Tag: hd camera

VideoIQ – an interesting entry into the UK IP HD Market

VideoIQ

a name not commonly known here in the UK……..but they have some extremely innovative products…

Video IQ claim, to be the ONLY IP HD manufacturer that can offer intelligent Video Analytics on HD and Megapixel IP cameras…..most of the IP HD pixc units out at the moment cannot offer video analytics ‘at the edge’, instead relying on D1 modules for the clever on board Analytics

Here’s a snapshot of their range

Probably the main interesting point, is that EVERY device is also an onboard DVR…….Dome cameras and Encoders all have onboard storage for up to 6 months recording! 1GB flash and then SATA Ruggedised HDD means that network outages are irrelevant.

Video IQ have made Software available or alternatively 3rd Party integration with companies such as Genetec and Milestone mean these products are flexible as well as feature rich.

Offering Analytics on Thermal is another string to their bow

And, sshh, we’ve heard a rumour that a certain UK manufacturer of PTZ IR, Thermal, Overt and Dome cameras could well be linking up with VideoIQ to add analytical tracking and onboard recording to its range of high speed PTZ units…….more soon!

So, VideoIQ, keep an eye as we think these guys are going to be getting some good attention in 2011!

March Networks new HD Nanodome

Oooh, we like cute, small, neat new gadgets!

And yes, the new March Networks HD Nanodome looks like it will be a neat little gadget!

But, apart from being a gadget, will it deliver value for money in a tough and competitive IP industry?

 HD Nanodome

the main point here is ‘1080p’ – yep, full HD resolution out of this little baby!

and early indications are that the price is going to be VERY competitive………….cheaper than some standard SD (Standard Definition) PIXC IP cameras!

Could March be stealing a ‘March’ on the HD Industry!!!!??

Let us know!

Vigilant CCTV systems the New kids on the block

We have been keeping an eye recently on an up and coming, home grown, good old UK based DVR and Hybrid/IP manufacturer…… Vigilant Systems, based in Somerset……

Unlike so many of the far eastern in-flux of DVR and NVR solutions, Vigilant Systems offer something quite unique!

Sure, their ‘engine’ is based on a Far Eastern software development – but we understand they have had considerable input to the ongoing development of the software, in a relationship they have had for a considerable period of time…..

But, their USP is that they assemble all the hardware here in the UK……that means the quality and reliability of the components are completely within their control….. they have their own assembly line and in-house Technical Support engineers and this UK time zone and UK language approach to the NVR/DVR market is refreshing……how many DVR suppliers can boast that they ACTUALLY make the units here, in the UK ??

Products ranging from small 4 & 8 channel right up to huge, scalable systems are available, backed by great software and very clever add-ons (keyboards, monitor walls, analytics, EPOS and analytics)…….. they’ve even worked hard to get their CCTV software into Central Stations of note to offer a complete Remote Managed solution too.

With HD and Megapixel cameras and a range of IP Encoders, Vigilant are another company that can offer a complete ‘system solution’

We think we will see more of Vigilant Systems in the near future…….

Arecont v Avigilon Battle of the HD Camera Giants!

Arecont vs Avigilon.

Both HD camera experts….both American….both high quality product offerings….both begin with ‘A’…….!

So which one?

Well, like most system selection questions, it is pretty much always down to a question of taste…

But, we think there may be enough differences to perhaps make the selection easier

Arecont….

Out and out IP camera manufacturers…..take a look at the extensive list of different products, almost to the point of exhaustion! But, there is no doubting that their products are awesome…. we tested their 2megapixel AV2110 Megapixel IP camera….and quite simply, it was stunning……sure, there are higher megapixel PIXC offerings out there, but put simply, when a camera produces a high quality image, is there a limit reached that does not need to be extended??

On an earlier post, we discussed the trade off between high quality vs bandwidth and really, with pictures as pin sharp and easy to set up as the Arecont AV2110, then it is a struggle to look elsewhere……

But…..

Avigilon….

Same selection of camera offerings……and boy, some beauties in that range – we checked out at IFSEC 2010 the 16megapixel 16-PRO-HD-C unit, looking at a section of crowd at a football match (ok, ‘soccer’ for our Atlantic friends!)……..

The thing that perhaps starts to separate these guys is that Avigilon are perhaps a little more ’rounded’ in the complete system solution offering…..they offer the software, NVR, encoders etc etc to enable a complete end to end solution….and lets face it, most installers appreciate the ease of dealing with one supplier – March Networks springs to mind……

Don’t get us wrong, Arecont have worked VERY hard to get themselves integrated into pretty much everyone – and that gives credence to their mentality that they want to concentrate on simply making brilliant cameras…….. on the other hand, Avigilon are showing that they can offer complete systems that rival other CCTV software, NVR and encoder manufacturers, taking away the need to have to shop around or re-train….

Interesting choice…….more will be heard from these 2 great companies no doubt.

IP cameras v Analogue cameras

So there must be some reasons why IP cameras are going to provide the next generation of CCTV systems. Below we list some of the benefits to help you decide if you are about to buy CCTV if IP is the way for you to go.

Analogue vs IP cameras.

IP cameras are inherently networkable so no need to rely on the DVR to enable remote connection

IP cameras are run over CAT 5 cable and this has reliability benefits over coaxial cable

Cat 5 cable is cheaper

The resolution achievable from HD and megapixel cameras is far superior to analogue

IP streaming means that viewing and reviewing is much more flexible.

IP cameras can be be powered over the Ethernet so no need for mains to be supplied adjacent to the camera position.

Much larger systems are possible and this helps keep the total cost of ownership lower than an equivalent sized analogue system.

Recording and viewing is achieved through using software so no DVR is required.

Remote storage with all the associated benefits

Multiple viewers can view different video streams at the same time

The ability for both video and audio at each camera point.

On board storage with each camera by using an SD card

Cameras have built in intelligence ie audio alarms for noise levels and video motion detection.

As we can see IP cameras have lots of benefits over analogue. If you would like you IP camera solution reviewed we will be happy to help.