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.

 

Three Simple Ways to Clean a Camera Lens

Dust, rain, and bugs can have a great impact on the quality of your camera’s picture, but with the following easy tips, you can keep the image quality looking great throughout the life of your security camera.

1. Distilled Water – Put some distilled water into a squeeze bottle with small tip. You’ll want to gently apply some water droplets, then blot gently with lens tissue or another clean, lint-free, scratch-free material.
2. Baby Shampoo – A mild surfactant like Johnson’s baby shampoo (diluted with water) lightly applied to the glass and blotted dry is a great way to remove dust, spider webs, and oil compounds from areas that create steam from oil based foods.
3. Hot Air – By using a hair dryer to a dry lens you are heating up the glass to a point where the molecules are now looser and easier to remove.  The reason why waxing a car is such a chore is the effort needed to create heat by rubbing the surface to warm up the compounds so they can be removed.  A simple hair dryer to a lint free cloth can do the trick for minor cleaning needs.

 

If You Liked It Then You Shoulda Put a Box On It

Why would you buy a $1,500 camera system to monitor your home or business and not protect the recording device?  If you have a DVR in your convenience store and you’re are either robbed or become a victim of internal theft, you know they’re going to take that DVR off the wall and throw it in the nearest trash can.  All your data is gone – all that surveillance is only as good as the hard drive you stored it in.  For a mere $100 you can secure your data in a lockable, fire proof and cricket proof safe designed for electronic equipment.

DVR lock boxes usually come in black but with a can of paint, you can make anything happen.  The ability to hide your data is also made easier with a with side screws to mount the box up above the ceiling (typical for commercial use) or even in a closet (for home use). When you make the investment to buy a survillance system, make it a necessity to include a DVR lockbox as part of your purchase to keep your footage safe.

 

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.

 

CCTV Camera Self-Installation Tips

In the market for a new surveillance system?  Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when looking to install a new CCTV setup:

1. When selecting a power supply unit that powers up several cameras from one source, pick a unit that has the fuseless design. This will greatly decrease the possibility of having fuses go out and cause your cameras to not function correctly.
2. Keep in mind if you want to be able to view your DVR and cameras over the web but are installing the system yourself, look for a company that offers network support over the phone so you don’t have to be charged a substantial amount to have someone come out and set it up for you.
3. Ask your sales rep if they have any installation tools – when you are working with items that are classified within the security industry, sometimes you may run across special items that require special tools to work on them; otherwise, you could damage or break a device or cable by using the wrong tools.
4. When trying to focus your cameras to see the area or object you want to monitor, it may be helpful to have a device that allows you to view the actual image the camera is seeing. This device is called a portable monitor – ask your rep if they carry any devices like this, as it can make installation an ease and get the task done correctly and considerably faster.

Understanding CCTV Cables

Today I want to go over the differences between the two most commonly used cables in the CCTV industry. It’s important to use the right cabling for the right application, because even with the perfect camera setup and perfect DVR – without the right cabling, you’re hosed.

The first type of cable that I’m going to discuss is Cat5 cabling. Cat5 consists of 4 twisted pairs of cable for carrying signals. Two of the twisted pairs can be used for power, and the other two for video. It is also used to carry other signals such as telephony and video. Most Category 5 cables are unshielded, relying on the twisted pair design and differential signaling for noise rejection. Using a video balun, you can use Cat5 for none IP analog cameras. Naturally Cat5 is used for IP cameras, but as you can see, it is very versatile. Cat5 is great for hybrid IP/non IP systems simply because it gives you the option to convert your non-IP cameras to IP when you choose to do so. However, the one down side to Cat5 is the distance you can run the cable. Cat5 is only allowed to go up to 300ft. Using a POE switch will extend your runs, but without that, you’ll be limited.

The next cabling that I want to discuss is Coax or Siamese Cabling. This is still the most popular type of cabling that is being run, but its usage is slowing down. The Siamese Cable is strictly used for non-IP analog cameras. As you can see on the image below, there are two ends, hence the name Siamese Cable. Another common name in the industry for this cable is RG-59. One side of the cable is used for video that will run back to the DVR. On the other side are the positive and negative ends for power that will go to your power supply.  The cable can support runs that can go up to 700ft without any extenders. The ease of use, quality, and flexibility it gives you makes this a very common choice among installers. The Coax cable comes in a spool, or you can get it precut as well. Precut options are better for your average residential DIY project. However, if you’re looking to add multiple cameras with long runs, then a spool is going to be the route you want to go.

All in all, each cable will bring different things to the table. What’s most important is that you do research on your project and find out which cable is for you! Remember, not all cables are created equally!

 

 

Camera Styles: Dome vs Box vs Bullet

There are several camera styles to choose from: Dome, Box, Bullet, Vandal-Resistant, and Spy.  Each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages.  First, I would like to discuss the Dome Camera:

The dome camera is one of the most versatile camera styles.  Many CCTV dome cameras offer 3-axis mounting.  This mounting option allows you to mount vertical, horizontal and diagonally.

Another advantage is the dome structure itself:  it offers a pleasing aesthetic look, blending in with the area of installation, and is usually offered in a variety of colors.  The dome structure also offers greater vandal resistance when mounted in close arm’s length.  This strength is very importance to consider when mounting for an application that involves lots of people in reach of the camera.  Applications such as convenience stores, banks, retail stores, bars and homes should first consider dome cameras.

A disadvantage is if you ever need to change the field of view, it is necessary to pull the dome cover off to adjust the camera.  Also, dome cameras are typically limited to a 12mm lens, so if longer distance or tighter shots are needed, this may not be the best choice.

The most commonly used camera, and probably the most versatile for distance viewing, is the box camera.  The box security camera is not used often for its looks (I mean it’s a box), but moreso to have a presence of security to ward off potential challenges.  A few advantages to consider when selecting box cameras:

• Inexpensive – there are many high resolution options that start under $100
• Audio – Among analog cameras many box cameras offers an audio microphone
• Large range of lenses – can capture both wide and small areas in addition to long distances – 2.8mm to 250mm+ lens available

• Dual power – box cameras can be powered with 12VDC or 24VAC
• Heated camera housing available – for cold weather conditions, a box camera can easily be placed in a heated enclosure

The disadvantages are the usually uninspired looks of the camera, and if mounted low, they could be tampered with.  Also make sure you know which power source is run to the camera before hooking it up.

 

Sleek and aerodynamic are characteristics that come to mind when I think of Bullet Cameras.  Not many things are more powerful than a locomotive and faster than a speeding bullet camera.

There are numerous spec choices with bullet cameras.  They offer fixed lens, varifocal, long range, and a plethora of features.

Most bullet cams are suited for outdoor applications because of their larger size, which additionally offers a great way to deter theft.  The bullet is very versatile because of the mounting bracket’s flexibility to swivel horizontally, and vertical adjustments can also be made with the simple turn of a screw or bolt.  A bullet camera is also well-suited for interior warehouse applications.

One area to consider before installing a bullet is how high or low you will mount the camera.  If you need to mount the camera less than 10 feet, and are worried about vandalism, then consider a different style camera.

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.

Standalone DVR Pro Review: AP-FD Series

Having been a technician in the CCTV camera industry for several years now, I’ve been asked over and over: “Which is better, a PC based or standalone DVR?”  The answer pretty much depends on the application of the DVR; there are several factors to consider when selecting a DVR system that will suit an individual’s needs.

There is one feature that is presently not available from standalone DVRs, and that is the support of IP cameras. So far we have not seen any standalone DVR that will support an IP camera.

For the purpose of this blog, I am going to cover the feature-rich AP-FD series of standalone DVRs, which come available in 4, 9 or 16 channels.

On the image above you will see that there is a DVR burner on the machine. These machines have the option to add the DVD burner or a 2nd hard drive. The video quality on this DVR is very good and offers D1 image and H.264 recordings. Image quality, size and frame rate are customizable for each channel on the DVR. This is a feature that was not available in past standalone DVRs.

If you use a 2^nd hard drive you can set up a mirror RAID for added reliability. This is another feature that was not available on past DVRs.  You an add several PTZ cameras on this machine as it comes with several available protocols and a RS485 connector built into the back panel.  The DVR uses a mouse to navigate, this is a feature that most of the newer standalone DVRs have but 2 years ago, they were very hard to find. On all of the models, you can have up to 4 channels with audio.

This machine has the best Central Monitoring Software I have ever seen for remote connections with remote administration. The program can be used to connect to one or multiple FD DVRs at one time. In the shop, I have connected up to 16 machines at one time.

One of the highlights for me is that fact that when you burn video from this machine, it creates a self executing file that needs no conversion to play on a PC. This is a very good feature because all other standalones I have ever seen require burned video to be opened in a viewer supplied by the manufacturer and then converted so it will play on a PC.

Since I have been in this industry, I have seen more than 30 different models of standalone DVRs, and the FD series is the only one I have recommended to customers that are using PC based machines. The DVR is very easy to use, video is easy to control, the quality is great, and the machine is very reliable. I have recommended and converted 2 restaurant chains to this DVR, and the customers have been very happy with the new machines.

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.

 

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