ACTi ACD- 2400 video encoder

ACTI ACD-2400 video encoder.

The ACTI video encoder is a 16 way MPEG4 1U unit It looks sleek and well built and makes up just one more component in what is now an extensive range of products from the ACTI corporation.

Each channel of analogue video can be converted to IP at 25 FPS at full D1 resolution, in addition each channel boasts 2 way audio and video motion detection. With digital inputs and outputs and serial control ports for PTZ again per channel. ACTi have produced an encoder that fits well into a scenario that requires a hybrid CCTV solution.

Protocols included to allow PTZ control include Pelco-D and Pelco-P Sony VISCA and American Dynamics also with regard to integration  we can confirm the encoder is fully compatible with all ACTi software and there is an SDK available on request.

In order to to access the browser on the unit you will require Microsoft Internet explorer 6.0 or something newer.

So as we build on the portfolio of ACTi products we can see that by producing a 16 way encoder they are looking to create a situation for installers to start to create hybrid CCTV systems and use ACTi IP cameras as well.

Integrated CCTV transport conference 2010

Integrated CCTV solutions are seen as the key to improving security and safety on transport systems. Groups from all over the UK have expressed an interest on how CCTV will do this.

The Integrated CCTV and transport conference (2010) brings together System integrators and key transport groups so the latest developments within the world of CCTV can be exhibited.

CCTV systems deployed on train networks, buses, coaches and metros can be more intelligently used and the conference will help to show major players within the transport market exactly how.

The conference is held in London so if you are currently experiencing problems on your transport network and want to know how to solve them. keep the 24th and 25th of November free to attend.

Click here to find out how to register.

MIC series 412 thermal camera

So the Metal mickey has gone thermal. The new MIC series 412 thermal camera has hit the market place.

The camera is a high quality thermal solution designed to to offer the very best performance in security operations that go beyond the standard CCTV solutions

The camera has been precision engineered to provide dual optical/thermal images and has been designed to be installed in areas that offer harsh environments that require a ruggedized solution.

The metal mickey camera contains two camera modules the first produces day/ night images of the highest quality , while the second is the 412 thermal imaging module that will work in total darkness and provide information that is impossible to glean from any other solution.

The MIC 412 offers advanced viewing options such as spectral heat variance and hot and cold spot highlights.

The thermal Metal Mickey camera is compatible with all the bracketry and ancillary items within the MIC range making it easy to supply upgrade opportunities and retro fitting

In summary the main benefits include

The integrated wiper unit

The dual camera option

Robust and precision design

Brush less motor technology.

As you can imagine the solution is not cheap but there are always times when security needs will mean this camera will need to be specified in order satisfy certain scenarios.

Hybrid CCTV, Analogue CCTV or IP CCTV?

Decisions , decisions

If you are the  MD of a company who is about to upgrade or install a new CCTV surveillance system, you are probably going to be faced with some pretty tricky decisions on how you are going to approach the subject. The three main questions you will need to ask yourself are:

1)      Will I just upgrade my analogue cameras for new analogue cameras?

2)      Will I use a mixture of my existing equipment with new IP camera technology .i.e. a hybrid CCTV system?

3)      Will I go for the latest IP Megapixel camera solutions with a VMS recording platform?

CCTV solution? Too many choices?

The problem is there is no clear answer on this. Option 1 will almost certainly work out the cheapest at the point of installation and the results you will be able to achieve will mirror those of any previous analogue system you have used. The cameras and DVR may well have more features but overall system performance is going to be the same.

Hybrid CCTV.

Option 2 will give you a half way house solution. Hybrid systems combine analogue and IP cameras with the potential to record on either a DVR or an NVR but you will have to convert the cameras to either analogue or IP at the point of recording. Having said that some companies advocate the use of a Hybrid DVR that can handle both, but long term support for these products is distinctly questionable. However for the time being they provide a convenient bridge between the two technologies.

IP CCTV.

Finally option 3. This will mean a commitment to the future, but one that is still evolving. With megapixel cameras you really need to consider your companies network capabilities to ensure the frame rate and picture quality are maximised. It is inevitable that IP products will be the dominant force in the CCTV market place over the next 5 years. Analogue solutions have reached their ultimate performance levels and have become as cheap as they ever will do. The price of analogue will rise in time, which is why option 1 may not be the cheapest route in the long run. Conversely IP products will fall in price sharply and the options and ranges of the camera and recording products will be wide ranging.

Buy IP CCTV solution.

So as an MD the decision is defiantly not easy, proper advice should be sort to ensure that a supplier with an installation preference does not force you down the wrong route. So thought and consideration is now crucial as to the decision……… “Buy IP Camera solution”? probably …yes!