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 IQ iCVR IP camera

VideoIQ have come up with a fantastic solution to recording IP video.The iCVR camera together with some cutting edge encoders are able to record event generated video on the edge of the network eliminating the need for third party DVR, NVR or VMS software.

iCVR Video IQ camera
iCVR Video IQ camera

By using advanced analytics the iCVR HD camera produce and record HD images without the need to use the network, meaning bandwidth use is reduced to the absolute minimum. With the need for a central storage solution eliminated and advanced analytics that are able to learn events and increase accuracy over time, the iCVR is very simple to install and easy to use. It would seem that edge device recording is without question the way forward and Video IQ are well ahead of their competitors. Check out the iCVR camera and on board recording solutions on the Video IQ website….well worth a look.

Lilin NVR…..new in the LILIN CCTV range

  • Lilin NVR range
  • Lilin NVR
  • The new LILIN NVR range  means they have expanded their range of network video recording solutions once again. The CMX CCTV software and the GVD range of HD NVR’s are capable of recording up to 32 megapixel IP camera streams and displaying these simultaneously. Search options include a time line that allows the operator to easily find video that the end user may wish to export or burn onto a DVD. Points or regions of interest within the megapixel image can be created and this allows flexible recording and reduces storage of unnecessary data. With NVRs capable of up 14 TB of internal storage the GVD HD network video recorders offer some excellent features.
  • The LILIN CMX management software is also capable of managing remote IP cameras and DVRs . Emap alarms and motion notification enable the end user to be kept informed of all important events. Enabled with a powerful HTML feature hyperlinks means the user is able to bring up live video by just clicking on the mapping feature that is presented to the him when an alarm activation occurs.
  • Third party cameras can also be integrated into the system including ACTi IP cameras along with Arecont,  Pelco, Axis, Panasonic, Bosch and Sony Quite a selection of top make names. ONVIF compliance means that this recording solution can be applied to a site that has a multitude of different cameras installed
  • lilin cameraLots to look at on the LILIN website if you would like to see more detail

Panasonic HD NVR

Panasonic have now made their leading edge NVR, the WJ-NV200, available
to buy through Norbain. Part of the iPro range the HD NVR boasts a host
of advanced features.

panasonic WJ-NV200These include the ability to record up to 30 IPS
across all the 16 channels in a multi format. The NVR recorder also
supports a full HD video output through an HDMI port allowing all images
to be displayed in HD. The quality is exceptional.

As we have mentioned here before at integrated CCTV the intelligent
facial recognition feature is the big selling point of the WJ-NV200
working in conjunction with the latest smart HD iPro cameras, multiple
face matching can be achieved. These HD CCTV images are matched with a
stored database in order to trigger alarms open doors or welcome
recognised customers, the possibilities in fact are endless.

Search facilities integrated into this HD NVR include an easy to use time line or alternatively you
can use the quick search calendar.

Leading the way as always the WJ-NV200 is what Panasonic hope to be one
of their big sellers during 2011. As HD recording and displayed images
comes of age we can expect Panasonic to be at the forefront of this.

iPhone, iPad and CCTV

We blogged some time back now about iPhone/iPad requests for CCTV accessibility…………….

Just recently, a new app ‘app’eared (like what I did there!) in the Apple App Store that gives access to the 360 Vision OpenVision range of DVRs and NVRs



Called iDVR-Vue, it draws on the fluidity of the iPhone/iPad interface to offer a really intuitive way to view cameras on your installed H or T DVR, or even your Hybrid/NVR system.

Connection setup is as easy as selecting the model, entering the static IP address (this is normally provided by your ADSL or ISP provider), and putting in the Username and Password and clicking connect

First connection presents a Quad display………..if you have more than 4 cameras, a simple swipe across the screen moves the display onto cameras 5-8, a swipe again onto 9-12 and finally 13-16…………. and if any of the cameras are PTZ domes such as the Predator or Black Hawk range, then tapping on that quad image brings the camera to full screen where the fun really begins!

Anyone that has used the iPhone/iPad will know that the screen is great for touch control……….. a swipe in any direction sends the camera moving in the same direction…..the further you move across the screen, the quicker the dome will move………….Zoom is very much like viewing pictures, pinch to zoom in and out and the dome camera will respond by zooming in and out!

We’d like to see preset and tour initiation and also maybe some playback/search controls, but we are told that will be in the next release in the App Store

The real beauty to this? IT’S FREE !

We like free, it shows a manufacturers commitment to offer additional services to what is often considered a grudge purchase

And let’s face it, who these days does not have an iPhone or iPad!!!

Also available for the Blackberry range