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The fundamental elements of any video Security or monitoring system include one or more cameras which connect to a central server location where video may be viewed on a monitor in real-time, and/or recorded electronically, for playback and review. Systems can have real-time monitoring without recording. Other systems can have recording only, with no real-time monitoring. Still other systems may implement a dynamic mix of both of real-time monitoring and recording, depending on time of day, camera location, staff availability, and other factors.

These video Security systems can:

1. Deter criminal activity, such as theft, robbery, assault, or vandalism
2. Provide a faster or more appropriate response to an incident
3. Provide a record usable in a court-of-law to identify and prosecute an individual who committed a criminal act
4. Provide an improved shopping, working, or visiting experience for customers, employees, and visitors.

Both analog CCTV systems and digital IPVS systems are capable of providing all four of the above system benefits. However, the effectiveness to which a system meets these goals varies. In addition, pricing for the two types of systems are often substantially different.

Overview of CCTV Systems

A traditional Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) system consists of:

• One or more analog cameras
• Per-camera coaxial cables connecting to a central monitor
• Central monitoring station
• Optional video tape recorder

Each camera includes a sensor, a lens, and analog video-output circuitry. The sensor will be either a traditional scanned tube or a solid-state CCD integrated circuit. The camera may be placed on a pan-tilt-zoom mechanical platform. The camera does not include any storage, processing, or programming capability. Video output will typically be saved in NTSC format or its equivalent “raw” analog video (identified as EIA-or RS-170), with a fixed scan rate and resolution compatible with traditional analog television monitors.

The central monitoring station will include a multi-camera switch and the option to display multiple video signals on a single monitor. The switch may have a built-in timer to cycle through the cameras. The cameras are available in color and, more commonly, monochrome (black and white).

Overview of IPVS Systems

An IP Video Security (IPVS) system consists of the following components:

• One or more digital network cameras
• A standard computer network, either shared or dedicated
• A central server
• One or more client viewing stations
• A digital storage unit

IP cameras always contain a digital CCD or CMOS sensor, and a small, embedded microcomputer to perform image processing and interface to the network. Video output and camera control information are communicated between the cameras and the central server via a standard Ethernet connector.

The computer network does not “know” that cameras are connected to it. The network cabling and switches communicate information pertaining to video flow and camera control identically to the way office computers send data to printers. Network cables, switches, and hubs are standard hardware products, widely available and inexpensive. The network for the IPVS cameras is often shared with an existing, installed data network. This is appropriate if the current network is 100base-TX or Gigabit Ethernet. Some businesses may choose a dedicated network, or a partially dedicated network for the IPVS system. Sometimes businesses upgrade an older network, providing improved office computer functionality as well as supporting networked cameras.

The central server is often a standard Windows-based desktop computer, typically running the camera server software as a dedicated application. The server may physically connect to the network at any point. A standard mouse, keyboard and computer monitor connected to the server may function as a real-time monitoring station. However, the server is fully functional with no keyboard or monitor connected.

The client viewing stations can be standard office PCs or laptop computers. Client viewing can take place via a simple Windows application, or a standard web browser. Multiple client viewing stations are easily supported anywhere on the network or anywhere in the world, if a viewer can connect to the server via internet. PDAs may also be used to view video, as well as to control cameras. The PDA capability of IPVS systems may substantially improve emergency response, crowd and event control, and facility maintenance by placing key information directly into the hands of personnel.

The digital storage unit is a standard disk subsystem, consisting of one or more disk drives. Often, multiple disks are used to provide backup video storage or automatically store many days of video. The disk subsystem normally connects to the server; however, it may be placed either somewhere within the network, or remotely via the internet.

Comparison of Technologies

It is difficult to make a direct comparison between analog CCTV systems with digital IPVS systems. Each system has the same purpose, equally functional hardware, and similar features. However, certain businesses may find certain features and capabilities fit their uses better.

CCTV Strengths

If only real-time monitoring is required, with no video storage, then CCTV is simpler. The systems are not programmable and no training is required. However, IPVS may cost less, particularly if there is an existing data network or long cable runs are required.

IPVS Strengths

In two situations, IPVS is clearly the best option. On large sites, such as on campuses, public facilities, and many government buildings, have lower cabling costs when IPVS is used. If there is an existing data network, then cabling costs are usually dramatically less. On large sites, the price of installing cables is higher than all other system costs combined. Because IPVS connects via wireless networking, IPVS will generally result in a lower total system cost.

The applications best suited for IPVS are ones where the quality and usability of recorded video is critical. Such applications often include schools, where identifying an individual who causes vandalism or starts a fight is critical to the school’s commitment to a safe campus. Similarly, if a license plate must be read, or a person must be identified to a degree of certainty required by a court-of-law, then the resolution and consistency of a digital system is normally required.

Analog CCTV systems include a tape recorder or “digital video recorder” (DVR), making image retrieval in such systems difficult and tedious. After an event, management rarely has the time or patience to review many hours, or even days, of recorded video. More often, the cost of the crime is not worth the cost of retrieving the critical few seconds of video out of the long stream of recorded inactivity.

An IPVS system dramatically improves the ability to retrieve recorded events. First, the system only stores video when there is activity within the field of view of that camera. The standard “pre-recording” of a few seconds video prior to detected activity assures that the entire event is digitally preserved. Secondly, by displaying a timeline of activity on the user’s console any recorded time for viewing can be instantaneously selected. Video from any number of selected cameras may be viewed side-by-side on the monitor. Locating the exact recorded moment of the crime is accomplished with a minimum of viewing time.

The key recorded event is easily copied, saved, and forwarded via the internet. Hard copies of images showing a face or a license plate can be easily printed or emailed for distribution.

IPVS cameras come in a wide range of resolutions, from very low cost “webcams,” to ultra high-resolution cameras, designed to monitor large construction sites or crowded public venues.

The following table compares features of CCTV and IPVS systems:

Cost Comparison

It is difficult to directly compare system costs of CCTV versus IPVS because cost differentials between the two technologies can vary substantially based on the presence of existing cameras on a site, an existing data network, days of recording required, and other site-specific factors.

When bids for CCTV are compared side-by-side with bids for IPVS, the capabilities of a proposed CCTV system are rarely comparable to a proposed IPVS system because of the following factors:

• Existing analog CCTV systems are often upgraded to IPVS—in fact, this is believed to be the most common type of IPVS currently installed.
• Existing CCTV cameras, if high quality, may easily be converted to work in an IPVS system for less than the cost of purchasing a new IPVS camera.
• IPVS cameras typically cost more than CCTV cameras, although they also have more capabilities.
• In a CCTV system, cabling will typically be the most expensive component of the system.
• In an IPVS system, disk storage will typically be the most expensive component of the system.
• If an existing data network is installed, it can often be used as the network for the IPVS system. Upgrading to 100base or 1000base may be recommended.
• Using an existing data network will generally cause an IPVS system to be lower cost than a CCTV system.
• Maintenance of a digital IPVS is typically lower cost and less frequently needed than an analog CCTV system.
• It is easier to upgrade (or replace) individual components within an IPVS system than a CCTV system, because typically a higher fraction of the IPVS system components use open standards (rather than proprietary), and use standard hardware, such as network switches and PCs.

What do digital consumer cameras have in common with IPVS?

Most people understand the differences between traditional film cameras and the newer digital cameras. The transition from film to digital cameras is similar to the industry transition from CCTV to IPVS. Both types of cameras take excellent pictures. Both categories of cameras offer a range of prices and capabilities.

For the same quality lens, a digital camera will cost more. However, as millions of people are discovering, the ease of use and instant review of images offered by digital cameras offers huge benefits for the amateur photographer. Saving, sharing, and printing images becomes “mouse-click easy.”

Similarly, the simplicity and ease with which a manager can call in an employee to look at video clip and ask, “What do you think about this?” convinces most people who have worked with IPVS to prefer it.

Additional IPVS Capability

IPVS systems support advanced features, such as linking to retail POS systems or alarm and access control systems. Connecting CCTV systems to computerized operation facility systems is rarely feasible.

In the unlikely, but possible event of something as serious as a shooter, terrorist, or hostage crisis, the increased accessibility of real-time and recently recorded video can be critical for emergency response. Emergency personnel can view video that clearly identifies the suspect both on-site and remotely.

Features Beyond Security

An IPVS system can do more than just deter or capture criminal acts. Systems with multiple clients (viewing locations) are able to provide a better experience for customers, employees, and the public. For example, a video Security system may be used to identify traffic jams, long lines, broken signs, trash, burned out lights, abandoned shopping carts, lost visitors, potential confrontations, or any of a hundreds minor, but annoying situations. Often, IPVS systems are used to reduce overall site costs by reducing the number of maintenance or customer service staff required. They improve situational response times by providing the right person with the right tools to quickly restore an aisle, path, hallway, escalator, parking lot, plaza, conference center, public park, or lobby to a clean, comfortable state.

To effectively take advantage of the improved customer service aspect of video Security systems, it is often necessary to have multiple, distributed client viewing stations. Typical locations include the office of the customer service manager, facilities maintenance, head of security, food service, or parking booths, as well as one or more guard stations or a lobby service desk. IPVS systems use standard networked PCs for client viewing. Normally, no additional hardware or network costs are required to add additional client locations. Standard wireless laptop computers (using 802.11b or 802.11g, for example) may view video anywhere with wireless network coverage. Passwords, encryption, and other methods are used to assure that only permitted individuals have access to networked video.

Mobile Viewing

A PDA video client is available, including remote pan-tilt-zoom camera control. This level of convenient and universal access dramatically improves the practical (timesaving) and customer experience improvements available within IPVS system installation.

Summary

Though a head-to-head comparisons of features and costs are challenging, due to the substantial architectural and ease-of-use differences between the two generations of technology, this paper provides some general comparison points and a high-level understanding of cost involved for installing these systems. For additional information, you may wish to have a qualified vendor provide a site survey and design of a system that is customized to your business and location.

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