The Synology VisualStation VS600HD is a client offering an efficient solution for monitoring video security feeds.
The Synology VisualStation VS600HD is a specialized surveillance client that offers a robust and efficient solution for monitoring and managing security feeds. Designed to work seamlessly with Synology’s Surveillance Station, it serves as a reliable and user-friendly platform for real-time video surveillance.
At its core, the VS600HD is a minimalist Linux thin client, built to operate Synology’s suite of surveillance applications with ease. Its plug-and-play design philosophy is evident from the straightforward setup, requiring just a power brick, HDMI, and USB for keyboard and mouse, alongside essential networking. This simplicity extends to its operational mechanics, where it can easily connect to the main camera software, exhibiting responsive and reliable performance.
Synology VisualStation VS600HD Overview
As we noted above, the Synology VisualStation VS600HD simplifies surveillance management by offering a PC-less, compact surveillance client that can seamlessly be integrated with Synology NAS appliances. It’s essentially an all-encompassing monitoring system. This integration significantly enhances the capabilities of Synology Surveillance Station, allowing organizations to monitor their premises in a manner that best suits their needs.
The VS600HD is particularly optimized for video wall applications, as it can display up to 50 video streams simultaneously. This feature is especially useful for organizations that require extensive monitoring coverage. Additionally, the VS600HD supports 4K resolution clips for crystal-clear video feeds and can handle very high frame rates via support for up to 720p/600 FPS IP camera streams.
The VS600HD sports an all-black design, combining aesthetics with practicality in its compact yet robust construction. The VS600HD can pretty much fit into any workspace as well. You can mount the VS600HD on a desktop, or for a more space-efficient setup, it can be attached to the back of a monitor using a VESA bracket, ensuring it doesn’t intrude on your work area.
The device’s front panel is minimalist, featuring the Synology branding and three LED indicators to the right – Power, Status, and LAN – providing at-a-glance system information.
The back panel is arranged for easy access and efficient cable management. It houses all the essential connectivity options, starting from the left with two HDMI ports for high-definition output and a LAN (1Gbe RJ-45 Ethernet) port for reliable network connection. Centralized for convenient access is the USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities.
To the right, the arrangement includes audio input and output ports for external sound, a Power button, a Reset button, and a dedicated power port.
Its compliance with US regulations, including NDAA and TAA, means the VS600HD meets government procurement regulations and security requirements.
Synology VisualStation VS600HD Specifications
Backed by a limited 3-year warranty, the Synology VisualStation VS600HD goes for roughly $550.
| Feature | Specification |
| Video Output | 4K (3840 x 2160 30 Hz) 1080p (1920 x 1080 60 Hz) |
| Video Codecs | H.265, H.264 |
| Total FPS (H.264) | 600 FPS @ 720p (1280×720), 50 channels 360 FPS @1080p (1920×1080), 36 channels 280 FPS @ 3MP (2048×1536), 28 channels 180 FPS @ 5MP (2591×1944), 18 channels 120 FPS @ 4K (3840×2160), 12 channels |
| Total FPS (H.265) | 600 FPS @ 720p (1280×720), 50 channels 380 FPS @1080p (1920×1080), 38 channels 280 FPS @ 3MP (2048×1536), 28 channels 180 FPS @ 5MP (2591×1944), 18 channels 130 FPS @ 4K (3840×2160), 13 channels |
| Max. Number of Video Streams Displayed | 50 |
| Audio Codecs | PCM, AMR, G.711, G.726 |
| Dimensions | 41.84 x 150 x 150 mm |
| Weight | 0.36 kg |
| Power Consumption | 15.49 W |
| USB | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Video Output | 2 x HDMI ports |
| Audio Input/Output | 1 x Audio in (3.5 mm) 1 x Audio out (3.5 mm) |
| Ethernet | 1 x 1Gbe RJ-45 Ethernet port |
| AC Input Power Voltage | 100 V to 240 V AC |
| Power Frequency | 50/60 Hz single phase |
| Operating Environment | Temperature: -20°C to 40°C (-4°F to 104°F) Relative humidity: 8% to 80% RH |
| Storage Environment | Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) Relative humidity: 5% to 95% RH |
Synology VisualStation VS600HD Setup and Software
In practical terms, the VS600HD predominantly runs the Synology Monitor Center application from Surveillance Station 9, focusing on delivering a user-friendly, yet capable surveillance experience. This device doesn’t go heavy with the onboard processing, instead, it capitalizes on its role as a dependable monitoring hub.
The device boasts a straightforward, intuitive user interface that makes it accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise. Its plug-and-play nature, coupled with support for a mouse and keyboard, allows for easy navigation and control. This simplicity in operation makes the VS600HD a practical choice for various users, from security personnel to administrative staff.
Synology’s VisualStation VS600HD, particularly when examined through the lens of the company’s Surveillance Station app, offers a comprehensive monitoring solution. The interface is designed for flexibility and user control, allowing for customization of the layout with simple drag-and-drop actions and easy resizing of video streams. This level of customization is further enhanced by an alert panel that displays recently triggered events for quick reference.
Users will certainly appreciate the support for Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) with adjustable speeds, as well as the on-screen camera controls for zoom, focus, iris adjustment, and features like auto pan and object tracking. For immediate documentation, there’s support for snapshots, including an integrated Snapshot Editor for on-the-fly editing.
Surveillance Station also provides options for direct response to incidents using preconfigured I/O widgets and an innovative feature to preview triggered events on multi-floor or multi-location maps, integrated with online platforms like Google Maps and OpenStreetMap.
Surveillance Station offers a variety of recording capabilities, including manual, continuous, and those triggered by motion detection, I/O alarms, and other specific action rules. What sets it apart is the ability to create custom recording modes, which can be a blend of various conditional events, such as motion and audio detection, tampering detection, and alarm inputs. This flexibility allows all types of users to tailor recording to their specific security needs.
Configurable pre-recording and post-recording times allow users to capture crucial moments before and after an event, while privacy concerns and authenticity are addressed with the overlay options for privacy masks and watermarks, ensuring that the recorded footage is both secure and verifiable.
Conclusion
The Synology VisualStation VS600HD stands out as a great supplemental solution for users of Synology’s NAS and Surveillance Station. The device’s ability to handle multiple video streams with resolutions up to 4K, alongside its compliance with US regulations, positions it as a top-tier choice for organizations requiring comprehensive surveillance solutions. The VS600HD’s focus on video wall functionality, where it can display up to 50 video streams simultaneously, demonstrates its efficiency and effectiveness in extensive monitoring scenarios.
From a practical standpoint, the VS600HD features a user-friendly interface and intuitive design. The simplicity of its setup and operation, emphasized by features such as Pan Tilt Zoom controls and customizable recording modes, makes it accessible and practical for a wide range of users. Its integration with Surveillance Station 9, offering features like Snapshot Editor, PTZ support, and flexible recording options, underscores its capability as a dependable monitoring hub. The device’s design is also effective, sporting a compact, minimalist aesthetic that can fit seamlessly into various workspaces.
Ultimately, the VS600HD distinguishes itself by its standalone functionality. This independence will benefit users who require a dedicated surveillance solution without the need for complex setups or reliance on external computer systems. The VS600HD’s seamless integration with Synology’s Surveillance Station enhances this self-sufficiency, providing a comprehensive surveillance package in a single, compact unit.
Its ability to handle complex surveillance tasks autonomously, combined with its ease of installation and foolproof operation, positions the VS600HD as a practical and reliable choice for a wide range of surveillance needs–from small-scale personal setups to more extensive organizational monitoring systems.
Synology VisualStation VS600HD Product Page
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