The wave of the future in video surveillance is in digital video surveillance systems. Besides fighting terrorism, digital security systems installed in public places, buses, or retail centers can deter crime, provide the police with leads, help citizens feel safer, and improve the economy of a crime-stricken area. These IP-based systems not only capture precise images, they do so in a way that is scalable within a company's current IP network with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras that are fast and sophisticated.
These digital surveillance systems can cost upwards of a million dollars since they include the digital surveillance cameras and the requisite connection to the IP-based network. Although the cost of these systems is much greater than traditional CCTV surveillance systems, the advantages of using Internet surveillance systems far outweigh their initial start-up costs and most company's CCTV analog systems have now gone digital for improved performance, surveillance camera maneuverability, and quick user feedback.
How digital surveillance systems work
A digital security system consists of hardware and software components that collect and transmit the surveillance camera information via wireless technologies, fiber optic cable or over any IP-based network. Both power and data can be carried on the same cable by using PoE (power over Ethernet). Some cameras in a digital system may also have their own IP address for full access to the Internet. These surveillance images are then transferred to a PC or laptop in a centralized control room to be viewed by an observer using a compact, flat-screen monitor that offers multi-screen displays. An IP-based digital system is unlike the traditional closed CCTV system, whose images must be monitored using multiple monitors, sites and personnel.
The digital system can store surveillance data onto DVRs (digital video recorders), some of which can store data up to 10 weeks -- far more than CCTV analog systems. After the DVR has backed up the images, they can be exported to discs using the CD-RW drive, and then they can be sent to remote PCs, laptops, or handheld devices within moments via the network. Digital recording is done 24/7, without the need for cumbersome CCTV videotapes that have limited storage capacities.
Key returns when you replace your CCTV system with a digital surveillance system
When a company or government chooses to invest in digital surveillance systems, they need to invest the time in finding out how large an area needs to be watched, as well as the area's situational parameters. A digital system requires a large capital investment up front, but it is guaranteed to produce a positive ROI if the cameras are properly placed and if the images are consistently monitored.
One of the reasons for the increased cost of the digital systems over CCTV lies in the hi-tech cameras, which greatly surpass the analog CCTV cameras. The cameras have features ranging from fixed models to direction-controlled or dome models with automatic pan, tilt and zoom functions that can create sharp images in the 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution range. With the extra zooming and panning capabilities, one security camera can do the work of five, which is more efficient in the long run.
And on the highest end, there are cameras with infrared capabilities to pick up motion and changes in light regardless of poor lighting conditions. Some these high-end cameras even have 3-D imaging to better identify suspects. Companies investing in the digital system should also consider purchasing camera accessories such as weather-proofing and added material that's resistant to tampering and hazardous substances.
A successful use of an IP-based surveillance system
The Newnan Police Department in Georgia wanted a security system that could accurately capture images in public places, transmit and later archive those images, so they chose a digital security system. The police department mounted its 22 cameras on utility poles owned by Newnan Utilities and purchased the surveillance software from a local vendor, A-Plus Technologies. The officers browsed through the images over the Internet, where they could be retrieved by time, date, location and camera number. In a few months, the digital system helped officers in a drug bust and has also helped the police identify suspect vehicles.
A promising future for IP-based surveillance systems
IP-based surveillance systems will show a lot of growth in the IT and security industries because they offer a scalable, company-owned solution that offers the advantages of flexibility and low cost of ownership. A digital system can be built within an already existing IP network, and this fact will make a company's budget department breathe easier.
Police departments like the one in Georgia and other law enforcement agencies will also be interested in VCA (video content analysis) technology, which compares real-time and recorded images with a database, much like in biometric technology. Suspects will be apprehended sooner and further crimes may be stopped when a digital camera image of their faces are matched in a criminal database. VCA will also greatly increase the efficiency of CCTV operators in their efforts to monitor and analyze an overwhelming amount of video content.
The importance of using a Video Surveillance System
A lot of people may ask about the benefits or the advantages of a video surveillance system, but you must know that these benefits differ between people according for what reason the system is used for! Some may use it in their companies; and some may use it at their houses. For each usage, there are specific advantages to look for. The following few usages may open your mind to the benefits of a video surveillance system:
1. Using the Video Surveillance System for the Family Care;
• Using the Video Surveillance System to protect elderly and children. It's neither safe nor easy to leave elderly or children in the care of caretaker or a nanny especially with the increased abuse incidents nowadays. So, it would be much safer to put a surveillance camera to monitor them while you are away.
• Using the Video Surveillance System to protect your property and your house from any break-ins. In addition, for more pre-cautioned procedures, you should put surveillance cameras in and out of the house so you can prevent a lot of robberies or even identify the thief in case anything happened.
2. Using the Video Surveillance System for your company;
• Using the Video Surveillance System in shops, malls or libraries. This system helps in catching any suspected people by using the feature of real time surveillance which is available in the system, of course in case of theft incidents or suspected bombs…etc.
• Using the Video Surveillance System in your company to record and monitor and track the employees' moves and work, so you may reveal any neglecting or corruption within the company. And also to protect your business or the company from any thefts or people's fraud. Another important point is operational improvements; the continual monitoring of your company environment or you factory can quickly identify problems that may cause bottlenecks, quicker verification and quicker responses, the thing which help in increasing the effectiveness within your company.
The benefits of using a Video Surveillance System are explained in the following points;
1. Availability; as you can see that security cameras and systems are becoming so popular these days, you can find security cameras in malls, shops and religious places. You can find a variety of similar and related systems and a lot of companies produce such systems.
2. Remote Access; a great feature in Video Surveillance System is remote access which means that you can reach to your cameras everywhere by using the internet. You can use your laptop or even your mobile phone to monitor everything.
3. Real time Monitoring; if remote access is a great feature, real time monitoring is greater or maybe even the greatest. The ability of monitoring the events live in the moment of happening not as the traditional CCTV which used to tape and record the events first then view them after the events have happened.
4. High quality images; this feature is so important especially to identify people and objects. Video Surveillance System is 4 times clearer than the traditional CCTV, the thing which gives it an extra advantage above other systems.
Video Surveillance System is today's fashion regarding security systems due to its numerous advantages and benefits, no matter is the reason of using Video Surveillance System, the thing that everyone agree about is how great you feel when you know that everything and everyone in your family or in your company is being protected.
What are Video Surveillance Systems?
Video surveillance systems monitor activity in public areas, businesses or commercial buildings for real-time or later review. Some video surveillance systems include sound while others record video only. Video surveillance systems can also be used inside and outside schools and private residences as an extra measure of security. There are a myriad of different systems with varying levels of sophistication within a wide price range.
A video surveillance system can be a powerful deterrent to crime when placed in an obvious location. Liquor stores, quickie marts, gas stations, fast food drive-throughs, banks and automatic teller machines (ATMs) are just a few of the many locations where you might expect to see video surveillance systems. In cases where these systems can’t stop determined criminals from perpetrating crimes, video surveillance systems often provide critical evidence for police. In many cases this evidence leads directly to the capture of criminals who might otherwise have gone unapprehended.
Video surveillance systems were installed throughout many schools following the 1999 Columbine tragedy when two students took the lives of 12 classmates and one teacher before fatally shooting themselves. Ironically, Columbine did have a video surveillance system in place, and although it could not prevent this disastrous event, it did help to shed light on and provided evidence for the investigation that followed.
Many people opt to have a video surveillance system installed on the front porch. The camera relays video to a computer or monitor inside the home. When someone comes to the door, one can check to see who’s there before responding. This is a great security feature for teens who might be home alone after school, the elderly and single women.
While deterrence is one reason to opt for video surveillance systems, not all systems are intended to be obvious. In some applications clandestine surveillance is preferred. So-called “nanny-cams” are a type of discreet home surveillance system that can monitor the behavior of babysitters or “nannies” without their knowledge. These inexpensive video surveillance systems became popular after the much-publicized 1997 Massachusetts trial of a British au pair convicted of killing a baby in her care by shaking the infant too hard.
Department stores generally use unobtrusive video surveillance systems to catch shoplifters. Cameras are normally hidden behind darkened ceiling fixtures or small domes. Casinos also use hidden cameras, and in the case of large casinos, the video surveillance systems can be quite elaborate. These systems can feed to a central viewing room equipped with several monitors to display a variety of camera locations and angles at once. Operators can use software to switch between spy cam views on each monitor. Cameras are typically placed directly over slot machines banks and gambling tables to spot cheaters or thieves.
It is nearly impossible to overemphasize the vast array of video surveillance systems available. There is a system to serve every need, budget and level of sophistication. From cameras small enough to hide in a knickknack, to robust intelligent systems, all it takes is a little shopping. Video surveillance systems are available everywhere security systems or surveillance cameras are sold.
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