The most obvious benefit of video surveillance is improved security. Whether you’re using security cameras to protect your home, business, or a large-scale campus environment, high-quality surveillance footage is an invaluable asset. There’s nothing more powerful in a criminal investigation than visual evidence, and that’s what surveillance cameras provide.
Security cameras can also work to deter criminal activity. We’ve seen countless examples where the rate of reported incidents has dropped significantly, in schools for instance, simply by the presence of security cameras. In many cases, strategically placed video surveillance cameras will make potential offenders think twice about acting out, which of course leads to a safer environment overall.
In terms of risk management, surveillance systems help to eliminate the threat of false claims and frivolous lawsuits. For most businesses, such scenarios often prove extremely costly. Video surveillance provides the necessary visual proof to confirm facts and address legitimate cases while refuting false ones.
It’s important to note that security cameras can deliver much more than video images for post-event analysis. Today’s video surveillance systems can provide users with the tools for efficient real-time monitoring, advanced motion detection, integration with external security systems, and other intelligent features that increase the chances of catching potential threats as they happen.
In the end, the role of video surveillance is different for each user. How can a video surveillance system help you? Answering that question is the first step in determining what type of surveillance setup best meets your needs.
The video surveillance industry has been shifting toward IP –based surveillance over traditional analog CCTV networks. The main difference between the two technologies is the way the video signal is processed and delivered. An analog system transmits video in a format suitable for local viewing and recording via television monitors and VCR. IP-based surveillance systems send digitalized video streams over a network, allowing users to access, record, and manage the footage remotely.
Hybrid DVRs and IP video encoders let users leverage existing analog cameras for an easy transition to IP video, but with full IP-based surveillance you can skip these extra steps, a decision which brings with it many advantages. Let’s take a closer look at both solutions.
Megapixel Resolution – Many IP cameras offer high megapixel resolution, which can reduce the overall number of cameras needed.
Easy Remote Access – Each IP camera features its own built-in web server so you can access footage and control camera functions remotely from almost anywhere.
Power Over Ethernet – With Power over Ethernet (PoE), an IP camera can get both its power and network connection using a single Cat5 Ethernet cord, making installation easier.
Bandwidth Requirements – Calculating network bandwidth requirements is an important factor when configuring IP surveillance solutions. To get the best performance, it is recommended you put the system on its own network.
Lower Initial Cost – Generally, analog CCTV cameras cost less than IP network cameras, making them an option for surveillance on a budget.
Easy Setup – Analog CCTV cameras are designed to be plug-and-play, making them quicker and easier to set up if your business does not have an IT or technician available.
Limited Resolution – Many professional IP cameras feature HD resolution up to 5 megapixels, a range not available in analog cameras but important when using the system for recognition.
Expensive Cabling – Analog systems aren’t recommended for some large-scale surveillance applications or locations because of the complicated and expensive cabling requirements.
CCTV, or closed-circuit television, refers to the use of analog video cameras to deliver signals via coaxial cable to a specific location for monitoring. While the surveillance industry has moved toward IP video technology, analog CCTV systems are still widely used and offer tried-and-true, cost-efficient solutions for a wide variety of surveillance applications.
Long History of Implementation The first CCTV system was installed in the 1940’s, and the technology has played a key role in the security industry since around 1970. With an analog CCTV system, you know exactly what you are getting because the technology has already been pushed and mastered. We know its advantages and its limitations, which makes it easy to determine whether a particular application is suitable for a CCTV solution, and what equipment is required.
Available exclusively on IP cameras, High definition (HD) surveillance is now recognized as the preferred choice for professional security camera systems, delivering unmatched image quality with superb detail.
Upgrading from an analog CCTV camera system to 720p or 1080p HD is easy and affordable.
Ultra-sharp images with forensic detail make it possible to identify a person or a license plate within an image. Unlike CCTV systems, HD video captures exceptionally clear video with high evidentiary value.
High-definition surveillance is a type of megapixel resolution that is much higher in quality than standard definition analog (CCTV) video. Analog video is measured in lines of horizontal resolution (TVL), whereas HD video is measured in pixels. An image captured by a 720p HD camera has a total of 1280 x 720 pixels. Full HD resolution, or 1080p, delivers 1920 x1080 pixels per image.
An experienced HD video integrator with proven customer service helps ensure a smooth upgrade process. Select a partner who will design and pre-configure your HD system for a swift and easy installation.
The right HD video partner should provide superior technical assistance and free lifetime support before and after the installation, as well as have technical experts standing by to address your concerns and answer any questions you have about your new HD system.
Partner with a company that offers a free comprehensive security site audit of your location. Your selected integrator should have years of experience designing IP camera systems and know how toleverage new technologies to enhance your security and improve business operations.
The right partner will help you plan ahead. A scalable upgrade plan will incorporate future growth plans into a customized system that is both flexible and cost-effective. Beginning with the end in mind will save you money long-term, and give you the ability to easily expand your upgraded system over time.
In the business world there is always a need to improve. How can an organization achieve more profits, more efficiency, and better customer retention? By monitoring your current business operations you can identify places for improvement and institute changes.
Traditionally, surveillance systems were used to deter crime and capture video evidence, but modern systems with advanced features and video management software can be used for more than just security.
Spot weaknesses in your workflow
Identify potential safety problems before an accident occurs
Increase employee productivity
Improve customer service
Monitor customer flow to optimize store design
Heighten quality control & product testing procedures
The process of monitoring your business and improving your operations based on the data you _nd, whether that’s through increased employee productivity, better quality control, or enhancing the customer experience, is essential to helping a business grow.
The newest in video surveillance technology can help you get data on how your store runs, how your employees work, and how your customers interact with your business. You’ll be able to monitor your business in real time, review saved video saved, and apply analytics software on your schedule.
Whether you want to improve the customer experience, catch product flaws before expensive repairs or replacements are needed, or just ensure everyone is safe, a surveillance camera gives you previously untapped views into how your business runs
