DVR/ NVR Hybrid Solutions
Filed under: CCTV Articles, GeoVision, Networking, Security DVR
Analog and IP Cameras have had the ability to coexist on the same monitoring software via Capture Cards for a while now. GeoVision is one of the pioneers for this type of technology and are also the name brand I recommend for this solution because of their software’s “User Friendliness”. Now with the ever changing Technology Industry, these capabilities are no longer only feasible as a PC-Based DVR Solution.
The Standalone DVR has evolved from the VCR style to having a Hard Drive to internet capabilities. Now you can combine Analog and IP Cameras along with one another on the same monitoring software and Standalone Device. This technology only allows for combining 1 IP Camera to every 4 Analog cameras right now. However, the future is looking VERY promising!
The Advantages of Megapixel IP Cameras
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Comparisons, General Technology, Security Camera
In the world of security cameras network cameras are rapidly increasing in popularity. The advantages of this technology is quickly being felt within the market. Network cameras are providing flexibility within applications in regards to scale size in numbers of cameras and the ability to coexist with current infrastructures. We are also seeing high resolution multi megapixel cameras take the place of traditional IR cameras in some cases. The overall value is increasing interest because the cost has the ability to be justified. Are these systems really smart? The common misconception is that megapixel cameras are to expensive and not worth the money. When you compare megapixel cameras to the market standard analog camera you are not really comparing apples to apples. You are now tapping into a new technology. The overall value of megapixel and network systems continue to increase and one should focus on this rather then the associated dollar amount.
Which Type of Camera Should I Use? Part 2: Bullet Camera
Filed under: CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera System, Uncategorized
As I mentioned in my previous post, selecting which type of camera to use is often the most confusing part of designing a surveillance system. In part 1, we discussed how box cameras good for very specific needs because they are customizable.
Bullet cameras are highly versatile in an entirely different way. The two main differences between a box camera and a bullet style camera are the lens and the housing.
A bullet camera does not have the ability to simply change the lens. This means one should pay careful attention to size of the lens when selecting a bullet style camera. Fortunately, many bullet style camera are outfitted with a varifocal lens which allows the camera to be adjusted within a set range.
The housing is also a major difference. While virtually all box cameras require a housing for outdoor use, many bullet style cameras are designed to be weatherproof. For this reason, many bullet cameras are more cosmetically appealing for outdoor use than box cameras mounted in housings.
In addition to being weatherproof, many housings will have IR illustrators built in. This allows the camera to monitor in pitch black conditions without additional accessories. The two primary advantages to this feature are more simple/straightforward wiring and more cosmetically appealing.
One final feature some bullet style cameras has is called cable management. This is a mounting bracket that houses the cables, so they are not exposed. This is particular useful to prevent vandals from cutting the cables.
While the lens choices available for a bullet camera may not be as flexible as a box camera, the ease of install and flexibility of the housings make bullet cameras a staple security camera for most surveillance systems.
Is Integrating an Irritation
Some look at the new world of IP security and say “no”, it’s too complex, or it has the potential to leave to many open gap in my present security boundaries to provide an adequate reasoning as to why the advancements would be necessary. People with this kind of worry have many issues that push them to be hesitant. Some of the most resourceful people in any given large company that keep that company moving forward with technology is often the IT department, with all the new advancements that come forth the first person to shoot the ideas down is the IT department, saying it’s not worth the risks involved, or the process could be a liability. The new movement that the IP industry is trying to make is not to hinder any existing infrastructure, but to provide a more versatile and yes, complex integration of the security products available. With CCTV and alarms, and access control systems available now, all with the ability to be located side by side with a company’s prior implemented systems can greatly increase the productivity of that given product, making it more widely available for those that need to access the systems as well as those that need to service it. In retrospect, “yes” the systems placed on the networks do cause the need to have more windows open in the security barrier, but when properly set up it can really make a huge difference in performance, without losing the ability to stay protected.
Understanding IR
Filed under: CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera System
IR, or infrared cameras are a big seller in the CCCTV market. The topic usually
comes up when the conversation moves toward how to create usable images in
zero to low light areas cost effectively. But what makes this a cost effective
solution can only be understood if you understand the basics of how IR works. In
plain English, IR cameras provide their own light source when the natural light
source is no longer adequate. The range and angle of the IR beam is determined
by the number of emitters, which can either be built into the camera or can be in
an enclosure of their own. The emitters themselves, depending on the frequency
they are operating, will glow red. This is usually not a big deal since you have to
be looking at the camera to be able to see it. Usually, the more emitters there
are; the longer the range, although this is not always the case.
One thing to remember is not all cameras are capable of recognizing the infrared
lighting. Be sure to ask your CCTV professional when considering using a camera
that does not have the IR emitters built into the camera. Another thing to
remember is to be sure you provide enough power for these cameras. If there is
not enough power, the camera will usually work during the day but there will be
no images if the LUX level drops below the camera requirements.
Migrating into IP
Filed under: General Technology, GeoVision, Security Camera, Security Camera System, Uncategorized
As technology is changing, more and more people are feeling that they are falling way behind as far as having some of the features the newer CCTV systems have to offer. One of those features is being able to assign their cameras an IP address and view them over the internet remotely with their computer or phone.
If you are feeling this way, I have just the product for you. It’s called a video server, and it converts analog signals into IP video streams. Basically speaking, the IP video server can stream digitized video over IP networks in the same way that an IP camera can. This is what allows you to assign your camera an IP address and remotely view the camera. These powerful, but small pieces of equipment come with a varying number of channels and features to meet most system needs.
So if you would like to start having some of the features I have described above without having to purchase a whole new system, the video server might be just the product for you.
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