Hanwha Techwin recently restructured its Wisenet range of cameras, with the new Wisenet X series as its flagship product. Making use of the Wisenet V processing engine, the range has been designed to deliver mainstream functionality with advanced features. As the replacement for the previous Wisenet III range, it has to be said that the Wisenet X camera range is more than the sum total of its parts, which is what makes it an interesting proposition!
The Wisenet X camera range is available with two-and five-megapixel variants, and includes the staple camera offerings: bullet, static dome, box and PTZ models.
The cameras’ functionality is based upon the features and functions typically associated with the Wisenet platform, albeit with a number of additions and upgrades as would be expected from a new version of the processing engine.
Headline features include the introduction of H.265 compression, the second generation of the WiseStream dynamic encoding engine which reduces bandwidth consumption (and includes dynamic GOP), 150dB WDR (which uses a combination of four frames rather than the more typical two frame approach to balance out uneven lighting), gyro sensor-based image stabilisation, enhanced low light performance, dual slots for SD-based edge recording, a wide range of advanced analytics and support for WiFi-based setup.
The Wisenet X range also supports Hanwha’s open-platform approach, allowing the use of third-party applications to enhance functionality.
Both H.265 and H.264 compression are well implemented, and where a sensible level of bandwidth is configured, the image quality is very good.
With regard to bandwidth management, the X series devices make use of WiseStream II technology. This is Hanwha Techwin’s dynamic encoding engine. It requires minimal set-up and has four levels: off, low, medium or high. The camera also supports dynamic GOV and dynamic frame rate. The benefits of dynamic decoding very much depend upon the viewed scene. During previous testing Benchmark achieved bandwidth savings of just over 50 per cent whilst preserving high image quality.
The cameras include a number of analytics tools as standard. These include both video and audio options. Motion detection functionality is also included and this includes a Hand-Over feature, allowing an event caused by activity in the motion zone to trigger switching to a secondary camera.
With regard to IVA, the cameras support virtual line crossing with directional discrimination, intrusion into a detection zone, entry/exit, appear/disappear and loitering. Other options include tamper detection, defocusing, fog detection and face detection. With regard to audio detection, the camera also includes sound classification.
A benefit for installers and integrators is the use of WiFi connectivity for set-up. The cameras include a micro USB port to deploy a WiFi dongle. A smart phone connection (with the appropriate Installation app) delivers a high resolution image for installation purposes. The process is simple: connect the dongle and connect to the WiFi via the smart device. This allows a smart phone or tablet to be used as a high-resolution set up monitor.