Category Archives: CCTV

360 Vision Technology to release IR dome camera.

Posted on by

360 Vision Technology to release IR dome camera.

360 Vision Technology are about to release their new External IR Dome. Built around the technology that has been so instrumental in the success of the Predator camera, the outer housing is of  a robust metallic design. It has the IR lamps that are such an integral part of this camera, moulded into the finished shape. It is a different animal from the current 360 vision dome currently on the market and is not designed to be serviceable on site but is stronger and virtually maintenance free.

Better night vision.

The new 360 IR dome is designed to fit into a market place that recognises that IR is now invaluable in dome design this is to ensure clear, crisp images at night. Duel chip cameras have worked well but they have always had their limitations in poor lighting conditions. Now, with IR domes we finally have a solution.

360 Vision and March Networks.

The technology partnership between 360 Vision and March Networks has paid dividends with the March codec being incorporated into the head to allow the unit to be easily converted to IP .This allows it to be integrated into CCTV software solutions that are starting to become the preferred recording option in place of the less versatile Digital video recorder. With an IR range of up to 100 metres expected and all the features that 360 have developed over the years built in as standard, it is a formidable dome camera.

So who will buy the 360 vision IR dome.

The camera is surely going to be aimed at the increasing ageing dome cameras that are out there in the field at present. There is huge potential for upgrades for ambitious installers who can grasp this opportunity. Those with foresight will also use the IP dome camera and software recording route to allow customers the option of future expansion and flexibility to their CCTV systems.

Conclusion.

Once again we find that 360 vision have been thinking to the future. The market for this camera is huge and the price offers very good value. It will be good to track the progress of this dome camera but we believe that sales will prove it to be one of the top cameras in its class.

CCTV software v DVRs

Posted on by

Why use CCTV software instead of a DVR?

CCTV software has been around for a while but as a recording medium has long been easily outsold by the good old reliable DVR. The DVR has changed the face of the CCTV industry over the last 10 years and comes in many different forms. From high end spec that costs onwards and upwards of £5000, to budget units that can be bought for as little as £300. Explaining to an end user the vast difference in cost can be tricky but as we all know you will generally pay for what you get. Recently though the DVR has started to change.

How have DVRs changed?

They have evolved into hybrid units so they can incorporate the latest technology such as analytics and IP cameras. Many benefits here, but manufacturers are starting to think differently about how the market will develop in the future. Until recently IP cameras have struggled to take a hold in the security industry . The main reason has been the substantial difference in price between an IP camera and its analogue equivilent. In addition IT managers have been reluctant to stream large amounts of data across their network. The cost of an IP DVR has also meant that an upgrade is expensive and difficult to sell . So whats changing? Basically the cost of IP cameras is plummeting , they are also cheaper to install. IT managers have become far more accepting of  the technology and like the idea that they can record through CCTV software such as March network’s Videosphere VMS rather than a DVR solution. In addition manufactures are starting to put recording into the camera itself this means that critical data can boast full redundancy and no information will be lost.

More flexible.

Perhaps though the greatest benefit of IP Cameras integrated into a CCTV software solution is flexibility. No longer is the end user restricted to a 16 way box and the need to buy another costly DVR box if he needs extra cameras on his site. Another huge benefit is the introduction of codecs.This is a device that turns an analogue camera into an IP device that can easily be introduced into the CCTV software solution. So a customer can convert to CCTV software recording without the need to replace all his existing analogue cameras.

Conclusion.

Not many people in the security industry expect that analogue will be around for long. So we ask,will CCTV software do the same to digital video recorders, that DVRs did to their predecessor, the humble VCR?

Videx.

Posted on by

Brand spotlight.

Videx is a manufacturer who specialize in the design of video and audio door entry systems and access control. Established in 1985 it prides itself on innovative development and improvement. The door entry systems are ideal for housing associations, residential, commercial business and local authorities.

So what’s new?

They have created an extensive range of products that enable specifiers and installers to give their customers the choice of door entry systems that are both robust and pleasing to they eye. They have recently released their latest software package  called  builder V.7 which is available free of charge from Norbain this is to help with system design and features the new 4000 series, the two wire VX2300 , the VR4k and the fully expandable VX2200.

How can we use Videx product Builder?

Videx product builder helps design 1 door systems all the way to very large multiple door installations. On screen adjustments can be made and multiple combinations and layouts become easy. This is an exceptional tool for designers. It includes data sheets and brochures as well as installation manuals. It is also helpful to demonstrate to interested clients and helps to sell the final solution agreed upon.

Conclusion.

The Videx door systems are well designed and aesthetically pleasing something an architect would be happy to specify within his building design. With plenty of back up and information available to the installer we would encourage a visit to their website.

Avigilon CCTV solutions

Posted on by

Avigilon.

Avigilon are based in British Columbia in Canada. Avigilon have been at the forefront of IP camera technology and software solutions and were the world leaders in developing Avigilon’s Control Centre, a leading video management platform. The company prides itself on designing and manufacturing Megapixel IP cameras that deliver full situational awareness and quality picture detail.  They have recently released a 16 megapixel camera that although only able to deliver 3fps has immense picture quality. The detail achievable makes this camera well worth a second look. The panoramic picture can give the equivalent coverage as over 50 VGA cameras, an amazing feat. This sort of coverage is obviously attracting attention of some large organisations and even some large football clubs in the UK. The cameras have a feel and look of exceptional quality, heavy and built to last, something that installs confidence to buy.

Conclusion.

We will be following Avigilon over the next few weeks and months to see how they continue to bring new products to the market place. If you have their products installed or have any feedback you think we should know about also any comments on  how their products have performed in the field, please comment below.

Why buy IP CCTV Cameras?

Posted on by

IP CCTV.

IP CCTV has suddenly come to the fore in the last couple of years . It was particularly noticeable at IFSEC this year where analogue cameras seemed to be no more than an after thought . However what are the reasons that a CCTV camera format that has served the industry for so long should now so suddenly become a technology that will soon be confined to museums or very short sighted end users?

Life in the old dog?

Well perhaps that last statement was a little unfair. It will still take a while before we see analogue cameras disappear completely off the scene, perhaps long as 10 years, but in the meantime megapixel IP cameras will start to produce results that many organisations will find hard to resist. What results you may ask? Well for so many years every CCTV administrator has just wanted to zoom in on captured images and blow them up to prove an event has occurred. Up to now there has rarely been enough definition to achieve this goal . Any blown up or artificially enhanced images have been blurred or pixelated to the point where they are useless.

Why HD CCTV or Megapixel cameras.

Mega pixel especially does not however suffer this problem. The images remain clear and crisp as they are zoomed into on the played back recordings . Add to this stunning live images and you will understand why analogue is effectively dead. Examples of camera manufactures who have taken this technology and produced some excellent camera solutions include Avigilon, Arecont, 360 vision technology, Bosch to name but a few.

What is the catch?

So as the camera technology improves are there any drawbacks? Well of course there are . Due to bandwidth and processing limitations some of the 10 mp cameras can only deliver images at 3 frames per second. Slow to say the least but with such crystal clear images it is still better than 12 fps on an analogue alternative. Of course the camera technology may be slighty ahead of the networks that they need to deliver them to their recording solution ie CCTV software. However as CCTV software gets better and the speed and flexibility of networks increase as well as the processing power of the camera chips, we will eventually see the utopia in terms of megapixel technology and this can bring to the end user the ultimate CCTV solution.

Conclusion.

Are you an end user who is considering an upgrade? Perhaps you have upgraded already and are either impressed or disappointed in what you have purchased? Let us know your thoughts and we will be happy to publish them in order to help other organisations to make that important decision, to upgrade or not to upgrade?