Do Thermal CCTV cameras really have a place in the world of security today?

We have recently seen a rise in the number of companies starting to promote Thermal CCTV as a viable option to help end users protect their premises against crime and intrusion. This trend is currently a trickle but some in the industry seem to believe that Thermal CCTV really does have value and should be at the forefront of every specifiers mind. Difficult to believe when thermal cameras can retail from anything from £4000 to £25000 installed.

Thermal camera image

 

So let’s start with the different types of Thermal CCTV cameras on the market. We have a choice it seems. Thermal PTZ domes and Thermal statics. Some of the domes also combine a standard colour camera to compliment the thermal. The static thermal CCTV cameras tend to come with a variety of lens options and definition, the majority though concentrate on using lenses that mean the scene width will be narrow, feeling that perimeter protection is likely to be the main area where these cameras will sell.

 

At the fore-front of the industry we have the big manufacturers such as Flir, 360 Vision and Bosch. These giants of the industry have spent millions in development  but some smaller guys are starting to break through and this is encouraging. What makes these manufactures want to invest so much in thermal when as we said earlier the prices are seemingly high to the end user? To be honest it’s one of those things you need to see to actually make you release the power of thermal. These cameras can see in ZERO  light conditions, look through fog and rain, pick out movement in trees and bushes but most importantly they work brilliantly in conjunction with on-site security or high end analytics. The best until last though, the distance that they can realistically detect an intruder can be measured in Kilometres rather than meters and this makes them exceptionally cheap compared to their colour camera rival.

Thermal predator

 

We asked earlier if they have a place in the market . Recent research has predicted that the use of thermal technology could increase by up to 25% in the next 5 years. A growth that will have quite an impact and reward those who have spent lots of time and money researching and producing Thermal CCTV camera technology.

 

The sort of scenario where we expect these cameras to be deployed are wide open spaces on critical infrastructure sites where intruders can do untold damage to electricity, communications or military establishments. As we said earlier perimeter protection suits thermal quite brilliantly it gives the watching guard the sort of information they need to do their job,  lighting up the screen with a clearly defined image of an intruder in absolute darkness.

 

Central stations to are beginning to capitalize on Thermal CCTV camera technology to. With false alarms being a central stations biggest nightmare Thermal plus analytics is giving reliable alarm triggers and the clearly defined images leave the operators in no doubt if there is a human presence on site or not.

 

We have all seen the police camera action videos , so we all know just how good these images can be. Well now it’s not just the police who can apply this technology its actually the average business trying to protect its assets . That is good reason to belief then that Thermal really is the next big thing.

 

 

 

Samsung HD SDI DVR

We look at the Samsung HD SDI offering here at HD SDI DVR is it a product that Samsung have released to make up the numbers or are they really looking to take a grip of the HD SDI market place?

Samsung have started to advertise and promote their new product line that moves them into the new HD SDI CCTVmarket place. Previously Samsung have been advocating IP and the benefits that this can deliver in the form of HD. By actively promoting HD SDI technology  built into Samsung’s new HD-SDI cameras and DVR, we can see just how much this is now in the minds of all CCTV professionals.The Samsung HD SDI CCTV solution allows the transmission of uncompressed and non-packetized Full HD (1080P) video over analogue cabling and as a result suits deployment here in the UK because so much coax currently exists here.

Samsung HD SDI CCTV

The main benefits of HD-SDI technology is that there is zero loss of image data and zero latency when viewing images. Samsung have released two new HD SDI cameras into the market place. These are the SCB-6000 fixed camera and  SCD-6080 internal dome. HD as we know ideally suits many applications especially where HDcctv images are required. Many businesses including airports, ports, banks and casinos will gain a great deal more detail from usingHD. This is especially true in situations where it is not always simple or cost effective, to send HD images over an IP network.

So now Samsung has the cameras to produce HD images over coax they have also introduced a four-channel HD SDIDVR. The new SRD-480D DVR offers real-time 1080p across selected channels. When using the DVR on the 720P resolution, real time can be achieved across all channels. Both the new cameras and the Samsung  HD SDI DVR is fully compatible with Samsung’s licence-free Net-i Viewer software. This allows users to view analogue, IP and HD-SDI technologies on one common platform. Installers can now offer their customer base all the benefits of HD megapixel cameras without having to have any specialist knowledge of IP based systems.

The SCB-6000 fixed camera and SCD-6080 internal dome have included as standard Super Noise Reduction (SSNRIII) technology. In addition both are true day/night HD SDI cameras transmitting full HD images up to 100 meters over coax in real-time. With images recorded at 25 frames per second the end user experience is one of seamless movement and high quality HD. Both models are now delivering over five times the image resolution that standard definition analogue cameras are able to achieve.

The maximum transmission distance between the SCB-6000 or the SCD-6080 and the HD SDI DVR is 100 metres, however this can be increased to 200 metres when low-loss L-6CHD coaxial cable is installed. To increase transmission distances even further Samsung intend to  introduce the SPH-120R Repeater very shortly.

 thanks to integrated CCTV for that article

 

The CCTV regulation debate

So the debate goes on. Is CCTV out of control is a question asked in the recent security briefing from IFSEC. References to government legislation that seem 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 riots
Can 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 CCTV images.

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 CCTV 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.

Advice for buying a CCTV security system

If you are an end user about to purchase a CCTV system and you have little or no knowledge about the product you are about to buy , how do you ensure that you are making the right choice of both CCTV equipment and of your security supplier?. There are several steps you can take and each one will give you an insight into what you are getting for your money. Study each of the criteria we talk about below and you will be able to make both an informed decision and one that will give you both value and quality.

 

1)     Check out the companies you have chosen to quote: Most people these days will get a minimum of three quotes when buying a CCTV system, this is good practice and one that will give you your first insight into what you are likely to get for your money. A simple credit check on each of the companies you chose will at the very least let you know a lot about who you are dealing with. In today’s tough trading conditions many companies are on the edge and giving business to company who is trading beyond their means may end up costing you. A good credit record is a good start.

2)     The company you employ should be affiliated to an inspectorate of some description: In the security business in the UK there are two main inspectorates. The SSAIB and the NSI these two companies dominate proceedings here. These two inspectorates ensure that the companies they are responsible for will do things by the book. They will check that their engineers will have been security cleared, they will have been trained on the products they install and the company will have an administration system that will ensure you the customer has their interests protected. Too many one man bands and smaller installers ignore basic standards and engineer checks. This will leave you potentially exposed.

3)     Does the company have the correct insurance in place: When installing security there is a lot of drilling , ladder work, electrical work and other relatively risky processes that will need be carried out on site. Despite all good intentions accidents will happen from time to time. If your company of choice does not have the correct insurance, you will lose out.

4)     Recommendation: Ask the installer for a list of installations and customers local to you that you can look at or at least ring up and ask how good the kit/installation is? One call could help you make a decision on whether you want that installer on your site.

5)     Check the specification: There are so many cameras and DVR’s out there that will do a job and will fulfill your requirements but and this is a big but, for how long? As with any products we buy there are certain names that are trusted out there in the market place. Within the security industry brands like Sony , Panasonic, Samsung are names we all know, in general, the reason for this is simple, they tend to use better parts ,better manufacturing procedures and give better after-sales service. So just because a specification in terms of camera performance looks the same, ask who makes the goods.

6)     After-sales: There are many who can install, there are few who can offer good after-sales. The reason is simple. So much business in this day and age is decided on price and price alone. The good companies will be more expensive for the very reason that they know they have to back up that product afterwards. So many installers can fit and run not many can fit, sort any issues that arise, and leave the customer feeling that they got what they paid for.

7)     Remote support; Check that the company you decide to employ has a system that means when you ring them they answer. With security 24 hour cover is critical and a response when you need it is something only well prepared installers can offer. In addition a help desk for your questions can save you a lot of money. Nothing is more reassuring than being able to ring someone and get an answer to a question without the need to call out an engineer.

 

All the above points will help you make an informed decision on who to employ to install your security system. As we have mentioned so many decisions are made on price alone. This is perhaps a reflection of the current economic situation but in reality a short sighted way of doing things. Just carrying out the checks above will save you buying the cheapest system but in reality the system that will actually give you nothing more than problems. Always remember these very true words….. buy cheap buy twice.

 

 

The security industry and the perfect storm

No industry in the country has seen margins cut quite like the security industry. Anyone who operates within the security environment are victims of what in effect is a perfect storm. Cheap imports, suicidal pricing, the electrical industry, IP technology and mis-selling have all combined together, all at the same time in a way that may yet sink many. What makes things worse is there does not seem to be an answer to this. However lets look at each factor one by one and see if there is anything we can do as a group of professionals to restore our industry back to where it needs to be.

1) Cheap imports: Over the last 5 years we have seen DVR and camera prices decline at a rate that many have found difficult to adjust to. Lets be honest this is real deflation. The process to install a DVR is the same as is the wages of the engineer who installs it. The cost of  his van has risen so has the price of fuel. Add to this all the red tape and health and safety he has to comply to before he even steps on site and you can see the problems starting to mount. As installers we are dealing with an increasingly knowledgeable clientele. Not that this is a problem in itself but the ease with which prices can be compared online leaves us all open to question about our prices.

2) Suicidal prices: So as prices drop some companies have passed these on. Buyers have keenly been seeking out installers who are effectively giving away security equipment to the detriment of the industry as whole. A vicious circle has now been created and this means margins have disappeared. Worse still some of the big FM companies have given away security in order to secure guarding or cleaning contracts leaving those who trade in security alone completely unable to compete.

3) Electricians: Electrical companies have always offered some competition to the security industry but now they are seeing security as a crucial part of their revenue stream. The lack of standards now being required by end users means electricians are easily picking up business.

4) IP technology: This has proved a bit a sticking point for CCTV installers. Although many have tried to embrace IP as a way forward, competing with IT companies has proved difficult. Pricing seems poles apart and the industry also needs more understanding of where and when to actually specify IP.

5) Mis-selling: Over the years we as an industry have done nothing to help ourselves. As competition has become greater temptation to spec lesser quality goods has become far too common.Standards have dropped and end users are not getting what they require or deserve from a CCTV system.

What then is the way forward? Well we need back up and help from our regulator. We need to act together as installers to keep prices at a level that will allow us all to survive this downturn and deflationary pressure that has undermined our margins. Quality should be a minimum requirement and low priced substandard goods need to be expelled from our industry. Its not long ago a DVR would cost upwards of £2000 . Now those days will never return but selling cheap is not the answer either. Keep up the standards of the industry act together, buy quality goods only and we may all come out of this in the end with everyone benefiting.