CCTV Center Blog

Myth No.20 ~ 'IP surveillance cannot meet the demands of enterprise-level applications'

2010-10-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

Major ‘enterprise’ users are beginning to specify IP CCTV exclusively when buying new systems. The advantages of IP become very obvious with any system that incorporates a large number of cameras.

The larger the installation, the more impressive the IP surveillance concept proves to be. IP CCTV invariably proves to be more competitive, and more impressive, with larger installations requiring higher levels of performance. The advantages seen in smaller installations are greatly magnified.

Scaleability is a key factor in leading major government and private sector organisations to specify IP solutions. This is increasingly common for projects involving hundreds of cameras, where operational efficiency and ongoing performance are seen as critical.

Myth No.19 ~ 'IP surveillance technology is unproven. If it is better, why are security integrators not offering more of these systems?'

2010-09-27T09:00:00.005+01:00

All industries take time to adapt to step-changes in technology, because new skills have to be acquired. In reality, for a growing number of companies, IP CCTV is no longer ‘new’ – it is tried and tested.

The speed of take-up for IP surveillance has been dictated by the level of knowledge, skills and support in the security industry. This does not mean that there have been any problems with the performance or reliability of IP – change takes time.

Because IP CCTV is a new technology, it takes time for its potential to be fully realised and exploited – by security integrators, consultants, and decision-makers.

Ultimately, organisations will opt for IP CCTV because of the benefits it offers in cost saving and functionality. Quite simply, it offers a better return on investment.

Myth No.18 ~ 'DVRs are just as good as NVRs'

2010-09-20T09:00:00.002+01:00

Although DVRs undoubtedly offered big advantages over old analogue video recorders, they were never perfect. The newly developed NVRs are superior to DVRs in several important ways.

The DVR is not an all-digital networked technology. Although it had many advantages over the old video cassette recorder, it still uses analogue cables, which can be expensive to run and which can distort image quality.

As mentioned previously, video images are degraded whenever an analogue signal is converted to a digital signal or vice versa. And, because there are fewer conversions involved, the digital signal transmitted directly via the network to a network video recorder is vastly superior to an analogue camera recording to a digital video recorder.

IP surveillance using NVRs gives users and installers all the advantages of a DVR, plus many more benefits. It is scaleable, from one to thousands of cameras in single camera increments (no 16-channel steps as with DVRs). And with much greater flexibility, you can choose any frame rate for any camera.

Because most premises are already wired with twisted-pair infrastructure, with IP CCTV the need for additional wiring is removed, or greatly reduced. A single IP network connecting and managing the data, video, voice etc. provides much greater efficiency.

Remote accessibility offers IP CCTV users huge operational advantages. Any live or recorded video stream can be securely accessed and controlled from any location, worldwide, over wired or wireless networks.

In many cases, an IP surveillance system has proved to be less expensive than an analogue solution. With open and standard network, server and storage hardware, there is more competitive choice for buyers. The costs of installation and maintenance can also be reduced.

Myth No.17 ~ 'You can't put IP cameras outside'

2010-09-13T09:00:00.004+01:00

Purpose-made, ruggedised IP cameras are now available that are specifically designed for external use. In addition, older analogue external cameras can also be added to IP systems.

Housings and other enclosures of electrical equipment have an ingress protection (the other IP!)rating that classifies their degree of protection from the environment. By assigning different number codes, the product’s degree of protection can be identified quickly and easily. In the code IP 54, for example, IP identifies the standard, the 5 describes the level of protection from solid objects, and 4 describes the level of protection from liquids. The higher the number, the better the environmental protection, and housings and enclosures for external use should have a rating of IP 65 or higher.

The CCTV industry has massive experience of manufacturing and installing cameras for outdoor
use, and there are literally millions of static and PTZ analogue cameras in current operation in external applications. One way to add rugged external cameras to an IP network effectively is to feed existing analogue cameras to a video server that then connects to a switch on the new IP network.

In addition to using existing analogue cameras and a video server, the CCTV industry is starting to manufacturer network cameras for external use. These cameras and domes are designed for IP applications with the correct levels of environmental protection. Because they are purpose-built, they are more attractive than indoor IP cameras and domes fitted into an external housing.

Myth No.16 ~ 'Transmission distances are limited'

2010-09-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

A range of transmission options can now be used that allow any distance limitations to be overcome.

Category 5 cable (known as Cat 5) is a twisted-pair cable type designed for high signal integrity. On many sites it has now been superceded by the Category 5e specification, an enhanced version (though it is often still called Cat 5). Cat 5e is often used in structured cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet. Cat 5e cable does not enable longer cable
distances than Cat 5 for Ethernet networks, and cables are still limited to a maximum length of 100 m (328 ft). Category 6 cable (Cat 6) is designed for Gigabit Ethernet and is backward-compatible with category 5/5e. Cat 6 features more stringent specifications for cross-talk and system noise. It is suitable for 10BASET / 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet). It is expected to suit the 10GBASE-T (10Gigabit Ethernet), although with limitations on length if unshielded Cat 6 cable is used. The maximum length of a Cat-6 horizontal cable should be 100 m (330 ft).

It is possible to run Ethernet data over coaxial cable using cost-effective adapters to convert the signal for coaxial cable transmission. This method is often
used on legacy sites where existing coaxial cables for CCTV have already been installed. By combining Cat 5 twisted-pair cable and RG59 coaxial cable, transmission distances of up to 350 m can be achieved.

Using fibre optic cable is the best way to extend transmission distances, particularly when legacy cable is not available. Choose ruggedised, professional transmitters and receivers to convert the signals for fibre transmission, and look for well-made products that combine network switching with media conversion.

Multi-mode fibre is a type of optical fibre mostly used for communication over shorter distances, such as within a building or on a campus. Multi-mode fibers support applications from 10 Mbit/s to10 Gbit/s over link lengths of up to 4 km - more than sufficient for most premises applications.

The trend, however, for Ethernet applications is to use the more precise single-mode optical fibre solution. Transmission distances of up to 40 km are achievable for a relatively small increase in equipment costs.

This has the additional advantage of being electrically inert, and is immune to electromagnetic interference. The traditional coaxial cables used in analogue CCTV systems could be plagued with interference problems, particularly on large sites with earth loops, different electrical phases, and often heavy electrical plant, all combining to cause signal interference and image deterioration. Optical fibre is not affected by any of these problems.

Myth No.15 ~ 'IP is only a small part of the CCTV market'

2010-08-30T09:00:00.001+01:00

The balance of the CCTV market is changing rapidly in favour of IP. Global manufacturers are now focusing all their efforts on IP rather than analogue.

The number of IP surveillance installs is growing rapidly, as is the number of integrators and distributors focusing on IP. There can be little doubt that the installed base, and infrastructure to support it, will soon escalate dramatically.

Why hasn’t take up been quicker? Simple market forces (not least the investment by manufacturers in earlier equipment) always act to slow the spread of new technologies. Knowledge, skills and support among system designers and installers also have to be built up. It takes time for any entrenched technology to be superceded. With this in mind, it is remarkable how quickly IP CCTV has spread.

As further proof, look at how much major corporations are now focusing on, and investing in, the networked security market, including IBM and Cisco. They will help to drive and educate the market. Consider also electronic giant Panasonic which has been a global leader in CCTV systems since the 1960s. Panasonic no longer undertakes research and development in analogue CCTV, and has committed its entire massive CCTV R&D budget to IP products and systems.

Myth No.14 ~ 'Upgrading IP systems is difficult and expensive'

2010-08-23T09:00:00.000+01:00

It has become very common for analogue CCTV systems to be converted to digital, stage by stage. This is now a well-trodden path and it allows end-users to keep their existing hardware – from cameras to coaxial cable – and so reduce their costs.

End-users have often made a significant investment in analogue CCTV, and so not surprisingly opt for a phased transition to IP. They want solutions that combine both analogue and digital security technologies where possible.

Benefits such as remote accessibility, scaleability and cost-effectiveness can be achieved by integrating existing analogue equipment with products that provide the functionality of a digital system. In fact, nearly every analogue system - even the smallest – can potentially benefit from integration with digital technology.

Video servers enable existing analogue cameras to be put on to an IP network. In effect, converted analogue images can be sent over an Ethernet/IP network and viewed in the same way as video from networked IP cameras.

Sites looking to upgrade to IP technology will often have existing coaxial cable in place. Where this is the case, adapters can be used to run Ethernet data and power cost-effectively over the coaxial cable. IPSEC 2007 award winner Technetix, for example, states that “You can upgrade your existing analogue CCTV network to IP capability and reduce your installation costs and operational disturbance in the blink of an eye” with its adapt-x range of products.

Myth No.13 ~ 'IP is more expensive than analogue'

2010-08-16T09:00:00.003+01:00

IP CCTV systems are a good financial bet. It is always more expensive to buy the latest technology and products – IP CCTV hardware is no exception – but this is only one factor. Add on the installation, operation and ongoing service costs, which are considerably lower, and a good economic case can be made for choosing IP.

IP cameras are slightly more expensive than comparable quality analogue cameras, but network recorders offering superior quality images can be less expensive than comparable DVRs. With smaller installations (e.g. £5k systems), IP system equipment costs can be perhaps 20% higher than analogue costs, but with medium and larger systems the cost difference disappears. (For example, on a £20k system, the price of hardware will probably be equal.) Even on smaller systems when the IP hardware costs more, the extra cost is not much for the additional futureproofing, better picture quality, improved ease of use, and excellent scaleability.

Trends in the ultra-competitive computer industry make it easy to predict that PC processing power and hard disk drives capacity will continue to increase rapidly, offering superb value for money. Network hardware will also continue to be highly competitive and an area where costs are likely to continue to fall with volume. Remember, however, to choose professional, ruggedised equipment for CCTV applications.

Take a longer-term view and ask: what is the total cost of ownership (TCO)? Panasonic makes the case that the greatest benefit of IP surveillance systems is their lower total cost of ownership, stating that “TCO is the life-cycle cost of an asset, which includes acquisition, setup, support, ongoing maintenance, service and all operating expenses. IP surveillance systems dramatically lower post-purchase installation, operation and maintenance costs, sharply lowering overall TCO.”

Thermal Myth No.10 ~ 'Thermal imaging cameras are not suitable for recognition'

2010-08-10T09:00:00.002+01:00

Thermal imaging cameras are not designed to allow the identification of individuals from their facial features or clothing – although they can see a surprising amount of detail. What they are excellent at doing is allowing recognition of potential threats by revealing details which are hidden to the human eye and to conventional cameras.

Their effectiveness starts a long way out, with the detection of potential targets delivered in all lighting conditions, and regardless of undergrowth and similar cover; a typical application is in border security, where they easily achieve a 2km surveillance range, allowing 4km spacing between cameras.

Closer in and the thermal camera will clearly show what the target object is – a person, a group of people, a vehicle etc. Closer still and clear details are revealed, showing what the person is doing, carrying and, to an extent, wearing.
For commercial security applications this provides all the necessary information for the appropriate response to be triggered – whether that be continued remote monitoring, remote warnings, or direct intervention.

The fact that thermal cameras cannot be used to positively identify individuals should be taken into account when designing the security system – and in some cases, where privacy is important, this may even be an advantage.

Exactly what your thermal camera will see, at what distance, depends on local conditions; the technology is well tested in the field and detailed technical advice is available from experienced manufacturers such as FLIR which will can be used to plan the most effective, layered security protection for any application.

Myth No.12 ~ 'IT directors won't approve IP-based intallations on their networks'

2010-08-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

The days of the sceptical or unhelpful IT director are fast disappearing. With security a board-level concern in most organisations, IT departments these days will support the addition of CCTV onto their networks, and will help make the systems a success.

Any IT Director or Manager worth his salt would understandably be uneasy about large amounts of CCTV data being added to existing PC networks without a good idea of network usage requirements. He or she would also be reluctant to give unqualified personnel access to any network containing sensitive business information. But although the IT Manager and the Security Manager can both be key in the planning and operation of the security system, in many companies the decision to invest in a surveillance system is taken at board level. This is because business risk management is seen as a board level activity, and CCTV is a tool that can reduce business risk.

Follow the manufacturer’s advice. Manufacturers have a vested interest in making IP systems work well, and good manufacturers offer advice on diverse topics such as managed switching and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

As soon as you have more than a few cameras, put in a separate camera network. We have mentioned this
previously, but the advice bears repeating because it can help overcome any objections or concerns from IT managers.

Thermal Myth No.9 ~ 'Thermal imaging cameras are damaged by solar radiation'

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000+01:00

It’s true that some lower quality thermal cameras may be damaged by the sun – either temporarily or permanently - but not FLIR’s units. These incorporate Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detectors which are immune to permanent damage, even when directly viewing the sun in normal video applications. Some minor temporary effects on image quality may be observed, because of the very high amount of thermal energy radiated by the sun. However mechanisms are incorporated which minimise these effects (including filters, anti-reflective coatings and improved electronics in the detectors). As a result, any temporary ‘ghosting’ which follows direct viewing of the sun will quickly disappear without any intervention from the operator.

It should be remembered that cheaper thermal cameras, which are not as well made, may not be immune to the effects of solar radiation – and even good quality units which do not use Vandium Oxide will be vulnerable. In fact some suppliers advise users not to point their cameras directly at the sun. In the real world this is often unavoidable, therefore the best advice is not to risk using units which are susceptible to solar radiation damage.

Myth No.11 ~ 'You have to be an IP specialist to install and maintain IP systems'

2010-08-02T09:00:00.000+01:00

There need be no mystery to IP CCTV, especially with the training courses now available and the practical
support provided by the best manufacturers. On the contrary, for any competent installer, IP gives exciting
opportunities to deliver better surveillance solutions to more customers than ever before.

Many of the rules of traditional CCTV system design and installation still apply. Although IP offers fantastic
new opportunities in terms of image quality, accessibility and ease of use, for a system to be effective, the same security and surveillance issues need to be addressed, irrespective of the technology platform on which the system operates. What is the purpose of the system? Where and how will the cameras be located? What is the correct angle of view? How will the camera signals be transmitted? What information should be recorded and archived? How will the system operate? These are all questions that CCTV people deal with every day.

Although the security and surveillance issues remain the same, the technology platform on which the CCTV system operates is clearly changing from analogue to IP. The challenge for traditional CCTV installers is to find ways to get up to speed with IP networks and use valuable existing CCTV installation skills on an IP platform. Leading CCTV training companies, such as Tavcom, offer a number of courses covering IP CCTV.

Another trend in the CCTV industry, running parallel to the move to IP, is the move from ‘products’ to ‘systems’. When a manufacturer takes a system approach, there is a much greater chance that the component parts of the system will be fully compatible and aesthetically pleasing, both of vital importance to system users. When looking for a core brand on which to base your solution, look for a manufacturer with a track record of quality and reliability, and who has a commitment to systems and IP. It takes experience and real commitment. Choose wisely: very few manufacturers can offer all of the above.

Once you have decided on your core brand, look for a supplier who can add real value. Good suppliers should be able to offer third-party products that complement the core solution and fill in the gaps. They should be experts in their field, offering solid technical support, along with design and commissioning advice.

Thermal Myth No.8 ~ 'Thermal imaging cameras are easy to damage, and expensive to repair'

2010-07-27T09:00:00.003+01:00

Thermal imaging cameras may be sophisticated but they are certainly not delicate – at least they shouldn’t be, if you buy good quality models. The key point to remember is that thermal cameras were developed by manufacturers such as FLIR for military and government applications, therefore robustness was built-in at the earliest stage of their evolution.

When working with thermals, certain rules for care need to be followed (see point 7 about wipers, for example) but if you buy good quality units from leading suppliers you will get years of trouble-free life.

The key is to specify the best grade equipment; thermal cameras are undoubtedly more expensive than conventional units, so make sure you get the quality that you’re paying for.

Myth No.10 ~ 'There is no complete IP CCTV system available'

2010-07-26T09:00:00.002+01:00

The market has developed rapidly, with manufacturers racing to develop the best IP CCTV equipment. All the hardware and software you need are now available.

Over recent years, a number of system gaps have been identified. PTZ cameras, particularly for external use, have not been readily available, and the control of PTZ cameras with joysticks has not been possible. Transmission distances have been limited to the 100 m achievable over Cat 5 cable, and video matrices with multiple monitor outputs have not been available.However, as IP systems develop at a frantic pace, these limitations are being overcome.

Excellent PTZ cameras for internal use are available now, and fully functional cameras for external use are being launched at all the main CCTV shows. Videoservers can also be used to provide high quality IP images from good analogue PTZ cameras.

The leading manufacturers now offer joystick control of their PTZ cameras, in which the joystick is
connected to the network like all other devices.

Fibre is leading the way in extending transmission distances. And, because optical fibre is electrically transparent, fibre optic transmission can be used even in the vicinity of heavy electrical plant. This means that Ethernet signals sent over fibre can be used where traditional coaxial cables could not, both as a means of extending transmission distances, and as a means of overcoming electromagnetic interference.

Video and data can be sent up to 4 km using multimode equipment, and a massive 30 km or more using single mode equipment.

Good software enhances IP systems, and well priced software is now available to view live and recorded images from multiple devices. Advanced features such as mapping allow camera locations to be seen easily, and the images from those locations can be brought to screen quickly by clicking on the camera item on the map.

Thermal Myth No.7 ~ 'Adding a wiper improves operation in difficult conditions'

2010-07-20T09:00:00.000+01:00

There are several reasons why adding wipers to thermal imaging cameras is not a good idea, not least increased cost and reduced product life-span.

Most importantly, the highly sensitive Germanium lenses (the kind used in the best FLIR thermal units) may be damaged by repeated wiping, as grit and other tiny particles will typically be trapped between the wiper and the lens surface. Even the hard carbon coating which protects most FLIR camera lenses may be scratched by repeated mechanical wiping – think of using a scouring pad on a top quality non-stick pan!

In fact, wiping is really not necessary at all. Most of the time the sharpness of a thermal image will not be affected by a light build up of dirt, salt or water droplets on the lens. In very dirty conditions occasional, manual cleaning may be desired. This can be done quite simply by hosing the unit down from a distance – the cameras are well-sealed, and will not be damaged by this method of washing.

Myth No.9 ~ 'I will get a data loss if an IP product fails'

2010-07-19T09:00:00.001+01:00

Network-based systems can offer greater protection against failure than old analogue technology, as long as systems are built using reliable components from reputable manufacturers.

Analogue systems can go down too if a camera, recorder or other key component fails. The way to minimise this risk is to choose reliable equipment from a leading brand, and to consider some duplication of equipment in critical positions. IP CCTV systems are no different, and the same principles apply. IP systems are more readily viewed in multiple locations – even remotely - and, consequently, any equipment failures can be spotted more easily.

It is important to use reliable network components. Those with experience of home PC networks will know how ‘flaky’ some domestic equipment can be, particularly wireless equipment, often needing a reboot to come back into operation. In most domestic situations this can be frustrating but not critical. Security systems are, of course, a different matter, and care should be taken to choose professional, ruggedised equipment, particularly for sensitive applications. In short, the equipment should be selected for the environment – for example, use field-hardened products
for non-air-conditioned areas.

IP has some other tricks up its sleeve, including network cameras with the capability of recording a loop of back-up information to an SD card or similar removeable media. This means that if there is a temporary problem at the recorder, backup information is also recorded at the camera.

Thermal Myth No.6 ~ 'Thermal imaging cameras can’t see through fog or rain'

2010-07-13T09:00:00.002+01:00

Thermal imaging cameras can see through light fog and rain – but their performance is certainly reduced, and the worse the weather conditions, the poorer the visibility becomes. Having said this, in many foggy conditions, thermal imaging continues to offer improved image captured when compared to standard CCTV cameras. System planners are used to taking account of occasional poor performance in the visible part of the spectrum due to bad weather, and the IR image capture is no different. Unlike conventional CCTV, thermal cameras are not hampered at all by smoke or changing light conditions.

In planning a surveillance system it has to be remembered that thermal imaging cameras can’t see underwater or through glass because the infra-red heat is disrupted. So heavy fog and rain will reduce image resolution – exactly how much, depends on a range of factors, including the size and temperatures of the target object and the temperature of the surrounding environment. There are also many different types of fog, with different sizes and densities of water droplets (aerosols). For example urban and rural fog tends to be much less of a problem than marine fog. System planners need to take all these factors into account.

Myth No.8 ~ 'IP CCTV systems are not secure'

2010-07-12T09:00:00.003+01:00

With all their data encrypted, secure IP networks are more robustly protected than analogue systems ever were.

It is important to ensure that the correct security measures are in place. So long as the right protection is used (including firewalls, VPNs and password protection), the internet can safely transfer all kinds of sensitive information. Any system is only as strong as its weakest link, so anyone using a public network for video transmission should secure their data traffic using VPN technology.

Banks and financial institutions have paved the way in using the internet as a medium for global money transactions, helping it to develop as a proven medium for other secure applications including IP CCTV. Analogue surveillance systems are less secure than the new digital technology, because they have no encryption or authentication of information. It is very easy for third parties to tap into the cables of an analogue system and gain access to supposedly secure video transmissions. This cannot be done with secure IP networks.

Thermal Myth No.5 ~ 'Thermal imaging cameras require expensive and complicated cooling systems'

2010-07-06T09:00:00.004+01:00

This is not true: thermal imaging cameras operate in two frequency bands and cooled systems are only need for higher quality images in one of them. In practice, un-cooled units, which work in the longwave infra-red band (LWIR) do the job perfectly for most commercial applications, including high security ones. This is because LWIR is the wavelength where most terrestrial temperature targets emit most of their infra-red energy.

Un-cooled cameras have fewer moving parts and typically a longer working life with less down time. Cooled cameras operate in midwave infra-red (MWIR) and cost two-to-three times as much as un-cooled cameras. Of course they may be the required choice for specialist applications (notably where the range is greater than 5km) but for most commercial security situations the extra expense is not warranted as un-cooled cameras give great images under most operating conditions.

Myth No.7 ~ 'Remote monitoring of IP CCTV is not possible'

2010-07-05T09:00:00.002+01:00

IP systems are designed to allow both active monitoring and passive viewing. In fact, IP is making remote
surveillance more feasible for all levels of application.

Remote monitoring is different from remote viewing. Remote viewing is the observation of live and recorded images on a PC, usually over the internet, and usually through the PC browser. Some devices may require FOC software downloaded on the PC for remote viewing. Open standard and proprietary software is also available for purchase with enhanced features and the facility to look at multiple remote devices on the same screen.

With IP, so many more things are possible. Although upload speeds are still limited over the internet, the
ability to view images remotely is a fantastic facility made possible by IP. It enables business owners check
the security of their premises remotely, and allows business managers to confirm that remote branches
are operating as they should without the need to travel there.

Remote monitoring is done at a remote central station using specialist software by companies geared up to
receive images against an alarm, and to respond accordingly. Images are generally uploaded to the
monitoring station against an alarm that an operator can review and record and then act on by contacting
the police, a private security company or the business owner as appropriate.

Because the monitoring station is continually monitoring its remote sites, it is often the first place where CCTV system faults are spotted - for example, if a camera is down and not transmitting images. Also with IP, it is possible to check camera and recorder settings, and perform fixes and upgrades remotely. In this respect, partnering a forward-thinking monitoring station not only enables your CCTV system to be monitored cost- effectively, but can also help with the maintenance of the system.

Thermal Myth No.4 ~ 'OEM products are just as good as leading brand products and less expensive'

2010-06-29T09:00:00.007+01:00

Only a limited number of manufacturers have the know-how and facilities to produce the high quality cores which make thermal imaging possible. OEM manufacturers are dependent on this limited supply of bought-in cores, and often don’t have access to the latest technology. So, for example, a major networking specialist now offers a networked thermal imaging camera – a nice idea and marketed at a good price point – but it uses a core that has half the resolution of the FLIR cores (320 x 240 pixels). The result is a lower resolution picture that is harder to work with and may be less effective when it comes to detecting, recognising and identifying potential threats. For the buyer, it’s always a good idea to check the specification of the camera to make sure it provides the highest resolution images.

Another factor to consider is what do you want to do with the captured images? With FLIR users benefit from the Digital Detail Enhancement function in the GUI: this is a very effective algorithm that helps overcome low contrast and preserve details in high dynamic range imagery.

If you are tempted by cheaper, OEM products, the best advice is to get a look at some end results before you buy. When you see it, the difference is clear. The best, specialist technology will pull out detail from the scene and overcome difficulty with contrast that leaves OEM units struggling.

Myth No.6 ~ 'Real-time recording can't be achieved with IP'

2010-06-28T09:00:00.001+01:00

With IP we can choose exactly what sort of ‘real-time’ recording we want, tailoring the system to the application.

What do we mean by real time recording? According to the theory of persistence of vision, the human eye retains an image for a brief moment. When a series of still video images is displayed in quick succession, we get an illusion of movement (that is, we do not see the individual frames in the series).

When is real-time recording important? It is considered vital in high security applications and also
when monitoring financial transactions. Any process where it is critical not to miss any information, such as at a casino gaming table, should also use real-time recording. For most general security and surveillance applications, however, 24-hour real-time recording is not required, and generally means massive amounts of irrelevant information are being needlessly recorded and archived. It is far better in these instances to record in real time against an alarm or video motion detection.

It is essential that we don’t miss any critical information, but recording irrelevant and redundant information is a waste of money and clutters up systems. So how do we balance the two? We recommend that for high security and high speed transactions, video cameras are recorded at 25 ips, and for general applications images are recorded at 6 or 12 ips, increasing to up to 25ips
in the case of alarm or activity.

In the PAL television system used in Europe, ‘real -time’ video records at 25 frames per second. A
technique called interlace uses persistence of vision to combine two consecutive images (or fields) to create one frame with higher detail in non-moving areas. Because the fields are exposed and displayed separately, a single TV ‘frame’ can potentially contain motion or even two distinct images, with ‘combiartifacts’ being seen on a still image where a recording system has combined the two fields. Modern IP cameras now use non-interlaced or progressive scanning for transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. Real-time recording, however, is still considered to be 25 ips.

Thermal Myth No.3 ~ 'You need a hard-to-obtain licence to use thermal imaging cameras'

2010-06-22T09:00:00.002+01:00

This is no longer a problem because the restrictions on exporting thermal imaging technology have been greatly relaxed. Producers such as FLIR offer products which operate with refresh-rates of either 9Hertz (standard) or 25 Hertz (advanced). The 9 Hertz technology is perfect for most commercial applications and is readily available without undue red-tape. For some specialist applications the faster, 25Hertz refresh rate may be desirable (for example, for use in monitoring fast-moving vehicles, industrial processes etc). But even in these cases an end-user statement will now normally be sufficient for approval by the US authorities.

The 25 Hertz products tend to be more expensive, and one reason is that there may be more administration involved in exporting them, but this need not be a major obstacle.

Myth No.5 ~ 'IP CCTV system have high storage costs'

2010-06-21T09:00:00.004+01:00

Storage costs are now very affordable and are decreasing further, with HDD storage relatively inexpensive and NVRs allowing flexible, tailored recording schedules.

IP CCTV systems store video recordings on hard disk drives (HDDs). HDDs were originally developed for use in the computer industry, and the cost per Gigabyte of storage continues to go down year on year. This trend is almost certain to continue, irrespective of whether the hard disk is contained within a PC, network video recorder or other storage device.

Although hard disk drive storage costs continue to go down, it is worth having an archiving plan to ensure that vital information is retained, and unwanted information is neither recorded nor retained. A RAID5 system can be used to provide essential back-up in case of HDD failure. This is especially useful as we move to larger and larger drives (1Tbyte) and beyond, as fewer drives are used in the system. It’s possible to implement RAID5 by adding one extra drive.

Modern NVRs can record to a schedule, against an alarm trigger or against video motion detection (VMD), and the recording quality and frame rate set accordingly. Many modern security systems for corporate applications record high quality images in real time against VMD during the day, and high quality images at 13 images per second (ips) continually out of operating hours.

As HDD storage is relatively inexpensive, the main criteria should be to ensure that the storage is reliable. Many industry pundits consider that purpose-built professional network video recorders and expansion

bays offer the most reliable hardware for IP CCTV system image storage.

Thermal Myth No.2 ~ 'The technology is difficult to understand, and requires specialist knowledge'

2010-06-15T09:00:00.003+01:00

Anyone who can install or work with a conventional CCTV camera will find that they easily get to grips with thermals. The obvious difference is that thermal cameras work by capturing images in a different part of the electro-magnetic spectrum to visible light – an infra-red wavelength that our eyes can’t see. This part of the spectrum may be invisible but there’s nothing mysterious about it.

In fact many of the key installation considerations are the same. For example, thermal cameras need to be set up, powered and linked to a network just like any other camera, and they produce composite video signals which have the same transmission requirements as ordinary CCTV data.

Once the system is up and working, easy adjustments can be made to the way that thermal signals are translated into visible pictures, tailoring the output to the user’s requirements. Again, it’s not difficult to master.

And the units don’t require special handling. Good ones are robust, as you’d expect from products that originated in military applications, and their cores are as well protected as the CCDs in CCTV cameras.

Myth No.4 ~ 'IP CCTV systems have slow transmission'

2010-06-14T09:00:00.001+01:00

Dedicated camera networks can easily cope and deliver excellent video streaming. Wireless networks are a bit slower but are delivering increasingly useful results where cable can’t be used. Currently, broadband internet viewing is limited to a few frames per second, but upload speeds will certainly continue to increase.

In IP CCTV, bandwidth refers to the data transmission rate of a signal, measured in bits per second. Local area networks typically have speeds of 100 Mbps (fast networks) or 1000 Mbps (Gigabit networks). This means that dedicated camera networks, particularly those using an Ethernet backbone, will easily cope with multiple camera locations each streaming less
than 2 Mbps.

Wi-Fi networks have maximum data speeds of 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11g). Wireless can be very useful where cable cannot be easily or cost-effectively installed, but specialist help should be sought for multi-camera links.

Broadband internet download speeds typically range from 1Mbps to 20 Mbps. Upload is different, and maximum ADSL upload speed where data is sent from a local system (e.g. CCTV system) to a remote system (e.g. remote viewing PC) is 512 kbps. With SDSL broadband, upload and download speeds are the same and are typically up to 2 Mbps.

ADSL broadband is useful for remote viewing of images but, as can be seen from the above figures, upload speeds are limited to only a few frames per second. Until ADSL upload speeds are improved, the only ways to increase remote viewing speeds are to bond multiple ADSL lines together, subscribe to an SDSL line (where available) or subscribe to a leased line.

Thermal Myth No.1 ~ 'Thermal imaging cameras are too expensive for commercial use'

2010-06-08T09:00:00.003+01:00

An individual thermal imaging camera may be more expensive than a single CCTV camera but if deployed in the right way, thermal technology is an affordable option that can undoubtedly save you money. The key cost advantage of thermals is that fewer units can be deployed to provide effective surveillance of a given area. For example, a single, top quality thermal unit will do the work of several conventional CCTV cameras when it comes to perimeter security, or open area protection. With effective threat-detection ranges measured in kilometers, thermal cameras are also more affordable than measures such as buried-cable systems, or fence-detection technology. And with fewer units required, groundwork and installation costs are reduced. Thermal cameras don’t require additional lighting to be installed, which saves on up-front costs and on ongoing running costs.

In weighing up the cost of thermal imaging cameras versus alternatives, a careful analysis of the true, total cost - including purchase, operation and maintenance - reveals that thermals are very often best value. And it’s also worth remembering that the cost of good quality thermal surveillance is also coming down, thanks to the introduction of competitive options from companies (for example FLIR’s H-Series hand held camera and D-Series internal PTZ camera) which, though more economical, still incorporate high-end technology.

Special Report on Thermal Imaging

2010-04-06T12:55:00.000+01:00

A number of customers have commented over the last month or so " I see you guys now do thermal imaging. That's interesting, but it's all a bit expensive and complicated isn't it?"

It made us think again about the problems of introducing any new technology. Customers are interested in the technology, and some also see business opportunity, but the barriers to entry appear too great, so they don't take it up and miss out.

We genuinely feel that thermal imaging is set to become the next big thing in commercial security, and is a great way for professional integrators to differentiate themselves in a mass security market place that has become ultra compettive and where companies can feel obliged to compete on price alone.

We wondered if we could de-bunk some of the myths that surround thermal imaging, so as with IP technology, we sent Tim off to write a special report on the reality behind the Top 10 Thermal Imaging Myths.

Next week we will present the first myth that can act as a barrier to the use of thermal imaging as a key security tool.

Myth No. 1 ~ Thermal imaging cameras are too expensive for commercial use

Myth No.3 ~ ‘IP CCTV systems are unreliable’

2010-03-11T16:05:00.003Z

In fact, modern networks are extremely reliable.

Modern networks can include multiple IP routes connecting to the network switches. This provides back-up paths in the event of a failure of either equipment or a cable. So it is possible to build a network that can continue working even in extreme conditions – much more so than with analogue.

A more proactive approach to system management is possible with IP-based systems. For example, environmental monitoring devices can warn users if there are problems on site (flood, fire, temperature rise etc.), meaning that systems can be better protected from damage and down-time. Similarly, the overall health and performance of the network can be continually monitored, making IP more reliable than older un-checked analogue systems.
By their very nature, networked systems feature more built-in redundancy and resilience than the older, less flexible analogue set-ups. It’s also worth remembering that proprietory operating systems are less vulnerable to attack by hackers and virus writers, unlike PC-based systems that require regular patching for security vulnerabilities.

IP-based NVR recording offers key benefits over PC-based solutions. With purpose- built hardware, it is reliable, scaleable, easy to use and can be located anywhere on the network. IP CCTV can either be recorded onto a PC with video recording software or a network video recorder (NVR). Where necessary, analogue cameras can also be recorded onto a digital video recorder (DVR) connected to the network. NVRs are more network efficient than DVRs and offer better image quality, a key requisite of any CCTV system.

What's your experience? Are NVRs really more reliable than PC-based solutions?

Click here to download the free report "IP CCTV - The Reality Behind the Top 20 IP CCTV Myths"

Myth No.2 ~ 'IP CCTV uses up all my bandwidth'

2010-02-26T17:15:00.001Z

A couple of years ago we wrote...
'The amount of bandwidth that a camera uses is determined by the image quality and frame rate set for the camera, and the compression algorithm used. The compression technology is predetermined by the manufacturer, but good quality cameras will allow the image quality and the number of images per second to be set for each camera. For corporate security applications, cameras with MPEG-4 compression set to high image quality and 12-15 ips give good quality images in almost real time, and will use about 1.5 Mbps of bandwidth.'

We have found the 1.5 Mbps bandwith scenario to work very well, but have things moved on? What about H.264 compression and mega-pixel cameras? Mega-pixel cameras required more bandwidth, but H.264 is a more efficient compression algorithm that requires less bandwidth than MPEG-4. Is this an indication of how things will develop...increasingly high definition images, and continually improving compression algorithms to allow high definition images to be transmitted?

The report went on to say:
'High quality transmission of data for several CCTV cameras can be comfortably handled by typical office networks. Where more cameras are needed, it’s easy to establish separate networks. Today there are easy and affordable data-carrying solutions for all IP surveillance applications.
A typical single network camera will have a video feed ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 Mbps. So a typical
office network of 100 Mbit will cope easily with the transmission demands of several cameras. When you have more than a few cameras, put in a separate camera network. It’s easy to separate networks with readily available network switches and routers. Existing structured cable, where available, can be used, but all the cameras should feed into Layer 2 Managed Switches.

For enterprise solutions using large numbers of cameras, an Ethernet backbone is recommended. When setting up a network it’s important to ensure that it has enough capacity to cope with the worstcase-scenario. So, plan for the maximum demand occasions, when all cameras are recording.

There are some useful techniques that enable installers to integrate CCTV into an organisation’s network without overloading it. For example, with ‘schedule recording’ users can choose not to have all cameras recording all of the time. This means that less data will need to be transferred.'

What are your experiences? We'd love to hear from you.

Myth No.1 ~ 'IP CCTV systems only produce poor quality images'

2010-02-22T19:01:00.005Z

In the IP Myths report I wrote...
"Today’s truth is that properly designed IP surveillance systems will produce images that are every bit as sharp and clear as older, analogue set-ups.

Good quality IP cameras (or network cameras) have exactly the same high quality image sensors and optics as analogue cameras. Of course, these high quality, professional products should not be confused with lower-spec models, or with PC webcams, which cannot deliver the same results. The more demanding the conditions, the bigger the performance gap will be between the professional IP cameras and the cheaper models – so it’s important to choose the right camera.

IP systems allow you to take full advantage of megapixel technology, whereas analogue systems do not. Analogue cameras are in fact limited to 0.4 mega-pixel resolution because of the PAL standard that they operate on. By contrast, mega-pixel network cameras can deliver 1.3 mega-pixel images or more.

Image quality degrades less with digital systems. With all analogue systems the CCTV images have to be converted between analogue and digital formats, typically three or four times (for transmission via coaxial cable; for compression and processing; for display on the monitor etc.). Each time this happens the image quality degrades. By contrast, when IP based digital signals are transmitted directly via the network to a network video recorder (NVR) and digital LCD monitor they do not have to be converted at all, so there is no loss of quality. Not surprisingly, this can result in vastly superior images."

What's your experience? Is it true that properly designed IP surveillance systems will produce images that are every bit as sharp and clear as older, analogue set-ups...or...is it all hogwash?... Please let me know what you think.

Next week we will look at Myth No.2 ~ 'IP CCTV Uses Up All My Bandwidth'
Click here to download the free report "IP CCTV - The Reality Behind the Top 20 IP CCTV Myths"

IP CCTV - The Reality Behind the Top 20 IP CCTV Myths

2010-02-11T11:48:00.000Z

CCTV Center designs, supplies and supports CCTV and network surveillance systems in partnership with our integrator partners. To do this we lead with Panasonic camera, viewing and recording equipment enhanced by technology partner equipment including Pentax lenses, Raytec lighting, TOA audio, KBC fibre transmission, ZyXel network switching, Veracity ethernet over coax transmission and Teleprecision transmission for remote monitoring. Most recently we have also added FLIR thermal imaging equipment.

Future blogs will look to explore the offerings from all of our technology partners, and we are always looking for your feedback and experiences of not only using the above brands, but also your recommendations for brands and products that might enhance the systems we offer.

Before we do that however I would like to open a new topic for discussion. Over the last 5 years we have all seen a move from analogue to IP or networked CCTV. Now for new builds and projects where there is a powerful network infrastructure already in place we are starting to see the IP platform dominate. In light of this we thought it was time to re-visit a special report that we wrote a year or so ago called

“IP CCTV – The Reality Behind the Top 20 IP CCTV Myths”

Next time we will provide a link to download the report and discuss Myth No 1 that ‘IP CCTV systems only produce poor quality images’.

I hope you will be able to give some feedback of your experiences.

Finding out more about Thermal Imaging

2010-02-01T09:07:00.001Z

We've had a lot of enquiries this week at CCTV Center about thermal imaging, so I thought I'd highlight a couple of resources to help you find out more.

FLIR are holding a series of seminars around the country where consultants, integrators and other interested parties can find out more about thermal imaging technology and products. Ther first seminar is in Reading on Friday 19th February. You can register on the CCTV Center website.

Click Here to Register for FLIR Thermal Imaging Seminars

I've also spent a fair bit of time this week making lots of thermal imaging resources available on the web, including brochures, manuals, application and technical notes

Click Here to Visit the Thermal Imaging Data Library

Happy research!

Thermal Imaging: Ready to conquer the world?

2010-01-25T09:30:00.001Z

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

2010-01-25T09:00:00.004Z

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."