Bosch Security Systems recently updated its Video Client Software – a Windows PC application for live viewing and playback of network-connected cameras, supplied with all IP cameras from Bosch. The new version of this software, BVC 1.3, is optimised for use in small-to-medium size CCTV installations and supports up to 16 cameras free of charge. This number can be increased to 128 by purchasing additional licenses. The enhanced software also allows the simultaneous, live viewing of up to 40 Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) channels on two monitors. “With this latest version we have significantly expanded the software’s features – now supporting twice the amount of channels”, says Constant Rutten, Product Manager Digital Recording at Bosch Security Systems.
BVC 1.3 can also display live images and recordings from cameras attached to either the Divar 700 Series or to Recording Station from Bosch (BRS). Furthermore, it controls the video displays of IP cameras and encoders on Bosch HD decoders, or on monitor walls.
The software package consists of a live viewing and playback application plus a configuration manager and a set-up wizard. Cameras can be quickly configured for the most common lighting conditions, while still allowing individual settings on each camera to be adjusted for optimised results. In addition, sets of favourite views can be defined and named by each user. In playback mode, BVC 1.3 can display recordings from up to four cameras simultaneously, search for alarm and motion events, and export relevant video footage.
Cameras with PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) capability can be aimed by clicking and dragging the mouse in the cameo, by using the PTZ control console, or the IntuiKey CCTV keyboard. Operators control video recordings either locally on a camera’s memory card, via the Video Recording Manager, on the Divar 700 Series, or on the BRS.
Motion, alarm and forensic search can be conducted on recorded video, and BVC’s electronic zoom may be used to scrutinise critical areas of live and recorded scenes. The solution includes convenient ten-minute direct recording for two sources. The recorded video can also be exported in two different formats: either Windows ASF or the native Bosch format when legal authentication is needed. Video export is a background task, allowing BVC to continue operating during export. In addition, snapshots of a recorded camera video image can also be exported locally. In the coming months, BVC will be further enhanced to include support for the DVR 400 and DVR 600 recorder families, allowing all recording solutions from Bosch to be operated from a single, easy-to-use, viewing client application.
