Media profiles for ONVIF cameras

The media profile in an ONVIF camera defines how video and audio are processed and transmitted. These settings in the camera’s web interface play a crucial role in ensuring that the camera integrates smoothly with Banalytics VMS.

Let's explore several media profile combinations specifically designed for ONVIF cameras in different surveillance scenarios. These profiles take into account essential factors like resolution, video encoding, encoding mode, frame rate, and bit rate to ensure your ONVIF camera is optimized for the specific needs of your surveillance system. Whether you need efficient motion detection or top-quality video recording, we’ve got the ideal configuration for you.

In the proposed media profiles below, we'll use the following most common configuration options.

Profile for motion detection

When setting up for motion detection, the goal is typically to optimize bandwidth usage while ensuring that important motion events are captured clearly. This setup prioritizes a lower frame rate and moderate resolution, which helps to conserve bandwidth while still detecting motion reliably.

• Resolution: 1280x720 (HD).

• Video encoding: H.264B (a more efficient compression method for lower bandwidth usage).

• Encoding mode: VBRNormal (variable bit rate with a normal quality setting).

• Frame rate: 10 FPS (a lower frame rate is sufficient for motion detection).

• Bit rate: 1024 kbps (moderate bit rate that ensures motion details are captured without excessive bandwidth use).

Profile for real-time remote monitoring

For real-time remote monitoring, where you need clear and fluid video streaming, the profile should prioritize high resolution, higher frame rates, and better video quality. This setup ensures that video streams are smooth and offer a good viewing experience, even in low-bandwidth situations.

• Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD).

• Video encoding: H.264H (provides a good balance of compression and quality).

• Encoding mode: CBR (Constant Bit Rate, ensuring consistent video quality and stream stability).

• Frame rate: 15-20 FPS (higher frame rate for smoother video during monitoring).

• Bit rate: 2048 kbps (higher bit rate for better clarity).

Profile for high-quality recording

When the goal is to achieve high-quality video recording with minimal loss of detail, particularly in areas with low motion, this profile should prioritize video quality and resolution. This will ensure the recorded footage is clear and suitable for evidence or detailed review.

• Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD).

• Video encoding: H.265 (best for quality and compression efficiency).

• Encoding mode: VBRBest (highest quality video with variable bit rate).

• Frame rate: 25 FPS (full frame rate for high-quality recording, ensuring smooth motion).

• Bit rate: 4096 kbps (high bit rate for excellent video quality, suitable for recording detailed scenes).

Profile for low-bandwidth environments

In environments where bandwidth is limited, you’ll want a low-bandwidth profile that reduces video quality while still delivering usable footage. This profile is best for remote locations or situations where only essential video capture is needed.

• Resolution: 640x480 (SD).

• Video encoding: MotionJPEG (less efficient but compatible with low-bandwidth scenarios).

• Encoding mode: VBRPoor (low quality to conserve bandwidth).

• Frame rate: 5 FPS (low frame rate to save bandwidth).

• Bit rate: 512 kbps (very low bit rate to optimize for low bandwidth usage).

Profile for nighttime or low-light surveillance

For nighttime or low-light surveillance, where you need to prioritize clarity in dark environments, a combination of higher frame rates and lower resolution may be necessary to capture details while minimizing noise.

• Resolution: 1280x720 (HD).

• Video encoding: H.264M (a balance between quality and compression in low-light conditions).

• Encoding mode: VBRGood (better quality at moderate bit rates).

• Frame rate: 10 FPS (enough for low-light scenarios while saving bandwidth).

• Bit rate: 1024 kbps (a bit lower to reduce noise in low light).

Profile for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control

When using PTZ cameras where the camera is frequently moving, you’ll want a profile that maintains quality while minimizing bandwidth fluctuations during camera movement. This profile ensures smooth video while the camera is being adjusted remotely.

• Resolution: 1280x720 (HD).

• Video encoding: MotionJPEG (efficient and good for PTZ scenarios).

• Encoding mode: VBRBetter (good quality while still adapting to movement).

• Frame rate: 20 FPS (higher frame rate to keep up with the camera’s movement).

• Bit rate: 2048 kbps (higher bit rate to ensure video quality during movement).