A basic setup of Axis IP cameras should be performed by means of the software tools, which come with the camera, such as AXIS IP Utility or over the web interface of the camera.

This basic setup includes settings such as TCP/IP settings, user login data, streaming and compression settings, focus, color and contrast.

Some settings can be made in ibaCapture Manager.

Settings – Camera access

Camera address

The IP address of the camera as specified in the camera installation wizard is displayed here. If you do not know the IP address, use AXIS IP Utility to find the address. In case the camera is dynamically assigned the IP address by a DHCP server, it is advisable to use a fix host name, if possible within the network.

Protocol

Supported protocols are HTTP and HTTPS. A valid certificate is required to use HTTPS. If the certificate is invalid or has yet to be added, the error message “Invalid certificate or TLS version” will be displayed.

For information on creating and managing certificates, see chapter Certificates.

Login name, password

Every access to the camera requires authorization, e.g. for changing settings. Therefore, enter user name and password for the camera as created before by means of AXIS camera software. Verify user data by pressing <Check camera access> button.

Axis IP cameras

With a click on the <Discover> button, a list of all detected, active Axis IP cameras will be shown.

Open webinterface

A click on the command icon in the ribbon will open the camera’s web interface for more information and settings. A web browser is required for this function.

Reboot camera

Click this command icon in the ribbon only in exceptional cases, e.g. when there is no video stream visible although the settings are correct.
Settings – video configuration

Model, firmware

This information is displayed automatically after accessing the camera.
Network

Transport protocol

A selection of different transport protocols for data transmission from camera to ibaCapture Server is available.

    • Multicast RTP (UDP multicast); default setting

    • Multicast RTP (UDP Multicast)

    • Unicast RTP over RTSP (TCP)

    • Unicast RTP over RTSP over HTTP (TCP)

    • Unicast RTP over RTSP over HTTPS (TCP)

If the video stream must be encrypted, you can select any option that includes transport over HTTPS. ibaCapture Server also accepts self-signed certificates, which are enabled by default on AXIS cameras.

Network timeout

Time span of interrupted network connection between camera and ibaCapture Server given in seconds before a “No video signal” error message will be posted. Default value = 3

Camera

In case of one single camera or a video A/D converter for a single analog camera connected, this value is always = 1 and cannot be changed. In case of an A/D converter for multiple analog cameras connected, the stream of a specific camera can be selected by using the spinner.

Show title text

If you enable this option, you can enter a text, which will be displayed above the image in the camera view window.
Image Appearance

Resolution

A selection of available image resolutions is offered in the drop-down list, depending on the camera model. A change may have a significant influence on the image quality.

Video rotation

If necessary due to the camera installation, you can rotate the video image. The options and possible angles depend on the camera model.

Compression

Besides the bit rate, you can set a value for image compression. The default value of 30% works for many cases. The higher the compression the smaller the file size. However, there is then also less detail in the image. Delicate structures may not be visible anymore.
Video stream

Stream encoding

This is the video encoding format for video compression used by the camera. Some camera models allow changing the encoding. ibaCapture supports MPEG-4, H.264 and H.265.

GOP size

See glossary, chapter Glossary

Frame rate

A frame rate of 25 fps usually works for the human eye to get the impression of smooth movement.

Frame duration

Shows the time for one frame in ms depending on the frame rate setting. For information only.

Enable frame rate monitoring

If this option is enabled, a watchdog monitors the current frame rate. If the frame rate for the set watchdog interval falls below the set watchdog threshold, the connection to the camera is reset.
Bitrate control

Variable/constant bitrate

Select one of the two options which fits best your needs and network performance.

    • VBR (Variable Bit Rate) will adjust the bit rate according to the complexity of the image. This requires a lot of bandwidth for a high activity in the image and less bandwidth for a low activity.

    • If you select a constant bit rate, you should enter a fixed bit rate in the field nearby (default value 300 kbit/s).

    • If there is a lot of movement in the image, a high bit rate provides a smooth representation of the movements. The lower the bit rate the more jolt will occur in motions. Furthermore, you can select a priority either in favor of frame rate or quality. As the bit rate would need to increase for increased image activity, but cannot when a constant bit rate is selected, the frame rate (motion) and image quality (details) will both be affected negatively. By selecting the priority, you can contribute to your needs.

    • Priority on frame rate will provide for smoother motions but less image quality. Priority on quality will provide for good image quality but motions with jolt. If you select "None", frame rate and image quality will be affected approximately equally.