Basler: GIT-Interview with Hardy Mehl about the network camera range for security professionals

Basler: GIT-Interview with Hardy Mehl about the network camera range for security professionals. Basler Vision Technologies, Germany based manufacturer of digital cameras for industrial, medical, and traffic system applications, is entering the market for video surveillance. Based on more than 20 years of experience in image processing and more than 10 years in manufacturing digital cameras, Basler launches a series of new IP cameras at ifsec 2008. Dr Heiko Baumgartner had the opportunity to discuss with Marketing Director Hardy Mehl the company’s strategy for the video surveillance market.

What thoughts are leading your way from an expert for image processing to a provider for IP cameras for the security market?

H Mehl: We have observed the IP camera market for several years and noticed that this growing market has attracted some new suppliers. Usually, they come with a network engineering background or from the analogue video market. Many IP camera customers welcome the advantages of network technology, but are not satisfied with the image quality and reliability of current digital camera products.

Basler wants to close this gap. We applied a core competence gained through 10 years of experience in digital camera technology to our new IP camera range. During the development process, we stayed in close contact with well-known security companies to make sure that we fully meet the specific needs and requirements of this market.

What products do you launch at ifsec 2008?

H Mehl: Basler introduces a total of five different models, ranging from VGA to 2 megapixels resolution. The Basler IP camera series has a compact, elegant and robust housing and comprises a selection of the best Sony CCD sensors as well as high performance Micron CMOS sensors. Our cameras feature the industry’s first and only complete image compressing set-up without a limitation to any resolution.

All cameras are offering not only multi-level MJEPG compression with multi streaming options, but also a simultaneous and independent MPEG4 or H.264 streaming possibility, while frame rates are kept at its highest. This comprehensive set of network security and management capabilities is amplified by a large range of standard features like built-in support for compliant Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af), DC Auto-Iris control functionality and adaptive bit rate control.

Apart from various analogue products, there is already a wide range of network cameras available on the market. What makes Basler’s products unique and at what segment of the market are you aiming?

H Mehl: Our products are world famous for excellent image quality, high reliability, ease of use, and ease of integration. The Basler IP camera family comes with an ultra compact all-metal housing (89.2 mm x 44 mm x 29 mm), which makes it the smallest IP camera of its class. Our IP cameras are tailored by using a bundle of latest technologies for excellent image quality and outstanding reliability.

Another Unique Selling Point is the performance and particularly the flexibility of image compression. Basler IP cameras are addressed to professional installers of video surveillance systems. The cameras are flexible and can be used in various applications and vertical markets.

The basis for success in our market are good products and a network of partners and installers. How do you organise sales and service in the EMEA region?

H Mehl: Basler IP products can be purchased worldwide from our professional, well-trained partner companies. In Germany and Austria we are currently represented by Sanyo Video Vertrieb. Further distributors will follow soon.

Are your cameras ready to be integrated into video management solutions?

H Mehl: We cooperate with leading suppliers of video management software to integrate our cameras. We target that our cameras will be compatible to a multitude of video management software products in the near future. Due to this reason we put much effort in a stable API, a thorough documentation and in the versed technical support of video management software suppliers.

Do you plan to broaden your portfolio by adding software products and products for data storage?

H Mehl: No! Strategically we position ourselves as a pure digital camera vendor. This field is our core competence. Complementary products required for a security application shall be supplied by partner companies and specialists. But we will guarantee the compatibility of our cameras to these third party products.

What goals did you set yourself by the end of this year for our market segment?

H Mehl: Our goal is to successfully enter the security market. Following factors shall prove a successful market entry: First, the Basler brand is recognised by the market (brand awareness). Second, the products are available worldwide through professional distributors. Third, the compatibility to complementary product is guaranteed. Last but not least, we want to convince potential customers by product performance and reliability.

Basler AG at Ifsec 2008: Hall 19 / Stand 20165

Contact:

Basler AG,
Ahrensburg, Germany
Tel.: +49 4102 463-500
bc.sales.europe@baslerweb.com
www.basler-ipcam.com