IP camera systems.Time to upgrade from analogue

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IP camera systems  have long been the preferred upgrade path for the CCTV industry as whole. This is however a little behind schedule as far as we see it and mainly due to the reluctance of end users to waste the investment they have already ploughed into their analogue CCTV solutions. This is where the use of Hybrid CCTV solutions can gently push the industry into the area where they really want to go. IP camera systems have been around since around 1996.

IP camera
Videosphere MegaPX nanodome

Bandwidth and network capability have always been the factor that has slowed the move to IPCCTV however recent advancements in broadband speeds and network performance means that all possibilities are now very much in the frame. Security equipment manufacturers are however pushing harder for their kit to be totally all IP based .This is also backed by IMS research figures that predict a spending of 2.6 billion US dollars on ip video systems by the end of last year. Other limitations on the growth of IP camera solutions has been the global recession and an apathy towards IP CCTV training from entrenched CCTV installers. This will of course change as the price of IP video systems fall and the benefits become ever clearer. In the meantime however as we mentioned earlier Hybrid solutions will help ease us all into the IP surveillance way of thinking.

ip cameras

Why though has the transition to IP camera solutions and Video management systems been so slow? Well cheap imports have meant that many end users have decided to make do for the time being. With money tight in the UK spending on security has gone into reverse something that none of the IP camera manufacturers could have predicted when they planned their upgrade paths some 5 years ago. All is not lost though.The pure quality and flexibility that can be produced by HD cameras and now megapixel IP cameras mean that at some stage the tipping point will be reached.  IP camera systems will become cheaper and the natural progression to IP camera systems will start to snowball.

Infiniti Integrated PTZ camera.Dedicated Micros Thermal CCTV solution.

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The Infiniti integrated PTZ camera is Dedicated Micros answer to thermal CCTV. They have gone for a fully functional Integrated solution using a day/night CCTV camera and a thermal imaging unit together in the same housing. By combining the two different technologies Dedicated Micros Infiniti has an answer to all lighting conditions, in theory you will never be without a picture or thermal images to work with . Great for high security situations.

The Infiniti also comes in both analogue and IP versions and is housed in a IP66 enclosure. A sun shield and  integrated washer and wiper ensure that the lens is well protected against the elements. The Infiniti also has simultaneous streams from both of the integrated cameras and the thermal imaging unit has an exceptional range of 900M. Brilliant for scenarios where an early warning of movement is required.

We recently told you of how we believe Thermal imaging will start to be used more and more in the mainstream CCTV market and now with the Bosch Metal Mickey and 360 vision’s thermal predator. The competition is starting to hot up. Flir also are trying to reduce their prices in order to compete with these new kids on the block. The only negative comments we have heard is aesthetically, the Infiniti does not really match the some of its closest rivals…as i was told..comparing the the camera with its closest rivals is a little like comparing Cheryl Cole and Susan Boyle………not quite sure what they meant by that ……………….

Arecont release new HD cameras

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Arecont Vision from the US have released a few new innovative HD cameras to add to their range.

The Arecont AV1325 (1.3MP) and the AV2825 (2MP 1080p) offer a conventional look and feel to security cameras, wrapped up in an IP66 housing, cable managed bracket and integral IR LEDs to aid the True Day Night chip inside…….. offering the usual Arecont crystal clear HD image in either 1.3 or 2MP offering.

Arecont HD cameras the AV8185 and AV8365 vandal proof units offer vandal proof, IP67 True Day/Night perfomance, along with the AV8185 Internal version dome – all of these delivering 4 x 2MP streams to provide a 180degree panoramic scene…….

adding a slightly different slant to the same theme,Arecont HD cameras also include the AV 8365 and AV 8360 deliver the same 4 x 2MP streams, but this time in a 360 degree ‘quad’ format for full ‘surround’ video…..

The interesting and also innovative feature on all the 180 and 360 cameras is the ability to transmit all the streams down the one single ethernet cable – smart!

Arecont Vision are a great company with great products and are also very open to 3rd party integration – preferring to simply developing clever kit than trying to embody an entire system – although, they do offer great viewing and recording solutions too !

Sistore MX hybrid DVR.The new recording solution from Siemens.

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Hybrid DVR recording solutions are growing in popularity. The Sistore Mx hybrid is Siemens way of recognising the challenges ahead when it comes to migrating from analogue to IP cameras over the coming months and years.

Sistore MX hybrid DVR

The MX hybrid offers 32 channels of recording, 16 analogue inputs and 16 IP camera inputs. Recording images at 500 IPS and capable of advanced pentaplex operation the Sistore MX hybrid is the ideal solution to help encourage end users to start to move towards IP camera solutions. Designed for use in a wide range of applications from shopping centres office blocks and industrial units this Hybrid DVR is certainly worth a look. 6 monitor outputs, alarm handling and activity detection are all features built in as standard. Perhaps though the seamless integration to the SiPass Access control solution is a benefit that will push people into buying into the Siemans brand as a complete security solution.

Able to connect to both WAN and LAN the Sistore hybrid DVR is also an effective monitoring solution and with up to 4 TB of hard drive space. With a price starting around 5K this DVR will face plenty of competition from cheaper competitors, but as always we recommend quality over price every time. Experience tells us that cheap means trouble.You can get further details of the Sistore MX hybrid DVR by calling 01633487542 and a Siemens operator will be keen to help you.

VideoIQ – an interesting entry into the UK IP HD Market

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VideoIQ

a name not commonly known here in the UK……..but they have some extremely innovative products…

Video IQ claim, to be the ONLY IP HD manufacturer that can offer intelligent Video Analytics on HD and Megapixel IP cameras…..most of the IP HD pixc units out at the moment cannot offer video analytics ‘at the edge’, instead relying on D1 modules for the clever on board Analytics

Here’s a snapshot of their range

Probably the main interesting point, is that EVERY device is also an onboard DVR…….Dome cameras and Encoders all have onboard storage for up to 6 months recording! 1GB flash and then SATA Ruggedised HDD means that network outages are irrelevant.

Video IQ have made Software available or alternatively 3rd Party integration with companies such as Genetec and Milestone mean these products are flexible as well as feature rich.

Offering Analytics on Thermal is another string to their bow

And, sshh, we’ve heard a rumour that a certain UK manufacturer of PTZ IR, Thermal, Overt and Dome cameras could well be linking up with VideoIQ to add analytical tracking and onboard recording to its range of high speed PTZ units…….more soon!

So, VideoIQ, keep an eye as we think these guys are going to be getting some good attention in 2011!