USER’S MANUAL

AXIS Media Control

 AXIS Media Control - Notices

Notices
About This Document
This manual is intended for administrators and users of the AXIS
cameras and video encoders that want more detailed information about
configuring AXIS Media Control.

Intellectual Property Rights

Axis Communications AB has intellectual property rights relating to
technology embodied in the product described in this document. In
particular, and without limitation, these intellectual property rights
may include one or more of the patents listed at
http://www.axis.com/patent.htm and one or more additional patents or
pending patent applications in the US and other countries.

Liability
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this manual; Please
inform your local Axis office of any inaccuracies or omissions. Axis
Communications AB cannot be held responsible for any technical or
typographical errors and reserves the right to make changes to the
product and manuals without prior notice. Axis Communications AB
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the material contained
within this document, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Axis
Communications AB shall not be liable nor responsible for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance
or use of this material.

Trademark Acknowledgments
Internet Explorer, Microsoft, Windows and WWW are registered
trademarks of the respective holders.

Axis Customer Services

Should you require any technical assistance, please contact your Axis
reseller. If your questions cannot be answered immediately, your
reseller will forward your queries through the appropriate channels to
ensure a rapid response. If you are connected to the Internet, you can:
• Download user documentation and firmware updates
• Find answers to resolved problems in the FAQ database. Search by
product, category, or phrases.
• Report problems to Axis support staff by logging in to your private
support area.
• Visit the Axis Support Web at www.axis.com/techsup/

AXIS Media Control User’s Manual

Rev. 5.0
Copyright© Axis Communications AB, 2007 - 2010
March 2010 Part no. 38828
 AXIS Media Control - Table of contents

Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installing AMC and Decoders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Install AMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Remove AMC (Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server, and Windows XP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Remove AMC (Windows Vista, Windows 2008 Server, Windows 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Install AAC Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remove AAC Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Install MPEG-4 Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remove MPEG-4 Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Install H.264 Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Remove H.264 Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Install Windows Media Format Runtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Install Desktop Experience (Windows 2008 Server) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Toolbar Controls in Live View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
General Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pan/Tilt/Zoom Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AMC Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
General Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
View User’s Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Network Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reconnection Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Streaming Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
RTP Playout Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
RTP Multicast Network Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
RTSP Connection Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Snapshot Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Snapshot Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
MPEG-4 Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Video Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Default Video Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
H.264 Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Video Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Default Video Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Video Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
DirectX Render Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Audio Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Start Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Audio Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Playout Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Talk Button Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
PTZ Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Joystick Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mouse Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Recording Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Recording Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Limit Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Windows Media Format Runtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
AXIS T8311 and AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joysticks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Joystick Button Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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 AXIS Media Control - Introduction

Introduction
This document gives you an overview of the controls provided by Axis Media Control (AMC). AMC is an ActiveX component
that enables live video to be viewed in a Web browser. Administrator or Operator rights are required to install and use AMC.
Motion JPEG MPEG/H.264
Web Browser Internet Explorer 6.0 or later Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
• Microsoft Windows 2000 • Microsoft Windows 2000
• Microsoft Windows 2003 Server • Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Operating System
• Microsoft Windows Vista • Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows 2008 Server • Microsoft Windows 2008 Server
• Microsoft Windows 7 • Microsoft Windows 7
Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or higher (1 GHz recom- Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or higher, or comparable AMD
CPU
mended), or comparable AMD processor processor
Memory 128 MB RAM 128 MB RAM
16 MB video memory (32/64 MB recommended for high 64 MB video memory
Graphics Card
resolution/color depths)
Software DirectX 9.0 or higher

Notes:
• Always use the latest service pack for your version of Microsoft Windows.
• If you are using Microsoft Windows 2008 Server, you will need to install the Desktop Experience to be able to use Windows
Media Player and Windows Media Format Runtime (WMFR). See Install Desktop Experience (Windows 2008 Server), on page 13.

In addition to supporting streaming video, AMC provides additional camera controls. The controls provided by AMC will vary
according to the features of the Axis camera and include controls for MPEG-4, H.264, audio, motion detection, and
Pan/Tilt/Zoom.

The status bar gives

feedback on the
connection to the
camera

AMC toolbar with

controls, e.g., for
starting and stopping
video

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

Installing AMC and Decoders

Install AMC
If you are logged in and have Administrator rights to your computer, AMC will be installed when you access an Axis camera or
video encoder for the first time, or when a newer version of the AMC is required by the Axis camera or video encoder.

Note: A system administrator may also allow other types of users to install and update AMC. If you have a problem installing AMC, please see
you system administrator.
1. Start the Web browser and enter the IP address or host name for the camera or video encoder you want to access.
2. A dialog bar at the top of the browser will say that this website wants to install AMC. Click this bar to bring up a
menu that asks if you want to Install ActiveX Control. Select Install ActiveX Control to continue.

3. (Windows Vista, Windows 2008 Server) A User Account popup will ask if you want to install AMC. Click Continue.

4. A Security Warning dialog will appear. Click Install to proceed with the installation.

Note: Make sure that Axis Communications AB is listed as the Publisher!

5. AMC is now installed and can be configured by opening the AMC Control Panel. For more information about AMC
configuration see AMC Control Panel, on page 16.

Remove AMC (Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server, and Windows XP)
1. If you need to remove AMC from your computer, click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
to remove the program.
2. Select AXIS Media Control Embedded. Do not delete the AXIS Media Control program since other Axis products
may use it.

5
 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

Remove AMC (Windows Vista, Windows 2008 Server, Windows 7)

1. If you need to remove AMC from your computer, click Start > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
to remove the program.
2. Select AXIS Media Control Embedded. Do not delete the AXIS Media Control program since other Axis products
may use it.

Install AAC Decoder

If you want to hear or transmit audio from your Axis camera over your network or over the Internet, and your hardware
supports AAC audio, you will need to install an AAC decoder.
1. To start the installation, select the Click here to install or upgrade the AAC Decoder link in the Live View page as
shown in the figure below.

2. Read through the AAC license agreement that appears, and if you agree to the conditions, select I accept the
License agreement and click OK.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

3. Click on the dialog bar at the top of the window and select Install ActiveX Control.

4. (Windows Vista, Windows 2008 Server) A User Account popup will ask if you want to continue the installation.
Click Continue.

5. An Internet Explorer Security warning popup will ask if you want to continue the installation. Click Install.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

6. Finally, click Close to complete the installation.

Remove AAC Decoder

To remove the decoder:
1. Open the C:\Program Files\Axis Communications\Components folder.
2. Right-click the file AxAacDec.dll and select Delete.

Install MPEG-4 Decoder

On the Live View page of your Axis camera, you can select to view live video over your network or over the Internet, using
either Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264. If you select MPEG-4, you will be prompted to install an MPEG-4 decoder.

Note: A system administrator may prevent users from installing and updating the MPEG-4 decoder. If you have a problem installing the
MPEG-4 decoder, please see you system administrator.
1. To start the installation, select the Click here to install or upgrade the MPEG-4 Decoder link in the Live View page
as shown in the figure below.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

2. Read through the MPEG license agreement that appears, and if you agree to the conditions, select I accept the
License agreement and click OK.

3. Click on the dialog bar at the top of the window and select Install ActiveX Control.

4. (Windows Vista, Windows 2008 Server) A User Account popup will ask if you want to continue the installation.
Click Continue.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

5. An Internet Explorer Security warning popup will ask if you want to continue the installation. Click Install..

6. Click Close to complete the installation.

Remove MPEG-4 Decoder

To remove the decoder:
1. Open the C:\Program Files\Axis Communications\Components folder.
2. Right-click the file AxMP4Dec.dll and select Delete.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

Install H.264 Decoder

On the Live View page of your Axis camera, you can select to view live video over your network or over the Internet, using
either Motion JPEG, MPEG-4 or H.264. If you select H.264, you will be prompted to install an H.264 decoder.

Note: A system administrator may prevent users from installing and updating the H.264 decoder. If you have a problem installing the MPEG-4
decoder, please see you system administrator.
1. To start the installation, select the Click here to install or upgrade the H.264 Decoder link in the Live View page
as shown in the figure below.

2. Read through the H.264 license agreement that appears, and if you agree to the conditions, select I accept the
License agreement and click OK.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

3. An Internet Explorer Security warning popup will ask if you want to continue the installation. Click Install..

4. (Windows Vista, Windows 2008 Server) A User Account popup will ask if you want to continue the installation.
Click Continue.

5. Click Close to complete the installation.

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 AXIS Media Control - Installing AMC and Decoders

Remove H.264 Decoder

To remove the decoder:
1. Open the C:\Program Files\Axis Communications\Components folder.
2. Right-click the file AxH264Dec.dll and select Delete.

Install Windows Media Format Runtime

Windows Media Format Runtime (WMFR) is used to create high-definition Windows Media Video files. For more information
see the Recording Tab, on page 27.

If WMFR is not already installed on your computer when you install AMC, you will be prompted to install Windows Media
Player. You can wait to install Windows Media Player, but you cannot record video using AMC until it is installed. See the
Recording Tab, on page 27.

Notes:
• WMFR is included in Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista, and will automatically be installed when you download and install XP
SP2.
• For Microsoft Windows 2008 Server, you will need to install the Desktop Experience. See Install Desktop Experience (Windows
2008 Server).

Install Desktop Experience (Windows 2008 Server)

To view and create video using Microsoft Windows 2008 Server, you will need to install the Desktop Experience.
1. Open Server Manager: click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and click Server Manager.
2. In the Features Summary section, click Add features.
3. Select the Desktop Experience check box, click Next, and then click Install.

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 AXIS Media Control - Toolbar Controls in Live View

Toolbar Controls in Live View

General Controls
There are AMC controls that are common to all cameras.
The Play button connects to the Axis product and starts playing a media stream.

The Stop button stops the stream being played.

The Snapshot button takes a snapshot of the current image. The location where the image is saved can be
specified using the AMC Control Panel.
Click the View Full Screen button and the video image will fill the entire screen area. No other windows will
be visible. Press Esc (Escape) on the computer keyboard to cancel full screen view, or click the right mouse
button and select Normal view.
The Record button is used to record the current video stream. The location where the recording is saved can
be specified using the AMC Control Panel.

Audio Controls
There are some AMC controls that are specifically for audio, but are only visible if audio is enabled in the Web Setup page for
your Axis Camera. These controls change the settings for the speaker and microphone connected to the camera or video
encoder that is being configured.
Click the Speaker button to switch the sound on and off to your computer's speaker.

When playing a media stream from an Axis Product, the Speaker button shows if audio is currently being
received. If the button is covered with a cross, audio is not being received.
If you have set your camera to half duplex mode and the half duplex Listen button appears in the Live View
page of your Axis camera, you are only able to receive audio from the built-in or external camera
microphone. To be able to send audio, click this button. See note below.
If you have set your camera to half duplex mode and the half duplex Talk button appears in the Live View
page of your Axis camera, you are only able to send audio to the speakers connected to your Axis camera. To
be able to receive audio, click this button.
Click the Microphone button to switch the sound on and off to your computer's microphone (or other
selected audio source). In Simplex - speaker only mode, you can click this button to stop sending audio to
the camera. See note below.

When playing a media stream from an Axis Product, the Microphone button indicates if audio is currently
being transmitted to the server. If the button is covered with a cross, audio is not yet being sent.
Use this scale to control the volume of the speakers and the microphone.

Note: In Simplex – speaker only mode microphone only, you can use either the Microphone button or the half duplex Talk button to stop
sending audio to the camera. To send audio, both buttons must be enabled.

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 AXIS Media Control - Toolbar Controls in Live View

Pan/Tilt/Zoom Controls
The default setting for PTZ is the Center Mode. When in Center Mode, click on any part of the image other
than its exact center and the camera will move so that the point you clicked on becomes the new center of
the image.
If you select Emulate Joystick Mode, the camera moves in the direction of the mouse pointer. If you click and
hold down on the left mouse button, and then point to the lower left hand corner of the image, the camera
continues to move left and down until you release the mouse button.
Area Zoom allows you to zoom in on a specific area of the video stream. Put the pointer where you want the center of
the area you want to zoom in on, and then drag the pointer out as far as the size of the area you want to zoom in on.
Note that AMC is dependent on the camera's zoom calibration.

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 AXIS Media Control - AMC Control Panel

AMC Control Panel

The AMC Control Panel is used to configure AMC. The figure below, the General tab, shows the different parts of AMC that
can be configured such as Audio, Network and PTZ. The sections below describe each of these AMC tabs and how to configure
AMC.

Open the AMC Control Panel by clicking Start > Settings > Control Panel > Axis Media Control or by right-clicking in the
video window on the Live View page and selecting Settings. Depending on which camera you are using, you will have either
some or all of the following tabs shown in the figure.

Note: If you are using a simpler Axis camera, not all of the tabs shown below will be visible. If you then log into a camera with greater
functionality, the necessary software will also be installed for use with that camera. If you later go back to the simpler camera, while not
usable, the additional tabs will still be visible.

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 AXIS Media Control - General Tab

General Tab

The AMC control panel configures advanced properties used for all AXIS products. The AMC control panel is opened by clicking
Start > Settings > Control Panel > Axis Media Control, or by right-clicking in the video window on the Live View page and
selecting Settings.

Versions
Versions shows the software that has been installed to use with AMC and your Axis camera. It lists the version number of all
software installed for use with AMC as well as the version number of AMC that is currently installed.

To view the AXIS AMC license agreement, click on View License, or open the following link in your Web browser:
http://www.axis.com/techsup/software/amc/license.htm

View User’s Manual

Click on View User's Manual to open the AXIS AMC User Manual (PDF), or open the following link in your Web browser:
http://www.axis.com/techsup/software/amc/index.htm

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 AXIS Media Control - Network Tab

Network Tab

Timeout
Timeout is the maximum time (seconds) that AMC will attempt to connect to an Axis product before displaying an error
message. The maximum timeout is 999 seconds; the default is 15 seconds.

Reconnection Strategy
If for any reason AMC looses its connection with your Axis camera, a Reconnection Strategy can be used to set up a
reconnection schedule. The default strategy is for AMC to try to reconnect to the camera every 20 seconds for 5 minutes. If
AMC is not able to reconnect to your camera within 5 minutes, an error message will pop up telling you that AMC was not
able to reconnect to the camera.

If you still want AMC to keep trying to reconnect to your camera, you can also set up a second and even a third period of time.
If you want AMC to keep trying indefinitely to reconnect to your camera, click the infinite box.

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 AXIS Media Control - Streaming Tab

Streaming Tab

RTP Playout Buffer

When using only Video - This setting specifies the amount of time one or more media streams are delayed in Live View. If
only video is used, this setting can normally be set low. Video streams are less sensitive than audio streams to stutter caused
by a slow or unstable network.

When using Audio - This setting specifies the amount of time one or more media streams are delayed in Live View. If audio is
used or audio and video, a higher value may prevent stutter caused by a slow or unstable network connection.

RTP Multicast Network Interface

The Multicast Network Interface is the interface that AMC will use to connect to the multicast stream sent from the Axis
camera or video encoder. Windows will use the default interface (see the figure above), unless you specify a specific interface
listed in the drop down menu IP address of multicast interface.

For example, a specific IP address can be selected if the multicast stream sent from the network camera or video encoder is
not visible. Or, if you have more than one network interface, you can select which network interface AMC will use to connect
to the multicast stream sent from the Axis camera or video encoder listed.

RTSP Connection Order

AMC will use one of the protocols listed above depending on your network environment. It will go through the list until it
finds a protocol that works. That protocol will then be used for future connections.

The default setting is shown in the figure above, but you can either deselect a protocol or change the order AMC uses to select
a protocol, by highlighting a protocol and clicking Move Up and Move Down.

Note: If you can see MPEG-4/H.264 video in your LAN but not over the Internet using Internet explorer, make sure that you have selected RTP
over RTSP over HTTP, and that it is at the top of the RTSP connection order.

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 AXIS Media Control - Snapshot Tab

Snapshot Tab

Snapshot Folder
Specify the snapshot folder where snapshot images will be stored (when the Snapshot button is clicked). The default snapshot
folder is My Documents\AXIS Media Control - Snapshots. This folder will be created if it does not already exist.

If you want to save your snapshot to another folder, simply click on the Browse button and choose the folder you would like
to use to save your snapshot.

Feedback
It is also possible to specify the form of feedback given when taking a snapshot.

When a snapshot is taken - Windows will notify you that your snapshot has been taken or failed to be taken via one of its
system sounds (See Assign sounds to program events in your MS Help and Support files).

You can also select if you want the snapshot folder to open up in the background for quicker access to your snapshots, and for
an on screen message to appear when a snapshot is taken.

If an error message occurs - If you would like to be notified of an error with your snapshot via a message on the Live View
page, select this option. If you select Show an error message, system sound notification will be turned off. See Feedback, on
page 27 for an example.

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 AXIS Media Control - MPEG-4 Tab

MPEG-4 Tab

This tab sets the advanced properties for MPEG-4 video processing and default video decoder.

Video Processing
Decode only key frames - By default, AXIS Media Control decodes as many MPEG-4 video frames as possible given the
capabilities and performance of the computer. To decrease the amount of CPU capacity used for video processing, it is possible
to only decode key frames. This will, however, greatly reduce the quality of the video being displayed. For an explanation of
different types of MPEG frames, please refer to the MPEG standards.

Allow frame dropping - This is the default setting that enables the MPEG-4 Video Decoder to drop frames if rendering falls
behind.

Deblocking filter - De-blocking enhances image quality by smoothing the sharp edges between different sub-image blocks in
MPEG-4, but it requires a higher CPU load.

Note: To use Allow frame dropping and Deblocking filter requires that you install or upgrade the AXIS MPEG-4 Video Decoder to version
2.2.0.0 or higher. You will be notified about the need to update the decoder when you try to enable these features.

Default Video Decoder

The MPEG-4 video decoder can be used to view standard MPEG-4 streams and files produced by other sources. This decoder
may, however, conflict with other MPEG-4 applications already installed in the target computer, e.g., XVID, DIVX6 players. Use
the buttons on this tab to attempt to resolve conflicts, or to set this decoder as the default for viewing MPEG-4 video content.

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 AXIS Media Control - H.264 Tab

H.264 Tab

This tab sets the advanced properties for H.264 video processing and default video decoder.

Video Processing
Decode only key frames - By default, AXIS Media Control decodes as many H.264 video frames as possible given the
capabilities and performance of the computer. To decrease the amount of CPU capacity used for video processing, it is possible
to only decode key frames. This will, however, greatly reduce the quality of the video being displayed. For an explanation of
different types of MPEG frames, please refer to the MPEG standards.

Allow frame dropping - This is the default setting that enables the AXIS H.264 Video Decoder to drop frames if rendering
falls behind.

Decoding quality - The decoding quality can be changed for H.264 video. The default setting is Best Quality. Low CPU usage
will increase performance but image quality will be less good. The Dynamic option enables the decoder to adjust decoding
quality in real time according to the current system state.

Note: To use Allow frame dropping and Decoding quality requires that you install or upgrade the AXIS H.264 Video Decoder to version
2.2.0.0 or higher. You will be notified about the need to update the decoder when you try to enable these features.

Default Video Decoder

The H.264 video decoder can be used to view standard H.264 streams and files produced by other sources. This decoder may,
however, conflict with other H.264 applications already installed in the target computer, e.g., XVID, DIVX6 players. Use the
buttons on this tab to attempt to resolve conflicts, or to set this decoder as the default for viewing H.264 video content.

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 AXIS Media Control - Video Tab

Video Tab

DirectX Render Options

Use Advanced Video Rendering - A new video renderer has been added with the introduction of DirectX 9. If problems are
encountered when rendering the video stream, select the Use Advanced Video Rendering check box.

Enable Overlays - All client side overlays, such as the crosshair in Emulated Joystick Mode, can be disabled with the Enable
Overlays checkbox. This will override the Enable PTZ Overlays setting in the PTZ tab. See PTZ Tab, on page 25. This setting will
take effect after a restart of the video stream with the Stop/Start button, or a refresh of the browser.

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 AXIS Media Control - Audio Tab

Audio Tab

The Audio Tab controls the default AMC start settings for your PC's speakers and microphone and audio buffering.

Start Settings
Mute speakers - Turn off the sound from your PC's speakers.

Mute microphone - Turn off the sound from your PC's microphone.

Audio Source
This setting enables the user to change which sound card input should be used when transmitting audio to the server. The
Default setting will try to use a microphone input on the server’s sound card.

Playout Buffer
The audio buffer size MJPEG audio over HTTP can be adjusted from min to max depending on the quality of your network
connection. For networks with lower bandwidth, a higher audio buffering level will reduce audio break-up, but may introduce
a noticeable lag in audio transmission. The default value is Low, which assumes an internal network or a network with good
bandwidth.

Talk Button Option

Push-to-talk - If you have configured you Axis camera to be in half duplex mode, select this option to speak by clicking and
holding down the microphone button. Let go of the microphone button to be able to hear.

Toggle - Click once to talk and click once to listen. Note that this option is only valid in half duplex mode and in Simplex -
speaker only modes. In Simplex - mode, you switch between talk and secrecy (i.e., no audio is transmitted).

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 AXIS Media Control - PTZ Tab

PTZ Tab

Joystick Settings
If a video surveillance joystick such as the AXIS T8311 or AXIS 295 is used with AMC, Joystick Settings is used to configure
the following:

Pan Sensitivity - Controls the horizontal (left/right) sensitivity of your joystick.

At low sensitivity, maximum speed is achieved by moving the joystick arm far to the left or right.

At high sensitivity, maximum speed is achieved by moving the joystick arm very little to the left or right.

Tilt Sensitivity - Use the Tilt Sensitivity scale to adjust vertical (up/down) sensitivity of your joystick.

At low sensitivity, maximum speed is achieved by moving the joystick arm far up or down.

At high sensitivity, maximum speed is achieved by moving the joystick arm very little up or down.

Acceleration - Adjusts PTZ sensitivity relative to how far the joystick is moved.

At low Acceleration, small and large joystick movements will have the same sensitivity.

At high Acceleration, small joystick movements will have lower sensitivity than large joystick movements.

Selected Joystick - If you have more than one joystick attached to your computer, use this drop down menu to select which
joystick you want to use with your Axis PTZ camera. The default joystick will appear in this box when it is plugged into a USB
port and after you restart the AMC Control Panel.

Flip Tilt Axis - The default setting for AMC is for the camera to tilt up if you push your joystick arm forward, and tilt down if
you pull your joystick arm back.

Check Flip Tilt Axis if you would like to reverse how your camera tilts. In other words, the camera will now tilt down if you
push the joystick arm forward and tilt up if you pull the joystick arm back.

Calibrate - Click Calibrate to open the Game Controllers window located in the MS Windows control panel, which is used to
configure game controllers located on the system. See the MS Windows help files for more information.

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 AXIS Media Control - PTZ Tab

Configure Buttons - Click on Configure Buttons to bring up the Buttons Configuration menu. Your Axis joystick has a
certain numbers buttons that can each be programmed to perform one of several different functions. See Joystick button
configuration below for more information.

Note: See AXIS T8311 and AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joysticks, on page 30 or for a description of the joysticks and their parts.

Mouse Settings
Use this setting to adjust the zoom speed when scrolling with the mouse wheel.

Miscellaneous
Set AMC to start in either Emulated Joystick Mode or Center Mode.

The default setting for PTZ is the Center Mode. When in Center Mode, click on any part of the image other than its exact
center and the camera will move so that the point you clicked on becomes the new center of the image.

If you select Emulate Joystick Mode and refresh your screen, the camera moves in the direction of the mouse pointer. If you
click and hold down on the left mouse button, and then point to the lower left hand corner of the image, the camera
continues to move left and down until you release the mouse button.

Select Enable PTZ Overlays to show the graphical overlays that normally appear in the image when viewing your camera on
the Live View Web page. PTZ Overlays will only be visible when Enable Overlays is selected in the Video tab. See Video Tab, on
page 23.

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 AXIS Media Control - Recording Tab

Recording Tab

Recording Folder
Specify the recording folder where recordings will be stored when the recording button is clicked. The default recording folder
is My Documents\AXIS Media Control – Recordings. This folder will be created if it does not already exist.

If you want to save your recording to another folder, simply click on the Browse button and choose the folder you would like
to use to save your recording.

If you have not already installed Windows Media Format Runtime (WMFR), see Install Windows Media Format Runtime, on
page 13.

Feedback
It is also possible to specify the form of feedback given when making a recording.

When a recording has finished - Windows can notify you that your recording is either complete or failed via a message, or
via one of its system sounds (See Assign sounds to program events in your MS Help and Support files).

You can also select if you want the recording folder to open up in the background for quicker access to your recordings, and
for an on screen message to appear when a recording is being made.

If an error occurs - If you would like to be notified of an error with your recording via a message on the Live View page,
select this option. If you select Show an error message, system sound notification will be turned off.

See the figure below for an example.

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 AXIS Media Control - Recording Tab

Limit Recording
You can select to not record audio, and to limit the amount of time of your recording. Choose Stop recording after and set
the number of minutes, or seconds for your recording. Or to conserve storage space, you can limit your recording to a specific
size measured in megabytes.

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 AXIS Media Control - Recording Tab

Windows Media Format Runtime

If you have not already installed WMFR, you will not be able to record and the Recording tab will appear as the example
below.

To install WMFR, you will need to download and install Windows Media Player. See Install Windows Media Format Runtime,
on page 13.

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 AXIS Media Control - AXIS T8311 and AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joysticks

AXIS T8311 and AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joysticks

AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joystick
2 configurable buttons

Arm

10 configurable buttons

Base

AXIS T8311 Video Surveillance Joystick

Button 5 Button 1 Button 2 Button 3 Button 4
Button 6

Arm

Base

Optional devices that can be used with AMC are the AXIS T8311 and AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joysticks. They are
specifically designed for responsive and accurate control of Pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) and dome cameras.

The AXIS 295 has 2 configurable buttons on its arm and 10 configurable buttons on its base. The AXIS T8311 has 6
configurable buttons on its base.

While viewing the Live View image of your camera in your browser, you can move the joystick arm left/right and
forwards/backwards to pan the camera to different positions.

The joystick arm can also be turned clockwise to zoom the camera in on an image and counter clockwise to zoom the camera
out from an image.

For more information see Joystick Settings, on page 25.

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 AXIS Media Control - AXIS T8311 and AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joysticks

Joystick Button Configuration

Using the Mouse

Follow the steps below to configure one or more of the 12 joystick buttons:
1. Click on Configure Buttons from the PTZ tab (see PTZ Tab) to bring up the Buttons Configuration menu.
2. Click once with your left mouse button to highlight one of the actions such as Toggle play/stop listed in the menu
under Actions.

3. Click on Assign to bring up the button selection window.

4. Select one of the buttons in the menu such as Button 1 shown in the figure above and click Ok.

Using the Joystick

Follow the steps below to configure your joystick buttons using your AXIS 295 Video Surveillance Joystick:
1. Click once with your left mouse button to highlight one of the actions such as Toggle play/stop listed in the menu
under Actions.
2. Press the configurable joystick button that you want to assign to that action and the button selection window
will pop up with the button you selected highlighted in the menu. Press Return to confirm your selection.

Notes:
• For the AXIS 295, you can see under Assigned Actions, in the figure above, that buttons 11 and 12 have already been assigned
a specific action.
• For both joysticks, there are 16 buttons listed in the menu. However, only the first six buttons are available for configuration for
the AXIS T8311, and only the first twelve buttons for the AXIS 295 are available for configuration.
• Assigned actions are highlighted under Actions, and actual button configurations for your camera may be different from the
example above.

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