A compression card is an electronic device for converting an analog video signal into a digital video stream. The card has a PCI or PCI-E socket, and can process a signal from one or more analog video cameras.
Depending on the nature of the signal processing, a compression card may have hardware-based or software-based compression.
Hardware-based compression implies the processor on the card, which performs all of the routine work of video compression and preprocessing. First of all, this makes it possible for even a weak processors to write up to 64 channels of video at high-resolution at 25 frames per second for each channel. Secondly, the central processing unit is free for other tasks, such as video analysis, face recognition, and servicing network clients.
Software-based compression is performed directly on the server using its central processing unit. A card of this type places a heavy load on the server, but it also possesses a wide range of capabilities.
TRASSIR supports the use of both hardware-based and software-based compression in a single video surveillance system.
To install a compression card in a computer:
- Read the compression card manufacturer's instructions.
- Turn off and unplug the computer.
- Open the computer case.
- Install the compression card(s) in an available PCI slot(s) on the motherboard and securely fasten it (them) with screws.
- Close the computer case.
- Connect an interface cable to the compression card.
- Connect the camera signals to the interface cable.
- Plug the computer back in.
- Turn on the computer.
- Wait for the operating system to load and discover the new hardware.
- Install the drivers for the discovered hardware (supplied together with TRASSIR).
