Tag: Integrated

CCTV software v DVRs

Why use CCTV software instead of a DVR?

CCTV software has been around for a while but as a recording medium has long been easily outsold by the good old reliable DVR. The DVR has changed the face of the CCTV industry over the last 10 years and comes in many different forms. From high end spec that costs onwards and upwards of £5000, to budget units that can be bought for as little as £300. Explaining to an end user the vast difference in cost can be tricky but as we all know you will generally pay for what you get. Recently though the DVR has started to change.

How have DVRs changed?

They have evolved into hybrid units so they can incorporate the latest technology such as analytics and IP cameras. Many benefits here, but manufacturers are starting to think differently about how the market will develop in the future. Until recently IP cameras have struggled to take a hold in the security industry . The main reason has been the substantial difference in price between an IP camera and its analogue equivilent. In addition IT managers have been reluctant to stream large amounts of data across their network. The cost of an IP DVR has also meant that an upgrade is expensive and difficult to sell . So whats changing? Basically the cost of IP cameras is plummeting , they are also cheaper to install. IT managers have become far more accepting of  the technology and like the idea that they can record through CCTV software such as March network’s Videosphere VMS rather than a DVR solution. In addition manufactures are starting to put recording into the camera itself this means that critical data can boast full redundancy and no information will be lost.

More flexible.

Perhaps though the greatest benefit of IP Cameras integrated into a CCTV software solution is flexibility. No longer is the end user restricted to a 16 way box and the need to buy another costly DVR box if he needs extra cameras on his site. Another huge benefit is the introduction of codecs.This is a device that turns an analogue camera into an IP device that can easily be introduced into the CCTV software solution. So a customer can convert to CCTV software recording without the need to replace all his existing analogue cameras.

Conclusion.

Not many people in the security industry expect that analogue will be around for long. So we ask,will CCTV software do the same to digital video recorders, that DVRs did to their predecessor, the humble VCR?

RVR Temporary CCTV monitoring solution

Security unplugged.

RVR have recently introduced their new security unplugged product and it is now available to installers to sell . Effectively this a temporary Monitored CCTV solution that requires no mains and is quick and simple to fit.

Alarms over mobile network.

The alarms are sent over the cellular network and the system comprises of a PIR detector with an inbuilt camera that on activation sends a 10 second video sequence to the remote operator. The cameras are backed up with night time illuminators to ensure nothing gets missed even in the darkest of areas.

Internal and external cameras with integrated sensor.

The camera comes in both internal and external forms and is robust enough to handle harsh environments. The system is affordable and portable and can be deployed just about anywhere. Each device in the system is powered by batteries with a 4 year life span and the manufacturers claim the system can be installed by just one person in under two hours.

Videofied.

The system called Videofied and it can be set using a wireless remote and  is ideal for homes phone towers construction sites caravan parks docks or marinas. The integrated GPRS Sim module makes the system user friendly anywhere you have a signal.

RVR.

RVR are a forward thinking company with plenty of experience in remote monitoring of CCTV and for them to endorse this product means that we can be confident that it is expecting sales to do well as we enter the next generation of CCTV monitoring.

Emizon IP communicator

IP communicator.

The Emizon 21 IP communicator is the latest player in the monitoring market. It’s a dual path signaling device and uses the broadband connection and GPRS  to connect to the central station. It comes in grade 2,3and 4, grade 4 being the equivalent of Redcare GSM.

Selling points.

Emizon is secure , simple future proofed and exceptional value for money. It is also 21CN compatible. Even if you have no alarm on site it can monitor your broadband connection to ensure your business maintains a 24/7 broadband connection if necessary. There are no call charges involved.

It saves money on two counts. It is cheaper to monitor than Redcare GSM and more importantly it means no dedicated line is required.

So how did it all start?

Emizon was conceived as far back as 2001 when the original patents were filed for.

The concept was proved in 2005 and touted to the industry in 2006. In 2007 the ARC’s started to accept the platform and a steady rise in popularity has meant it is now increasing its market share across the world.

Some control panels have Emizon integrated into them during manufacture so this product is undoubtedly here to stay and certainly looks like it could dominate the IP monitoring market for years to come.

10 reasons to use IP Monitoring

1) Emizon works with all broadband providers. Offers integrated security as it is able to integrate to CCTV and Access control.

2) 100% guarantee to work on the new BT 21CN platform.

3)  Firmware upgrades and pin changes can be made with the touch of a button.

4)  The grade 4 Emizon is equivalent to Redcare GSM and is accepted as totally secure within the insurance industry.

5)  No dedicated line is required so savings can be made on phone line costs when upgrading.

6) In terms of cost the Emizon can deliver two signalling paths for the same money as you would normally pay for single path.

7)  The TDC is easy to install and is not site specific , meaning it can be kept in stock for same day installation.

8)  Through broadband access via the Emizon you can remotely interrogate your alarm panel so you can do remote servicing on your alarm panel.

9)  Comes in grade 2,3,and 4 so can be used for any application.

10)  Gives the customer not only notice if their alarm panel has lost its monitoring path but also helps to monitor all broadband services so if the customer needs 24hour on line reliability to run their business it they will know of any  BROADBAND failure.

Paxton Access Control

Recommendation.

On this site we like to talk about products we have used and are happy to recommend. Paxton access control is a product that has long been known to us and tried and tested.

NET 2

Net 2 access control manufactured by Paxton is one of the big success stories in the integrated access control market place. They manufacture readers ,controllers and software that has been designed to be able to control entry and exit to hundreds of doors and be accessible to thousands of users.

Flexible.

Net2 is designed to fit into the mainstream access control market , however it has the ability to expand to up to 10,000 users so giving it a leading edge over many of its competitors. One of the concepts employed by Paxton is that their product is expandable. From one door to many hundreds , flexibilty is crucial in gaining sales .

Access Control Software.

The software is well designed and can easily be understood by end users and engineers alike . The person charged with the administration of the system can be comfortable in the knowledge that it will always be stable and reliable.

Networked IP solution.

Multiple site solutions are no problem as the system uses TCP/IP to communicate between different locations and allows  nationwide or even worldwide solutions to some bigger corperate customers.

Control.

Access rights and time zones give a site manager complete control over who goes where and when. As an administrator he /she has the power to control all the day to day movements of both his staff , any site contractors and of course  visitors . The administrator can view real time events and has the ability to create reports should these be required.

Free software.

The software is free and can be loaded onto multiple PCs within the organization so admin rights can be shared if required.

CCTV and Biometric Integration.

Although Paxton produce their own readers they are no strangers to the concept of integration. They can integrate other manufacturers readers and biometric devices easily into their systems meaning takeovers become a relatively easy task.

Market leaders.

Taking into account all we have highlighted so far , its easy to see why Paxton are one of the market leaders in today’s integrated access control market.

For the record!

Paxton are able to integrate to intruder alarm systems , offer wireless IP solutions and connect seamlessly to IP cameras. I/O boards allow the ability to trip input and outputs over IP . Advanced reader technology can also offer hands free entry.

It all looks good!

One of the main things however that Paxton have considered is aesthetics. Access control has to fit into modern building designs and  they have achieved this with style.

Conclusion.

In conclusion Paxton have managed to capture the mainstream access control market in the UK and across Europe. This is a fantastic achievement when you consider the calibre of the competition .With new innovative ideas being presented to installers everyday .We can only see Paxton going from strength to strength.

NSI, SSAIB why they are needed within the CCTV industry.

SSAIB, NACOSS, NSI

It does not matter what inspectorate you use, the need to audit is an unquestionable asset in the security industry today. To be fair most of the big companies are “forced” to subscribe to an auditor to be able to give the correct certification to their customers in order that the customer can comply with their insurers demands.

The dreaded visit.

It is fair to say that most company Quality assurance managers dread the impending visit by their inspector,  MD’s also tend to fuss around at the last minute trying to ensure that all their paperwork is up to date and all their internal and external audits have been completed. Staff are briefed what to say and the office and vehicles are meticulously cleaned ready to greet the unwelcome guest.

Think about it though!

Why is this necessary though? At the end of the day all the inspector will look at is to see that you do what you actually say you do in order to give your customers fair service , well installed equipment and value for money. The company should always work to these standards and seek to continuously improve on them. Whats wrong with doing what you have agreed to do when you are certificated? After all it is usually the MD or QAM who has written the proceedures your company will be following anyway.

What are the benefits of being audited?

Well, training is audited , administrative procedures to, Installation standards, stock control, security screening and so on. All of these things are a crucial to maintaining the highest standards within your company. Lets be honest would you want to let anyone into your house or business to install something as sensitive as a security system if they had not been audited on the above subjects? I would think not!

It should be easy.

It certainly should be easy. All your company and its employees have to do is follow the instructions written down in your company manual , simple! Any changes or improvements to procedures simply need to be noted and updated within the manual and adhered to. Anyone cutting corners or breaking company procedures really do need to be reprimanded and bought to book . After all you must want staff to do as they are are asked and follow the instructions laid down pretty much to the letter.

Changes within the industry.

With the rapid introduction of integrated CCTV, IP cameras and integrated access control companies and inspectorates alike must adapt to these changes. Manuals will need to be re-written and procedures changed especially bearing in mind that third party networks will form the backbone of any IP CCTV solutions in the integrated security market place. This being said it will not be insurmountable to introduce standards to ensure the end user is not short changed.

Summary.

So in summary being regulated and inspected is actually good for all involved . Security companies get the staff they deserve and the staff get the training and clear working mandate they need. Most importantly the security industry is thankfully short of cowboy installers and this of course means that the end user can be rest assured that they will get a well installed reliable security solution.