CCTV Planning: It’s All About The Little Things

There are many important factors to consider when purchasing a CCTV camera system – camera type, shape, lens, cables, DVR, etc.  Some smaller but important items often get overlooked during the planning stages.  Here are some key things to keep in mind that can help improve and prolong your investment.

1. When choosing a cable, if you decide to go with RG59 Siamese cable, keep in mind that if you are going to have outdoor cameras, it may be a benefit to go with compression connectors. Compression connectors have the ability to create a weather tight seal around the cable to prevent erosion and possible failure of the cable and connectors.
2. Always be looking forward; as your business expands so will your surveillance system . When building your system and looking at a 4 or an 8 channel system, the cost of replacing the system at a later date can be 50-75% higher than initially going with the next upgraded model. Keep in mind that PC build DVRs, though more expensive than Linux-based DVRs, can be expanded at a lower cost than some standalone DVRs. This can also be used when deciding on power supply units and other items.
3. Signage can be a very helpful tool in improving your surveillance system.  The more obstacles and notices you can deliver to a thief or intruder, the higher the possibility they’ll take their foul deeds elsewhere.

Installing a Security Camera System? Wear a Mask!

Leonardo da Vinci did more than paint the Mona Lisa – he was also a safety pioneer! Seeing some of his fellow artists coughing while chiseling and sanding marble, he had the idea that a piece of cloth dipped in water and stretched over the nose and mouth could make the job safer. He was onto something. Safety masks have become a job site necessity for many different professions and hobbies.

Our lungs are delicate and hard to repair. Over the past 300 years or so, advancements in chemistry and industry have continuously caused us to learn this fact the hard way. In fact, we have used tons of chemicals before knowing the myriad of ways these nifty potions turn our bodies into toxic goo. Most of the time, we can’t even see it happening.

Those glass fibers of dust you see in the attic, basement, or from drop ceilings  floating around are going to end up in your nose and mouth.  There is no chance of coughing up glass fibers since they stick like micro-sized needles and can be carcinogenic.

If you install CCTV systems, take my advice and spend a few dollars on a mask.  Make it a standard policy for yourself, and don’t wait for the company to make it a requirement.  That last breath you took in might just show up on your chest x-ray in ten years.

Wireless Security Cameras = Future Company Growth

Some companies take on change while others resist it.  Does anyone remember Eckerd’s drug stores?  If not, I don’t blame you.  Resistance to change is what ended Eckerd’s run as a strong force in the drug store market.  Meanwhile, taking on change helped keep Walgreens alive, with the addition of the drive through pharmacy, among many other things.  The point is, change is inevitable.  Simply put:

You can either change and progress, or resist change and fade away.

source: www.activerain.com

One area that is often discussed in the security camera market is wired vs. wireless security cameras.  Customers want wireless.  Installers want wireless.  Dealers want wireless. 

Question: What are RELIABLE and COST-EFFECTIVE wireless solutions?

Short answer: Hard to find.

They are becoming more readily available with time, but this is a change that WILL happen.  It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Being in the security camera industry for almost 6 years, I have not been too pleased with the variety of QUALITY wireless solutions available, analog or IP, until the past year.  This area promises significant growth in the coming years, since we are continually moving towards a wireless world.  Could you imagine your iPhone, Android device, Blackberry, or iPad being wired to another device?  Basically, NOT wireless?  Absolutely not!  This is the mindset that most end users are thinking with, as we are becoming a more wireless society.  On the dealer and installer side, there are some significant profit advantages to wireless security camera solutions, as well, such as ease of installation, increased range and reduced human resources.

Ease of Installation: Wireless solutions offer an ease of installation, when compared to wired solutions.  This can reduce the amount of time that installers are on the premises, making for less interruptions and a happier customer.

Increased Range: Wireless camera solutions offer an increased range, when compared to wired solutions. This can allow you to cover larger premises that previous wired solutions may not have been able to handle.  The increased range of wireless will allow installers to handle 30-40 foot ceilings, cement walls and multi-tenant installs, among many others.

Reduced Human Resources: Wireless solutions require a reduced amount of human resources, when compared to wired solutions.  Since there is no cable pulling, line testing, etc., this will allow installation companies to have more installers at more sites.

Here’s to wishing you a Happy New Year and continued success in 2012!

Facial Recognition Technology in CCTV Camera Systems

Although there have been many advancements in security applications, one of the most intriguing developments in the security marketplace is facial recognition. Whether you’re trying to protect mass transportation, identify a known hot check writer at a bank, or requiring details on who may be entering a secured entrance, you’ll notice facial recognition technology’s importance in today’s society is definitely on the rise. Sales, licensing and integration of facial recognition hardware and software generated approximately $390 million in 2009. So we know there is certainly a market for this equipment. But while the technology gets closer and closer to popularization, we still have a way to go before we start seeing it implemented in regular daily usage.

There are specific algorithms that call for certain frontal activity, but unless an individual voluntarily self-identifies, the program is not likely to be able to do nothing more than to record the individuals image and do some good old-fashioned investigating. And since the quality of facial images is driven by the performance of the system, good lighting and subject orientation as well as motion, all play a part in the ability to obtain a good facial detection.

These types of systems are being installed mostly in civil identification projects, which do offer controlled environments. Applications include matching people to their supposed passport photos, or making sure a customer at the Department of Motor Vehicles hasn’t already applied for (and received) a driver’s license. Facial recognition is quickly gaining acceptance in virtually any situation where you can cut down on a person’s ability to create a fake identity.

Geovision, a leading manufacturer in surveillance software, incorporates video analytics in their security systems such as Face Detection in Object Index, which is used to detect human faces in the video and save them as thumbnail image index. It is suggested to be installed near the entrance and exits. Once there is an index with headshots of each individual, you can then use that information to either allow or deny access.

When implementing this type of software, it will certainly make security officers, guards or surveillance directors more efficient, however this technology is still years from becoming automated.

Home Camera Systems, Smartphone Control, and Soccer Moms: Just Tap the App!

The United States military uses cameras to insure the security of the country by protecting the borders and seeking out aggressors. All over the world, cameras on unmanned planes called “drones” are flown by pilots located in Tampa Florida. Their job is to gather information and even combat enemies if needed.

But now, a new breed of soldier is using this same type of technology to protect her home and keep a watchful eye on the kids while her husband is napping on the couch — she is the “Soccer Mom.”  In today’s advanced technological world, we find Soccer Moms becoming more and more prepared for the rush of a crazy weekend by keeping their homes in clear view with security cameras.

A trip to the lake, grocery shopping, and baseball games scheduled with three kids all at different times can be difficult to manage, but with the birth of the home security camera combining with the power of smart phones, it’s just as easy as “tap on the app”.

Kelly Morrison is a 24-hour soccer mom in Frisco TX, and while living up to the stereotype of racing her SUV all over town to get to a game, she now has a better view of what is going on while she’s away.

I asked Mrs. Morrison a few questions about the changes in her life with her new home security system.

• What is the biggest benefit of having home cameras? “Making sure my husband is not just watching ESPN, but instead feeding Conor before the baseball game!”  She jokes, but with a simple “tap the app” she can look in her kitchen, kid’s room, hall, den, backyard, front yard, front door, driveway and garage.

• Do the kids like the camera system? “Yes and no. I have a place where they do homework, and since I’m home when they are, it’s nice that their dad can see them while he’s on the road.  If they have any real issues they know it’s not only viewed by my husband but we can also review the information for any clarification to get the real truth out.  I am not saying that our kids do bad things, but ever since we added the cameras they know what the real world expects and how you should act even at home.”

• Does your husband like home security cameras? “Yes – definitely; he comes from a military background, and he travels all week.  It’s really nice for him to simply tap the screen to see if our dog Jeter is in the backyard or sleeping on our bed.  He feels comfortable knowing that if anyone did something to the home, then our evidence can be presented to local law enforcement to help catch the perpetrators.

• Do you see any drawbacks to having a home camera system, and what advice would you give others in the market for one? “We don’t think there are any drawbacks, but we would stress that when you purchase the main system, make sure you have room to add future cameras.  We started with a four camera system, but in less than one year we upgraded to a 16-channel system.  My husband bought a new Harley, and yes, that needed a new camera on it.”

• When did you decided to purchase your system? “We got the idea to do this from a special offer in a local supermarket, but when we realized that a good setup required professional attention, we called local experts that supplied the equipment, guidance, and prices we were looking for.  It kept my husband from falling out of the attic, and our cameras were tailored for our needs.”

As Kelly walked me out to my truck she took out her phone, and within a few seconds she showed me all the cameras up on one screen in real time.  “This is the best thing that a parent can have, and that is the ability to see their kids when they are just old enough to be home alone”.   Upon leaving, I didn’t just keep the phone number of the company they went with for the cameras — I made an appointment.  Kelly the “soccer mom” sold me on the system simply by showing it to me on her phone.

What started off as an interview on the benefits of home security cameras ended up being the best investment I could have made for my home and family.

Benefits of Progressive Scan vs Interlaced

As camera technology evolves, and better & greater features are accrued, the term Progressive Scan seems to pop up more and more. While some features are easy to identify by name, Progressive Scan remains a mystery to many.

As modern consumers with much experience purchasing TVs, I think most people understand the basic way that pictures are displayed on a TV or monitor screen. There are a certain number of lines that are displayed on the screen, and the order that the lines are tossed onto the screen is how Progressive Scan can be described. There are really only two ways this is done: Interlaced and Non-Interlaced (aka Progressive Scan).

Interlaced Scanning has become the old way of transmitting video. Let’s assume that there are 700 TV lines that are displayed on the screen. With this sort of scanning, all the odd lines are drawn and then the even lines are drawn, then all the odd lines are refreshed, then the even lines refreshed, and back and forth alternately. Can you imagine watching the ball thrown in a football game on TV with this sort of display going on? Although the lines are refreshed very quickly, you can tell by the truck in the picture below that the picture displays very fuzzy.

With Progressive Scan (or Non-Interlaced Scanning), the TV lines are drawn and refreshed in sequence. When the lines are drawn on sequence, whether 1 to 700 or 700 to 1, it not only displays moving objects better, but also decreases the bandwidth used.

By the picture below, it seems that seeing the term Progressive Scan is definitely a perk worth looking for.

Cloud Servers and CCTV

All of a sudden it seems like the clouds are everywhere – not the clouds in the sky, but cloud servers. But what exactly are those, and more importantly, what does that mean for you and your security camera system?

First of all, let’s define what a cloud is. In the past (or even with some companies right now) the way you hosted a website or stored a ton of information was to purchase a huge, high-efficiency computer (or several computers with several hard drives), then store everything in the closet (or server room), get a very fast internet connection, hire a bunch of Geeks (IT guys) to run and maintain it, and cross your fingers. Your business, accounting, and livelihood relied on the equipment to run perfectly, and it quickly became very costly.  A cloud is completely different, and it is completely internet based. All you really need is a regular desktop computer and everything else (servers, hard drives, IT Staff) is essentially stored in the clouds. In reality, it is stored in someone else’s closet, but it’s not yours and you do not have the costs (or clutter).

How does this pertain to cameras? One of the largest costs to a camera system is the NVR or server that runs the cameras. As it is right now, all IP cameras are attached to your building, a wire is run from your cameras to your switch (or router / modem), and another wire is run from your switch to your NVR server. Cloud computing makes this process different and more efficient. The cameras are still on the building, and a wire is still run to your switch, but where a cloud comes in handy is when takes out the NVR. The information is directed from your switch and into the cloud. What does this do for you? First of all, you do not have to Purchase the NVR, which could very easily save you thousands of dollars. You also don’t have to worry about the server going down, or all the hard drive space that you’ll need.  And you will not have to worry about possibly having too many visitors looking at your cameras and slowing down your entire bandwidth.

I think that just about every one of us has experienced some sort of failure when we lose all our data that was on the computer or server. With cloud computing, all your information (or in this case, video) is stored in the cloud, so in essence you lost nothing.

So what’s the price of this “Cloud”? Under normal circumstance the cloud company charges you by the hour. A real simple setup will cost you about .12 cents an hour. That’s $2.88 a day, that’s $20.16 a week, and that’s $50.16 a month. You don’t have to purchase the NVR, you don’t have to worry about the maintenance, and you don’t have to pay your IT staff to keep up with constant upkeep. Sounds like a deal to me!

UFO + Growing CCTV Market = Disclosure?

One topic of discussion in the UFO community revolves around the possible imminent disclosure of the extraterrestrial presence to the world. The news is full of examples: the Vatican announces how extraterrestrial life will have no effect upon the faith, prominent politicians make cryptic remarks involving extraterrestrial life, “secret” government files involving UFOs are becoming more prolific, and educated people are becoming more open to the possibility that ET life is visiting this planet.
With the expansion and explosion of information gathering devices such as cell phone cameras, portable digital cameras, and CCTV systems, the common citizen not only has easy access into information on the subject, but also has the capacity to add to the already burgeoning amount of evidence supporting the presence of extraterrestrial visitation.

Russian Comet and UFO Surveillance Footage (via abovetopsecret.com)

Despite the government’s churlishness and refusal to share publicly their work on extraterrestrial matters, public dissemination concerning ET matters is occurring nevertheless. Britian’s Ministry of Defense has already come out and made remarks on what they have kept secret for years, and everyone is waiting on the U.S. government to also make such a statement, but that is not likely to happen in the near future. But the truth will be harder to hide as more and more public and private camera systems become part of the landscape.

CCTV: A Powerful Weapon in the War On Terrorism

The terrorist bombing in London is the latest assault on civilization by those whose mindset is still centered in the 12th century.  These modern day “assassins” have made a great strategic mistake in choosing the British as their target. The four bombings of the London Underground and surface bus line will test one of the most powerful tools against terror activity.

The use of CCTV to monitor public places has been a controversial civil liberty issue here in the United States.  However, Britain has not been reluctant to adopt this technology. The British have been in the forefront in the use of CCTV.  The fact that the British have much experience in prior terrorist incidents has led them to fully utilize this valuable technology. They have placed CCTV cameras throughout London and Great Britain in general.   There are more than four million cameras in place.

Today the United States is quickly learning from our allies across the pond.  The biggest obstacle is the fine balance of civil liberties over security.  The Americans are still far behind the British, but with more incidents being stopped due to CCTV, and more advanced services becoming widely available to Americans, it appears the U.S. is getting the picture.

WDR Cameras Are Great! What’s Inside Them?

There is no question that IP cameras offer higher resolution than analog choices, however, analog has a couple of unique features.  The most notable is the WDR feature.  Wide Dynamic Range has evolved and offers great results.  In the past, analog cameras depended on, and still do, a processor called DSP.  Digital Signal Processor, simply defined – conversion of an analog to digital signal for image viewing.  Now, with the added processing of WDR cameras which scans the same frame twice, once by a slow sensor, and then again by a high speed sensor, the benefits are as follows.  Wide Dynamic Range cameras like many of the Sony Effio series offers technology that compensates for bright background and low light conditions, producing clear, low noise images with good contrast.  If your application calls for lots of direct sunlight or varying light conditions throughout the day, you may consider investing in a WDR analog camera.