CCTV Predictions for the coming year?

Well, here are our predictions, maybe not in 2011, but perhaps in the next few years?

In a prophetic, Nostradamus style,what is going to be the next big thing in our CCTV Industry?

  • 3D CCTV – 3D might have the ability to increase resolutions on SD (Standard Definition) images, plus offer enhancement for Video Analytics
  • Enhanced Video Analytics – in line with heightened Terrorism alerts, analytics will play a greater part in many CCTV specifications
  • DVRs with solid state HDD’s – as prices for Solid State Drives reduce, increased use in our industry will happen – greater life, reliability and speed
  • HD PTZ Domes – don’t write off the PTZ yet !! Sure, PIXC Megapixels offer superb resolution, but PTZ capture so much more!
  • HD over analogue cabling – what? yes, I know, is that a step back? well, no, it might be a way to smooth the path to quicker/greater acceptance – the ability to use existing cable infrastructures to transmit HD CCTV images
  • Cameras with larger on board storage – IP Cameras with flash storage or in built, ruggedised HDDs to store images at the head – take the strain away from the Network, particularly as more systems go HD
  • More off site recording – as ADSL/Broadband connections get better, expect more and more off site recording solutions to pop up – companies specialising in off site storage

these are just a few of our ideas………….some come from rumours, some come from our imagination, but we wouldnt be surprised if a few of these don’t appear in the market very soon!!

Tell us your predictions for 2011 and beyond!

Honeywell Fusion IV DVR

The Fusion IV is here! Honeywell’s hybrid 32 channel recorder has set a standard that will get the market place talking for some time. Not just an analogue DVR,the Fusion IV is equally at home recording IP cameras; Being Hybrid the unit bridges the gap between analogue and digital and has plenty of features to boot. The fusion IV is not just for recording either it can transmit up to 32 channels of analogue or IP video sources, and up to 16 channels of audio. POS/ATM text data can also be transmitted to provide an overall Ip video surveillance solution.

Devices that can be easily connected into the Fusion IV includes IP cameras, network encoders and megapixel cameras. Fusion IV also offers up to 32 channels of hybrid (analogue and/or IP) camera support. The hybrid DVR fully embraces H.264 video compression across all the inputs meaning reduced file sizes and longer recording times.

Multi-tasking of simultaneous operations including network cameras, megapixel cameras, point of- sale, video analytics and more are included in the Fusion IV portfolio. Dual video ports have also been added. Windows® XP is the preferred embedded operating system, and network security and firewall protection is a prerequisite, this also eliminates the need to format DVDs before back up. Hard drives can be easily replaced from the front panel meaning field replacement of hard drives is easy and efficient.

 
IP and megapixel camera technologies are now seen as the future of video surveillance systems and drive the need for new the functionality offered by the Fusion IV DVR. Fusion IV is ideal for systems requiring transition to IP from analogue to maximise the cost-savings benefits associated with IP networking. By using H.264 compression recording the  unparalleled image clarity using megapixel cameras is now perfectly possible. Many businesses will find the benefits of the fusion IV will fit seamlessly into their security operation and the hybrid functionality offers unparalelled options.

Some of the benefits of the Honeywell Fusion IV
Recording rates across all 32 channels for 100 to 400 at CIF resolution PAL
Recording resolutions up to 720 × 576 (D1)
VGA and DVI-D ports for local live viewing
Available with 8, 16 and 32 looping video inputs
Internal storage capacity up to 8 TB
External storage options
Analogue and IP recording across 32 channels
16 sensor inputs and 16 outputs
Multiplexed switched spot outputs
16 channels of audio on selected models
10/100/1000 gigabit network standard 
Windows® XP embedded operating system
 

Hybrid operation for analogue/IP camera mix based on DVR model – 8/16/32 channel video input
User software included with each DVR:
Fusion Server Software – Local user interface
4 channels of analytics on certain models

Vigilant CCTV systems the New kids on the block

We have been keeping an eye recently on an up and coming, home grown, good old UK based DVR and Hybrid/IP manufacturer…… Vigilant Systems, based in Somerset……

Unlike so many of the far eastern in-flux of DVR and NVR solutions, Vigilant Systems offer something quite unique!

Sure, their ‘engine’ is based on a Far Eastern software development – but we understand they have had considerable input to the ongoing development of the software, in a relationship they have had for a considerable period of time…..

But, their USP is that they assemble all the hardware here in the UK……that means the quality and reliability of the components are completely within their control….. they have their own assembly line and in-house Technical Support engineers and this UK time zone and UK language approach to the NVR/DVR market is refreshing……how many DVR suppliers can boast that they ACTUALLY make the units here, in the UK ??

Products ranging from small 4 & 8 channel right up to huge, scalable systems are available, backed by great software and very clever add-ons (keyboards, monitor walls, analytics, EPOS and analytics)…….. they’ve even worked hard to get their CCTV software into Central Stations of note to offer a complete Remote Managed solution too.

With HD and Megapixel cameras and a range of IP Encoders, Vigilant are another company that can offer a complete ‘system solution’

We think we will see more of Vigilant Systems in the near future…….

Bosch CCTV cameras

Bosch CCTV

Bosch security systems has now released a complete list of its full product range for 2010/2011

News on CCTV products.

They have been particularly keen to promote the new Auto-dome Easy II range, the extremely versatile IP200 series and the MIC500 classic (Metal Mickey CCTV camera).

Easy dome.

Starting with the Easydome II they have managed to produce a sophisticated range of dome cameras at a very reasonable price and very easy to install. Feature rich, this dome range is 70% smaller than a traditional PTZ camera making it compact and ideal for discreet surveillance. ONVIF compliant, with the option of on board analytics, the camera range has both internal and external options, well worth a look.

IP camera 200 series.

We have spoken a lot on this site about the IP 200 series cameras. Bosch have found a market place for this IP solution making single camera installations complete with recording a very affordable solution for small to medium size business. A popular application for this IP camera is reception areas or locations of high stock value where a full blown CCTV system would normally be cost prohibitive. Again ONVIF compliant with an on board SD card for recording purposes together with a free  CCTV software solution that is able to accommodate up to 16 cameras, The IP 200 range is defiantly one for the future.

Metal Mickey CCTV camera.

The MIC, Metal mickey has always been a high profile robust external camera. Used for solutions such as shopping centres, football stadiums, dockyards and airports, it is very versatile. Buoyed by the success of the Metal Mickey CCTVcamera in the Big Brother series, Bosch have continued to improve the design and performance, culminating in the MIC series 500 classic. Easy set up and reliability certainly make this camera one of the leading contenders in the rugged dome market place.

Summary.

In summary Bosch have always produced quality. There cameras produce excellent images and innovation means they will always be at the top of CCTV industry, night time images especially are an area of expertise and now clever analytics within their codecs mean the options for installers are ever evolving.

International Security Exhibitions

We may be based in the UK, but we always like to follow some of the up and coming International Exhibitions!

Volcano ash permitting, we are looking to bring good information on emerging technologies from the following exhibitions in 2010

ESSEN – Essen, Germany 5th to 8th October

ASIS – Texas, USA 12th to 15th October

ISC EAST – New York, USA 3rd and 4th November

more to follow!