FAQs

What are the key benefits of TVI?

The capabilities at the core of the TVI products are aimed at the effective coding, transmission and viewing of real-time video over low bandwidth, wide area networks. Based on the flexible and dynamic Essential Viewing codec, the technology utilises a number of video compression techniques with our BestFirst® algorithm determining the most efficient approach to achieve optimal visual results over the available bandwidth.

TVI offers superior benefits in many areas, in particular

  • Superior quality video over lower bandwidths
  • Guaranteed fixed frame rate
  • Minimal latency
  • Lower complexity decode
  • Unsurpassed performance in networks characterised by high packet loss
How does TVI differ from other systems?

By enabling the delivery of effective video over low bandwidth networks, the TVI solutions enhance decision-making processes without the need to construct expensive high bandwidth communications infrastructures. The standards-based technologies, such as MPEG-4, H.263 and H.264, fail to address the requirements of visual surveillance when operating over low bandwidth networks.

By contrast, the TVI technology offers more than just video compression. A complete end-to-end solution, TVI offers superior visual quality over low bandwidth networks, with the ability to both sustain a constant frame rate and achieve low latency. And with the addition of encryption, user authentication and the ability to adapt to the error characteristics of the network, TVI delivers operationally superior visual surveillance solutions.

What components make up the TVI system?

The TVI system is comprised of three components - a hardware encoder, together with server and viewer software. The encoder forwards the video streams to a central server, where authorised viewers can then access them.

How is the system installed?

The user, following a few simple steps, can easily install the TVI system. Each encoder is supplied with all the necessary software and instructions to have the system up and running in minutes, subject to suitable network connectivity.

Can TVI integrate with my existing network?

TVI enables video to be distributed to multiple users over existing intranet and mobile phone networks. It can also extend existing CCTV systems - providing video to decision makers and mobile operatives, and not just confined to the CCTV control room.

Can multiple viewers use the same encoder?

Yes, the encoder forwards video to the central server where authorised viewers have access. There is no limit to the number of viewers who can use the same encoder provided you hold a sufficient number of licences

What operating systems are supported?

Viewers are available for Windows XP/Vista, Windows Mobile 5 / 6 Devices and Java enabled web browsers.

Can the system operate over IP or Satellite Networks?

Yes, our range of hardware and software solutions allows real-time video to be viewed over fixed, wireless and satellite IP networks from bandwidths as low as 9 Kbps up to 1 Mbps.

Which satellite networks are supported?

The TVI encoder can run over virtually any satellite network, including Inmarsat.

Who is Inmarsat?

Inmarsat operates a constellation of geostationary satellites that extend mobile phone, fax and data communications to every part of the world, except the poles.

What mobile phone networks can TVI use?

TVI is essentially network agnostic. It can function on most ADSL, GPRS, CDMA, or HSDPA networks. Please check with Essential Viewing to ensure network certification.

What frame rates are available over mobile phone networks?

On 3G networks frame rates of between 5fps and 10fps can be achieved, with the newer, faster HSDPA networks providing up to 25fps.

How many cameras can be attached to each encoder?

Each TVI M2 encoder has inputs for up to 4 composite cameras. The C300, C200 and R300 models each support 1 composite camera.

What Pan, Tilt, Zoom protocols are supported?

The camera can be controlled via RS232 or RS485. Currently supports Pelco P&D, Canon VC-C4/5, Sony Visca, David Horn. Other protocol may be integrated on request. If you have a requirement for a specific protocol, please contact Essential Viewing to determine whether this can be supported.

How secure is the system?

TVI provides AES 128 or 256 bit encryption between the encoder and server, in addition to support for IPSEC VPN.

Can the images I'm viewing be saved to view or print?

Yes, you can save single images or video locally on your PC as JPEG or AVI files. You can also archive video. The methods for this will depend on the particular model of encoder you choose, please see Archiving Information for more details.

What format can I record in?

Single images are recorded as JPEGs, with video in MJPEG (AVI) format.

Can I view and record at the same time?

Yes, you can save images for later review, while continuing to view the current stream.

Can the archived video be accessed remotely?

Yes, the archived video can be accessed remotely or locally.

Can the images be enhanced?

Our unique High Resolution Image CaptureTM feature allows you to select an area or an entire frame to be requested at a higher resolution from the encoder. The high resolution JPEG of the selected area is then overlaid on top of the video frame on screen, while the live video continues to stream uninterrupted. See our High Resolution Image Capture factsheet for full details.

Can I use TVI for mobile applications?

The robust enclosure with no moving parts has been designed to withstand the shock and vibration associated with vehicle deployment, making the TVI encoder ideal for a wide range of mission critical video requirements, including remote surveillance, robotics and large UGVs.

Can the encoder be battery powered?

The flexible power input allows the encoder to be powered from any DC source from 10-24V, including the power source in vehicles.

How long is the battery life?

With a low power requirement ranging from less than 5W, the encoder has been designed to operate unattended for lengthy periods of time. See individual models for details.

Can TVI be deployed in a vehicle?

The ability to be powered from any DC source from 9-36V, including the power source in vehicles, makes the TVI system ideal for rapid vehicle deployment.

What warranty will I receive?

Each M2 encoder comes complete with a 12 month warranty, while the C200 / C300 / R300 models provide 36 months warranty. Extended warranty packages are also available on application.

How much training is required to use the system?

Full documentation is provided with each encoder giving step-by-step instructions on how to set up and use the system, which has a simple, intuitive user interface. One-to-one training can also be provided if required, please contact us for details.

What technical support is available?

Our team of technical experts is on hand to provide technical support either by email via our website or by phone. We are always happy to receive any feedback you may have, as we are continually working to develop our products and improve the user experience.

Is it possible to see a demonstration of the system?

If you wish to arrange a demonstration, please contact us using the online form here . You will then be contacted and allocated a user name and password to access our demonstration server.

Can you provide any case studies?

Case studies are available for various deployments of the system, including Covert Surveillance, Traffic Monitoring and Extending CCTV Systems to Mobile Users.



M2 Encoder

What datacards are supported?

The datacards tested and currently supported are the Option GlobeTrotter 3G Quad ("GT 3G Quad" or "GT 3G Quad Lite" : Model No: GT7404) and Option GlobeTrotter Fusion ("GT Fusion" or "GT Fusion Quad") Please note that although the name is similar, the Option Globetrotter Fusion Plus Card is NOT supported.

Can Essential Viewing supply datacards?

Datacards are available from Essential Viewing on application, please contact us for details.

How many cameras can be attached to each encoder?

Each M2 encoder has inputs for up to 4 composite cameras.

Can I archive video?

You can archive video from the M2 encoder onto a removable hard drive that can be accessed remotely. See Archiving Solutions for more details.

Can I use my own hard disk for archiving?

You must use an Essential Viewing supplied Archive Disk. The majority of portable 2.5" Hard Disks (especially larger capacity models) do not meet our recommended power and reliability standards, often using less reliable hard disk controller chipsets that will fail after several days of continuous use. The only way to guarantee that the archive disk will work is for Essential Viewing to supply a supported archive disk that meets both power and reliability criteria.

How much recording time does the hard disk provide?

The 200Gb hard drive provides a range of recording time, from approximately 2 weeks of footage at 5 fps to 10 weeks at 1 fps.