Panasonic have recently released their BB-HNP15
Network Camera Recorder software. This will be sold alongside their BB-HNP11
version. So what are the key differences?
Well, the software is aimed at those who have recently purchased any of the
new Panasonic network camera models such as the BL-C111, BB-HCM511, BB-HCM531, BB-HCM515, BB-HCM580
or the BB-HCM581.
Let's look at the key additions in the latest version of the software:
MPEG-4 Recording
BB-HNP15 software supports recording in both Motion JPEG and MPEG-4 modes
(when using a MPEG-4 supported camera). Choose MPEG-4 for recording at faster
frame-rates resulting in smoother motion or Motion JPEG for higher quality
images.
Higher Resolutions
BB-HNP15 software supports higher resolutions. It supports 5 distinct
resolutions from 160x120 pixels up to 1.3 megapixel resolution 1280x1024
pixels.
Versatile Export Options
BB-HNP15 software has a wide range of export options from moving video which
can be played back easily in Windows Media Player to still image files and you
can even export audio only.
Enhanced Recording Functions
You can add exlusion zones when configuring motion detection. This allows
areas of the image to be masked from any detection calculations therefore
reducing the amount of false detections, increasing accuracy.
Graphical Display of Recorded Images
Recorded images can be displayed in list form and graphical list form making
it easy and convenient to retrieve and play back recorded images.
Full Screen Mode
BB-HNP15 software supports a full screen mode which enlarges the view to the
size of the monitor. Traditional viewing is also supported using a windowed
view, with title, menu and tool bar.
Sequential Display Function
When monitoring multiple cameras the displayed image can be automatically
rotated at a specified time interval allowing you to check all locations
regularly and thoroughly.
Important Points to Note
It certainly seems that the software has been designed for use with their new
camera models which support MPEG-4 and megapixel resolutions but there are some
key points to note if you are considering upgrading.
- There is no upgrade path from BB-HNP11. Meaning that you will have to
purchase the software again with no discount for having purchased the previous
version.
- Images that have been recorded with BB-HNP11 will not be able to be viewed
using BB-HNP15 software.
- You cannot use any digital zoom within the software, the digital zoom in
supported cameras will not be supported in the BB-HNP15 software.
- When recording in VGA mode using a BB-HCM381 your picture quality may be
reduced. Scan lines appear around moving objects.
- Depending on your PC performance you may find the image display to be
slightly slower than images monitored with the previous BB-HNP11 software or via
the web browser.
Trial Version
Panasonic have informed me that there is currently no publically available
free trial of the software.
They did say that it will ship with their new camera models but I cannot
confirm this. The new models we have tested all came with HNP11 software. I have
asked Panasonic for confirmation about which camera models and when.
As soon as I have any information about where you can get a trial version I
will post it here on Vision:ON.
