Quick Guide: Configuring IP Cameras on a GeoVision DVR

Over the past couple years, IP cameras have propelled their way to the top of the chain within the surveillance industry. But unlike analog cameras, they can be a bit more complicated to set up and configure.

In order to get your IP camera up and running, the basic necessities are:

• POE switch (or POE injector if you’re unable to get acquire a switch)
• cat5 cable
• PC-based DVR
• IP camera (obviously)

Everything will basically go into your POE switch. The switch is connected to your local router, and the camera and the DVR go directly into your POE switch, which connects every piece of equipment to a certain IP range produced by your router.
Once the physical part has been set up and you are showing green lights on your camera, DVR, router, and POE switch, then you are ready to configure your camera for live view. The first thing you want to look at is the IP address of your DVR, which is automatically given to the machine from the router (if your DVR is set up as DHCP, which in most cases it is out of the box). On your DVR, mouse down to the start icon and click. You can search for your command prompt in the search box just above the icon, in which you will type in cmd. This will bring up a small black rectangular box. In this box, type ipconfig and press enter. This will generate your computers IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address, which the IP address of your router. The gateway address will be the same for every device hooked up to your router. To better understand the concept, we will use this as an example:

IP address 192.168.1.5
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Gateway IP address 192.168.1.0

Once you have this information, you can close out of the command prompt.

On your DVR, open up your Geovision surveillance software. Under the configure icon=> camera install=> IP camera install, you will find the basic IP device install screen. On the left side of the screen, you will see a series of tabs. The tab that reads “IP device utility” is the tab that you’ll want to click on. Another screen will pop up with all of the cameras that are connected to your network. Next to the “Navigation” tab, there is a “General Settings” tab – click it. You will then see a similar format to what you were just on. Here, you will double-click the camera model number in order to change the IP address for the camera. Another screen will pop up allowing you to change the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway IP address of the camera. For most IP cameras, the default IP address will be 192.168.0.10. Change the IP address to an address similar to your DVR, but not the same. Using the example above, here is how it should look in the cameras configuration.

IP address: 192.168.1.10
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway IP address: 192.168.1.0

The IP address of the camera is similar to the IP address of the DVR; the only thing that we change is the last set of digits. The reason we do this is because if the IP addresses were the same, they would conflict with each other and you would not be able to connect the camera, but we still want the IP address in the same IP range as the router. The gateway mask will be the exact same as the DVR. 255.255.255.0 This allows a router to obtain up to 254 hosts on the network. The gateway IP address is the exact same IP address as the router. This will never change, in all cases. Once you have entered the correct gateway IP address, you are done with the camera configuration. All you need to do is fill in the password for the camera and hit “OK.” The default password would be admin. Once you click “OK,” you will be directed back to the screen you were at before. You will need to repeat these steps again for each camera you have connected to your DVR. Keep in mind that everything will be similar, except the last set of numbers on the camera’s IP address.

Once all of the IP addresses of the cameras have been changed, closing out of the IP device utility page and will take you back to the basic IP device install page. On the left side of the screen, there is a tab called “Scan Camera.” Click that tab and this will pull up another screen that shows up blank, and on the right next to the bar along the top, there is a tab called “Scan.” Click that, and the bar will appear as it is loading something. In about 15 seconds, the cameras that are connected to the DVR will show up. Click each camera one at a time. As you do that, another screen will appear and along the top it will say “Query,” click this, and then “Apply.” After this, your camera will appear in the screen prior. Once you have done this for all of the connected cameras, click “OK,” and all of your cameras will show up in the IP camera install screen. Right-click each camera and tab over to “Display Position.” There you can put the camera wherever you want. Once you have displayed every camera, you are done with the installation of your IP cameras.

IP Camera Myths Debugged

After speaking to customers on a daily basis about IP camera features, and their confusion over the functions they expect from IP cams, I figured I’d try to put a few of these misconceptions to rest.

• Myth: IP Cameras do not require a DVR - This one is tough, because technically true but misleading. IP camera networks do not require a DVR (digital video recorder); they do however require a NVR (network video recorder). And in addition to recording the raw video data picked up by IP cameras, the NVR acts as the nerve center of the network, enabling configuration, allowing playback and export of selected data, and controlling access to the addresses for the individual IP devices.
• Myth: IP camera networks replace traditional alarm systems - While contemporary surveillance networks can include many of the functions of traditional security systems, such as entry point contact monitors and motion detection enabled video, they do not replace the main component: the human monitoring that can instigate responders in the event of an alarm. A well-configured IP network can send text or email alerts to system owners, but this is not the same as a 24/7 monitored fire and entry alarm solution.
• Myth: IP cameras make PTZ cameras obsolete - Most IP cameras have resolution levels greater than 1MP (megapixel), meaning that they are gathering about the same information as four analog cameras. This is a lot of visual data, and most of these IP cameras include ePTZ functions, which allow the user to zoom in on an area of the recorded view and scan around within the existing field of view. While this is an exciting technology which can assist in capturing desired views or information, it does not replace the 360° coverage and tracking functions available on a good PTZ camera or speed dome.
• Myth: IP cameras can record offsite, or on-board- Some IP cameras do support on-board recording onto SDcards, and this can be a compelling feature, however this kind of on-board or at-the-edge recording is meant to back up a primary recording device, not replace it. The data captured by the camera is limited to the size of the card, is difficult to access, and does not allow many of the more robust functions of an NVR solution. Offsite recording is possible, but rarely feasible. The amount of data captured by even very limited IP camera networks is huge, requiring large investments in available bandwidth and networking support to map all the devices, and putting the addressing protocols in place. And ultimately, any interruption to service, be it within the network or across network traffic, is going to result in dropped video quality and dropped frames within the recording. If a surveillance solution is not dependable, then all of the advantages of its ownership are lost.

CCTV Basics: FPS, TVL, MP Specs Explained!

When shopping for a new CCTV System, don’t be confused by the plethora of acronyms describing cameras and DVRs!  Keep a few key pointers in mind:

1.)    FPS (or Frame Rate): This spec informs you of how many frames-per-second the camera or DVR runs at.  The max each channel can record at is 30 frames per second. 30 FPS is considered to be live motion as if you were watching it happen with your own eyes. Keep 30 FPS in mind when you are shopping for a DVR, as you’ll notice that some DVR units mention things like, “8 Channel DVR with 240FPS.”  This means the max recording ability is 240 across all the capable channels. Take the 240 and divide it by its 8 channels, and you’ll get 30 FPS per Channel. Some DVR units will not always allow you to view all channels at the full 30 FPS. Some DVRs will mention “16 Channel DVR with 120FPS;” this means the system is capable of up to 16 cameras, but can only share 120 frames across all the channels. To get you per camera frame rate take the 120 and divide by 16, this will give you 7.5FPS. With this kind of low frame rate, you can expect the video to be a little more intermittent, and it may not be as fluid as videos with a higher frame rate.

2.)    TVL (or Television Lines): TVL is a number you typically see only on Analog cameras, and it tells you the resolution of a given camera. Some cameras may have resolutions as low as 420 TVL, while others may range up in the 600-700 TVL area. Naturally, the higher the number, the more clear and crisp the resolution and picture will be. At the moment, the highest an analog camera’s resolution can go is 700 TVL. This spec is one of the most important things to consider when picking the right camera.

3.)    MP (or Megapixel): This is the resolution of an IP (Internet Protocol)-based or network-based camera.  Instead of running at the traditional TVL measurement, IP cameras use the Megapixel format to illustrate the resolution of any given camera: 1MP, 1.3MP, 2MP, 3MP, 4MP, and 5 MP. Cameras do have the ability to go higher than 5 MP, but it’s not a proven technology yet, and it’s much more reliable to stick around the 5MP area to keep a good resolution to FPS ratio. As you increase the camera’s MP, you decrease the frame rate and vice- versa. Any camera going over the 5MP area will not be capable of producing a significant frame rate, making the camera nearly unusable, as the video will appear as more of a slideshow than actual movement. A 2MP on the IP camera side can equal 4 standard analog camera images combined. Not to mention IP cameras usually come with some really sophisticated bonus features.

Shedding Some Light on Infrared Illumination

Let’s talk a little bit about infrared (IR) lighting. When confronted with low to no-light situations, infrared cameras are the common go-to for a quick and easy fix. But peel the layers of the onion back, and understanding camera sensors and infrared lighting becomes a much more complex matter.

Camera sensors are made up of two main materials: germanium and silicon – the material used will factor how the lens will react to light. An interesting note – many of the sensors which CCTV cameras use are actually manufactured by camcorder makers. Camcorder makers invest a good deal of time and money to develop a sensor that operates within the spectrum of light that our eyes can see.  The human eye can see light in the approximate wavelength spectrum of 380nm to 760nm. Infrared light is considered any light wave length above 715nm. This leaves approximately 45nm of IR light spectrum we can see, which is why you can see a red glow around the lens at night.

One interesting thing to note about camera sensors is that all sensors are monochrome (use the grey scale, or are in black and white). Color is achieved by inserting a red, blue, and green filter in front of the sensors. These filters lead to a drop in resolution and quality in image over the monochrome image. Also, with the filters in place, the camera cannot view IR lights. Despite this, there are dual-mode cameras that can do both color and monochrome. When the light sensor detects the light dropping below a certain lux, the camera will remove the filters and turn on the IR lights. The image will go from color to black and white.

Despite other technological advancements in night vision, like Sense-up, infrared lighting remains king when you need to see in the dark.

 

The Ever-Changing Face of the CCTV Industry

It’s been said that the CCTV industry has changed more in the last couple years than in the past decade. The main reason for this is the invasion of new technology. This can mainly be viewed as the changes occurring within security DVRs (digital video recorders) and security cameras. It is estimated that the CCTV industry was at 1.3 billion in revenue growth in the early 2000s, and this number has skyrocketed over the past few years. With the rising demand for remote access, higher resolution, and stronger connectivity overall, the face of the CCTV industry will continue to change.

Let’s take a look at security DVRs. Back in the day, they were limited to what they could do for the end user. The storage was decent but not so great for secondary purposes. Also, if you were not at the place of business where your DVR was located, you were sure to miss something. Now you can pretty much have it all, thanks to a jump in technical advancements. Standalone DVRs now allow you to have real-time viewing and on-the-fly recording. Standalone DVRs are also a better choice for applications that do not require as much scalability, and they’re ultimately more cost-effective. A single standalone DVRs can allow remote viewing via any PC, Android device, or iPhone. Also, secondary storage can easily be covered with the addition of USB and DVD burners. Some dealers are even offering standalones with Mac clients that will allow you to use your Mac PC /products as well.

PC-based DVRs are sometimes referred to as hybrid systems, as they allow you to utilize both analog cameras and IP cameras.  This is a big plus for an end user who is looking for a large system with lots of flexibility. NVRs are compared to DVRs because they are similar, but they support only IP cameras. Within all these systems, technology is also enhancing analytics. Analytics is the application of computer technology, operational research, and statistics to solve problems in business and industry. A practical definition, however, would be that analytics is the process of obtaining an optimal or realistic decision based on existing data.  Some examples of analytics include object detection, real-time alarm on missing objects, object tracking & zooming by PTZ cameras, and object counter.

Security cameras can’t hide from the invasion of technology either. Analog cameras are experiencing a major transformation right before our eyes. With so many options for analog cameras these days, it really just comes down to which one has the best technology. Let take a look at the image processing chips (CCD, CMOS).  Some analog cameras come with the new Sony Effio technology on their CCD chips. “Effio” means enhanced features and fine image processor, and it is a Sony signal processor which realizes high resolution, high S/N ratio and high color reproduction for security cameras.  As for night vision technology, we no longer have to rely on LEDs, thanks to Sense-up technology.  The main purpose of Sense-up is to provide a camera technology that does not rely on artificial light to see in very low light conditions.  This means that cameras with Sense-up are capable of seeing in near total darkness while retaining full color images. Security cameras equipped with this technology use an adjustable electronic shutter to vary the amount of light that enters the camera. IP cameras can be used on a small scale as their own security network and come with their own recording software. Technology has now taken IP cameras to 5 megapixels and above.  And it is always a bonus to have a camera with two-way audio, a feature that many IP cameras now include by default.

In conclusion, technology is going take the CCTV industry to places never seen before and it will continue to change, thus making the CCTV world a recession-proof industry. So much excitement will continue to grow for integrators, installers, and of course, the end user.  I know that my anticipation has grown to see what is going to be the next wave of CCTV products and services. So sit back and keep your eyes open and adjusted to the ever-changing face of the CCTV industry.

 

CCD vs CMOS Chips: Battle of the Sensors

There has always been some kind of discussion behind the image processing chips that are embedded inside CCTV cameras. You have CCD (Charged Couple Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors) chips. I have personally often wondered if the choice in these chips will impact the quality of the camera and how it performs.  After researching the two sensor technologies, I have come to find out that neither is really better than the other. There are, however, some interesting differences between CCD and CMOS chips.

Both types of imagers basically convert light into electric charge and process it into electronic signals. A main technical difference is in the way they process this light into electric signals. In a CCD chip, every pixel’s charge has to do with the output nodes that are transferred and the conversion of the voltage into an analog signal. In a CMOS sensor, each pixel has its own charge-to-voltage conversion, and the sensor often also includes amplifiers, and circuits that can correct noise and give an output in digital bits.

Since technology is always changing the CCTV industry, price is also taken into consideration. It has been said that CCD cameras are a little more expensive due to CCD chips being used in cameras that focus on high-quality images with lots of pixels and excellent light sensitivity. CCD sensors have been mass-produced for many years, so it’s a more mature technology.  CMOS cameras can be a little more cost effective, because they are traditionally of lower quality, lower resolution, and lower sensitivity.  But once again, technology is making it possible for CMOS chips to be used in IP cameras that give off high resolutions through mega pixel lenses.  CMOS sensors also consume less power than CCD (up to 100 times less), making them great for extending battery life.  So the playing field for both chips is starting to level out. Dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio can be other indicators as it relates to the size and performance of the chips.

So believe it or not, it really just depends on the application that is being executed to determine the strength of either chip.  Both CCD and CMOS imagers can offer excellent imaging performance when designed properly. So the next time you are looking into cameras, remember that it’s not really the chips you should be worried about; CCD and CMOS will remain complementary. The choice continues to depend on the application and the vendor more than the technology. And remember neither CCD nor CMOS chips have a clear advantage over the other as it relates to image quality.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a License Plate Camera

Being a consultant in the security camera industry, I get a phone call everyday asking, “Will this security camera be able to capture a license plate?” or, “I bought this camera the other day and it doesn’t work right – it won’t pick up license plates.” It’s important to consider that not just any security camera can do that job, but rest assured you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg on one that can. Here are a couple of pointers to keep in mind when shopping for a license plate camera.

Pick the Right Camera

What a lot of people do not recognize is that if you want to capture a license plate with a camera, you’re going to have to purchase one that is used strictly for nothing but catching license plates. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as easy as getting any camera, setting the lens so the picture is wide, and then expecting to capture great detail. The best starting point is to look at box cameras. Box cameras themselves are small, but once you put them inside an outdoor housing, they become bulky but ideal solutions. Box cameras usually allow swappable lenses, so with the correct zoom lens, the camera can easily be pointed and manually zoomed to the right location for license plate sightings. Believe it or not, the picture in the upper right hand corner was taken at 100ft away. We used an IP camera and added a 5 – 50mm lens and were able to catch this view 100 feet away (and really could have gotten it further). Although that is an impressive plate caught with an IP camera, you can get the same result with an analog camera (sometimes even better). This picture in all black and white, was taken by a License Plate Recognition Camera, and believe it or not, it’s an analog.

Pick a Good Spot for the Camera

A decision that is just as important as picking the right camera is picking a spot for the camera, or picking a spot so the camera can see the spot that is ideal for catching license plates. There are a few situations that are just absolutely ideal for catching plates, such as directly before a speed bump, in front of a stop sign, or even at the driveway where cars will be pulling in and out. You will greatly increase your chances of capturing a license plate if you pick the spot in your parking lot where the cars are forced to slow or stop.

Illumination Range

Unless the area you are trying to capture license plates is very well lit 24/7, you will have to consider the illumination range. Illumination range is the distance the IR lights will reflect so the camera can see in the dark. If you use a box camera, you may have to use an IR illuminator (which will add IR to any camera) if your camera lacks infrared options. Be mindful that the particular license plate camera will not need to see to the end of the parking lot, just to the area where you are hoping to see the plate.

Catching license plates is something that isn’t very hard if you know what camera to buy, what lens to put on that camera, where to point the camera, and have sufficient lighting. While this may involve moving the camera around a few times to acquire an optimal position, it’s ultimately an easy and worthwhile use of time.

 

Keeping an Eye Out for the Bottom Line With Fisheye

 

IP Cameras in the Home…Do You Need That?

As someone that is in the industry, I get this question on a daily basis. “Do I need IP or Analog cameras for my home?”  The answer to this question is quite simple, “How important is your stuff?” There is one major truth about IP cameras that some people find hard to swallow and I am going to be very blunt about it, “Yes, they are more expensive”.

They are more expensive BUT the Cost vs. Price analysis shows that they are in essence less expensive when considering what you actually get with the IP camera solution.  So what do you get, Clarity is the huge one. With the right IP camera you can catch such great detail that you can not only see and describe who is walking up to the door, but the camera system can recognize the face, store it, and give you the exact time the person walked up to the door. While the camera system is doing this it also has the capability to catch the make, model and license plate of the car s/he drove up in. And if that wasn’t enough, the camera system can count the number of people that walk up to the door, pull into the drive way, or even walk by the house. And believe it or not, the system will even send you an email if someone walks up to the door after hours. The system can alert you if the UPS man walks up and leaves a package, or it can alert you if you have something on the porch and it suddenly walks off.

Can you get this type of clarity with an analog camera system?  Maybe?  On a clear day? The honest answer: probably not. Can you get these extra features like facial detection with an analog camera system? That answers easy, NO.

So now I ask the same question that I asked above, “How important is your stuff?”  or the real question is “How important is your safety?”.

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