Essential Viewing

The capabilities at the core of the essentialVision 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 Video 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.

essentialVision offers superior benefits in many areas, in particular

• Superior quality video over lower bandwidths
• Fixed frame rate
• Minimal latency
• Lower complexity decode
• Unsurpassed performance in networks characterised by high packet loss

By enabling the delivery of effective video over low bandwidth networks, the essentialVision 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 essentialVision technology offers more than just video compression. A complete end-to-end solution, essentialVision 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,  essentialVision delivers operationally superior visual surveillance solutions. 

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

The user, following a few simple steps, can easily install the essentialVision 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.

essentialVision 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. 

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. 

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

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 9.6kbps up to 300kbps. 

The essentialVision encoder can run over virtually any satellite network, including Inmarsat and Globalstar. 

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

Globalstar is the world's most widely used handheld satellite phone service, providing high-quality, low-cost voice and data services to businesses, communities and individuals around the world. 

essentialVision is essentially network agnostic. It can function on any GPRS, CDMA, EVDO, UMTS or FOMA network. However, all networks may not be compatible so please check with Essential Viewing to ensure network certification. 

Frame rates of between 5fps and 10fps can be achieved, depending on the individual network.

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.

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

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

Yes, you can switch between individual cameras on one encoder or view all four cameras simultaneously in quad view.

Currently supports the VISCA Protocol (Canon VC-C5), RS232 and David Horn cameras in addition to Pelco P and Pelco D. If you have a requirement for a specific protocol, please contact Essential Viewing to determine whether this can be supported.

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

Yes, there are no restrictions to the saving of single images or video. You can save single images or video locally on your PC as JPEG or AVI files. You can also archive video onto a removable hard drive that can be accessed remotely.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Our unique High Resolution Image Capture 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.

The robust, rugged enclosure with no moving parts makes the essentialVision encoder ideal for a wide range of mission critical video requirements, including remote surveillance, robotics and large UGVs. 

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

With a low power requirement of less than 28W, the encoder has been designed to operate unattended for lengthy periods of time. 

The ability to be powered from any DC source from 10-24V, including the power source in vehicles, makes the essentialVision system ideal for rapid vehicle deployment.

Each encoder comes complete with a 12 month warranty. Extended warranty packages are also available on application. 

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.

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. 

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.

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