As with many great imaging technologies, the concept of a megapixel camera gradually made its way from the photo/video world into the CCTV industry. Because of its higher resolution, a megapixel surveillance camera can provide the level of detail not available with a conventional camera. This makes it a wise choice for applications needing a higher degree of security like banks, museums and government facilities.
Other important features of the ACTi ACM-5601 include selectable compression options, two-way audio and built-in motion detection.
1.3 Megapixel Imager
Images taken with a megapixel camera are usually sharper and have better color depth; two of the most deciding factors when it comes to making a positive identification. Furthermore, by starting off with such a high resolution, image clarity is maintained even under digital magnification. This will potentially allow the use of a single camera to do the same job normally requiring the installation of two or more conventional cameras.
Progressive Scan Imager
A progressive scan imager captures an image in one take instead of in two stages the way interlaced cameras do. This means you won't get the blurring effect when viewing a freeze frame image of a fast moving object.
Selectable MPEG-4/MJPEG Compression
Selectable MPEG-4/MJPEG compression options gives you better control over the data distribution process. For example, you can use the lower quality but faster MPEG-4 compression format when viewing live images and opt for the slower but higher quality MJPEG codec when recording over the network.
2-Way Audio
By connecting a microphone and speaker to this camera's audio I/O ports, you'll be able to hear and speak with a person at the camera location over the network. This is a most useful feature in a wide range of monitoring applications.
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
With the addition of a PoE injector, you will be able to power the camera via the same Ethernet cable used to communicate data to the camera. This will make it easy to install the camera near ceilings, in hallways, elevators, outdoors (with appropriate housing) and similar areas with no direct access to an AC outlet.