To ensure that video storage devices, such as network video recorders (NVRs), are compatible with a wide range of cameras and management systems, ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) introduced various profiles. ONVIF Profile G is specifically designed to address the need for efficient video storage and playback. It standardizes the interaction between cameras, recorders, and video management software (VMS), allowing systems from different manufacturers to work seamlessly together when it comes to video recording, searching, and playback.
Meaning
ONVIF Profile G is a standard created for recording, searching, and retrieving video stored on local storage devices, such as network video recorders (NVRs), storage servers, or even the camera itself (when it has built-in storage). The profile ensures that video footage can be recorded and accessed uniformly across devices from different vendors. This is particularly useful for organizations that want the flexibility to choose hardware from various manufacturers without losing functionality or compatibility.
In simpler terms, Profile G ensures that you can store video from your security cameras in a way that makes it easy to search, retrieve, and play back that footage, regardless of which brands of cameras and recorders you are using.
ONVIF profiles
| ONVIF Profile | Focus | Key Functionalities |
|---|---|---|
| Profile S | Video Streaming | - Video and audio streaming - PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control - Event handling for video surveillance systems |
| Profile G | Edge Storage | - Video recording, searching, and playback - Local storage management for edge devices |
| Profile C | Access Control | - Physical access control systems (PACS) - Credential and door control - Event handling for access systems |
| Profile A | Advanced Access Control | - Access control configuration - User and credential management - Access policy creation |
| Profile T | Advanced Video Streaming (H.265) | - Support for H.265 and H.264 video encoding - Motion detection - Metadata streaming (e.g., heat maps) |
| Profile Q | Quick Device Setup | - Fast, easy device installation - Discovery, configuration, and management for quick system setup |
| Profile M | Metadata and Analytics | - Metadata streaming - Video analytics (e.g., object detection, behavior analysis) |
| Profile D | Access Control for Door Units | - Door entry systems and intercoms - Communication between video intercoms and PACS |
This table summarizes the core purpose and capabilities of each ONVIF profile, helping security integrators choose the right profile for their surveillance and access control needs.
Video
Specification
The ONVIF Profile G specification outlines how video surveillance systems should handle the storage, search, and playback of video footage. Here are the key features and technical specifications that define Profile G:
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Video Recording: Profile G supports continuous, scheduled, and event-based recording of video. This means cameras or recorders adhering to this profile can store video footage based on specific schedules (e.g., during business hours) or when an event, such as motion detection or an alarm, is triggered. Profile G ensures that the recording process is consistent across different devices, allowing administrators to manage video storage more efficiently.
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Edge Storage: One of the standout features of Profile G is support for edge storage, which means that video can be stored locally on the camera itself. This is useful in cases where the network connection between the camera and the central recording server is interrupted. The camera can continue to record locally, and once the connection is restored, the footage can be retrieved from the camera and uploaded to the server. This ensures continuous recording even during network outages.
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Video Search and Retrieval: Profile G specifies how video footage should be indexed, searched, and retrieved. Administrators can search stored footage based on various criteria, such as time, date, or event type (e.g., motion detection or an alarm trigger). This capability is essential for investigating incidents, as it allows security personnel to quickly locate and review relevant footage without manually scrolling through hours of video.
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Playback Support: In addition to recording and storing video, Profile G enables devices to play back recorded footage. Video can be played back directly from an NVR or another storage device using the same ONVIF-compliant video management software. This allows operators to view historical footage from different devices in a unified platform, ensuring a consistent user experience.
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Event Management: Profile G supports event-based recording, meaning that video can be recorded based on specific triggers, such as motion detection, tampering, or other alarms. When an event occurs, the system can automatically initiate a recording or bookmark the event in the footage, making it easier to locate during playback. This feature ensures that critical events are captured and reviewed promptly.
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Synchronization of Playback: Profile G ensures that video playback is synchronized across different devices. For example, if you have multiple cameras covering the same area from different angles, Profile G enables synchronized playback of footage from those cameras, allowing operators to view a comprehensive, multi-angle view of an event. This is particularly useful in complex security scenarios where incidents need to be analyzed from different perspectives.
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Audio Recording and Playback: Profile G also supports audio recording and playback, if the cameras or recorders include this feature. This is useful for environments where both video and audio surveillance are required, such as public areas, transportation hubs, or high-security facilities. Audio can be synchronized with the video footage, providing a more complete record of events.
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System Flexibility: By adhering to the ONVIF Profile G standard, organizations can integrate cameras, NVRs, and video management systems from multiple manufacturers, creating a flexible, scalable surveillance solution. This prevents companies from being locked into a single vendor's proprietary technology and allows them to choose the best devices for their specific needs while ensuring compatibility across the system.
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Integration with Other ONVIF Profiles: Profile G is often used in conjunction with other ONVIF profiles, such as Profile S (which focuses on video streaming) and Profile T (which supports advanced video features like H.265 compression). This means that organizations can build a comprehensive, integrated security system that covers both live streaming and recorded video management.
By following these specifications, ONVIF Profile G ensures that video recording, storage, and retrieval work seamlessly across a variety of devices and systems. This enhances the overall functionality and flexibility of video surveillance networks, making it easier for organizations to manage their security footage and respond quickly to incidents.
