IP CCTV Maintaining a secure commercial network

IP CCTV – Commercial Information Security

IP CCTV is often referred to as IP surveillance and is a network of security cameras linked by a single network. This allows the user to view all areas of their commercial or residential property; whilst retaining network security. Not only can you view the different areas of the property on site, you will also be able to view them on an internet connection where you can stream live or view pre-recorded footage.

IP CCTV
Login details are a necessity with this technology as they allow your online system to remain secure. Only approved personnel will be able to access the online system, but once they do have access they will be free to use the IP CCTV system globally, providing that they have an internet connection.
There are many companies who offer this security camera system, such as cable-talk.co.uk most of which will be able to offer different security levels depending on how secure you want your IP CCTV network to be.

 IPCCTV
IP CCTV is also easily adapted for use with existing security cameras, meaning that it is simple to install. As a result, many businesses are choosing to move to IP CCTV systems as it enables business owners and security managers to view their premise from a number of different locations, rather than having to be onsite to monitor security.
A plus point to IP CCTV is that it will run alongside other connections without any disturbance. The system can also be linked wirelessly to networks. LAN traffic can also be communicated if the sockets are on the same meter.
Other advantages to the system are that it can save huge amounts of time. For instance searching for particular images or a video segment is easier, as with IP CCTV you will gain more control of the footage.

Network cabling is an essential part of the system and once fitted will enable you to monitor the security of your property seamlessly.

Brickcom night time images

Brickcom have released images produced by their new range of night vision N series mega pixel IP cameras. The range goes up to 3 MP and the images are an excellent example of how HD can be used effectively at night.

Brickcom mega pixel IP camera The Brickcom N series uses the Sony Exmor chip technology to produce the sort of night time images we can see above. In addition the N series  comes in many different forms, from mini domes to bullet cameras. Below we list the full line up.

FB-130N Fixed Box, FD-130N Fixed Dome, VD-130N Vandal Dome, OB-130N Outdoor Bullet FB-300N Fixed Box, FD-302N Fixed Dome, VD-302N Vandal Dome, MD-300N Mini dome, OB-300N Outdoor Bullet and OB-302N Outdoor Bullet.

The 130 range are 1.3 mega pixel with 300 range giving 3 mega pixel definition.

HD camera kits

LILIN  have become the first company to introduce HD camera kits into the CCTV market place. LILIN are now seriously focusing on delivering solutions that include all the benefits of the latest IP technology.

LILIN HD camera kits

LILIN have laid claim that they were the first company in the World to introduce ONVIF compliant products and have focused recently on IP video solutions rather than analogue and they have now become the first to introduce HD camera kits over IP. The migration from analogue to IP is simple with LILIN because many of the form factors, installation methods and menus have not changed. Their experience in CCTV has taught them how to make IP Products that are easy to install and easy to operate.

The LILIN product line ranges from megapixel cameras, hybrid digital video recorders to standalone encoders and network digital recorders.

So what is in the HD camera kits? Well the basic HD camera kits contain 4 HD IP cameras, 4 power supplies a 16 channel NVR software that are provided within the kit with no licence fees needed. The software is expandable and up to 36 channels can be unlocked if required. The software has an extensive range of features including EPOS connectivity and face detection. This is above and beyond the usual functions you would expect such as alarm management and advanced search features.

In addition iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android connectivity mean that these HD camera kits are looking like  very desirable products, however what price would you expect to pay for HD camera kits from LILIN ?

Well the NVR-kit112 that contains 4 internal HD dome cameras is £620. The NVR-kit12 consists of weatherproof HD IR cameras and costs £633. Finally NVR-kit312 consists of vandal proof HD IR dome cameras and will cost £816.

The above prices are subject to change depending on supplier however the HD camera kits are now available to buy here in the UK and this first step towards providing HD in kit form means HD is now within reach of just about anyone who wishes to upgrade to HD.

March & Infinova – a perfect union?

Recent acquisition news reached the industry regarding the purchase by Infinova of Canadian based IP video specialists, March Networks.

The CDN$90 million acquisition, set to complete by April 2012, will see a combination of 2 industry heavyweights in their own right, join forces to make a seriously large force in the IP sector.

But is it a perfect union?

Looking at the proposed deal, there is a CDN$1.4 million ‘get out clause’……. applicable to either side…… whilst the precise details are not known, presumably it is more sided for Infinova – maybe a performance related condition to the sale becoming final? It would make sense as March have been very open about their various region performances and their aggressive plans to increase revenues throughout their business regions.

But what might it mean for the two companies?

Well, let’s take a brief look at what each do and offer:

March Networks

Combining an established Retail and Banking customer base that was historically March Networks in Canada, with the IP intelligent video and software that Cieffe Srl in Italy provided, March have established a solid and leading innovator in IP technology – both in hardware and software.

Infinova

Little is known about Infinova in the UK, their presence appears stronger in the US and the Far East. They appear to have a wide and varied product range of both analogue and IP based products.

Interestingly they have a range of HDCCTV products, something that March obviously do not have with their IP pedigree….that might be an interesting development to see which direction they promote the more heavy, or perhaps even simply look to industry lead in both?

So why the union?

Here are our thoughts and we must insist these are purely opinions!

1) Infinova want an established route to the EMEA market – something March has

2) March possibly OEM some existing Infinova kit and have been extremely successful with many of their IP cameras – this might have led Infinova to consider not only locking in their OEM sales with March, but also capitalise on the profit margins by benefiting from the final product sale?

3) March have an IP PTZ product range, an OEM they have with a European PTZ Dome manufacturer, Infinova also have a PTZ IP range, could this increase profit margins for both companies by using ‘in-house’ products? March were extremely successful with a large South African contract for PTZ domes running into the hundreds and it would be commercially viable for Infinova to want to gain a slice of that action – we have already seen that March are reducing their IP PTZ dome model range – presumably this is in preparation for the Infinova deal?

4) March are under increasing pressure from other leading IP software and hardware manufacturers and Infinova gives them another strong, US outlet for their range.

5) Acquiring March gives Infinova a credible IP route to market that perhaps they do not fully have at the moment?

As we said, these are only our opinions and not at all based on fact – it does appear, on the surface, to be a better deal for Infinova and a slightly strange deal for March – time will tell.

One thing is indeed for sure though, the market for acquisitions is still buoyant and that many companies now consider growth, in difficult economic conditions globally, is best reached through strategic mergers/acquisitions – maybe this is behind Infinova’s thinking?!

Avigilon iPhone app

Avigilon are one of the fastest growing companies in Canada. The reasons are clear to us. Avigilon have taken the concept that quality will sell even in hard times. Once their demonstration has been seen its hard not to talk about both the company and the kit. Avigilon do it differently to anyone else out there. They take huge volumes of data and to give quality images but are able to manage it in such a way that it is presented to the end user with almost unbelievable clarity.

Avigilon iPhone app

Below we link to blogs about Avigilon and the Avigilon iPhone app and general information about Avigilon for those looking for an assessment of their products and their company.

Avigilon iPone app download the Avigilon iPhone app.

Information about Avigilon

Avigilon talk to integrated CCTV