Archive for May, 2008

This CCTV Buyers Guide provides a comprehensive overview of deploying a successful video surveillance camera system in your business or residence. This guide contains information to help in the design of your video surveillance system, select the products that best fit your CCTV system requirements, and help make key installation decisions that will save you time and money.The information was derived from deploying 100’s of CCTV systems and gathered from CCTV call centers who answer questions from commercial and residential customers. This guide combines the data from past CTV projects and gives the reader a head-start in the successful CCTV project

There are many details to consider when specifying the correct CCTV Camera System. Professional Video Surveillance is not a cheap endeavor and a budget should be outlined and the best possible system should be considered. This guide will help the novice CCTV buyer in reviewing camera and recording system for their CCTV and Video surveillance requirements.

The first task in a successful CCTV project is to outline the key CCTV objectives.

• How many cameras are required?

• What are the key FoV (Field of View(s))?

• What are the recording requirements?

• What are the lighting conditions of each camera location?

• Where do I need live video monitoring or a second video monitor?

• How long do you need to retain the video files?

Cameras There are specific cameras that need to be selected based on the FoV, lighting conditions, and the mounting location of the camera. There is no such thing as a one-size fits all in the successful CCTV project. It is important to note each camera location and select the camera best suited for that location.

Answer these questions:

• Indoor or Outdoor?

• Lighting conditions (during day and night)?

• Mounting locations?

Indoor Dome Camera

The indoor dome camera is used in 90% of general indoor applications. It comes in a variety of configurations including standard color, Day/Night, and Infrared versions. It can be mounted on a horizontal or vertical surface but is typically ceiling mounted. Lens options on dome camera may restrict their use in certain applications such as requiring more than a 20mm video lens. Dome cameras are a primary choice in indoor camera locations.

Box Camera

A box camera is a standard camera that can be mounted alone or in an enclosure. The box camera uses a separate lens that screws on to the front surface and provides flexibility for different FoV requirements and is sold without a lens. An auto-iris lens will have a small cable that connects to the camera for iris control in various lighting conditions.

Outdoor Dome Cameras

Outdoor Dome Cameras are typically hard shell vandal-roof casings that offer the same versatility in a variety of lens options. Day/Night outdoor dome cameras are common in applications that have entry and exit points with limited lighting during the night.

Day/Night Camera

The Day/Night camera is the best choice for low-light conditions. The cameras are standard color during daylight conditions, the Day/Night camera switches either digitally of mechanically to a low-lux B/W mode.

Infrared Camera

During No-Light conditions, Infrared cameras provide infrared illumination of the FoF allowing monitoring of areas with no light available. Te IR LEDs are automatically illuminated and the camera switched to the B/W low-lux mode offering camera views in total darkness.

PTZ Camera

Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera offer the ability to view in all directions and optically zoom in as required. PTZ cameras also include standard color, Day/Night modes, and a few IR PTZ cameras have been introduced recently. The CCTV operator can set the PTZ cameras to automatically rotate to different FoVs. Options include Auto-tracking applications that dynamically track objects in defined areas.

About the Camera technology

Sony CCDs are the predominate video element in security cameras today. Sony makes few cameras, but they own the CCD market. Do not think that Sony makes the camera touted as ” Sony 1/3″ Super HAD Camera” as many vendors advertise their cameras. The camera has a Sony CCD, however the camera is not from Sony and could be almost any brand camera out there. Important factors of lens quality, vari-focal and auto-iris ability, quality of camera housing or enclosure, and lens optics are the difference in a professional CCTV camera.

Facts about Cameras:

• If you buy an $80 camera, you will get an $80 view.

• 480 TVL should be a minimum requirement in any professional CCTV project.

• Location of the camera and the correct lens are keys to quality video capture

• Cameras love light and thieves hate the light! Add lighting wherever possible

Camera Enclosure

Box cameras can be mounted in a variety of enclosures. Outdoor enclosures in cold climates should include a heater/blower that keeps frost and condensation from forming on the lens and camera. Heater/Blower are commonly 24VAC and should be considered when selecting the CCTV power supply system.

Camera Location

Camera mounting location is critical to the success of the CCTV project. Cameras should be mounted as close possible to the field of view required, and the closer the camera to the subject the better the identification of the subject will be. Proper lens selection relative to the camera location and the FoV required is essential to a quality picture.

Digital Video Recorders

DVRs are an important part of any successful CCTV project. Video resolution is getting larger, recording speeds are getting faster, and video data compression is reducing the video data file size. TeraByte storage capacity is becoming common in many CCTV applications. Network or remote monitoring of CCTV video is standard in all professional DVRs on the market in 2007 and video distribution across LANs, WANs, and the Web have given the DVR a new market outside of video security known as Business Systems Monitoring that allows management to monitor specified key business areas 24 hours a day. No longer just a security video recorder, the DVR has become a business tool for management with remote monitoring applications.

In order to choose the correct DVR for any application, the following questions need to be answered.

• How many channels (cameras)?

• What speed of recording is required?

• How long to retain video files (Hard Drive Size)?

• What features are important to the application?

• Where will DVR system be located?

• Remote monitoring requirements?

In choosing the right DVR for your CCTV application, ensure that you are determining the quantity of cameras needed now and in the next 24 months. DVRs come in 4, 8, 9, and 16 channel increments and this selection is critical because adding cameras above the DVR channels available will require an additional DVR, not just additional channels. DVR systems in large installations are segmented into 16 channels units and are monitored and managed through a Central Management System.

The speed of recording is critical to many CCTV applications. 30 fps (frames per second) is considered real-time video, therefore to obtain 30 fps for the application, 480 fps for 16 channels and 240fps for 8 channels is required. Many CCTV applications will provide real-time (30 fps) live viewing of video channels and 7-15 fps for recorded files. It is acceptable to have 7-15 fps for recorded files in many applications, but technology in DVR systems has pushed real-time video for the masses and 30 fps recording will soon be the standard recording rates across all channels as available today.

Storage of vide files is much easier and cost effective in 2007 than ever before. DVR storage at the TeraByte level is common and drives have become faster and more reliable. Retention of video data files can be managed by corporate IT departments as any business critical data and network drive archiving is common. All of the top DVR systems have USB ports for external storage devices and LAN-based video servers are common. A critical component of any DVR system is the ability to access the video files. The software provided by DVR manufacturers is proprietary to the DVR unit and the ability to retrieve files chronologically or based on certain security events is vital to the DVR product.

PC-Based vs. Standalone DVRs

Standalone DVR systems were the majority of video recorders sold in the marketplace up until 2006. Computer-based DVRs have become increasingly popular due to the cost and features provide in the latest generation of DVR cards on the market in 2007. The Windows XP PC computer is providing the reliability and performance in today’s DVR systems that are required for mission critical video security systems. The open architecture of PC-based DVR systems allow easy integration into corporate LANs and technology upgrades are at a component level. Software upgrades and hard drive storage additions are far less costly that proprietary DVR systems. Standalone DVRs are imbedded recording systems usually operating under Linux OS. The standalone DVRs are widely used in retail security sites and provide reliable video recording for 4-16 channels. Most DVRs on the market offer network remote access and CD R/W archiving.Computer-based DVR systems are reliable, fast, and have many advanced applications not found on standalone systems.

Video compression

MPEG4 and H.264 are the video compression of choice in 2007. In summary, MPEG4 is good and H.264 is better. The key to video compression is the resolution and the size of the video. High resolution video files are monster size files and video compression for storage and streaming is critical to any video application. Major advancements in video compression will be seen in 2007 and H.264 will be the codec of choice for DVR manufacturers.

H.264

This uses the latest innovations in video compression technology to provide high resolution video quality from the smallest amount of video data required. Smaller files will save bandwidth and storage costs over previous generations of video codecs. H.264 delivers the same quality as MPEG-2 at a third to half the data rate and up to four times the frame size of MPEG-4 Part 2 at the same data rate. H.264 is used in the latest video devices for High Definition video devices, BluRay DVDs and should be considered for any professional CCTV project.

Network Access and Remote Viewing

Network access is the ability to remotely monitor a video server across the LAN, WAN, or internet. A very important application for any DVR system is the ability to monitor live and access to recordings through remote access. Most DVRs today have a LAN RJ45 connection that allows the Video Recorder to connect to the LAN just like any other PC in the office.

Advanced DVR Features

Many CCTV systems are releasing advanced security and specialty software for security enhancements. These include:

• Object counting

• POS Integration

• PTZ Auto-Tracking

• Face Recognition

• Access Control Integration

CCTV Cabling and System Layout

DVR Location In choosing the optimal location for the DVR system, consider the access of the area for centralized control and security of the area. The DVR is the heart of the CCTV system and should be protected as necessary to ensure it is safe from theft or damage. If the security breach includes theft of the DVR component, all evidence is carried off under the arm of the thief. And the thieves know this, so ensure that the DVR system is in a lock-box or an appropriate secure area.

Camera Power Supply

Each professional camera requires either 12VDC or 24VAC. Both power options are acceptable and some CCTV installations will require both. Central Power Supplies are available in 4,8,16 and more channels.

Cable Options

Traditional video cable is RG59 coax cable. Siamese dual cable is commonly used that provides RG59u coax together with a pair of 18 gauge wire for the camera power requirements. The dual cable allows single cable runs to each camera for both video and power.

Cat-5 Options

UTP (twisted pair) cabling is becoming more popular with Cat-5e/Cat-6 cabling used in networks. CAT cabling is lighter and less expensive than coax cabling and requires balun connectors to match the impedance of the video signal. Coax and UTP connections up to1000′ feet are acceptable. A balun is used to match the impedance on Cat-5 connections on the DVR and camera connections.

The Successful Video Surveillance Project

• Quality Plan

• Quality Cameras

• Quality DVR

• Quality Installation

Author: Steve McNeal

AMA Security

2/17/2008

CCTV Security Cameras are the building blocks of any Video Surveillance System.The CCTV camera have positively been able to create a lot of publicity for itself during the modern years. Many recent trends are beginning when it comes to mole and surveillance gadgets. A lot of people have actually taken a good deal of interest in these CCTV cameras which are often described as the camera in a light bulb. These CCTV cameras can be easily screwed onto any light socket because the inside of the CCTV camera is a highly sophisticated low-light monochrome camera.

Most modern CCTV security cameras are simple, light-weight and inexpensive enough to be used in home security systems. There are new and advanced CCTV mega-pixel cameras available which can take 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution images of the camera scene either on a time lapse or motion detection basis. These cameras also use a variety of techniques such as Tilt-Zoom, Low Light, Infrared No-Light and License Plate technologies.

Major industrial concerns now make use of CCTV surveillance cameras to observe the functioning of the factory from a remote camera room. These types of cameras are very common in industries that deal with dangerous material like chemicals and nuclear fuel. By set up a thermo graphic camera it is even possible to measure the temperature of the processes going on in the factory by the person who observes the process.

We provide a full range of superior surveillance products at exceptionally low. With the help of CCTV Camera we provide CCTV Monitoring services, remote cctv monitoring solutions with in-depth business monitoring expertise.

We have been highly successful in reducing as well as detecting crime, misconduct, and theft through effective video security monitoring and introduction of a dedicated management department.

CCTV security cameras are beginning to transition to digital. With high shutter speeds, memory capacity and pixel resolution, photos can be taken either when alerted by a motion detector or on a continuous basis. Boasting an easy setup and storage of images on the computer, it is proving quite popular.

CCTV surveillance cameras is also established in varied blocks or areas in industries, offices and other commercial areas to supervise the employees and outsiders. These CCTV camera security systems are sizable in door as well as outdoor uses. They are built in smoke alarms, radios, clocks, etc as they are a matter of evidence of anything recorded. Manufacturers offer different types of cameras like fixed camera, bullet camera, dome camera, infrared camera, wireless security camera, spy camera and more.

The most common usage of CCTV cameras is not crime prevention, but crime detection and prosecution. Several cases have been solved with the use of these cameras. These cameras automatically transfer captured images on a time-lapse or motion detection basis to a PC or laptop using either a USB cable or a wireless adapter.

1. What types of threats are going to be monitored?

Is the system responsible for protection of human lives, classified documents and data, big amounts of cash? Moreover, it is important to reckon probability and incidence of assaults to take measures against them already at the early stage of overall design of the system. All this should influence general conception of surveillance system, selection of equipment, means of protection against attacks and devastation, emergency procedures e.g. holdup in case of power failure.

Some systems are especially exposed to damage, therefore it is important to consider the use of adequate devices then, for example: cameras with polycarbonate housings or spheres (terminals, drunk tanks). It is also worth installing camouflaged cameras, hidden in e.g. clocks. To increase visually the number of cameras, it is worth deploying dummy ones. It is also essential the way of making cable installation, it should be secured from cutting. Another important thing is that system should be resistant to blinding by direct strong light pointed at a camera.

2. What areas are going to be monitored?

On the design for the building there should be pointed important areas that are to be observed. It will enable the designer of the surveillance system to select adequate number of cameras with proper lenses and to plan their deployment.

3. What is the purpose of observation of particular zones?

The aim of monitoring of a chosen zone may be activation of determined alarm procedure. One should point out these zones. As opposed to the areas that are only to be observed, one should describe what kind of threats can occur in these particular zones.

4. What is the required level of automation?

One should aim at maximal level of automation, because man-operated systems are expensive and unreliable for a long term. On the other hand, there must be a possibility of manual operation in individual instances.

5. What reaction of the system should be exercised when individual areas are violated?

CCTV devices after breach of a zone usually trigger automatic operation like activation of recording, switching on the light, closing the door, turning on the siren etc.

6. What reaction time of the system is needed?

Delay in operation can be caused by mechanical (e.g. rotator) or electronic (VCR, DVR, telemetric devices) lags. In critical situations, where no delay is acceptable, all devices must work round-the-clock with minimal number of implemented control functions that could bring on an inertia of the system.

7. What environmental conditions will devices have to work in?

One should determine temperature and humidity range, dustiness level, occurrence of electromagnetic interferences, lighting conditions etc., but also some specific conditions, if needed, e.g. explosion hazard.

8. What way of control of the system is anticipated?

There has to be determined the place where the control over the system is to be realized from, persons who will manage it, fixed and variable parameters (all functions not intended to be changed should be blocked).

9. How many simultaneous events should be handled by the system?

When anticipating two or more simultaneous alarm events, it is needed to provide adequate means for handling them, e.g. two or more separate monitors and control systems etc.

10. What is sufficient range and security level of signal transmission?

The use of digital signal processing techniques makes possible Internet transmission - without any range limits. However, already in designing phase the reservation of specific telecommunication connection (for example: bandwidth, fixed IP address) is required, as well as decision at which moment digitalization of signal should be made: in camera (web camera), after cameras (in video web servers) or in recording devices (DVR cards, stand alone DVR). Digital video signal transmission gives new opportunities for remote surveillance of places and objects.

11. How should the training of surveillance staff / security guards be conducted?

Apart from conducting training course for the whole surveillance staff it is worth to complete written instructions for the system users, including preventive maintenance and procedures of eliminating simple faults etc.

12. What kind of maintenance of the system will be needed and who will be responsible for that?

Some parts of mechanisms of certain devices may require regular lubrication, housings - tightness check, lenses - cleaning, VCR heads - cleaning or exchange. It should be decided whether the basic maintenance is to be performed by the staff or outsourced.

Closed-circuit television is a kind of a security technique which involves the usages of video camera which are commonly called CCTV cameras. The purposes of these are to transmit a signal to TV sets or monitors for the purpose of security. CCTV is a lot different than broadcast television. It differs in that the signal is not openly transmitted.

CCTV systems employ point to point wireless links, often used for surveillance. These Camera security systems are used in areas which need security. Some examples can be banks, casinos, airports, shopping malls or military installations, army bases etc. However, the increased use of CCTV in public places has caused debate over public. It is argued that this is a debate on security versus privacy. In many industries and industrial plants and semi-industrial plants, these cameras are used to observe parts of processes that are remote. The control is through a control room. Continuous operation of CCTV systems could be done. They can also be used to overview just a specific portion or an area.
The first CCTV system was installed at Test Stand VII. It was in Peenemünde in the country of Germany in the year 1942.

These CCTV cameras were installed for observing the launch and take off of V2 rockets. CCTV systems are often used at launch. They are used at these sites to record the flight of the rockets. This is helpful in order to find the possible causes of malfunctions if any, happening during the launch. Film cameras are also used for this purpose. The more large rockets are often installed with camera systems. They allow pictures of stage separation to be transmitted back to earth by radio linkages. CCTV systems are also used to observe the launch pad, before the launch. This is none especially when no other person can be there, because of safety hazards and other safety reasons.

The industrial process nowadays is mostly supervised by security cameras. There are some processes which are harmful for the humans but still take place.These cameras are mainly used in chemical industies.The other processes include the interior of reactors, facilities for manufacture of nuclear fuel etc. Use of Thermo graphic Cameras are used which permit operators to measure the temperature of the processes also.

The usage of of these systems in such processes is sometimes made mandatory by law.
CCTV cameras are also used outside government offices and other special government facilities. CCTV systems are a very good means of increasing security in banks. CCTV today has developed to that point where it is very simple and inexpensive enough to be used as home security systems also.
CCTV security systems are the next big thing on the general security scene, they have already overtaken all other means of security including spy cameras. CCTV cameras are and will continue to develop into the greatest security solutions available worldwide. CCTV security systems, CCTV security solutions would be buzz words in deciding about even security of small and very tiny enterprises. After all, with prices falling everyday, CCTV is much more affordable today than it was earlier.

The CCTV camera has certainly been able to generate a lot of publicity for itself during the recent years. Many recent trends are beginning when it comes to spy and surveillance gadgets. A lot of people have actually taken a good deal of interest in these CCTV cameras which are often described as the camera in a light bulb. These CCTV cameras can be easily screwed onto any light socket because the inside of the CCTV camera is a highly sophisticated low-light monochrome camera.

CCTV Camera Facts:

• The video signal of the CCTV camera is encoded and fed directly to a 110-volt power line
• Each and every CCTV camera also has a companion decoder that can be plugged into even a typical homeowners TV set
• Uses standard video output using line-level RCA type cables
• Built in infrared system for seeing images clearly even in total darkness and up to a maximum of 30 feet

1. Amazing Durability

The CCTV camera has already been tested and it successfully works even when using 2000 feet of AC wiring. And even though the power line is already loaded with other appliances such as refrigerator motors, heater elements as well other peaks and dips the CCTV camera will still be able to deliver good and clear images even under such conditions. When it comes to wide-angle viewing, the CCTV camera is actually the best in the lot and is considered a great choice.

2. Blazing Detail

CCTV cameras are extremely sensitive when it comes to being able to deliver readable images even with only minimum lighting. You can actually increase this infrared capability of the CCTV camera when you add some supplemental infrared floodlights.

Also, the CCTV camera is a fully plug and play compatible surveillance camera for any device using standard RCA connections. You can also plug the video feed of the CCTV camera directly to your VCR and you can actually record the captured images instantly. With the CCTV camera, you can monitor the images through your television set or you can take the tape with you and actually play it on a different VCR.

For people who would like to have more information about the CCTV camera as well as how the CCTV camera can help you feel secure in your home as well as the price listings of the CCTV cameras, interested people can just easily acquire it through the internet wherein various web sites concerning the CCTV camera abound, you just have to be able to resist the urge to just buy any old CCTV camera that is being offered in the market today. There are actually a lot of fraud CCTV cameras wherein they sell it off inexpensively, duping their customers into thinking that they were able to score a bargain but in reality these are just cheap imitations and do not really function that well.

Every home security system has certain goals.  The main goals are to deter theft, to physically prevent the thief from entering your home, to notify authorities in the event of an alarm, and to document evidence of the crime.  No single component fulfills every goal.  Some components of your security system act to fulfill only one, but are still important.  Still others fulfill multiple goals, thereby increasing their value and importance.  Home security cameras fall into the second category.  Because they are efficient in achieving these goals, and are increasingly affordable, home security cameras should be an integral part of any home security system.

As stated, the first goal of any home security system is to prevent a would-be burglar from entering your home or property.  In this regard, home security cameras act as a very effective deterrent.  Studies have shown that thieves avoid homes that will be difficult to rob, or that offer an increased risk of being caught.  A security camera immediately assures the thief that both of these risks are likely.

First, the presence of home security cameras says that you are serious about home security.  The would-be thief can safely assume that home security cameras are not the only home security measures that you have taken.  With that in mind, and the uncertainty of the other measures, most thieves will look for an easier home to target.

Secondly, it tells a thief that they will probably be captured on video.  This documentation makes it more likely that you will be able to recover your stolen goods and bring the criminal to justice.  With the advent of YouTube and other video sharing sites, this is becoming much easier.  If you search news’ sites for security cameras, you will find that most of the results are for articles detailing the arrest of a burglar.  These arrests are due almost entirely to the fact that there was a video recording of the crime.  This alone is worth the relatively inexpensive cost of the home security cameras and the recording device.

It is an unfortunate part of today’s society that we need home security systems.  It would be much better if we could simply leave our doors unlocked and trust that our community is safe enough, and that, thankfully, it won’t happen to us.  Sadly, this is not the case.  Therefore, homeowners have a responsibility to protect their loved ones and their valuables.  Home security cameras will help you do this; and will give you peace of mind.  Because they are widely available and are relatively inexpensive, they should be a main feature of every home security system.