With IP surveillance becoming more popular and users faced with more complex video management needs, traditional hardware vendors have rolled out solutions to satisfy those needs. One example is Synology, a storage device manufacturer who has also developed its own video management software (VMS) to help users achieve various objectives.
With IP surveillance becoming more popular and users faced with more complex video management needs, traditional hardware vendors have rolled out solutions to satisfy those needs. One example is Synology, a storage device manufacturer who has also developed its own video management software (VMS) to help users achieve various objectives.
Recently, the company announced an upgrade, Surveillance Station 7.1 Beta, that comes with expanded functionality and improved user interface. “The new features were unseen in the previous 7.0 version and fulfill the needs of customers from home DIY users to project implementations across verticals,” said Chad Chiang, PM at Synology.
Among the new features included in Surveillance Station 7.1 Beta are:
- RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) support, which optimizes video streaming performance and provides a smoother experience when viewing surveillance feeds via Surveillance Station as well as DS cam on iOS devices.
- Multicast support, which reduces the workload of the Synology NVR as well as network bandwidth. Video feeds can be streamed to multiple clients via a single transmission using a router that supports the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP).
- Optimized Surveillance Station database, which increases data transmission efficiency between the central management system host and recording servers.
- New alert mechanism, which highlights events directly on an e-map or live view, so that no single event will go missing or unnoticed.
- A more flexible notification display, allowing security personnel to customize and display only the useful event logs.
- Expanded ONVIF support, enabling Surveillance Station 7.1 to co-work with ONVIF Profile G devices. Its Profile S support has also been expanded.
According to Chiang, Surveillance Station can support camera count anywhere between five and 1,000, making it suitable for various segments ranging from homes to small businesses to enterprises.
“For many users, they first come to us for NAS devices for simple file storage and management. Then, seeing our surveillance solution, they buy cameras and implement a small-scale surveillance environment in their homes,” Chiang said. “In terms of projects, our solution is seen at enterprises, hotels, schools, and government agencies.”
For Synology, Surveillance Station delivers extra value to users who want more out of their storage device. “Through the development of software, we can help them do more, and they are happy,” Chiang said.
“In fact, we were the first storage manufacturer to offer video management software to users. But as time went on, more and more of our peers have begun to do so,” he added. “Ultimately, the friendly, web-based user interface and expanded functionality are what set Surveillance Station apart from others.”
The new upgrade is still undergoing beta trials, and Synology will release the official Surveillance Station 7.1 in mid-October, Chiang said.
Solution for Retailers
Synology plans to roll out a new NVR that specifically targets retailers, many of whom demand one device for all their surveillance and management needs.
According to Chiang, besides the power and Internet ports that are typical of all Synology recorders, the new NVR216 includes an additional HDMI output that can be linked up with a monitor. This way, the retailer no longer needs an extra PC or laptop to run surveillance, he said.
Synology plans to roll out the new product in the fourth quarter of this year, he said.