous US and foreign patents.

Paul Bodell is chief marketing officer for IQinVision. He has spent over 15 years in the security industry with senior management positions at Sensor/HID, Silent Knight, and Philips CCTV. Paul is a regular contributor to top industry magazines and is active in SIA, the IP UserGroup, and other industry groups. He holds undergraduate degrees in Engineering from the University of Connecticut, Mathematics from Fairfield University, and an MBA from University of New Haven.