How many CCTV systems out there just don’t work?

Over the last 4 years I have had the pleasure of visiting many sites primarily with regard to assessing the condition of the security systems on site. Forgetting the intruder alarms and access control which generally leave a lot to be desired the state of CCTV systems in general is shocking.

The recession has led to a marked deterioration in maintenance  and a lack of  upgrades that are crying out to be done. It never ceases to amaze how businesses have invested in CCTV systems and then just let them go to rack and ruin.

Part of the issue to be fair is probably the lack of upgrade choices that have been around. Let’s be honest who wants to swap an analogue system for an analogue system? Pretty pointless. Equally IP has proved to be even less of a draw. Price has historically been an issue and performance unconvincing. It’s no wonder across the UK CCTV is just not being used to its full potential and in many cases is not fit for purpose.

So what is the solution? We have 3 choices Direct IP. HD SDI and HD IP. The over riding benefit of all three is HD . Its HD CCTV that makes CCTV systems useful, fit for purpose and the obvious upgrade path. Over the next few weeks we will look at the benefits of each of these systems and where they are best deployed.

Until then just remember if you have a CCTV system that quite simply does not do what you need, look to invest in HD CCTV and get clear usable images. UPGRADE  NOW

IP CCTV – the true cost?

IP CCTV – it’s not just about the cost, it’s about the total cost of ownership

Calculating the “Total Cost of Ownership” (TCO) of an IP CCTV system can highlight its true worth to the end user. Despite an initial greater capital outlay on the cameras, compared to their analogue equivalents, an IP CCTV system will more than pay back the difference in the long run.
It is probably true to say that for small, stand alone CCTV systems, analogue CCTV solutions have the lowest equipment costs. However, for medium and large CCTV applications, there is very little difference. IP CCTV system design is different to analogue, making direct comparisons very difficult. Indeed installers modelling network CCTV applications on analogue systems are probably not taking full advantage of the potential cost savings, and certainly missing out on the added functionality available.

ip cameras

CCTV equipment costs are simple to quantify, from PTZ cameras, fixed cameras, dome cameras, NVRs, DVRs, Ethernet switches and matrices through to Ethernet and structured cabling. TCO considers the time and costs saved in set-up, support, on-going maintenance, service and operation, most of which can be measured as ‘man hours’ saved. IP CCTV enables quicker and often simpler cabling, intuitive set-up, easier commissioning, the opportunity for off-site maintenance and remote equipment set-up – all reducing man hours and subsequently the TCO.

The additional benefits that come with IP CCTV systems, such as increased reliability, improved image quality, greater functionality, efficiency and scalability also reduce the TCO. This takes the value of IP CCTV’s superior functionality into account, rather than equipment cost savings and reduced installation time.

VMS

Reliability:
The greater reliability provided by IP-based systems, especially those using server-rated HDD and RAID5 back-up storage, means fewer maintenance calls and site visits are necessary. Many would suggest that IP CCTV must be the first choice for mission-critical applications, where continuous operation is essential, and where the cost of losing critical data through unreliable systems could be catastrophic.

Image Quality:
IP CCTV systems take full advantage of mega-pixel technology. Entry level Megapixel IP cameras have around 1.3 mega-pixel resolution. An analogue camera will have nearer 0.4 mega-pixels. Additionally, the entire IP system can operate in digital format. Many analogue systems convert digital formats to analogue ones for transmission, compression, storage, display and so on. IP systems use digital cameras on a digital network, transmitting directly to a NVR and on to a digital display. Removing the analogue to digital conversions means there are less opportunities for image degradation.

Remote Monitoring:
Remote and multi-site monitoring is easily implemented using IP technology. Multiple sites, additional cameras and further site security systems can be added to a network quickly and easily. Remote monitoring via PC/Mac, smartphone/PDA or a third party remote monitoring station also become simple services to add.

Honeywell HRDP iPhone

Intelligence and Efficiency:
There are significant developments in video analytics / video intelligence within IP CCTV. Intelligence can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a security system. Events such as “wrong way” or a “left object” will start the system recording, ensuring that very little unnecessary data is recorded. The system does not become clogged with hours of irrelevant recording, yet will provide high quality images for evidence, when required. The event can also be used to initiate an operator or even police response. This functionality also preserves data storage capacity, saves on ‘search and retrieve’ time for operators, and reduces the amount of unwanted data transmitted over an IP network.

Scalability:
Businesses usually require a single, scalable, integrated and flexible security solution. IP CCTV offers almost infinite scalability, requiring just a network over which to operate. IP technology is built on a single, common, communication platform, onto which a number of other site security and management functions can be added. These include intruder alarm; access control; fire safety; retail management, including POS and EAS systems; building management, including lighting, and opening and closing barriers and doors; and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). In fact, the list is almost endless and can include anything with IP compatibility.

Equipment Cost Reduction:
If the benefits of IP CCTV alone are not enough, then trends in the ultra-competitive IT industry make it easy to predict that PC Hardware, hard disk drive capacity and network hardware capability will continue to increase rapidly, at little or no extra cost. An IP CCTV system is future-proof. Security technology is becoming increasingly IP-based and this trend will not change as the benefits are irrefutable. Not only are IP systems easier to use and more reliable, but they also have excellent scalability and save money over time.

When the total cost of ownership is considered, IP could provide the cheapest and most flexible solution available.

Video management systems (VMS) CCTV sotware solutions

Video management systems are a high performance CCTV recording interface that runs on enterprise standard servers and enables organizations to run medium to large scale CCTV systems using either IP or analogue CCTV cameras.

The streaming of high quality images at a high frame rate from large numbers of cameras means that CCTV systems can be expanded beyond the normal 16 cameras  that are commonplace in security systems today.

Video management systems take CCTV to a new level of performance, IP cameras are the way forward and this platform ensures that 1000s of cameras can be integrated into one all encompassing solution.

Most of the big IP camera manufacturers now have a video management software suite within their range. In order To enable analogue cameras to be integrated into the Video Management Systems (VMS), edge device encoders are used to convert analogue CCTV to IP this means that hybrid CCTV is now a common solution and an effective bridge to full IP CCTV which is inevitably the future.

For more information on some of the video management systems out there click here for more detail.

False alarm! A CCTV monitoring company’s biggest nightmare

False alarm! Another one….. its not just fire alarms, smoke detectors and intruder systems that cause problems. CCTV systems have problems to and its something that CCTV monitoring companies are desperately trying to reduce. It is quite frankly the weakest point of any remote monitoring system and as more and more CCTV systems are remotely monitored then the False alarm situation becomes a bigger and bigger headache. Just like a smoke detector false alarm, very very irritating.

false alarm

External CCTV

So what is the main cause of false alarms. Well mainly the fact that CCTV monitoring is primarily used in external scenarios. External sensor technology has as yet failed to come up with a solution to all the disruptive factors that can be thrown at it such as wind, rain, sunshine overgrowth, wildlife and more often than not ill disciplined staff who quite frankly forget to switch off the alarm as they enter the premises.

Making the decision

All this causes huge difficulties for the central station. Firstly the operator is often put in an untenable position of deciding whether a person seen on site is genuine i.e. a false alarm or whether the are about to commit a crime. Many a court case has hinged on the operators decision and one can only feel sympathy for them. Then there is the continuous false alarm. This is where a tree or bush or flag has been placed in front of a sensor and is causing the sensor to send spurious signals through to the central station. Most central stations will simply disable the camera in this case leaving the end user very seriously exposed to crime. Hardly an ideal situation.

BS8148

So is there a solution? Well BS8418 was specifically introduced to encourage professional companies to install good quality kit, Adpro springs to mind. Also everyone wants to ensure all the downfalls we have highlighted above were avoided. Effectively a false alarm charter using a control panel to filter alarms before they are dispatched means only genuine sensor triggers should get through and a log will help installers track down the cause of a false alarm far more quickly and efficiently. However there is a problem.

Cheap DVR

Cheap remote monitoring solutions have suddenly flooded the market place. Even the most basic DVRs can now trip alarms via broad band through to the monitoring centre. The problem monitoring stations face is, do they turn down business in order to ensure quality and false alarm reduction or do they just accept that false alarms are a prerequisite of external CCTV systems and just get on with it, accepting liability for break ins knowing that the increase in connections should cover any loss. To help avoid this the important thing for the monitoring station is to deploy good front end software that will mean alarm handling is easy whatever alarms may hit the operators screen.

A fine balance

So there is a very fine balance, but if someone, anyone, could bring out an external PIR that was intelligent enough to reduce or even stop the false alarm issue, together with well designed front end alarm handling software then utopia could be achieved and we would find that some very stressed central station managers could get on with their jobs without false alarm issues hanging over their heads and provide the CCTV industry with effective and efficient monitored CCTV systems

CCTV systems for home installation.

CCTV systems, sales grow on-line.

CCTV systems for domestic installations are becoming more and more popular as people realize the added security it can bring to your home. DIY CCTV solutions are now popping up everywhere and no more so than in the UK. Gone are the days when CCTV installations are done exclusively by security professionals. Now because of clever design and good information anyone can install cameras and digital video recorders. There are some great providers of CCTV systems on line and most will offer a 3-5 year guarantee on their equipment which has filled potential customers with plenty of confidence to buy security equipment and have a go at a DIY solution.

Electricians can profit.

Of course there will always be people who will struggle to run cables or indeed may not wish to ruin the aesthetics of their property and this is why wireless CCTV systems have also become a very popular alternative. Again the options are plentiful with online sales continuing to increase at a very healthy rate.

Adding to the demand for online security solutions are electricians who are starting to install all forms of CCTV systems and access control into both domestic and commercial premises. Often this will be an addition to an existing specification they have submitted for an electrical installation. The security aspect of the job is the icing on the cake for them.

5 year guarantees.

Once more what has made this possible and has levered business away from professional CCTV installers is the fact that on line distributors are happy to give lengthy guarantees on their equipment. Typically a couple of years ago 12months would have been all you could have expected from a supplier but now all the risk has been taken away from both the domestic customer and the electrical trade because they know that they can return the goods at no cost to themselves should a CCTV camera or DVR fail. With this in mind though it should be mentioned that reliability has been improved dramatically now and failure rates have plummeted.

It is then no surprise that on-line shops selling state of the art CCTV systems have done so well. A trend that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.