Network Sharing and Bandwidth
Filed under: CCTV Camera, General Technology, Networking, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
One of the first things I hear when beginning a conversation about using IP cameras on an existing network is “Will it eat up all my bandwidth and slow everything way down?” The answer, not unless you’re using extremely high resolution cameras, but using cameras with 1-megapixel of resolution or less should have little effect on bandwidth and still provide high quality images.
One of the first things to do when discussing sharing a network with a potential customer is to find out what they mean by sharing the network. Do they mean sharing the physical cable plant or just switches and infrastructure? As some of you might know, it is possible to share a single network switch without the networks interfering with each other, as long as the switch has the right capabilities.
Some people will recommend completely different networks for security systems, which is not usually necessary, unless of course, the network must be tightly controlled, which in most cases is not necessary. The most important part to remember when determining whether or not to share the network, or parts of it, is how much bandwidth the cameras will take up. One thing to keep in mind here is that megapixel cameras use a lot more bandwidth than a standard resolution camera. Older models of IP cameras that used MPEG4 with 30ips and a CIF of 640 X 480 would produce between 2 and 5 megabits per second (Mbps), depending on the brand. But now with H.264 we are seeing 2-megapixel cameras at 30ips producing up to 6Mbs, again depending on the brand. That is a huge difference when you are using several IP cameras on your system!
Just remember if you are using 1-megapixel cameras or less and have no more than 16 cameras on the system, bandwidth is not something to worry about too much. Cameras with higher resolution will take more consideration in the load your network can handle. Don’t be afraid to ask an expert.
Education Equals Loyalty
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, CCTV Security Camera Lenses, CCTV Security DVR Cards, CCTV Training Videos, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
As a salesman in the CCTV and access control market, I have learned that educating the customer is the key to making the sale. Often I interact with resellers who are new to the security industry. I also have many customers who have never ordered, installed, or built a security system before. Both groups need to know where to begin and that’s where my expertise and ability to inform can make the difference.
Educating Yourself
What good is a musician if he cannot read music? An artist must master his craft and the same can be said in sales. Creating false impressions can sometimes lead to conflict. More often than not the problem starts with a lack of self education. Product and market knowledge are vital. You must know your product and the market in which you are selling.
From time to time, I speak with a customer who has his/her heart set on a particular security product, but that item has sold out or become discontinued. In this scenario, being well educated about your company’s product line can enable you to up-sale the customer on a better product or quickly find a similar model to fulfill their security needs.
In order to become an expert in your field, find a mentor and ask lots of questions. I have never met a child with more knowledge than his parents. In the same way, salesmen who are new to the industry have a lot to learn and should not hesitate to learn as much as possible from their peers.
Educating the Customer
Recently, a customer called me about a power supply issue they were having. He stated that he made his purchase with the intent of powering IR illumination cameras. With some investigating, I realized that the he was not providing enough power to the cameras. These types of incidents often occur when the customer is not properly educated. Educating the customer about the product creates a valued perception of not only the item but yourself.
Overview
Have you ever visited a restaurant for the first time and had horrible service or food? After that experience, did you find yourself unwilling to return? Bad experiences can lead to one time purchases. As the front line of the security industry, salesmen need to educate customers as well as create a friendly experience for them. By educating yourself and your client you will begin to build a relationship of trust and with trust comes loyalty.
Is the DVR on its way out?
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Comparisons, General Technology, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
As technology changes along with the price for IP based solutions, is our reliance on the DVR decreasing? As we look to the future, it is estimated by some that in the next three years IP based video storage will near the 6 Billion dollar mark, which could mean the need for the DVR could decline dramatically. One of the main reasons for such an increase in IP based storage is due to IP SANs (storage area networks). The cost and complexity of SANs dropped in the late 2000′s, resulting in a much wider adoption across both enterprise and small to medium sized business environments. There are studies that indicate that over 30% of the revenue generated by video surveillance storage, which is a big part of any project, will come from network storage. That is a large increase considering that for now, DVR’s and local storage still make up the bulk of the systems being installed.
As technology pushes onward and more systems move toward an IP based solution, other changes will surely be in store for the security industry. Some of the more cutting edge end users will begin looking at newer technologies such as network storage and video software as a service (VSaaS), which will increase the need for more providers of off-site video management and storage.
Does all this mean we are seeing the need for the DVR coming to an end, and if so how soon? I don’t think that the extinction of the security DVR is as close as some may predict. DVR prices are affordable to almost everyone and these units are still an upgrade for users who have been archiving footage with a VCR. I believe the DVR will remain our primary source of surveillance for many years to come. Keep in mind that technology will eventually lead to change and as in any industry, if we’re not prepared, we could find ourselves on the outside looking in.
Access Gone IP
Filed under: Access Control, CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
In the past, Access control was typically a very bulky system with lots of cables and dozens of components. Thanks to advances in technology access control has gone IP and system requirements have been reduced to only a few key components.
Similar to the surveillance marketplace with its NVR (Network Video Recorders), IP cameras, and POE devices, the access control industry is now sitting atop a mountain of possibilities. In the old days, a system consisted of a main server control panel that stored all the information needed to run the system completely. Unfortunately, this left the system exposed and if the system crashed or went down, no passage through any door was possible until repairs took place. Now access control panels have the ability to be tied into the network and all the information can be streamed across the networks infrastructure, so even if one component is to fail, the system as a whole can still function.
Access control systems can run several controllers with multiple door locations, thousands of access cards, and they consume very little network bandwidth. Unlike IP cameras, which send a constant stream of video through a network, access components only send bits of information when necessary. If you’re shopping for a new access control system be sure to consider IP access control. These systems are more user friendly than ever before and can save you a lot of money over time.
Opening Doors to Further Expansion
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
Is your current system running out of space to add more cameras or are you stuck with one manufacturer of cameras? Wouldn’t it be nice to have the ability to expand your current system without the limitations of server and camera compatibility? With an open solution you can turn that dream into reality.
Companies like Milestone are making it possible to work with multiple camera manufacturers as they have adopted one standard format. That format is called Onvif and it is being used industry-wide. As Onvif becomes the industry standard for different IP camera manufacturers, you will find that setup and configuration of cameras from multiple manufacturers will become easier to integrate into one system. If you have NVR solutions that utilize the Onvif platform your configuration choices are virtually limitless.
One major advantage of using software that is capable of accommodating so many different manufactures is the ability to support a customer who already has several IP cameras made by different manufactures. You will enable your customer to use all of their cameras on the same system. If all the customer’s cameras had the same generic platform, system integration would be made simple.
With a solution like Samsung’s Auto IP you can plug a camera into the network and within 30-90 seconds the camera will be found by Samsung’s Auto IP system. At that point the system will auto configure the new camera and start recording. Solutions like these can make your life as a salesman, integrator, or customer easier. So don’t hesitate, open the doors and begin expanding your security horizons.
Facial Recognition – The Future of Security
Filed under: Access Control, CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, General Technology, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
Although there have been many advancements in security applications, one of the most intriguing developments in the security marketplace in recent years has been facial recognition. Facial recognition is the ability for software to identify a human face. Many government agencies use this type of software to find criminals by searching through surveillance feeds and cross referencing them with a database of photos.
Whether you’re trying to protect mass transportation, identify a known hot check writer at a bank, or require details on who may be entering a secured entrance, facial recognition can aid in keeping your business safe. Although the security industry has been developing many new facial recognition software packages and devices, there still hasn’t been a large adoption of this technology in the marketplace. Sales, licensing, and integration of facial recognition hardware and software generated approximately $390 million in 2009. These numbers show that despite the slow trend for industry-wide acceptance of this technology, there is clearly a demand for these products.
These types of systems are being installed mostly in civil identification projects, which do offer controlled environments. Applications include matching people to their supposed passport photos or making sure a customer at the Department of Motor Vehicles hasn’t already applied for and received a driver’s license. Facial recognition is quickly gaining acceptance in virtually any situation where authenticating a person’s identity is a requirement.
Since the quality of facial images is driven by the performance of the system, good lighting, subject orientation, and motion all play a part in the ability to obtain a good facial detection. GeoVision, a leading manufacturer in surveillance software, incorporates video analytics such as Face Detection in Object Index which is used to detect human faces in video and save the images as a thumbnail index. The recommendation is to install cameras near the entrances and exits. Once there is an index with headshots of each individual, you can then use that information to either allow or deny access.
Implementing this type of software will certainly aid in increasing the efficiency of your security staff, however this technology is still years from being fully automated.
How to Avoid Getting Hacked
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
In 1995, a movie called Hackers debuted showing the life of a group of hackers and what kind of trouble they can cause. Hacking is still an ongoing problem today and as a result has crept into the security market through integrated information systems. In this article I’ll share some tips that can help you keep this cyber intrusion away from your home or business.
Generally, most technologically savvy people get excited about the idea of being able to turn on lights, view security cameras, and control other gadgets at home with a Smart Phone. Unfortunately, there are criminals learning how to break into your systems despite increased security and better technology. So as you log in and review footage on your DVR or control feature of your Smart Home, a cyber thief could be following your every move. The best way to keep these so called cyber criminals from hacking into your system is to use encryption. If you leave any part of your system unencrypted, you’ve already created a huge vulnerability.
Many people in the residential market or in small businesses do not need to go to such extremes as encrypting video feeds. It may be necessary though if you’re trying to protect priceless property or have had issues in the past with people trying to steal certain items.
Some DVRs have a watermark feature to aid in preventing theft. This feature can help a viewer tell the difference between a genuine feed and a fake. I also recommend changing user names and passwords on a regular basis. You don’t want to leave your system with the factory defaults of admin/admin or 12345. Login information like this is what hackers are going to try first. Many customers have asked me to log into their systems and when I ask them what their user name and password is, they often respond saying, “I don’t know who set it up, I just have it saved to auto log in”. This is not a good practice and won’t keep your system secure. Remember if you want to keep your security system safe from hackers, you must, first, keep it safe from a 5 year old.
Why Casinos are Now Considering the Move to IP
Filed under: CCTV Articles, General Technology, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
The casino industry has one of the largest installed bases of surveillance systems of any market. However the migration to IP has been slower than anticipated due to regulatory requirements and the business critical nature of casino surveillance operations.
Surveillance requirements in gaming are driven not just by business and operational requirements but also gaming regulations that set stringent specifications for the monitoring of gambling businesses and the surveillance function. The gaming industry’s growing acceptance of IP-based video surveillance systems, including cameras, recording devices and information management software, is based on advances in technology that demonstrate improved overall performance and a confirmed ROI.
Video surveillance systems in casinos are subject to strict regulations that govern deployment. These regulations dictate such matters as frame rates, retention time and camera positions. Early versions of IP cameras and network based recording systems could not meet many of the mandated technical requirements or deliver results in a manner consistent with the regulations.
Hybrid systems incorporate encoders and other transition devices to allow a partial move to network based systems that can add digital cameras while allowing the continued use of the original analog cameras. Over time, new digital cameras can be added to the system as old cameras begin to reach their life expectancy or as facilities expand and reconfigure.
Manufacturers have also started to respond to the market opportunity by developing products that address the particular needs of the gaming industry. One example is the development of specialist analytics that can track high value chips or identify irregular gambling patterns in high stakes games.
The growing use of megapixel security cameras is an example of the additional capabilities found in digital technology. The high definition resolution of these cameras provides greater detail for analysis when viewing activity. While it is technically possible to deploy fewer cameras to capture the same views as comparably positioned analog cameras, the initial deployments of megapixel cameras in gaming have been to augment and not replace existing camera set ups.
Along with improved technology, advances in network equipment and increased infrastructure have solved much of the bandwidth issue. New and remodeled gaming properties are deploying network infrastructures capable of supporting IP systems. The ROI is seen in reduced installation and operational costs and higher, more sustainable levels of operational efficiency. IP based systems are inherently easier to install than analog systems due to reduced cable and hands on programming time at the camera.
Operational costs have also been reduced with PoE Compliant IP cameras that are powered over existing/new network Category 5 cabling that delivers standard 10/100/1000Mb Ethernet service. Power is transmitted over Cat 5 Ethernet cabling, enabling the transition to a network platform to be achieved in a centralized, more simplified, and easy to manage environment. Additionally, new PoE power supplies are available that also allow non compliant PoE cameras to be powered over the network using simple, inexpensive adapters. High performance, system integration, scalability and lower cost of ownership will be the factors that continue to drive the expansion of IP cameras in gaming and other markets.
Government Changing Security
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
With today’s active security market, we as vendors have noticed a rise in activity from the government. We are seeing more interest on their part in smartcards with a lot of attention being placed on identification technology, such as biometrics.
We’ve all seen the television shows or movies where a government agency can search their database and retrieve all sorts of files with information about anyone. The time is coming when these concepts will become reality. The truth is, software for asset tracking and management is a big need right now for several industries. Most companies have begun to use this technology to track goods with RFID chips, which use GPS tracking to report where assets are located in real time. The government wants to use a similar concept on citizens.
One program that’s at the forefront of this movement is ICAM (Identity and Credential Access Management). ICAM allows both access control systems and network access systems to communicate with one another. The government is driving change in security standards, from surveillance to access control and across all areas of the security industry.
These standards will help drive down the price points for the customer as well as the vendor. The ultimate goal is for everyone to be on the same network. Having access to millions of security feeds through one network would greatly benefit the government in areas of law enforcement and homeland security.
With high security needs in the military the levels of integration continue to capture the spotlight. The growth of technology partnerships will help to achieve and meet these needs. Ultimately, not one company is going to be able to meet these standards alone. The entire security industry will have to integrate and work together to meet the standards and goals set within this ever-changing market.
H.264 – The Newest Codec for Video Compression
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
Raw video is compressed before it can be sent across a network and recorded. Compression methods take advantage of what the human eye cannot detect. Our eyes can interpret colors, shades, and movement. A computer however, is able to gather a lot more information. Compression codes such as MPEG-4 and MJPEG are able to toss out redundant information that we can’t see and also remove any data that hasn’t changed between frames. Removing this unnecessary information results in smaller file sizes.
It’s important to understand that older styles of compression are for a certain range of resolutions such as CIF (Common Intermediate Format) 352 X 288 and 4CIF 704 X 480. The surveillance industry is rapidly growing and as our technology evolves, so must all other standards that apply to them. For example, we now have megapixel capability which gives you 1280 X 720 or 720p and also 1920 X 1080 or 1080p. Since the resolution is so much higher today due to the increase in megapixel technology, the industry must offer a compression codec that will be able to squeeze the huge frames down to a usable size. A newer and more efficient compression method that is able to resolve this issue is H.264.
H.264 video compression uses what is known as bidirectional frames. Without getting too technical here, this type of codec anticipates movement. If a frame has not changed, it throws out the unchanged areas ahead of time. For example, if a camera is facing a door, and the image is not changing for an extended period of time, the H.264 codec throws out redundancies thus using a smaller file size. This type of compression does use more processing power. The H.264 codec was developed to reduce demands for video storage and bandwidth. It also uses 50% less bandwidth than MPEG-4 to transmit images of the same quality. With substantially lower bit rates, H.264 uses significantly less storage to capture video compared to previous standards.
In a nut shell, DVR’s with H.264 compression allow you to transmit video at faster frame rates and increase your archived duration. Security systems using this new compression standard will not only allow you to capture more video, but they will also improve the overall efficiency of your entire surveillance setup.
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