Megapixel over coax.

EverFocus have released the new EQH5200 2 megapixel IP camera that is using the latest HD-SDI serial digital interface to open the retro fit market place to megapixel technology. The EQH5200 megapixel camera is able to send images down existing RG 59 coaxial cable from a BNC connection therefore meaning easy retrofit installations for installers and therefore a more competitive upgrade solution to analogue CCTV cameras.

The camera has compact box design complete with day/night  functionality and an on screen menu set up to assist CCTV engineers.

Everfocus DVR

To compliment the ease of retro install EverFocus also have the EHDR08 8 channel DVR this unit can reproduce recordings boasting resolutions of 720p and comes in the form of a compact box design It uses the latest H.264 compression techniques and handle up to 8TB of hard drive recording space.The DVR can also output to a monitor using either VGA or HDMI.

Remote connectivity.

For those interested in remote connectivity  the EHDR08 has a 1 gigabit Ethernet interface this allows networking capability and allows remote viewing and management of the CCTV system allowing smart search functionality. Monitoring from mobile devices that is now really catching on can be achieved through 3GPP connection. A DVD burner allows information to be easily removed when required.

What we have all been waiting for.

In essence the package provide a simple megapixel solution over coax something that many installers have been waiting for for some time.

CCTV lighting.

Often overlooked but a crucial part of any CCTV system, lighting is key to good pictures when you really need them. CCTV cameras have improved dramatically over the last few years and dual chip technology has meant that night vision from CCTV cameras is now acceptable most of the time, but in many cases it is only when images are really needed that end-users realize that lighting on their site is not sufficient to see exactly what they need.

lighting audit.

Most installers will put a caveat in there terms and conditions stating that lighting will be assessed after an installation and that it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure lighting levels are sufficient.. However how often is this really done? This is especially true on installations carried out during summer months when no one ever sees the night time images until it’s a little late? Central stations also refuse to monitor poorly lit installations and will not be held responsible for poor quality nigh time pictures.

Lighting solutions.

It is a little publicised fact but colour cameras need white light to work at night, IR lamps only work with mono images and in the past you either chose to install mono from scratch, sacrificing colour daytime images for night time clarity. Bulky IR lamps were installed and these were expensive and unreliable. Dual chip cameras were the compromise and these allowed colour during the day and mono at night but this did not solve the fact that IR bulbs would blow for a pastime.

Raytec.

Raytec are a progressive company who have addressed this problem using advanced LED technology to give an IR output that is long range and reliable it is something that anyone who demands night time pictures of good quality must insist on.

halogen lighting.

Alternatively you can fit halogen lighting that will work on a sensor to bring lights on automatically when someone enters an area protected by the CCTV camera, again however these bulbs blow easily and cost a lot to run.

Blackhawk and Predator domes.

360 vision have developed the ultimate solution to good night time images. They have both the Blackhawk and Predator cameras that have IR lighting built in that follows the tracking of the camera and ensures that a good nighttime image is always available.

Designing a CCTV system.

So when you think about a CCTV system, think about when it is most likely to be used and think about how you will design your lighting it is crucial this side of things is not overlooked.

Integrated security solutions.

Integrated security systems are becoming an ever more popular security solution for larger organizations today. Many facility managers are fed up with dealing with lots of different companies for lots of different sites and all the associated paperwork and costs involved. It is now a lot easier with the advent of IP security solutions to integrate fire, intruder, access control and CCTV into one simple package covering a multitude of sites.

Integration is the way forward.

Honeywell, Cortec and Risco are just a few of the big manufacturers out there who have recognised that integrated security systems over IP offer the end user huge advantages and exceptional cost savings, once that is the initial outlay is taken into consideration.

So easy.

The beauty of  total integration of security systems is detailed mapping and fault analysis from one location. It is difficult if not impossible within larger organizations to control costs on fragmented security arrangements with lots of different security companies, sorting all the different administration and keeping track of engineer visits. Quite frankly this can be daunting.

Integrated access control.

It is also true that within large organisations and multiple site locations that staff movements and employment changes make it difficult to control and administer access control rights. However one person using one lot of integrated security software in one location will have far more control. This is also true of compulsory fire tests, CCTV maintenance visits CCTV camera outages and so the list goes on. IP has now made it possible to get a realistic view of the whole company suite and keep control of what may have previously been uncontrollable.

Expensive?

So what would you expect to pay for an integrated security system? This is difficult to assess without knowing the full specification of the sites you wish to integrate and the security systems that will be integrated. Most CCTV security software packages have a basic product and then additional bolt ons that require a licence per module. It is crucial therefore that when specifying a fully integrated security system that detailed planning is put into place before any decision is made on the software package you decide to purchase.

Specify an integrated security system.

If you require further guidance or information on integrated security solutions that are out in the market place today, feel free to make contact and we will be happy to help

Temporary CCTV

A temporary CCTV solution is always a difficult one. Often a customer will take the approach that they have a problem that they believe they can solve with the help of a CCTV system in a relatively short space of time and therefore only want to pay for short term rental.

Still costly.

Most forget that a temporary system differs little in cost to buy for the supplier and still takes the same time to install, so the question has to be asked whats in it for the installer?

Who will install temporary cameras?

Well nothing really and this is why there a few about that offer this service. The solution for the customer may however be coming in the shape of IP cameras with on board recording. Cameras such as the IP camera 200 range. Simple to fit and using POE all the customer really needs to provide is an IP point adjacent to where he wishes to site the camera.The cameras are however not designed to be of a covert nature so a little inventiveness may well be required if the end user is looking to catch someone in the act and use the evidence against them.

Summary.

So in the past the temporary CCTV system was a difficult one to solve but now thanks to IP it is a solution that could be increasing as customers look to solve problems at a reduced cost.

Bosch CCTV

Bosch security systems has now released a complete list of its full product range for 2010/2011

News on CCTV products.

They have been particularly keen to promote the new Auto-dome Easy II range, the extremely versatile IP200 series and the MIC500 classic (Metal Mickey CCTV camera).

Easy dome.

Starting with the Easydome II they have managed to produce a sophisticated range of dome cameras at a very reasonable price and very easy to install. Feature rich, this dome range is 70% smaller than a traditional PTZ camera making it compact and ideal for discreet surveillance. ONVIF compliant, with the option of on board analytics, the camera range has both internal and external options, well worth a look.

IP camera 200 series.

We have spoken a lot on this site about the IP 200 series cameras. Bosch have found a market place for this IP solution making single camera installations complete with recording a very affordable solution for small to medium size business. A popular application for this IP camera is reception areas or locations of high stock value where a full blown CCTV system would normally be cost prohibitive. Again ONVIF compliant with an on board SD card for recording purposes together with a free  CCTV software solution that is able to accommodate up to 16 cameras, The IP 200 range is defiantly one for the future.

Metal Mickey CCTV camera.

The MIC, Metal mickey has always been a high profile robust external camera. Used for solutions such as shopping centres, football stadiums, dockyards and airports, it is very versatile. Buoyed by the success of the Metal Mickey CCTVcamera in the Big Brother series, Bosch have continued to improve the design and performance, culminating in the MIC series 500 classic. Easy set up and reliability certainly make this camera one of the leading contenders in the rugged dome market place.

Summary.

In summary Bosch have always produced quality. There cameras produce excellent images and innovation means they will always be at the top of CCTV industry, night time images especially are an area of expertise and now clever analytics within their codecs mean the options for installers are ever evolving.