Tag Archives: CCTV

CCTV software v DVRs

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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.

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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.

Why buy IP CCTV Cameras?

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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?

FLIR PT-series thermal IP cameras

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FLIR release new range.

The popularity of thermal imaging cameras has increased steadily in recent times as the CCTV security industry find more and more applications for them.With the advent of IP and analytics, together with a reduction in cost, means that suddenly solutions exist that were not there before.

The new FLIR PT-Series.

 The new FLIR PT-Series has been specifically aimed at this market place. Programmable scan patterns and slew to alarms  gives this range of cameras some interesting extra features. The ability to see in total darkness and in any weather, along with easy integration to either analogue or TCP/networks are all valuable selling points.

More Pixels.

By incorporating a high resolution 640 x 480 pixel detector the camera can give up to 4 times the image clarity of previous cameras. It also gives better performance over longer ranges. More pixels mean more detail and the ability to detect smaller objects that would previously have been missed. This all comes with the savings that can be made when expensive lighting systems can be shelved.

On site repairs and upgrades.

Flir have also introduced the interchangeable camera cassette that allows you to upgrade existing FLIR cameras. This can be done in the field and takes only a few minutes, keeping installers and end users happy and no break in camera coverage while the unit is returned to the factory.

Conclusion.

It would appear FLIR are now developing their cameras to fit more and more into security applications in the commercial market place. This has been achieved with more competitively priced cameras that come with more choice of lens size and more built in features.

Alhua security cameras

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Alhua.

 

Alhua Technology Co LTD.manufactures cameras and digital recorders for the CCTV industry. For 15 years they have concentrated on innovative design and research. Their equipment is future proofed and well designed to fit into the market place as it starts to move towards IP technology

Where did it start?

Alhua first launched an 8 channel real time embedded DVR in 2002 since then they have expanded their product base with the aim to becoming the No 1 security brand in china. They have produced ground breaking products in the past and with the introduction of IP cameras into their range, they continue grow rapidly.

ONVIF.

By embracing ONVIF, Alhua have made their products easier to integrate with other manufactures cameras and CCTV software, a clever move to help encourage world wide sales. In addition they have ISO 9001 accreditation that helps give them credibility in the international CCTV marketplace.

Markets.

Alhua have targeted European, American and Japanese markets especially the banking, public security and energy resources sectors.

Investment.

As with all good companies Alhua re-invest a large proportion of their turnover back into research and development, they claim as much as 10%. With this level of investment innovation and quality will thrive.

Overseas.

Clever marketing and overseas partnerships have helped Alhua develop a good reputation this can only continue and expansion of their market share is inevitable.

Product range.

An insight into some of their product range

stand alone DVRs LE -S series

4/8/16 way

LE-A series new entry level 4/8/16 standalone

DVR 1604 HE-u

a 20 channel 720p and full d1 recording hybrid standalone dvr

NVR DS-L series

4/8/16

network video recording solutions

IP and megapixel camera range

IPC-F725 series 1.3 megapixel Ip camera

IPC F725 series 2.0 megapixel

Conclusion.

Alhua is a name we are beginning to hear about more and more, proof that good quality products at a realistic price is the way to take your products to the world wide market.