Multi-Sensor IP Camera Server Compatibility List
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Affected Roles: Owner, Administrator
Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum IPVMS
Last Edit: August 1, 2024
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Multi-Sensor Camera Compatibility
DW MEGApix PANO Series and FLEX Series cameras are multi-sensor IP camera models. Each camera uses between 3~4 individual lens modules to produce a 180°~360° view for live area monitoring. Recognizing that it is a powerful piece of equipment that requires more resources than smaller camera models, it is a good idea to consider the camera’s video bitrate and recorded file size when evaluating the capabilities of server hardware.
DW Blackjack Server units are intentionally designed to support DW Spectrum Systems and camera networks, but like most technology, there are some limitations.
This article will list the recommended maximum number of PANO or FLEX multi-sensor cameras by DW Blackjack Server model. There are two lists below for your reference. Exceeding these recommendations may result in reduced performance.
- DW MEGApix PANO Camera IP Camera Series – lists the recommended maximum camera count for ivory (off-white) housing cameras as determined through product testing by DW Personnel. The calculations used take into consideration CPU usage and camera file size.
- DW MEGApix Multi-Sensor Cameras – lists the recommended maximum camera count for white housing cameras based on server maximum throughput and average camera bitrate.
**NOTE: It is required to utilize all four (4) lens sensor module connectors with FLEX Series cameras to avoid video processing issues during regular operation. Errors can occur if a lens module is missing from the setup.
Supported/Affected Devices:
- MEGApix® PANO™
- DWC-PZ32M69T (21 MP) – Discontinued
- DWC-PZ21M69T (21 MP) – Discontinued
- DWC-PZ21M69TW (21 MP)
- DWC-PZV2M72T (32 MP & 48 MP) – Discontinued
- MEGApix® FLEX™
- DWC-PVX16WW (16 MP)
- DWC-PVX20WATW (20 MP)
DW Blackjack Compatibility and Support
When using DW MEGApix PANO Series cameras (DWC-PZ21M69T, DWC-PZV2M72T), the DW Spectrum Media Server uses image-stitching to link 4 sensors into a single panoramic image for viewing in DW Spectrum. Because of this, the hosting server hardware’s CPU usage will fluctuate and vary by the complexity of the image due to motion, audio settings and streaming configurations that affect the total amount of data that is being communicated.
Important Hardware Replacement Notice
The 21 MP DW MEGApix PANO camera was released in two generations of hardware. Please be aware that the 2nd generation camera DOES NOT use image stitching like its predecessor which affects its compatibility with servers.
- DWC-PZ21M69T (1st Generation) – can be identified by the ivory (off-white) colored aluminum housing.
- DWC-PZ21M69TW (2nd Generation) – can be identified by the white colored aluminum housing.
Large Data Packets
When using multiple 48 MP, 32 MP and 21 MP lens modules, the recorded file size can add up significantly. For example, a 48 MP camera’s file size can be up to 800 MB of data, a 32 MP camera’s file size can be up to 550 MB of data, and a 21 MP camera can be up to 350 MB.
Due to the large data packet sizes, the read and write I/O of underequipped recording servers are unable to support multiple files as if it were handling multiple small sized files. Essentially, the larger the file size, the more time the I/O will require to process. If large files are unable to be processed due to insufficient I/O, DW Spectrum will generate unwanted storage failures.
Recommended Maximum Cameras List
Exceeding the recommended numbers below may result in performance issues. Reported processing issues will likely be met with recommendations to reduce the quantity of cameras, lower the resolution and frame rate of each camera, and to consider merging more server hardware into the DW Spectrum System.
The recommended camera count numbers below were calculated without the consideration of mixing other camera models to the system. Please consult with your DW Sales or DW Support representative as needed.
(1st Generation) DW MEGApix PANO IP Cameras
The calculations below were provided as determined by DW Personnel through product testing for a variety of scenarios including varying lighting conditions, ambient motion detection and other environmental factors.
**CRITICAL NOTE: The list below is representative of a DW Spectrum System that is assumed to ONLY be using the DWC-PZ21M69T or DWC-PZV2M72T models at 15 fps. These numbers are an estimation average and not a reflection for every situation as settings and systems can vary by video quality, number of cameras, fluctuations in bitrate from motion detection, etc.
(2nd Generation) DW MEGApix PANO & FLEX IP Cameras
As the camera models listed below do not use image stitching, the calculations were obtained using the DW IP Storage Calculator and use the following conditions:
- Uses an 80% overhead margin for the maximum throughput of the server.
- Uses the average bitrate of the camera.
- If a server cannot support at least three (3) cameras, it is not considered to be compatible.
**CRITICAL NOTE: The list below is representative of a DW Spectrum System that is assumed to ONLY be using the DWC-PZ21M69TW, DWC-PVX16WW or DWC-PVX20WATW models at 15 fps. These numbers are an estimation average and not a reflection for every situation as settings and systems can vary by video quality, number of cameras, fluctuations in bitrate from motion detection, etc.
For More Information or Technical Support
DW Technical Support: 866.446.3595 (option 4)
https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/
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DW Sales: 866.446.3595 [email protected] www.digital-watchdog.com
