Categories: Video Management

IP Video Management – Input / Output Ports

To provide more insight into the event management features of an IP video management system a post was dedicated to video motion detection and this one will detail an integrated feature that completes the circuit of responding to triggered events.

Input and output ports (I/O ports) that are built into IP cameras and video servers are used to connect to other devices in an IP surveillance system

These devices can be programmed to the users specifications to provide a response when, for example, motion is detected or the camera has been tampered with.

In the picture to the right you’ll notice that the Sony SNC-P1 Fixed IP Camera, for example, has a bank of (4) I/O ports.

Input / Output Port Features

Compared to analog cameras integrated input/output ports (I/O ports) are unique to IP cameras and video servers.  This provides the option of external devices to be connected to these ports and managed over your network.

The main purpose of these ports is to trigger external devices automatically or remotely by a user or, the IP camera software.

Just about any device that you can think of can be connected.  In other words, any device capable of toggling between an open and closed circuit can be connected to the I/O ports of an IP camera or video server.

Input Ports

Input ports are for devices that will detect unusual activity and then alert the video management system to begin recording video and/or send an alert (email, text, pop-up window).

Some examples are:

Door Contact

Magnetic switch that detects windows/doors opening and video recording and event notification is activated.

Infrared Detector

Motion detector based on heat emission.

Glass Break Detector

Measures air pressure.  A sudden drop in pressure breaks the circuit and an event is triggered.

Output Ports

Ouput ports trigger external devices.  These are the devices that are activated in response to an event that has occured.

Some examples are:

Door Relay

Solenoid that controls opening/closing of door locks that can be automatically or remote controlled.

Siren

A siren can be sounded when events are detected.

Alarm/ Intrusion System

Security system that continuously monitors a normally closed or open alarm circuit.

Event Log

Lastly, IP camera software is able to keep an event log of I/O port activity or when motion is detected.  A list based on date, time, source, and type of event will be recorded and search enabled.

Integrated Systems

In the next installment of this video management series I’ll talk about Integrated Systems.  IP video management can be integrated into other IP based systems such as:

  • Point of Sale (POS)
  • Access Control
  • Building Management (e.g. HVAC)
  • Industrial Control Systems
Nathan Miloszewski

Nate is VoIP Supply's former Content Marketing Manager.

View Comments

  • do you know of anyone who sells things for input/output ports for cameras like sirens, bells, chimes, lights, etc?

  • Video Verification is about to take a massive leap forward in 2012 and the I/O feature on cameras is very important.

Share
Published by
Nathan Miloszewski

Recent Posts

Viking VoIP Emergency Phone E-1600-IP-EWP: Product Feature and How to Register with Sangoma PBXact

https://youtu.be/FE2kcF7KjgQ?si=inw4thEr2thxgGeL When it comes to security, you should never cut corners. Having something that you…

2 days ago

Watch Now: 2025 March VoIP News Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2_HXAv73FI Your March VoIP News Update is out now! This month we showcase an awesome…

6 days ago

Did You Know:  New MS Teams-Certified Services, Products & Devices!

It is certainly no secret that leading platforms such as Microsoft Teams have grown in…

1 week ago

Snom M56 DECT Phone & M500 Base Station: Product Feature and How to Pair Devices

https://youtu.be/7_EIZKXqG3w?si=nvWqq8EAe58AJ6Dp Over the years, we have seen several advancements in DECT technology, and with that,…

2 weeks ago

How To: Prepare Your Business for Upcoming Tariffs in the VoIP Industry

With all of this talk about tariffs, we wanted to provide you with some information…

2 weeks ago

Fanvil i62 Outdoor Audio & Video Door Phone: How to SIP Register and Program RFID Card

https://youtu.be/y3X1PcrK6i8?si=qWPgzDNhhngcsk_a In today's world, security is one of the most important things to have for…

1 month ago