Monday, 25 January 2010

Thermal Imaging: Ready to conquer the world?

I recently read an application story with the above title. It went on to say...

"As thermal imaging cameras are becoming less expensive, they are being integrated in more and more products. Will there be a thermal imaging camera in every car, for every police officer, on every ship, in the near future?"

I thought it was an interesting, if ambitious article, and started to investigate...

Thermal imaging used to be a very expensive technology for military users only. Today, more and more people are discovering the technology and the benefits it has to offer. Thermal imaging cameras produce a clear image in the darkest of nights, in light fog and smoke and in the most diverse weather conditions.

Are the claims justified? Do many people know about its benefits? Are you being asked for thermal imaging cameras? Who are the main manufacturers, suppliers, integrators and users?

CCTV Center has received countless enquiries over the years,and I think there will be a massive increase in the number of applications using thermal imaging cameras over the next few years. For this reason, CCTV Center has set up a new Thermal Imaging Division as detailed below... 

CCTV Center Appointed FLIR Systems Distributor
CCTV Center recently announced that it has been appointed as a distributor for FLIR Commercial Video Systems. FLIR is widely recognised as the global leader in Thermal Imaging Cameras and sees it's new partnership with CCTV Center as a great opportunity to introduce thermal imaging systems to professional security integrators.


FLIR Systems Business Development Manager Ashley Wyton comments "We know that CCTV Center works closely with integrators on CCTV and Network Surveillance projects. We also know that CCTV Center only supplies leading brand equipment. We are very excited that the opportunity has now arisen for us to work together to help integrators with reliable, effective and professional thermal imaging systems."

They say..."Thermal security cameras make images from the heat energy that is around us all the time, not from reflected visible light, giving you true 24/7 imaging capability without lights or illuminators."

They say..."Thermal Imaging is particularly effective for perimeter surveillance and intruder detection, and can be combined with CCTV solutions."

Panasonic System Networks Company

Is Panasonic still a major player in the CCTV market place?

Clearly we think it is, and have built our business around the Panasonic brand.... But what do you think? Is it competitive? Is it a sleeping giant? Has it timed it's move into IP correctly? Does it have the right product range? Does it offer you business opportunities?

A recent news article reveals the company's latest thinking...

Panasonic System Networks Company (PSNC) Announcement

From 1st January 2010 "Panasonic System Solutions" (PSS) and "Panasonic Communications Company" (PCC) have merged to form "Panasonic System Networks Company" (PSNC) and take Panasonic forward as a network-based company for the new decade.


Head of the new System Networks Company for the UK and Ireland, Paul Meehan explains... "In response to the growing convergence of network based technologies and products, Panasonic has established a new manufacturing, R&D and sales company called Panasonic System Networks Company (PSNC). The intention is to increase collaboration through R&D and manufacturing operations across the world in order to increase the number of network based system products across industries such as Telecoms, Electronic Security, Document products and Imaging products. This will provide a stronger offering in not only the stand-alone industries above, but also in a combined offering to end users in key vertical sectors. PSNC’s vision is to provide the total solution for end user, with ‘cutting-edge’ technology, usability and reliability."

CCTV Center MD Andy Coombes said... "We are excited by recent developments at Panasonic. It shows great a commitment to the networked systems that we are being to see dominate security and surveillance solutions. CCTV Center will not only continue to offer Panasonic IP surveillance systems, but will actively look to offer other networked-based Panasonic products to our partners and customers."