September 2010 - Integrated CCTV

Dual path IP signalling for CCTV

Emizon.

Dual path IP signalling is a prerequisite now in all intruder alarm scenarios, for many years now insurers have insisted on it and it is one of the most important security measures employed within the industry. Also one that gives early warning of a potential break in and is crucial in limiting losses.

Emizon TCD

It is strange therefore, that CCTV systems do not seem to have the same level of security applied to their signalling path to a central station. Most CCTV systems rely on an unmonitored ASDL line, this seems totally inadequate when you consider what CCTV systems are expected to protect in the way of value, especially when being used to confirm external intrusions into compounds and other external areas where goods of high value are stored.

With the IP CCTV revolution currently underway, Emizon 21 have an ideal answer to any line cuts that may occur. They do this by providing dual path signalling using the broadband telephone line and a secondary GPRS route. Using the first secure IP monitoring solution on the market, Emizon have shown innovation and an insight into the future of IP communication.

So with most telephone lines now going over to broadband , Emizon can provide excellent value for any dual path signalling solution, whether they be for existing, new intruder alarms or CCTV

IP CCTV regulation and certification

IP CCTV regulation.

IP video system, IP surveillance system, Networked camera system, Networked surveillance system. No one has yet to actually decide what the CCTV system that we know today is going to be called . CCTV is not really an option because it is no longer a closed CCT system.
Networked security cameras are here and over the next 5 years will start to dominate the security industry’s thoughts. However there are other industry sectors beginning to realize that there are big opportunities out there. Those from the IT and networking industries are good examples. Excitement is rising amongst these groups as they find it more and more easy to steal business from under the noses of the security world.One important fact however that everyone seems to be overlooking at present is standards. As we know the NSI currently keep a tight rein on us, the installers and ensure sites are audited and certificated to a very high standard. But who is going to enforce this upon Telecoms companies who suddenly decide that IP video is now part of their portfolio. Insurance companies have never successfully driven business to get a certified cctv system installed unlike they have in the intruder market and so in the past it was the fear of cowboys that drove many big companies to push their business the way of CCTV companies who had transparently high standards and thus a good reputation.However, economics are now the driving force behind any companies decision as what kind of surveillance system they will buy. This is now heavily biased in the favour network installers who will issue no certification and although they would be bound by their own high standards to do a good job may not be as aware or even worried about basic security factors that always need to be applied when installing a CCTV system.This leaves CCTV installers in a highly vulnerable position, one that if they fail to address now, will leave many seriously struggling to stay in business. Manufactures will need to seek out new contacts as well or they could find that their rather large investment into IP products could be very abruptly trumped by the likes of Cisco and others like them. These large IT houses must be happily sat back waiting for the world of IP video systems to very simply, deliver itself at their feet.

CCTV acronyms

Megapixel IP video systems.
Over the next few days we will be looking at some of the features that are being built into the latest IP Megapixel cameras in order to show some of the major benefits that can be achieved through this new technology. Firstly below we list some of the acronyms being used and what they actually mean. There is nothing worse than a 3 letter abbreviation that everyone is talking about but no one has actually told you.!
PVO progressive video output – essentially this ensures clearer images and less motion blur ABS adaptive black stretch – increases visibility of subjects in dark areas.
WDF wide dynamic feature – a feature within an ip camera used to reproduce a balanced image when looking at at areas of high contrast, such as doorways.
ABF – auto back focus – automatically adjusts the back focus to ensure crisp images day and night without the need to manually adjust this at the camera.
DNR – digital noise reduction – in low light conditions there is a need to amplify images this also however amplifies any noise on the picture. DNR technology reduces the noise viewed by the end user.
AIS – auto image stabilizer – cancels out vibrations on the image caused during windy conditions.
MSV- multi streamed video – IP cameras come equipped to send video streams to more than one location at reduced bandwidth if necessary.
VMD – video motion detection – when changes in the view of the camera are detected an alarm can be raised to alert an operator or start recording on an NVR
Just a few listed above and many more round the corner we suspect as the technology advances so more and more features and those dreaded three letter acronyms will be introduced.

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.

Is the CCTV industry lazy?!

We got talking to a reputable Manufacturer recently…..one who was pulling his hair out over the increased amount of Technical calls his Support team were taking

There was nothing wrong with the product – it was just new and the installing engineer had simply not seen it before.

This happens….an installer will have an enthusiastic team of sales/marketing/commercial guys all choosing products because of price, bells, whistles, days out (did we say that?!) but the first the installation team see it is when they have 1 day to fit it !! And train the end user

We have sympathy with the engineers……. particularly as it falls on them to sort the ‘problems’ that perhaps the over enthusiastic sales guy has, er, um ‘created’ !!! (Yes, we really did hear once that a camera down a shopping aisle, with a mirror at the end, could see around the corner!!)

But….in this age of instant email and mobile phones, is it REALLY easier to just call the manufacturer rather than take a look at the enclosed instructions? Sure, a life on the road is a lonely one and the engineer must miss the interaction of the office…….but if the supplier/manufacturer has only a handful of Support staff, employed to answer REAL technical problems, then it is understandable they can sometimes be tied up answering OTHER engineers questions……

‘How do I turn it on?’
‘How do I program presets?’
‘What’s the code to get into the menu?’
‘How do I set up the record schedule?’

Engineers – these manufacturers will not leave you in the dark…….they will always help you with difficulties…….they will always try to assist….but help them to help you, take a look at the Manual before ringing !!

We think Technical Support response will increase no end if the calls are valid !

What do you think?