Recent fatal accidents in Britain and other various countries could possibly have been avoided if one or two closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been located at the crossing. In recent years, railway stations have become as vulnerable as airports to vandalism, other petty crime, drug dealing and, even acts of terrorism. The devastating incidents at three stations in Madrid in March 2004 are a shocking example of unprovoked terrorist attack. To curb these incidents and ensure passenger safety, CCTV surveillance systems have long been employed by railways, both above-ground and underground.
Over recent years, however, the use of CCTV surveillance systems has steadily increased for detection and crime prevention. Modern technology has led to numerous, sophisticated advances in CCTV surveillance system hardware and software components.
CCTV surveillance systems used for monitoring positions in and around rail stations can be quite numerous, depending on the size of the station. The strategic points where CCTV surveillance system cameras may be located are decided by both the purpose of the CCTV surveillance system and by budget. Generally, the key requirements are based on observation and control of passenger traffic, passenger and staff safety, control of train traffic schedules, and trespassing and crime observation and prevention. These requirements and the actual monitoring locations determine what types of CCTV surveillance system cameras will be employed.
In many cases, a rail station's CCTV surveillance system is linked to a police station or other emergency facility. There may also be requirements for installing monitors onboard trains, such as in the driver's cab that may have a wireless link to one or more cameras located on the platform and trained on the coach doors. Cameras may also be on board, again for safety and to observe and prevent crime, with either a monitor located at the conductor's post and/or with a wireless link to an external monitor.
The types of CCTV surveillance system cameras available today and their many features are most impressive ranging from compact, fixed cameras, to direction-controllable models and high-end "intelligent" cameras. The most sophisticated cameras capture the entire dynamic range of a scene regardless of the light conditions, which is very important for poorly lit stations or unlit outside areas such as the railway track itself.
Other features, such as motion detection, day/night operation, backlight compensation, dynamic noise reduction, and remote and automatic lens control, further enhance the functionality of cameras. A wide range of accessories provides choice of mounting, weather-proofing, and resistance to tampering, impacts, and hazardous substances. This latter feature is particularly relevant to stations and tracks where dust caused by trains braking can accumulate. In addition, CCTV surveillance system cameras mounted in a train must be able to withstand vibration and shock, while those situated near overhead power lines need to be resistant to electrical interference.
The ultimate choice of camera for a CCTV surveillance system depends on the job it is required to do. For example, fixed cameras are suitable for platform locations to observe passengers entering and leaving a train. Dome cameras, with pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) functions, mounted high up, are ideal for monitoring passenger flows in the station's main hall, while special, vandal-proof reinforced dome cameras should be employed in areas where criminal actions are likely to occur.
A wide range of connections, viewing, recording and storage, and control products, also strongly influenced by digital technology, is currently available to complete the CCTV surveillance system chain. Solutions are available that ensure optimal end-to-end interconnection over virtually any distance, including the use of internet protocol (IP) and wireless technologies. Today's state-of-the art compact, flat-screen monitors provide high-resolution, multi-image, multi-screen displays that allow observers to view images with maximum visual information.
Digital video recorders (DVRs) have been developed for CCTV surveillance systems that have hard disk drive capacities for up to 10 weeks of recording. Direct and remote control, image storage, and retrieval and analysis hardware and soft ware complete the digital CCTV surveillance system chain to provide scalable solutions to suit virtually any size or type of application.
The area showing most promise for the future development of CCTV surveillance systems is IP. It is generally accepted by the industry that IP and Ethernet local area network (LAN)-base installations, with their inherent advantages of scalability, flexibility, functionality and low cost of ownership are rapidly becoming the CCTV surveillance systems of choice. In many cases use can be made of an existing LAN/IP infrastructure inside a building, or even the wide area network (WAN) for longer distance reach.
Another key area where innovation in application is being implemented for CCTV surveillance systems is video content analysis (VCA) that uses real-time and recorded images and compares them with a database. Typical applications in a railway station include static suspicious object monitoring, facial recognition, behaviour recognition and passenger traffic volume registration.
Taking the CCTV surveillance system further, there are manufacturers like that also develop communication, fire, intrusion alarm, and access control systems. We see more integration of one or more such systems with conventional and IP-based CCTV surveillance systems, to provide a total, integrated security and control facility, ideal for enclosed spaces and surrounding areas such as railway stations.
Modern CCTV surveillance systems in railway stations and their environments have proven highly effective as safety measures and for detecting and preventing crime (with recorded images even being used as proof in court). Violence, terrorism, vandalism and accidents in and around railway stations have alerted public opinion and government alike to the need for effective security measures to protect both the interests of railways and the safety and security of their passengers.
CCTV Surveillance System Trends
Multitudes of companies are pouring their expertise into the CCTV surveillance system world, particularly the digital CCTV world. Technology is improving by the day, including advances in storage, retrieval, and video content analysis.
This dynamic environment may enhance performance in the long term. But in the short term it often creates confusion. Finding the right course of action amid this sea of choices can be an overwhelming odyssey for prospective CCTV surveillance systems purchasers who must choose from among the offerings of the hundreds of companies that make cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), and other components.
But choose they must, because CCTV is increasingly viewed as an important piece of the security picture.
It would not be possible to cover all the recent developments in CCTV surveillance systems in the last year within the space of one short article, but the following overview highlights a number of innovations and advances that stand out among the new offerings. And they appear all along the digital CCTV surveillance system chain, from camera to transmission to storage.
Cameras. Everything starts from the CCTV surveillance system camera, and more activity is taking place there than ever before. The most notable advances in camera technology are in intelligence and imaging.
Smart cameras. It's been said that the camera doesn't lie. But it might also have been said that it didn't tell the truth. In other words, the camera did not make any judgment at all. It simply captured the scene. Not so anymore. CCTV surveillance systems cameras are being loaded with intelligent software, to make them more than passive viewing vessels.
One CCTV surveillance systems development receiving a lot of attention is the ability of a camera to track an object. With object tracking, software in the camera can be programmed to identify and follow, say, a person entering a restricted area or a bag that is picked up. When the subject leaves the view of the camera, another camera picks up where the previous one left off. The cameras being developed now are sophisticated enough to keep tracking the correct person even when other people are moving through the field of view. Some of them can also be retrofitted into many other CCTV surveillance systems.
Although the promise of smart technologies for CCTV surveillance systems is undeniable, it is not yet a reality. Smart cameras on the market today only have pieces of intelligence, such as only object tracking. There's nothing with a full degree of intelligence. But it may be only a matter of time before that changes. Many tech enthusiasts think the smart camera of the future is coming soon…
SecurityNet's Wilson, who is senior vice president of system integration company RFI Communications & Security in San Jose, California, agrees that the frill range of intelligence "is not quite there yet" for cameras. The real intelligence is at the DVR level, he says (more on this later).
Another concern about intelligent CCTV surveillance systems cameras raised by experts relates to data storage. Archiving and managing a lot of data at the camera will be difficult "because the processor speeds of cameras aren't the same as processing speeds of recording devices," says Douglas L. Florence, Sr., CPP, casino segment manager for Loronix Video Solutions.
Florence also questions whether it is feasible to load CCTV surveillance systems cameras with all types of software. And storing images in cameras may be foolhardy for more mundane reasons, notes Robert Prady, surveillance systems manager for the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. "If someone steals or damages the camera, the video is gone," he says. Obviously, that risk is less of a concern for covert cameras.
Imaging. Advances in chip technology are making it possible for companies such as Pixim and SMaL Camera Technologies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to create cameras that yield better image quality, color fidelity, and dynamic range (the ratio between the brightest and darkest recordable images in a scene).
Explaining the progress in plain English can be difficult. For example, Kodak now offers a camera that solves the problem of the lack of uniformity of CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) chips. What does that mean to end users? The problem is called "fixed-pattern noise," and essentially, noise is interference with the image. Vlado Damjanovski, editor of CCTV Focus magazine and author of the book CCTV, explains that Kodak recorded the image of every one of these noise patterns (each chip has a different pattern). When an image is produced, the new camera deducts the fixed-pattern noise from the exposed image, leaving a much higher quality image.
Perhaps an even more significant CMOS innovation from the still-camera world comes from the workshops of Santa Clara, California-based Foveon, Inc. Foveon has developed a chip that captures red, green, and blue light at every pixel; typically, pixels capture only a single color. Because of the higher granularity; the technology results in better color and sharper images, Damjanovski says. Prady predicts that it will enter the CCTV industry after it goes into the home camcorder market.
Another imaging advance with promise was recently rolled out by Spectrum San Diego, Inc. This camera, according to its manufacturer, can capture 21 million pixels in an image at a rate of one image per second. That many pixels is "substantial," says Machett, who recently witnessed a demonstration. "It has incredible resolution even zoomed way in on an image." In fact, the camera is designed to capture scenes up to 250 feet wide, then enable someone reviewing the recorded image to zoom in on any one element of the scene, such as a license plate, with high resolution. The technology is too new to fully assess, but Matchett says that it could be a significant advance.
Transmission. The next step in the digital link is transmission either via the corporate network or a separate network to a monitor or recording device (although camera outputs may pass through encoders to convert from analog to digital). Much of what's new in the transmission arena is the networking of various types of cabling, most notably twisted pair, coax, and fiber. Another trend is wireless transmission to hand-held devices.
Cabling. Some end users, especially ones that don't need the distance offered by fiber, want to take advantage of their installed base of coaxial or twisted-pair cable (the cables that carry phone signals) and use that existing wiring to build a network. Companies are rising to meet the challenge. Coming over from the wiring and cabling industry, for example, Anixter Inc. of Skokie, Illinois, recently introduced a system that can allow a company to leverage its existing cabling. The system runs video, power, and control signals over a single unshielded twisted-pair cable, whereas traditional systems have required three separate sets of connections.
Minneapolis Community and Technical College recently chose Anixter to wire a Philips surveillance system that was installed in a newly built library/technology center. The solution was predicated on using the twisted-pair cable wired into the building, says Curt Schmidt, the college's director of public safety. The facility's server can accommodate 32 cameras; 11 have been posted so far. Some cameras can even be plugged into ports that run to the public safety office several hundred feet away. "Now when we add cameras, we don't have to run cable," Schmidt says.
Another company that has recently emerged with cabling solutions is DVTel, Inc., Paramus, New Jersey, whose hardware and software solutions help to convert analog environments into digital IP transport networks, One focus is on the limitations of CAT-5 (a high grade of twisted pair) and coax cable, which can only carry signals short distances before the signals degrade. The company offers "network transceiver units," which serve as repeaters to extend the reach of Ethernet over twisted pair, saving on cabling labor and cost,
These companies are tapping into the end user's desire to maximize company resources. The Stratosphere's Prady says that, despite the craze for fiber optics, there is still ample room for coax and twisted pair. He notes that he recently expanded a hotel surveillance system by using twisted pair. The move saved him an estimated $100,000.
DVTel's, Anixter's, and similar solutions can either be integrated into an existing IT infrastructure or serve as a dedicated security network. They can also carry other security data such as intercom audio and access control.
Still, even manufacturers and distributors espousing coax/twisted-pair solutions recognize that fiber-optic cable is replacing copper (used in twisted-pair and coax cables) in wide area networks because it is faster and can transmit long distances without degradation. Despite the high cost of fiber, recent years have seen the construction of a massive fiber-optic infrastructure between major cities in the United States. Companies that can afford to, especially ones with wide area networks, are jumping to fiber.
That's wise, says Bordes, because unlike copper cables, fiber-optic technology is immune to rqadiofrequency interference and electromagnetic interference. Plus, it provides better quality than copper, he says, and the price is dropping.
Freeman also notes the demand for fiber. "It comes through clearly when you talk to users," he says. "They want fiber for the extra bandwidth."
Wireless. When sailors thought the earth was flat, they feared sailing off the edge of the earth into nothingness. In the olden days of communications--say, last year--the same could be said of any security officer who "sailed" out of the reach of the wired network. Essentially, if the security professional couldn't get to a computer terminal, he or she could not receive video images about a security condition. That is no longer the case.
"The biggest change from a year ago," says Matchett, "is the ability for guards to view cameras remotely" from a hand-held device like a personal digital assistant (PDA) while doing their tours. "ft looks like it's a very viable addition that will speed response time," he says.
In response to demand for remote viewing with convenient 24/7 access, several companies are tooling their hardware and software to that end. DVTel, for example, makes its recorded images viewable from cell phones, PDAs, and wireless PCs. Pocketmultimedia of Mystic, Connecticut, recently introduced a wireless hand-held PC from which a viewer can monitor CCTV cameras and control cameras in real time. Loronix offers a remote viewing solution in which a user can see designated footage, such as that which was recorded during an alarm condition, by touching a stylus to a laptop. These are but a few examples of the flurry of activity occurring in this sector.
A niche market seeing burgeoning attention is remote monitoring of cameras installed in police cars, according to Freeman. Experts add that private-security vehicles could also be candidates for such systems. Among the companies tailoring products for this application are cVideo and Sequent Technologies of City of Industry, California. Sequent, for instance, makes a unit that can transmit up to 15 frames per second over cellular networks, wireless LAN, or satellite.
Hundreds of companies manufacture DVRs, ranging from simple "boxes"--in essence, storage devices--to elaborate data management systems. And there's good reason for the proliferation. Freeman says that the DVR market is still growing at "a very strong rate."
Smart software. Some companies put intelligence in the camera as noted earlier. Others put it in the DVR as has been seen as well. Another option being developed is separate software to fulfill this task--though that software may have to sit on a PC or another hardware appliance (and such software could theoretically be added to cameras or DVRs).
One example is ObjectVideo, a startup out of Reston, Virginia. Using technology developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the company has created software that automates event detection, object tracking, and notification for networked video systems.
"We build a model of what goes on in the background of a scene so we can tell what's happening in the foreground," explains Chief Technology Officer Alan Lipton, who says that the technology goes well beyond just motion detection. Ease of use is a top concern. We provide a simple prescriptive textual and graphical language where the user can specify what he perceives as a threat," Lipton says. As with other producers of intelligent video, the company markets its solution as a bandwidth saver, especially because the detection and tracking cull the critical frames (plus frames from before and after) for storage.
As more companies enter the digital CCTV market, stalwarts are ramping up their research and development efforts. The frenzy of activity is bringing steady progress, if not always leaps forward. With this collective effort, end users are sure to reap the rewards in the coming years.
But experts warn end users not to get lured by the siren song of the technology lest they crash up against bedrock security principles. "The bottom line is that nothing has changed in what we're trying to accomplish," says CCTV expert Charlie Pierce of LRC Electronics. While computer experts are certainly advancing CCTV technology, they shouldn't be dictating security solutions. "That's foolishness," he says.
RELATED ARTICLE: To the Matrix, and Beyond
In the analog world, matrix switching is essentially a method of switching video signals in large CCTV systems so that any camera can be seen on any monitor or recorder. One goal of manufacturers is to create "virtual matrix switching" (VMS) for network-based digital systems and eventually surpass the system control offered by matrix switching.
SmartSight, FAST Video Security AG of Switzerland, Dallmeier, Loronix, and Sirrus Limited of Surrey, England, are among the players in the virtual matrix arena. In general, VMS works not by video streams being sorted by an analog switcher, but by sorting via packet switching on the IP network. For end users who want to retain their analog switchers, companies such as DVTel are making products that interface with analog matrix system controllers and peripheral equipment and translate the matrix-switching signals to IP network routing commands.
But some say the shift to networked digital video will eventually phase out analog matrixes. For instance, Loronix's Doug Florence says that the functions of the analog switching matrix will eventually be assumed by the DVR. "The future is eliminating the matrix switch and talking to the equipment directly," he says. But that transition has yet to be completed. Meanwhile, various companies have been working on so-called virtual matrix switching, meaning simulating the matrix-switching function.
VMS promises more functionality down the line than analog, some experts say. For example, with analog switching, an operator can switch a specific camera output to a specific recorder. But the recorder records whatever the camera sees. With virtual matrix systems, manufacturers are making it possible to zoom in on a live fixed field of view without affecting what is recorded.
These advances aside, some experts reject the idea that virtual matrix switching outperforms its analog counterpart. Jean-Paul Saindon, president of SmartSight, whose own company offers a solution, says that true VMS isn't here yet. "Many companies selling networked DVRs or video servers have talked about a virtual matrix concept," he says. "None have been able to achieve what a matrix does."
For example, he notes, flexible macro operations on analog matrixes "allow activation of commonly occurring events, either manually or automatically, based on time of day, day of week, day of year, and alarms." And the analog matrix also allows response to thousands of alarms on established priority levels," Saindon says. By contrast, today's VMS systems don't have those abilities.
Not even SmartSight's solution can create macros or perform priority handling of external alarms, Saindon says. But his company's latest version, he adds, enables a system administrator to program multiple sequences of cameras with automated presets. Several of these preprogrammed sequences can be viewed on any monitor over a private network or the Internet, a feature that conventional matrixes lack. Alarm handling and support for macros are expected to be included in the next version, due out in the fall.
CCTV surveillance: The Paradigm Has Changed
With the massive changes technology has brought to CCTV surveillance systems over the last half decade, organizations are now putting more eyes on their facilities and grounds than dreamed possible only five years ago. Such improvements aren't the bastion of any one supplier or integrator. The cost of cameras and equipment are lower across the board.
Concerns about theft, security, vandalism, and a rash of other issues have led organizations across the nation to want and need CCTV surveillance systems to see what is happening on their grounds and in their facilities. The need today, more than ever, is to help customers and clients eliminate problems before they start. Whether concerned with personnel safety or avoiding theft and vandalism, management has learned that guards on patrol are simply not enough. More eyes are needed and wanted.
CCTV surveillance systems are providing those eyes for shopping centers, school districts, municipal parking organizations, metropolitan transit authorities, the military and scores of companies big and small. For all, the rule of thumb is the same: one person monitoring a CCTV surveillance systems sees more than 10 people on foot.
The World Has Changed; So Have CCTV surveillance systems
In the past five years, the price of quality CCTV surveillance systems cameras has dropped dramatically. Color cameras of today cost less than their black-and-white counterparts of only three years ago. Today, because of their low cost, most organizations actually specify and select color cameras.
Also, the capabilities are greatly enhanced. From high on the rooftop of a shopping center, we now can zoom in and get a clear image of a license plate way across the parking lot. A new breed of day/night camera provides 24/7 monitoring without the need for both a day and a night camera. In addition, lighting requirements are diminished. Such camera breakthroughs make CCTV-based monitoring more affordable than ever.
Outdoors, a typical implementation employs high speed, high resolution, pan-tilt-zoom cameras encased in a weather-resistant dome. Each CCTV surveillance system camera follows a pre-programmed guard tour, moving continuously from one pre-set position to another. Operators can zoom in on objects or areas at will.
Outdoor day/night cameras switch automatically between a color mode for daytime and a more light sensitive monochrome for nighttime, providing 24-hour coverage in all light conditions. These two-in-one cameras, as previously mentioned, not only cut the number of cameras needed, but also divide the number of domes needed for the system in half. They also reduce the costs of other hardware and installation labor, as well as future maintenance expenditures. By being able to produce clear images in low light, organizations save the expense of installing additional lighting.
Indoors, most buildings mix pan-tilt-zoom cameras along with fixed position cameras. It is highly suggested they be encased in the domes to avoid being vandalized. Where 360[degrees] of viewing are preferred, such as the central junction of four corridors, pan-tilt-zooms are placed. Individual hallways use the fixed position cameras, which cost less.
Companies Are Going Tapeless
By moving to totally tapeless CCTV surveillance systems and digitally recording to hard drives, companies are now eliminating the headaches and costs associated with videotapes. Compact combination digital video multiplexers/recorders (DVMRs) operate similarly to traditional multiplexers and VCRs but display live video and record high-resolution pictures on a hard drive simultaneously. Either locally or at a central monitoring station, these DVMRs provide instant access to critical recordings by using on-screen menus and simple keystrokes to find images or events by alarm, time, date or camera number.
In CCTV surveillance systems that have multiplexers and VCRs in abundance, single channel digital video recorders can replace VCRs in an unplug-plug-and-play switch. These recorders look, feel and operate just like a VCR but eliminate the disadvantages of tape, recording crisp images on a hard disk.
No longer do security personnel need to go to the VCR itself--often way across town--to check a tape. Images recorded in the CCTV surveillance system can be accessed on demand, whether they're from the next room or in another city.
Digital CCTV surveillance systems also provide additional, not-so-obvious benefits. When hooked into the company's computer network, recordings and monitoring can be made available to authorized personnel anywhere in the organization via their PCs. Since most managers are computer-literate, especially with Windows, easy access to more people puts more eyes on the system.
If there's a crisis, management wants to see it now. With such a CCTV surveillance digital system, managers can indicate what to record, and since the images are on the network, they can be pulled up on a PC from anywhere on the network. Again, for managers as well as security staff, that is much more convenient than having to go to individual tape recorders to view images. Additionally, image archives can be taken from any camera at any time to aid in security and liability factors, as well as training.
Maximizing the Use of Digital CCTV surveillance systems
Although CCTV surveillance systems can provide years of storage--more than 1 million GB!--that should not be the objective. As with computers (which these systems really are), added storage can mean added expense. Therefore, although companies aren't as constrained with digital as they are with tape (after all, not many tapes get changed at businesses on weekends!), this shouldn't be a license to record everything at full speed.
It is suggested that the CCTV surveillance system be operated at faster speeds (higher frames per second) at times and locations when and where the company experiences the most problems. Elsewhere, the CCTV surveillance systems runs at lower speeds.
For instance, during business operations, all CCTV surveillance systems might be running at a faster rate, but after closing, they run at a slower rate. The digital user has much flexibility. For instance, users can select a different record rate for each CCTV surveillance system camera as well as set each camera to record in time-lapse mode, event mode or both.
As an example, one camera could record one picture per second continuously (time lapse). A second camera could be set to record nothing at all until an event happens, such as a door opening, at which time it would record up to 30 pictures per second (event). A third camera could record at three pictures per second until an event occurs, at which time it could begin recording at a higher rate (time lapse and event). Thus, users can capture what they want, when they want it, without recording unwanted information.
Home CCTV: Surveillance System You Can Depend On
A closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a surveillance system that enables you to keep an eye on all areas of home. A home CCTV camera includes specially-modified video cameras that are purposely manufactured for capturing unauthorized personnel. CCTV systems are available at electronics stores and all of them operate in similar manner that is by using a video recording system and a computer. Installing CCTV camera at home does not require any special mechanical or electrical skills. Home CCTV security camera can be used for surveillance purposes, to observe child, to keep an eye on domestic helps and other reasons.
Closed circuit television cameras are excellent tools that can be put into operation to deter crime. As a matter of fact, CCTV systems have gained a lot of popularity in United Kingdom. Many homes in London have installed CCTV cameras with a motive of preventing theft.
Advantages Of The CCTV Security Camera
Because of information-age advancements modern-day CCTV cameras are affordable, lightweight and less prone to failure. With help of computer-aided management system and wireless installation, they have become easy-to-use device. CCTV cameras are highly effective in reducing crime rate and are used for monitoring purposes. Because of high-end technologies, CCTV footage can be easily accessed in variety of formats. Home CCTV cameras are highly advantageous for parents who are working and want to keep our eye on their children. They can easily access the CCTV footage through Internet.
Another advantage of modern CCTV cameras is that they capture high-resolution images so that physical characteristics and faces can be easily identified. One can easily note unauthorized or suspicious behavior by watching CCTV footage. If constant surveillance is impossible, footage can also be recorded and stored. These days wireless surveillance units are available at low cost and with easy installation technique.
Setting Up A Home CCTV Camera
For setting up it, you have to place it in the desired area. You may place the camera on any flat surface such as cabinet, shelf and top of a bookcase or mount it on wall using wooden screws. Attach the camera's power supply into a wall outlet and into it.
Now screw an end of the coaxial cable on the output that is given on CCTV camera. Simply trail the cable along the wall taking it to the computer. If you're installing more than one CCTV camera, repeat the entire procedure. After you're done, take the free end of coaxial cable and attach it to the input on CCTV converter box. Also attach converter box and computer using a USB cable. Now switch on the power supply and eject the DVD drive's disc tray. Place Installation CD on the drive. As you close the DVD tray, and icon will appear on your computer's desktop. Simply double-click it and the program will install itself. You may have to restart the computer to complete installation.
CCTV42 supplies Home CCTV systems and an extensive range of CCTV security cameras for both home and office needs. Their products are thoroughly tested so that you get complete peace of mind.
How Do I Choose the Best CCTV Surveillance System?
A closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system is essentially a network of cameras and video recorders installed on a property to maintain security. With the advent of affordable digital technology, a choice of the best CCTV surveillance system depends on a balance of purpose, desired functionality and price. There are a wide range of choices, and you should take care to analyze your needs carefully.
The uses of a CCTV surveillance system can vary widely, such as observing a crowd, monitoring traffic or gate entrances, deterring trespassers or providing a general property security presence. CCTV technology can meet many custom property needs and can be monitored by the property owner, by a computer or even by a remote monitoring service. Digital technology has extended the abilities of conventional analogue cameras, copper wires and video cassette recorders (VCRs) and brought surveillance technology into the age of the Internet, memory disks and portable computing devices.
Whether it's a commercial or home CCTV surveillance system, it's important to examine specifically the intended uses of the system before you invest in one. Large, visible cameras can dissuade trespassers, and hidden cameras can catch criminals in the act. Fixed cameras monitor predetermined fields of vision, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras can be motion-controlled 360 degrees from a station or even over the Internet from another country. The purpose of the surveillance will determine choices in format, lens, network, control and recording.
Customizing the functionality of a CCTV surveillance system is a matter of understanding technical components, their applications and even their creative integration. Three chief aspects comprise the home or business surveillance system: cameras, networks and recording devices. Analog systems still serve well, but digital systems offer security applications to a very customizable degree.
Lighting and position will influence your camera choice. There are many features and options available in surveillance cameras, such as fixed or variable cameras, day/night cameras, manual or automatic aperture, zoom, infrared capabilities, motion sensors and all-weather protection. Cameras can even come equipped with image processing capability.
The next consideration is the frame rate, or frames per second. Thirty frames per second (fps) works is the standard rate. Slower speeds appear as time-lapse snapshots, and faster speeds, such as 120 fps, afford cameras to be networked without a loss in resolution. Networked video recorders (NVRs) are capable of linking cameras over a local area network (LAN) or fast Ethernet link, to be controlled and viewed by remote or recorded onto a single disk.
Recorders can operate continuously for months or can be programmed to rewrite existing data for more continual monitoring. They can specify cameras to activate or increase resolution during unusual events. They can also be integrated with alarms or access control systems, in order to monitor secure entranceways. These systems can respond to motion and even send property owners email alerts and text messages to their mobile devices.
Digital CCTV surveillance systems are capable of doing work once performed by humans. These tasks include video analytics, behavioral recognition and image analysis. Video analytics, sometimes called intelligent video, use algorithms to monitor video information for objects, facial or license plate recognition or crowd counts. Behavioral recognition tracks the movements and activities of people or vehicles for unusual activity. Image analysis can take unusable, dark or blurred footage to extract information, even in real time.
Finally, in comparison to digital technology, conventional analogue security cameras and VCRs remain an affordable option for conventional surveillance duty. Security VCRs start at a price of a few hundred US Dollars. Protecting a home, commercial property or vehicle doesn't have to be a costly proposition with proven, well-accessorized analogue technology. Analyzing your needs and selecting only the features and options that you will use can help you choose the best CCTV surveillance system to provide security for the property you want to protect.
How to Troubleshoot Your Own CCTV Surveillance System
CCTV, or closed circuit television, surveillance systems are used to monitor sensitive areas where it is important to know what activity is happening. The systems are complex electronic devices which often require specialized tools and equipment to understand what is going on between the components. However, troubleshooting, or checking the critical parts of the camera, the connection between the camera and the system, the recorder and the software, often narrows down the problem.
Instructions
1
Check the power to the camera. Ensure that the batteries are fresh if it requires them, or check that the electrical hookup is functional. Clean the lens for damage and ensure that nothing is blocking its view. Move the camera to another system and see if it works on that system. If it does, then the problem is somewhere other than the camera.
2
Check the cable for kinks or tears. Remove the camera and system cable connection and reconnect each end to see if that clears up the problem. Change the cable out for another one and check what happens. Use the current cable between the system and a camera somewhere else to see if the cable works properly there. If using a wireless system, recheck the settings in the software to see if they have changed or that the system is "seeing" the camera. Add another wireless device that you know is working to the system and check if it connects properly.
3
Check the digital video recorder or computer to see if it is plugged in, turned on and working properly. Open the computer box and reseat the video card, along with the other peripherals such as the hard drive and RAM. A digital video recorder is a closed box that will not let you check the insides, but look for any damage to the outside that may be causing problems. A dent or other scuff may indicate a hard blow that jarred something loose inside or damaged a component. Connect the computer or DVR to a cable and camera that you know is working to see what happens.
4
Check the software to see if any changes were made, or if it has become corrupt. Reinstall the software using the backup disk for a computer and reenter the correct parameters and information.
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