Best Practices of CCTV - Implementing Successful Video Security Systems

This CCTV Buyers Guide provides a comprehensive overview of deploying a successful video surveillance camera system in your business or residence. This guide contains information to help in the design of your video surveillance system, select the products that best fit your CCTV system requirements, and help make key installation decisions that will save you time and money.The information was derived from deploying 100's of CCTV systems and gathered from CCTV call centers who answer questions from commercial and residential customers. This guide combines the data from past CTV projects and gives the reader a head-start in the successful CCTV project

There are many details to consider when specifying the correct CCTV Camera System. Professional Video Surveillance is not a cheap endeavor and a budget should be outlined and the best possible system should be considered. This guide will help the novice CCTV buyer in reviewing camera and recording system for their CCTV and Video surveillance requirements.

The first task in a successful CCTV project is to outline the key CCTV objectives.

o How many cameras are required?

o What are the key FoV (Field of View(s))?

o What are the recording requirements?

o What are the lighting conditions of each camera location?

o Where do I need live video monitoring or a second video monitor?

o How long do you need to retain the video files?

Cameras There are specific cameras that need to be selected based on the FoV, lighting conditions, and the mounting location of the camera. There is no such thing as a one-size fits all in the successful CCTV project. It is important to note each camera location and select the camera best suited for that location.

Answer these questions:

o Indoor or Outdoor?

o Lighting conditions (during day and night)?

o Mounting locations?

Indoor Dome Camera

The indoor dome camera is used in 90% of general indoor applications. It comes in a variety of configurations including standard color, Day/Night, and Infrared versions. It can be mounted on a horizontal or vertical surface but is typically ceiling mounted. Lens options on dome camera may restrict their use in certain applications such as requiring more than a 20mm video lens. Dome cameras are a primary choice in indoor camera locations.

Box Camera

A box camera is a standard camera that can be mounted alone or in an enclosure. The box camera uses a separate lens that screws on to the front surface and provides flexibility for different FoV requirements and is sold without a lens. An auto-iris lens will have a small cable that connects to the camera for iris control in various lighting conditions.

Outdoor Dome Cameras

Outdoor Dome Cameras are typically hard shell vandal-roof casings that offer the same versatility in a variety of lens options. Day/Night outdoor dome cameras are common in applications that have entry and exit points with limited lighting during the night.

Day/Night Camera

The Day/Night camera is the best choice for low-light conditions. The cameras are standard color during daylight conditions, the Day/Night camera switches either digitally of mechanically to a low-lux B/W mode.

Infrared Camera

During No-Light conditions, Infrared cameras provide infrared illumination of the FoF allowing monitoring of areas with no light available. Te IR LEDs are automatically illuminated and the camera switched to the B/W low-lux mode offering camera views in total darkness.

PTZ Camera

Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera offer the ability to view in all directions and optically zoom in as required. PTZ cameras also include standard color, Day/Night modes, and a few IR PTZ cameras have been introduced recently. The CCTV operator can set the PTZ cameras to automatically rotate to different FoVs. Options include Auto-tracking applications that dynamically track objects in defined areas.

About the Camera technology

Sony CCDs are the predominate video element in security cameras today. Sony makes few cameras, but they own the CCD market. Do not think that Sony makes the camera touted as " Sony 1/3" Super HAD Camera" as many vendors advertise their cameras. The camera has a Sony CCD, however the camera is not from Sony and could be almost any brand camera out there. Important factors of lens quality, vari-focal and auto-iris ability, quality of camera housing or enclosure, and lens optics are the difference in a professional CCTV camera.

Facts about Cameras:

o If you buy an $80 camera, you will get an $80 view.

o 480 TVL should be a minimum requirement in any professional CCTV project.

o Location of the camera and the correct lens are keys to quality video capture

o Cameras love light and thieves hate the light! Add lighting wherever possible

Camera Enclosure

Box cameras can be mounted in a variety of enclosures. Outdoor enclosures in cold climates should include a heater/blower that keeps frost and condensation from forming on the lens and camera. Heater/Blower are commonly 24VAC and should be considered when selecting the CCTV power supply system.

Camera Location

Camera mounting location is critical to the success of the CCTV project. Cameras should be mounted as close possible to the field of view required, and the closer the camera to the subject the better the identification of the subject will be. Proper lens selection relative to the camera location and the FoV required is essential to a quality picture.

Digital Video Recorders

DVRs are an important part of any successful CCTV project. Video resolution is getting larger, recording speeds are getting faster, and video data compression is reducing the video data file size. TeraByte storage capacity is becoming common in many CCTV applications. Network or remote monitoring of CCTV video is standard in all professional DVRs on the market in 2007 and video distribution across LANs, WANs, and the Web have given the DVR a new market outside of video security known as Business Systems Monitoring that allows management to monitor specified key business areas 24 hours a day. No longer just a security video recorder, the DVR has become a business tool for management with remote monitoring applications.

In order to choose the correct DVR for any application, the following questions need to be answered.

o How many channels (cameras)?

o What speed of recording is required?

o How long to retain video files (Hard Drive Size)?

o What features are important to the application?

o Where will DVR system be located?

o Remote monitoring requirements?

In choosing the right DVR for your CCTV application, ensure that you are determining the quantity of cameras needed now and in the next 24 months. DVRs come in 4, 8, 9, and 16 channel increments and this selection is critical because adding cameras above the DVR channels available will require an additional DVR, not just additional channels. DVR systems in large installations are segmented into 16 channels units and are monitored and managed through a Central Management System.

The speed of recording is critical to many CCTV applications. 30 fps (frames per second) is considered real-time video, therefore to obtain 30 fps for the application, 480 fps for 16 channels and 240fps for 8 channels is required. Many CCTV applications will provide real-time (30 fps) live viewing of video channels and 7-15 fps for recorded files. It is acceptable to have 7-15 fps for recorded files in many applications, but technology in DVR systems has pushed real-time video for the masses and 30 fps recording will soon be the standard recording rates across all channels as available today.

Storage of vide files is much easier and cost effective in 2007 than ever before. DVR storage at the TeraByte level is common and drives have become faster and more reliable. Retention of video data files can be managed by corporate IT departments as any business critical data and network drive archiving is common. All of the top DVR systems have USB ports for external storage devices and LAN-based video servers are common. A critical component of any DVR system is the ability to access the video files. The software provided by DVR manufacturers is proprietary to the DVR unit and the ability to retrieve files chronologically or based on certain security events is vital to the DVR product.

PC-Based vs. Standalone DVRs

Standalone DVR systems were the majority of video recorders sold in the marketplace up until 2006. Computer-based DVRs have become increasingly popular due to the cost and features provide in the latest generation of DVR cards on the market in 2007. The Windows XP PC computer is providing the reliability and performance in today's DVR systems that are required for mission critical video security systems. The open architecture of PC-based DVR systems allow easy integration into corporate LANs and technology upgrades are at a component level. Software upgrades and hard drive storage additions are far less costly that proprietary DVR systems. Standalone DVRs are imbedded recording systems usually operating under Linux OS. The standalone DVRs are widely used in retail security sites and provide reliable video recording for 4-16 channels. Most DVRs on the market offer network remote access and CD R/W archiving.Computer-based DVR systems are reliable, fast, and have many advanced applications not found on standalone systems.

Video compression

MPEG4 and H.264 are the video compression of choice in 2007. In summary, MPEG4 is good and H.264 is better. The key to video compression is the resolution and the size of the video. High resolution video files are monster size files and video compression for storage and streaming is critical to any video application. Major advancements in video compression will be seen in 2007 and H.264 will be the codec of choice for DVR manufacturers.

H.264

This uses the latest innovations in video compression technology to provide high resolution video quality from the smallest amount of video data required. Smaller files will save bandwidth and storage costs over previous generations of video codecs. H.264 delivers the same quality as MPEG-2 at a third to half the data rate and up to four times the frame size of MPEG-4 Part 2 at the same data rate. H.264 is used in the latest video devices for High Definition video devices, BluRay DVDs and should be considered for any professional CCTV project.

Network Access and Remote Viewing

Network access is the ability to remotely monitor a video server across the LAN, WAN, or internet. A very important application for any DVR system is the ability to monitor live and access to recordings through remote access. Most DVRs today have a LAN RJ45 connection that allows the Video Recorder to connect to the LAN just like any other PC in the office.

Advanced DVR Features

Many CCTV systems are releasing advanced security and specialty software for security enhancements. These include:

o Object counting

o POS Integration

o PTZ Auto-Tracking

o Face Recognition

o Access Control Integration

CCTV Cabling and System Layout

DVR Location In choosing the optimal location for the DVR system, consider the access of the area for centralized control and security of the area. The DVR is the heart of the CCTV system and should be protected as necessary to ensure it is safe from theft or damage. If the security breach includes theft of the DVR component, all evidence is carried off under the arm of the thief. And the thieves know this, so ensure that the DVR system is in a lock-box or an appropriate secure area.

Camera Power Supply

Each professional camera requires either 12VDC or 24VAC. Both power options are acceptable and some CCTV installations will require both. Central Power Supplies are available in 4,8,16 and more channels.

Cable Options

Traditional video cable is RG59 coax cable. Siamese dual cable is commonly used that provides RG59u coax together with a pair of 18 gauge wire for the camera power requirements. The dual cable allows single cable runs to each camera for both video and power.

Cat-5 Options

UTP (twisted pair) cabling is becoming more popular with Cat-5e/Cat-6 cabling used in networks. CAT cabling is lighter and less expensive than coax cabling and requires balun connectors to match the impedance of the video signal. Coax and UTP connections up to1000' feet are acceptable. A balun is used to match the impedance on Cat-5 connections on the DVR and camera connections.

The Successful Video Surveillance Project

o Quality Plan

o Quality Cameras

o Quality DVR

o Quality Installation

Author: Steve McNeal

AMA Security

2/17/2008

http://www.amasecurity.com

Find Cheap Digital Cameras .See All Camera Optical Zoom Great Deals On Great Brands.

Choosing the Right Security Cameras For Your Home Or Business

Simple Facts Everyone Should Know When Choosing Security Cameras

We receive numerous calls every week from representatives of various companies, Home Owner Associations (HOA's), condominium and apartment communities regarding their desire to install security camera systems. Since most of the representatives that call have the same questions I have compiled this information to assist in the decision making process.

There are many things to consider when contemplating security cameras for your company, home or other entity and remember that the security camera professionals of Benson Systems can answer all of your questions.

As you start your search for security cameras you will see security cameras that cost $100 and security cameras that cost $3500. In addition, all camera manufacturers will state their cameras produce the best picture quality under any circumstance. The truth is, just like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.

Unfortunately, many people look at price alone and do not consider all aspects of the job at hand or the different technologies that are available.

If you are considering price alone remember that the manufacturers of cheap cameras build their cameras with inexpensive components and processors. The imaging mechanisms inside the cameras are very poor quality and with this in mind the pictures you capture will be poor. In addition, low end cameras cannot perform well in harsh conditions like we have here in Arizona.

We use cameras that are manufactured by well known companies such as Pelco, Mobotix, Bosch, and Panasonic just to name a few. We never suggest using low end cameras because we know our customers will not be happy with the end result.

Camera manufacturers may tout that they use Sony image processors to manufacture their cameras and indeed they may. Sony makes most of the image processors on the market today and most camera manufacturers use the Sony processors.

However, in the manufacturing process, Sony will have processors that come off the line that are not up to the Sony standards. Like most manufacturers, Sony has several categories of their imaging processors - ranging from a processor that is rated as 'excellent' all the way down to a processor that Sony knows will fail within weeks.

It is the processors that are not up to Sony standards that will be sold to the manufacturers of cheap cameras. So remember, a Sony processor does not make a camera a Sony camera.

Lenses -

Less expensive cameras will have fixed, or non-adjustable, lenses. With fixed lens cameras there is no way to move your focal point in or out of a particular area. A fixed lens camera provides a 'plug and play' type of camera. Benson Systems suggests and installs cameras that have variable focus lenses, so the right focal point can be obtained. There are many variables to choose from for security camera lenses. Benson Systems can help you choose the correct lens.

Lighting -

Adequate Lighting is perhaps the most important issue when you want good quality images.

Color cameras need substantial light to be able to see. Once the sun goes down and if you do not have a camera that can compensate very well for inadequate lighting, your images will be dark, if not non-existent. However, no matter how good the camera is all cameras need adequate lighting to be able to see in dark situations.

Some cameras have low light processors and can see in low light situations. Infrared cameras can see in very dark conditions - but I encourage you to read more information below on infrared cameras.

Cameras need to be installed in protective housings. Remember, cameras are mini computers. In fact, qood quality cameras are manufactured using many of the same elements as our personal computers. Like our PCs, cameras must be protected from dust, dirt, high temperatures, low temperatures and water, vandalism and theft. Environmental housings help to protect the cameras from all elements and offer the cameras an increased lifespan.

Infrared -

Infrared cameras are heat-seeking cameras. If you are trying to see a person who is sitting in a car you'll never make out their image. The reason? The car engine emits more heat than the heat our bodies generate inside the car, so your infrared camera will never see beyond the hood (engine) of a car.

IR images are good to about 50' from the camera. In hot weather (like we have in the night during Arizona summers), the ambient air temperature is too hot for IR cameras to be of much use. As opposed to considering IR cameras install additional lights in an area that is dark and you'll be much happier with the results.

Facial Shots and License Plate Recognitions -

With facial shots and license plate recognition megapixel cameras are the only cameras to use.

There are two ways we have found to provide our customers with facial and license plate recognition. I'll discuss license plate recognition first:

If you are trying to use one standard (non-megapixel) camera to obtain a general view of the area and obtain the license plate of a car with that same standard camera, you will never be able to read the license plate. The reason? The image that the standard general view camera will place on your recording device is very small. When you go back to the recording device to review the saved video and then try to zoom in to the image to get the detail you need, the saved image will 'pixelize' (become very distorted and out of focus.)

Megapixel cameras take and store large formatted pictures to your storage systems. The large image size allows for you to digitally pan and zoom into the captured image to obtain the information you desire. The larger the image size recorded, the more information you will be able to obtain.

If you want to capture license plates you should use megapixel cameras that have special lenses that will allow the camera to focus solely on the area of a driveway where a license plate could be captured (such as the exit drive of a parking area.) The cameras should also be placed at an angle that looks directly into and level with the license plate area of the vehicle. If you are trying to capture a license plate when looking at the license plate from an angle you'll be able to capture see the license plate only about 50% of the time.

The same scenario works with facial recognition cameras. If you want to capture the face of a person who is coming into your building you should place the megapixel cameras into an area where you know people will be walking closest to the camera. If you'll follow these principals you'll capture the best facial pictures available.

Recording Devices

The images captured from your new security cameras are not worth anything if they are not saved onto some type of media. The media storage devices that are available today are Digital Video Recorders (DVR) Network Video Recorders and video servers. Also, some of our new Mega-pixel cameras have embedded imaging software, and use flash cards for on-camera storage of the captured video.

Alternatively, you can send captured images from the cameras to a remote computer location for storage by using Internet Protocol (IP) cameras and a high-speed Internet connection or, you can send information back to a remote computer location by wireless technology. Either of these types of transmission devices are considerably more expensive that the other technologies mentioned.

DVRs and NVRs

If you are planning on using a Digital Video Recorder or Network Video Recorder for IP based systems, the DVR or NVR must be in a structure that is environmentally protected and cooled. Remember, DVRs and NVRs are small computers and cannot be out in the open or in an area that is not environmentally protected and cooled.

I have heard some of our competitors suggest to our customers that they put a DVR outside in a protective enclosure, but not cooling the enclosure. To explain why this is not a smart idea think of the following as an example: If you put your laptop outside, but in an enclosure, and you left the laptop running how long do you think your laptop would survive? Not long I assure you.

IP Cameras

IP(Internet Protocol) cameras are the newest technology for cameras The IP cameras use a digital converter on the camera to convert the images the camera sees to a digital format. The digital format can be sent across the Internet over a high-speed connection to a designated computer. This computer must be left 'on' all the time to receive the images.

Wireless Transmission of Video

We can send the images the cameras see to a remote location via wireless technology. The wireless systems transmits the digital information over an antenna to a wireless receiver at the location specified. We can wirelessly transmit the signals from the point of transmission up to a mile away. However, the camera must have line of sight, with no obstruction between the camera transmission device and the receiving device. Other devices allow for transmisson of video more than 20 miles away, but understand that the further the distance you wish to send the video the more your checking account will feel the pain.

As you can see, there are many variables on any particular camera installation. As with most constructions jobs, and depending upon the cameras you select you'll need a considerable amount of capital to work with. Remember, we have leasing companies available who can help you with the financing if you want to use them.

Peter Hudson is a Senior Systems Consultant for Benson Systems, based in Gilbert, Arizona. Peter has designed thousands of security camera systems for businesses large and small, as well as home owners and Associations. Peter has worked in the security industry since 1998.

You may contact Peter Hudson by email at peter.hudson@bensonsys.com

find more best about gps come to GPS Systems For Sale find more best about Cast Iron Skillet , snorkel bag , charcoal grill and snorkel fins find more best and save Cookware Sets at Cookware Sets OnSale

Parts of a Surveillance Camera Network

Crime has been a part of human society . . . and transgression. For millennia, people have been trying to stop or at least contain crime to a manageable level.

As years passed, the means to lessen and stop crime has advanced as crime became more complex. For example, from swords and arrows which can actually kill people, law enforcement now has guns and tasers. From bolas and staves which can stop criminals without killing them, law enforcement has developed rubber bullets and tear gas. From chariots and horse-drawn wagons to chase outlaws on horseback, law enforcement now has fast and tough police cars.

Another important development of law enforcement is surveillance. Surveillance has aided the police by monitoring crime-prone areas, checking out suspicious activities that may be a crime in progress. With surveillance, police are able to respond more quickly to a crime scene. Finally, surveillance allows police to gather evidence to convict a criminal to justice.

The foremost equipment in gathering surveillance are surveillance cameras. Sometimes called a CCTV, this modern equipment can zoom in and focus on details, and record images and, sometimes, conversations.

Many people think that surveillance cameras are just units. But, in fact, they are actually part of a larger system. Here, we will look at the important parts that make up this intricate system.

1. Camera - the camera itself is chock full of high technology. Most modern cameras have zoom functions which can focus on a person's face, an identification mark, a strange baggage under his arm, or a weapon under his jacket. And the camera can zoom over a certain target from a hundred or more meters away.

2. Microphone - modern cameras are sometimes equipped with ultra sensitive microphones. Just like a camera lens, the microphone's sensitivity and range can focus on a certain spot. This makes it an ideal surveillance tool for eavesdropping on clandestine conversations and illegal deals.

3. Housing - a camera's housing provides protection for the fragile and sensitive electronics in it. The housing must be tough and sealed; no one wants rainwater or dust coming in to wreck havoc inside camera.

4. Mount - this is a frame or a stand where a surveillance camera is installed. The mount itself is screwed or bolted in places such as top of lampposts, the side of buildings, or inside traffic lights.

5. Servos - servos and gears allow the camera to move, allowing it to follow any target.

6. Computer network - this is the brain of the police surveillance network. The computer network allows operators to control the camera functions and monitor the activities in a given area. The operators manning the computer network also has direct contact with the police department for easy and quick deployment of law enforcement forces.

7. Recorders - Storage systems record and keep images as files to be used when police need to examine these images as evidence for apprehending criminals. In the past, images are recorded in magnetic tapes. Now, with the advent of computers and more advanced systems, the images are now stored digitally.

Steve Strong's is an employee with Sun Security a leading supplier of Surveillance Cameras

way to buy the best Flash memory camcorder Radio Headphones Best Sale you'll find comfortable headphones from the best brands in the business find more about blueant come to blueant review

Why Security Cameras Are Important

A residential security system is becoming more and more important due to the increasing crime and theft around us. They are able to provide us with video footage, whether live or recorded, within our property. In fact, thanks to the presence of surveillance systems, undeniable video evidences have led to the incarceration of many criminals. This is the reason why a lot of people are protecting their homes and businesses with security cameras.

The popularity of security cameras have increased in the last decade and due to the advancement of technology, they now come in many shapes and sizes. There are also wired and wireless versions of these security systems. The wireless versions offer much more flexibility as they can be placed almost anywhere.

Security cameras that are internet-ready are a good way of monitoring your home or your business. They can be viewed from almost any location that has a computer with internet connection. This allows owners to keep an eye on their property while they are away. There are even surveillance systems that can notify you through email when movement has been detected.

Security cameras that are equipped with motion sensors give them the capability of detecting movements. Even the slightest movement can trigger these motion sensors to start the video recording process.

Digital Security surveillance cameras are much smaller. Despite their size, they are capable of recording video for a long period. The images and videos they record can be saved and edited in a computer. They have gained in popularity because they have eliminated the need for video tapes as a recording medium.

The presence of security systems have helped in deterring crimes and theft. This reputation has helped them become popular with homes and businesses. Through the years, security surveillance camera systems have become more affordable. For this reason, more and more households and businesses are being equipped with security cameras with the hopes of protecting their properties.

Overall, the importance of a residential security system has become more and more undeniable. There are a lot of intruders who are wary of security cameras and are well aware that they can be easily be tracked by law enforcers if they ever get caught in one. They get discouraged with just the sight of it. One of the major benefits of having a video surveillance system is safety. The installation of surveillance systems gives home owners and business owners a peace of mind.

Click the link to find out more about Residential Security System. You can also visit our Surveillance Systems website.

Laser Rangefinder Reviews can tell you laser rangefinder is a device find wireless subwoofer come to wireless subwoofer sale you can find more best about digital camera

Q-see QSC5514A Surveillance/Network Camera Color - CCD - Cable

Q-see QSC5514A Surveillance/Network Camera Color - CCD - Cable

Product Features

• CCD 550TVL DIGITAL WDR FUNTION

Read More

find more save about Oils For Health and inflatable kayak