Understanding Megapixel Technology

The lowest resolution camera offered by AV Costar, 1.2 megapixel (MP), is over 3 times the resolution of any standard definition camera on the market. 1080p and 4K resolutions found in high definition or “HD” televisions and video cameras are equivalent to 2.1MP and 8.3MP respectively. The chart below shows all AV Costar megapixel resolutions compared to typical analog formats.

Panoramic and Multi-Sensor Resolutions

AV Costar multi-sensor technology found in the Mega SurroundVideo and Contera Panoramic families have four individual camera sensors in a single indoor/outdoor day/night dome camera housing. For example, a 40MP Mega SurroundVideo panoramic camera is made up of four 10MP camera sensors that create a highly detailed and virtually seamless panoramic image. As a result, an area typically requiring multiple pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras or multiple fixed cameras may be able to be covered with a single SurroundVideo panoramic or multi-sensor camera.

This example of the dramatic increase in total megapixel resolution is shown using AV Costar Mega SurroundVideo or Contera 180°panoramics that “stitch” all four sensors together in a row to make one giant image. The Mega SurroundVideo Omni Series cameras can have all four sensors pointed in various directions.

More about SurroundVideo Panoramic Configurations

Click here to watch 4K in action.

4K Resolution & Technology

4K technology and 5th generation MPIP architecture greatly increase the processing output capability of the AV Costar Mega camera portfolio. 8.3MP at 30 frames per second (fps), or 1080p at 60 fps, provides incredible details at faster than real-time frame rates. The greater processing capability allows for virtually unlimited upgrade potential in the future.

AV Costar Mega-series UltraHD cameras are also available in the MegaDome and MegaVideo series. UltraHD cameras offer choice of 1080p at 60fps, 4K (8MP) at 30fps, or 12MP at 20fps through Tri-Mode technology. With UltraHD, designs and configurations are simpler with a single camera to specify.

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)

For applications with strong backlighting or reflections from wet or shiny flooring, producing clear images in challenging a range of lighting conditions can be achieved by maximizing the amount of detail in both bright and dark areas of a scene with AV Costar wide dynamic range technology.

WDR is available on select Mega-series models in 1080p, 3MP, 4K, and 12MP resolutions with up to 100db at full resolution and maximum frame rates.

All Contera camera models feature AV Costar Enhanced WDR technology with a dynamic range up to 120db at full resolution and maximum frame rate.

NightView^™ Low Light Technology

AV Costar NightView is our newest low-light color imaging technology. Mega (select models) and Contera (all models) cameras with NightView are able to bring out very detailed color images where other cameras show no image at all.

NightView also maintains low bit rate and storage requirements without compromising video quality.

True Day/Night Low Light Technology

As part of their superior True Day/Night operation, most AV Costar MegaIP and ConteraIP camera models include low-light enhancing technology with a mechanical IR (infrared) cut filter. True Day/Night capability automatically switches from color to black and white operation to increase sensitivity and image clarity at night or in unlit spaces.

True Day/Night is available on all AV Costar Mega product lines, including the smallest form factor products such as MicroDome and MegaVideo Flex, and the multi-sensor SurroundVideo and SurroundVideo Omni families. All Contera camera models feature mechanical IR cut filters.

Pixel Binning

Binning technology, used in parallel with True Day/Night functionality, sums the light value of 4 pixels into 1 larger pixel yielding much better image quality in low light and reduced bandwidth on MegaIP series cameras with 3MP and higher resolution.

Defog Technology

All Contera cameras feature digital image defog technology to produce the best possible imagery, even in challenging viewing conditions.

Adjustable IR, Smart IR, and Panoramic IR Illumination

Adjustable IR illuminators in MegaIP series MegaBall camera models allow installers to manipulate the illumination intensity of the IR LEDs. Since the distance of objects in a scene and the field of view can vary depending on the use case, the flexibility of an adjustable IR illuminator provides better control over lighting in low light conditions.

Smart IR illuminators in all Contera single-sensor cameras feature variable illumination that automatically adjusts for distance and even disbursal up to 66 feet (20 meters) for scenes with low or ambient lighting.

Panoramic IR illuminators on all Contera multi-sensor cameras ensure superior IR illumination across the entire scene.

FPGA Technology

At the core of every AV Costar MegaIP series camera is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrated circuit. Each FPGA is programmed with our in-house designed Massively Parallel Image Processing (MPIP) architecture, now in its 5th generation.

Mega cameras do not use common operating systems but rely on the MPIP architecture, which is an important safeguard for those seeking maximum cybersecurity protection. AV Costar Mega cameras cannot be abused or compromised to be used for malicious purposes as a result.

SNAPstream^™ and SNAPstream^™ + Technology

SNAPstream technology, or Smart Noise Adaption and Processing, greatly reduces bandwidth without sacrificing image quality for an enhanced H.264 or H.265 codec. This breakthrough technology adapts to sudden changes in the scene, and only pushes through necessary information meaning substantially lower storage requirements.

SNAPstream is supported by all Mega camera families, using the H.264 codec. SNAPstream+ is supported by all Contera camera families, using the H.265 codec.

1024-Zone Extended Motion Detection

The most miniscule signs of motion can be detected with the 1,024 distinct motion detection zones in all current AV Costar Mega cameras.

With 1024 zones per sensor, the 4-sensor MegaIP series SurroundVideo® series has over 4,000 motion zones.

Down Scaling

AV Costar Mega cameras that feature down scaling offer 22 lower resolution options from SQCIF to 720p in addition to full resolution of the camera. Down scaling is useful for pulling a second lower resolution stream for client viewing or remote monitoring while the high-detail, full resolution video is archived on the server.

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Multicasting

All AV Costar MegaIP and ConteraIP cameras support multicasting, a network feature that takes a single video stream from the camera and allows several users to access the video. It is commonly used in enterprise deployments to allow multiple client users view video from the same camera without adding additional stress on the recording server to retransmit live video.

Multi-Streaming

All AV Costar MegaIP and ConteraIP cameras support multiple streams to be pulled from the camera at the same time. Multi-streaming is commonly used to provide 1 full resolution stream for recording, and lower resolution streams for live viewing at the client or remotely.

Flexible Cropping

Flexible Cropping is a feature unique to AV Costar Mega cameras. It gives the user the flexibility to turn off unnecessary pixels at the camera level to greatly reduce the bandwidth and storage requirements.

Privacy Mask

Privacy masking blocks regions of the image at the camera level so the data is never transmitted to the recording software. AV Costar Mega cameras allow users to create multiple arbitrary shapes to customize the privacy mask to the specific application.

Onboard Storage with SDHC Card Slot

Onboard storage provides an easy back-up or stand-alone solution for storing data. The SDHC card slot on most AV Costar MegaIP and ConteraIP cameras supports up to 32GB (Mega) or 256GB (Contera) of onboard storage capacity.

4K/1080p Dual Mode/UltraHD Tri-Mode

AV Costar Mega 4K cameras can operate at either 4K or 1080p resolution while reaching up to 30fps or 60fps respectively. Switching the camera to 1080p can be beneficial for applications where capturing motion detail outweighs the need for higher pixel density.

AV Costar Mega UltraHD cameras offer 1080p at 60 fps, 4K (8MP) @ 30fps, or 12MP @ 20fps with Tri-Mode.

Spring Arm Design

The MegaIP series of MicroDome flush mount cameras incorporate an innovative spring arm design for simple installation into drop ceilings with no external hardware required.

Simply cut a hole in the ceiling and the MicroDome pops into place, securing itself without the need for fasteners. This spring arm technology is also available on the flush mount adapter for MegaIP series MegaVideo Flex.

Magnetic Clasps

Magnetic clasps make installation easy and safe by allowing the installer to use both hands for installing the camera body or securing the fasteners. The latest generation MegaIP series MegaDome and SurroundVideo housing as well as the Contera series Outdoor Dome features an easy to install mounting plate that has magnetic fasteners. These fasteners hold the camera body in place while the installer secures it to the mounting plate. The MegaIP series MicroDome flush mount housing uses magnets to hold the camera dome and trim ring in place, and the MegaIP series SurroundVideo Omni series uses magnets to hold the movable sensors while the installer secures them to the metal Omni track.

Remote Focus & Zoom

AV Costar MegaIP and ConteraIP cameras with remote focus (and zoom) can be installed without locally adjusting the focus or zoom (if applicable) of the sensor. Remote focus and zoom is controlled through the 3rd party VMS or through the camera webpage.

Unique to AV Costar is even the smallest form factor models like the MegaIP series MicroBullet, MicroDome, and MegaVideo Flex, as well as multi-sensor SurroundVideo® G5 and SurroundVideo Omni G2 cameras have remote focus capability.

Contera series Bullet, Indoor Dome, and Outdoor dome cameras all feature remote focus and zoom with motorized lens.

CorridorView^™ with 90° Image Flip

With CorridorView, cameras with this feature can rotate or flip the image in 90° increments. This feature is ideal for narrow hallways where pixels are often wasted capturing the surrounding walls.

All MegaIP series single-sensor cameras feature models with this capability. Contera series cameras offer this capability, along with additional advanced image mirroring capabilities.

Adjustable 2- and 3-Axis Gimbals

AV Costar cameras with maneuverable 2- or 3-axis gimbal architectures. The MegaIP series Omni G1 and G3 offer 2-axis adjustability, while the MicroDome G2, MicroDome Duo, and SurroundVideo Omni G2 offer 3-axis adjustment. All benefit from an improved range of motion when positioning sensors allowing the installer to install the camera on a wall in any angle.

Interchangeable Lenses

The smallest of AV Costar cameras still offer the flexibility of changing the field of views.

In MegaIP series cameras that are too small for varifocal lenses they are designed for swappable M12 lenses that range from 2.1mm to 16mm for the MegaIP series.

The Remote Focus modules on cameras such as MegaIP series SurroundVideo Omni G2 and MicroDome G2 have been designed to be separate from the lenses in order to benefit from these capabilities.

Contera cameras feature fixed, factory-focused lenses or motorized varifocal lenses depending upon the individual family.

Total PoE Solution with Integrated Lens(es)

AV Costar cameras are a complete all-in-one Class 3 PoE solution. The camera, IR LEDs, motorized lenses, heater, and fan all operate within the Class 3 PoE specification allowing the cameras to be installed on existing network switches versus having to upgrade to PoE Plus.

Technology Partner Program

The AV Costar Technology Partner Program is designed to establish and grow partnerships with elite manufacturers through software and hardware integration, sales collaboration, and joint marketing. The program is open to Video Partners, Video Management Software, and Analytics manufacturers, as well as Infrastructure Partners which include PSIM, servers, storage, network infrastructure, wireless, cybersecurity, structured cabling, illumination, optics enclosures, utility software, and accessories.

Learn more about our Partner Program

Reliability and Flexibility with the MegaLab^™

The MegaLab is a dedicated testing facility and knowledge center located at AV Costar’s headquarters, development center, and manufacturing facilities in Glendale, California. The MegaLab is used by AV Costar and by manufacturers of video management system (VMS) software, network video recorders (NVRs), storage, servers, cybersecurity solutions, utilities, lighting, and network infrastructure to go beyond ONVIF and PSIA standards.

The MegaLab and its complement of over 120 AV Costar cameras is a key component of our continued commitment to maintaining and growing our many years of megapixel technology industry leadership. The facility is used to test new products, features, and capabilities with the latest products from a wide range of Technology Partner Program members. Authorized AV Costar systems integrators are also able to use the facility to ensure the best possible integration.

Learn more about the MegaLab

Unified API Across All Cameras

AV Costar developed a unified API that allows all cameras to work on a single VMS driver. This unified driver gives complete control of all features and settings on AV Costar MegaIP and ConteraIP cameras, beyond what ONVIF offers to take maximum advantage of available features. The future proof feature of the unified API means that future cameras will be plug-and-play on existing drivers.

Learn more about integrating AV Costar cameras

ONVIF Profile S & G

AV Costar continues to be a leader in promoting industry standards, including ONVIF S & G compliance. Most MegaIP series cameras are ONVIF S compliant. All Contera cameras are both ONVIF S & G compliant.

Learn more about ONVIF Profiles

Multi-Sensor Technology

AV Costar introduced MegaIP series multi-sensor panoramic megapixel cameras in 2006 and omni-directional cameras in 2014, both industry firsts, to dramatically increase situational awareness while reducing the number of cameras required.

The MegaIP series SurroundVideo families all feature four sensors and lenses to provide an all-in-one solution with multi-sensor video surveillance coverage, either panoramic or omni-directional. Cameras in this family are available in 180° and 360° panoramic configurations, as well as user-configurable multi-sensor configurations that utilize an omni-directional track for precise sensor placements.

The MegaIP series MicroDome Duo offers a range of resolutions with twin, independent, and adjustable megapixel sensors.

Contera Panoramic multi-sensor cameras offer a 180^° configuration with extremely fast frame rate and outstanding image quality.

Even with multiple sensors, these cameras require only 1 license from most of the industry leading VMS platforms for further cost savings.

Visit the SurroundVideo Series Page to Learn More

Tethered Cable Design

The primary feature of MegaIP series MegaVideo Flex cameras is the innovative tethered cabling system, which allows the sensor and optional IR units to be installed up to 40 feet (12 meters) away from the main camera box, is what separates MegaVideo Flex cameras from the competition. In some instances, the camera box could theoretically be installed inside a wall that is opposite of the sensor unit or in another room entirely.

The MegaVideo Flex sensor and IR units can also be installed in very small spaces, where even some of the smallest all-in-one IP cameras cannot fit.

Visit the MegaVideo Flex Series Page

180° Panoramic

Delivering virtually seamless and stunning 180° coverage, AV Costar Mega SurroundVideo and Contera series 180° panoramic cameras capture a full 180° horizontal field-of-view. When installed in a large area, these cameras provide the best situational awareness.

360° Panoramic

With a full 360° field-of-view, AV Costar Mega SurroundVideo series 360° panoramic cameras can be strategically placed in the center of rooms or large open spaces to capture important details. The sensors can be tilted so they can be positioned to either look out at the horizon or cover the area below the camera depending on scene requirements.

270° Capable

A great example of the versatility of the MegaIP series SurroundVideo Omni family is the building corner layout. Configuring the 4 sensors in the corner layout provides a 270° field of view as well as a view looking directly underneath the camera. This layout provides comprehensive video all the time versus the limited field of view and incorrectly positioned PTZ.

Ultra Low Profile

Many AV Costar MegaIP series cameras have been designed to have a very small footprint for discrete surveillance. The MicroDome series is barely noticeable or recognizable when installed in a variety of environments. SurroundVideo Omni series cameras are low profile. They are even more discrete when installed with the flush mount adapter while reducing the number of cameras required for complete situational awareness.

MegaVideo Flex reaches an entirely new level of discretion with an extremely small above-surface footprint and only one-half inch high. This makes MegaVideo Flex the lowest profile AV Costar camera solution to date.