Recording and video transmission systems rely on compression standards to save bandwidth and storage while minimizing quality loss. Thanks to these standards, it’s now possible to conduct high-quality video conferences and live broadcasts using mobile technologies like 3G, 4G, and fixed broadband.
In IP-based CCTV systems, multiple camera models and brands automatically use these standards to improve performance. Here, we’ll outline the most widely used compression types in the market:
H.264
The H.264 (MPEG-4) standard is used in most CCTV cameras on the market. Released in 2003, it represents a direct evolution from MPEG-2/H.263, designed to adapt to any project while offering the best bitrate reduction compared to its predecessor.
H.265
H.265 is the direct successor to H.264 and currently employs cutting-edge technologies to improve compression performance, achieving up to 35% fewer bytes in data reduction. However, only a few camera models on the market currently support this new mechanism.
Axis Zipstream
According to Axis’s official website, the Swedish company developed and implemented this technology in most of its latest camera lines. Axis Zipstream can reduce storage and transmission consumption by 50% or more compared to H.264 technology.
This standard uses advanced algorithms that compare areas of interest in monitoring with less critical areas, prioritizing high-quality transmission in the actual focus of the situation while intelligently reducing less important areas.
In terms of performance, Axis Zipstream excels particularly in low-light transmission scenarios, where providing high-quality imagery is even more essential.
Additionally, Axis Zipstream supports H.265 technology for further data reduction and market trend alignment.
Comparison
On its website, Axis conducted a comparison of bitrate performance using H.264 and Zipstream standards.
The results showed that during the day, the H.264 standard transmits an average of 1931 kbps, while Zipstream averaged 1256 kbps. At night, in low-light conditions, H.264 transmits an average of 5398 kbps, whereas Zipstream averaged 1539 kbps.
