HDcctv regulation

Andrew Rennison the new CCTV commissioner is government appointed. He has been putting his point across that he believes CCTV requires more regulation. He actually goes further than pondering more regulation and actually suggests that CCTV is “out of control” We are sure you will all agree this a  sweeping statement indeed!

So is CCTV out of control? This is a question also asked in the recent security briefing from IFSEC. References to the government backed legislation that seems to be pointing to far greater control over CCTV in public places is a highly contentious issue. We already have the data protection act and this has served us well over a number of years. Do we really need more CCTV regulation?

CCTV images of riotsCan we get a conviction from this kind of quality image? 

CCTV by its very nature is always going to rile certain individuals and human rights groups. It has always been a mystery to us why but the fact that you can be caught committing a crime and taken to court as result of cameras seems to offend certain types. It seems that those going about their business in a normal way and actively steering away from anti-social activity, vandalism and theft are not those who seem to complain. Perhaps the reason is that CCTV is perceived as poor quality and on many occasions useless. It fails far too often to pick up vital clues such as facial recognition and number plates, simple things that would make all the difference to convictions as a result of CCTVimages.

We believe the reason that their is a fuss building now and more CCTV regulation being demanded is the quality of pictures are about to get a whole lot better. HDcctv and HD IP cameras are of such good quality that images captured are now irrefutable . Faces are easily recognized and number plates are captured. As a result more convictions are beginning to follow.

We have no issue with proper HDcctv regulation. It favours good installers who invest in training, accreditation and sell quality equipment. It helps our industry and it only hinders those who seek to take short cuts. We do though feel very strongly that if a camera is in place it should be fit for purpose and now the technology is available all cameras should be upgraded to an HDcctv standard image of at least HD quality. This will help the industry , reduce crime , increase convictions and lead to a safer environment for us all.

960H DVR

What is 960H?

960H is a new standard for security cameras and security DVR’s that provides high resolution images using advanced image sensors. Security cameras capable of 960H produce an image that is 960 horizontal and 480 vertical pixels large (960×480).

 

What are the benefits of 960H?

  • Higher Resolution Recording: Security cameras and DVR’s capable of recording at this resolution provide superior images that are 34% larger than D1 and more than 500% larger than CIF.960H vs. D1 vs. CIF
  • Better Image Quality: Recording larger images provides a greater amount of image detail. Images are sharper and it is easier to distinguish objects that are close together.960H image is sharper and shows more detail in objects and colors
  • True to Life: 960H creates a wide-screen picture that does not need to be stretched to fit wide-screen TV’s and monitors.960H provides true to life images without stretching
  • Easy to Upgrade: 960H systems use the same BNC video cabling as lower resolution systems. If you already have a security camera system, upgrading to 960H will save you time and money compared with IP camera systems that require rewiring.

 

What do I need to do to take advantage of 960H?

To take advantage of 960H recording, you will need security cameras that are capable of producing 960H images and a security DVR capable of recording at 960H resolution.

 

I already have a security camera system. Will my old equipment be compatible?

960H security cameras and DVR’s are backwards compatible with standard resolution cameras and DVR’s. However, both your security cameras and DVR must be 960H capable to get the improved picture quality and performance. 960H cameras will provide a good picture on a standard resolution DVR, but they will perform even better with a system that can support the full image size.

All your existing BNC video cables are compatible with 960H DVR’s and security cameras. To upgrade to 960H, simply replace your existing DVR and cameras.

 

What is the difference between 960H and Lorex’s HD security camera systems?

960H uses the same technology and cabling as traditional security camera systems. It simply uses superior camera image sensors to provide bigger, more detailed images, and more powerful DVR’s to record those images. Lorex’s HD security camera systems (for example the LHD100 Series) use HD-SDI technology to transmit digital, un-compressed high definition video over high-grade coaxial cabling, such as RG59. HD-SDI systems employ digital signals to transmit video. This means that they are not compatible with standard definition security cameras, DVR’s, or non-coaxial cabling.

So 960H is another step towards higher res pictures. It is another product that will see improved images for the end user. Is it a better option than HDcctv or IP? That’s difficult to say at this stage but as all these products challenge each other it can only drive prices downwards and that is great news for the consumer.

 

 

 

2 MP IP camera

Although the cost of HD IP has reduced somewhat in the last few years it is still far more expensive as a technology than HD SDi or analogue. HDcctv solutions are soon to bring a camera into our range that will see an outdoor IP67 rated 2MP ONVIF compliant IP bullet camera that will prove very popular with installers looking to give an excellent value HD IP solution to their clients. Please click the link

The HD IP bullet camera with built in IR has some excellent advantages over a traditional IP box camera in a housing. Less bulky, far more aesthetically pleasing and no need for additional lighting keeps cost down and keeps the customer happy at the same time.

Why use IP though? Well each installation needs to specified on its merits. A site for instance that has a legacy coax infrastructure would suit HD SDI, however a new build or a new installation may well favour an HD IP solution. IP is flexible and can be powered over ethernet negating the need for expensive electrical work. The cameras can be focused from the PC and on board recording in the form of an SD card gives redundancy at the edge.

HD however is the driving force that is seeing CCTV sales increasing. After years of sticking plasters over traditional CCTV systems HD is a refreshing step forward for the industry. IP cameras can produce images beyond 29MP however in the industry it is widely accepted that cameras that operate between 1.3 and 5MP are the most cost effective way to produce perfectly acceptable HD images that are stunning in comparison to their analogue counterparts.

So a 2MP IP camera sits nicely in the middle of the range, a bullet camera with IR suits those who need an external view and POE means easier installation. A good reason to look at the IP HD camera range on the HDCCTV solutions website

HDcctv over coax. The alliance improves the standard

The HDcctv alliance are striving to give the installers of HDcctv over coax one standard to ensure interoperability between all HD over coax products. This will benefit all suppliers and installers in the long run. Products that work together no matter where they are purchased give everyone confidence. The HDcctv alliance is moving the standard forward and want as much feedback from HDcctv compliant equipment manufacturers and installers to contribute to help with the next stage.
Below we have a request from Todd Rockoff for some feedback please help him improve the HDcctv standard in the areas you feel they are most needed.
“The HDcctv market began to take off last year, aided by HDcctv 1.0, which gave our industry a way to guarantee electrical performance and multi-vendor interoperability.
HDcctv 2.0, XR, and CX are being finalized now. These enhancements will provide for basic up-the-cable communication, 200m transmission over RG-59 coax, and transmission over Cat5e/Cat6 cabling.
At its next meeting in early July, the HDcctv Alliance Board of Directors will determine the set of capabilities to be addressed by the technical committee in the next version of the HDcctv standard..
Which are the most important capabilities to include next?  The Board will take into account your opinion, with the intention of making decisions that best reflect the needs of our Members.
Please complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZDJJ7KC by 28 June. There are only 5 questions, and it should take you only a few minutes to complete.
Thanking you in advance for your help –todd”

Why use Clarius IR illuminators?

IR illuminators allow around-the-clock surveillance.

Infrared lighting has always been an important part of CCTV surveillance but in the past it has been cumbersome, expensive and unreliable. With the development of  advanced led technology, IR lighting is now an affordable and essential part of CCTV design. The popularity of  Clarius IR illuminators has grown recently as well because of fears over light pollution.

The Clarius white light illuminator is also available as well and if you ask most end users, and their preference would probably be for the Clarius white light. The benefit of white light illuminators of course is that this allows the capture of colour images at all times. It also allows lighting to offer secondary benefits, such as enhancing general security and safety where as infrared illumination uses light frequencies that cannot be viewed by the human eye.

IR illunination though is growing fast but why? Benchmark tell us with this review. they say”

The reality is that rules governing light pollution are often misunderstood, as is system design that remains sympathetic to ‘dark sky’ thinking. Regulations can change from area to area, and a more intelligent approach to lighting design can add costs and time to installations that might be price sensitive. The simple solution is infrared illumination, and rightly or wrongly it has become a favoured approach for security applications.

In general, if installers and integrators stick to established manufacturers that specialise in the surveillance sector, they shouldn’t end up with a poor quality illuminator. The most important issues are light quality – does the illuminator achieve the stated range without a drop in light intensity – and light consistency – does the level of illumination remain consistent across the viewed scene?

Of course, other issues do come into the debate, and these involve additional functionality such as power control or intelligent intensity, ease of installation, switching options and price! Finally, there are a raft of claims and counter claims made about illumination products, and whilst the science behind lighting is admittedly fairly complex, the reality is that most installers and integrators will buy these products for one reason only – to achieve genuine around-the-clock surveillance!