Axis Communications, a leader in the network video market, will launch its new product range with 'cutting edge' HDTV features at its ongoing 2009 partner conference in Riyadh.

Over thirty channel partners will attend Axis’ 2009 KSA Partner Conference which will be held today (December 21) and tomorrow at the Al Faisaliah Hotel.

Axis is also conducting its Axis Communications Academy “network video fundamentals” training for its Saudi-based partners for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

The one-and-half day course is designed to give Axis’ partners the information and training they require for comprehensive product knowledge and a solid education in network video, said a statement.

Axis conducts a yearly Middle East partner event in Dubai and is conducting a customized event in Saudi for the first time, with the aim of catering to the market’s needs.

“Through our partner events and programs, we aim to maintain close, long-term relationships with our system integrators and consultants to create opportunities to best serve our customers in Saudi Arabia,” said Baraa Al Akkad, regional manager for Axis Communications ME.

Recent research by Messe Frankfurt illustrates that the Middle East security market is worth Dh3.6 billion ($1 billion), and is projected to grow at 10 per cent annually. Axis is responding to these customer demands by introducing new and more innovative products with the latest technologies in network video.

In parallel with the discussions, Axis is demonstrating their new range of HDTV cameras utilizing the H.264 compression techniques standard.

In addition, a true HDTV network camera complies with industry standards (SMPTE), which ensures excellent color representation, full frame rate and a 16:9 format.

One of the main features of Axis’ new product range is the H.264 compression format that enables optimization of bandwidth and storage efficiency by significantly reducing the bit rate.

Without compromising image quality, it reduces the size of a digital video file by more than 80 per cent compared with the motion JPEG format and as much as 50 per cent more than with the MPEG-4 standard.

This means that much less network bandwidth and storage space are required for a video file. Or seen another way, much higher video quality can be achieved for a given bit rate.

Axis will also be highlighting its camera application platform, an open application platform that enables development of third party applications that can be downloaded and installed on Axis network cameras and video encoders.

Axis Communications’ channel partner programme is designed to help channel partners capitalise on Axis’ market leadership in the fast-growing network video market. – TradeArabia News Service