ALARMLOCK sells and installs a wide array of security video systems and solutions (also known as CCTV), including Analog and IP cameras, fixed and PTZ cameras, MegaPixel 180 and 360-degree cameras, and Thermal (infra-red) cameras. Alarmlock represents numerous suppliers of digital and network video recording and management systems. Our installation capabilities enable us to support security projects of any size.
See this brief discussion of security camera technologies:
CCTV - CCTV (the acronym for Closed Circuit Television) is generally understood to involve security surveillance cameras and a viewing/recording system. Not long ago, video images were stored on video tapes (VHS). More recently, Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) became more popular.
DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS - DVRs are economical, versatile and user-friendly. As hard drives have grown in capacity, video recordings have been stored for longer periods – even months. DVRs are typically connected to a local network, enabling users to monitor live feeds and play back stored video at a remote PC. These images can easily be viewed on your smartphone as well for quick review.
CAMERAS - Camera technology has improved significantly over the last decade. Early surveillance cameras were monochrome (Black and White) and offered less than desirable image resolution. Recent video processing technologies afford color, better contrast, better performance in low light and more “TV” lines (the more lines – the sharper the image). Newer surveillance cameras come in smaller sizes, in both traditional housings and “mini”-domes. Many clients utilize “Pan-Tilt-Zoom” (PTZ) cameras. These dome-styled cameras can be “steered” with a joystick or a mouse and permit the user to scan an area for irregular activity. PTZ cameras can also follow a pre-programmed tour and monitor a 360-degree field of view.
RESOLUTION - The enemy of successful security surveillance is poor quality video or poor “resolution”. Poor resolution can be blamed on low-resolution cameras and lenses, improper installation, inadequate scene illumination, poor lighting and excessive compression. All video stored by a Digital Video Recorder must first be converted (transcoded) from Analog signal to Digital format. Next, the very voluminous video data is compressed before being stored on the Hard Drive. These processes reduce the “clarity” or resolution of the picture. DVR manufacturers utilize various compression methods (or “Codecs”) to preserve the important content of the image while removing the insignificant or repetitive information.
Since a DVR can accomplish no more than its native capabilities permit, it is the responsibility of the installer and end-user to optimize the DVR’s configurations to achieve the best available image quality. Video recordings are simply a stream of still pictures. Each picture is called a “frame” or “image”. Hollywood movies are typically viewed at 24 Frames-Per-Second (FPS). DVRs allow the control of frames per second (generally from 1 to 30). Fewer frames per second can result in longer video storage times but provide the end-user with less event information and “jerky” images. Additionally, if a 16-camera DVR has an overall capability of 240 frames, Compression levels can also be increased to save on storage. The greater the compression, the poorer the final images. The battle is typically waged between better resolution and longer storage times. If the goal is to achieve 30 frames per second (Real Time video), then the unit must record only 8 cameras (rather than 16). This is what casinos typically do.
Another way to economize on a recorder’s video “budget” is to set the unit to store events only when there is “motion”. There is no benefit to storing hours and hours of video of an empty corridor.
Now that Hard Drives are so large and so inexpensive, end-users should not need to sacrifice video quality for the sake of storage time. If an event is discovered within, say, three weeks, the relevant video can be “burned” to a DVD and permanently saved before being “written over” by more recent video or copied to a USB thumb drive.
Resolution is most often a question of dollars ($$). Better video coverage can be achieved by buying MORE cameras, or cameras with more TV lines. Better and longer storage can be achieved by buying LARGER hard drives or more DVRs.
At Alarmlock, our goal is to assist you in achieving the best video budget for your financial budget.
MEGAPIXEL TECHNOLOGY - As the demand for bigger, sharper images grows, our industry has migrated towards Megapixel technology or High Definition (HD) video. Most commercial televisions sold today are High Definition LCDs or LEDs.
Security system users want the best picture for their dollar. Since traditional, analog surveillance cameras use VGA (Video Graphics Array) resolution, their image quality has a finite limitation. Resolution is generally measured in pixels. A pixel is the smallest particle of an image. The fewer the pixels in an image, the poorer its quality will be. Many current model LCD TVs have an image resolution of 1080p (1080 x1920 or approx. two million [2 mega-] pixels) or better. VGA resolution is generally 720 x 480 (345,600) pixels. Thus, a Megapixel camera offering 2 mega-pixels affords an image six times sharper than that of a VGA camera. Since conventional DVRs operate on VGA technology, MegaPixel quality can ONLY be achieved with a different and more powerful type of camera and recording system.
I.P. (or Internet Protocol) CAMERAS - I.P. cameras have been available for over a decade. At first, they did not attract much attention because most Ethernet networks were inefficient, and the cameras’ image quality did not compete with that of VGA cameras. Nowadays, most organizations have larger, faster local area networks (LANs), and can better handle the enormous video data traffic generated by an IP camera. Plus, new camera and compression technologies have made IP cameras more viable and economical. Some IP cameras are capable of capturing 16 megapixels or more. Such massive video data streams provide unprecedented picture clarity and information, while introducing some new challenges.
As the appetite for clearer, sharper video images grows, more and more consumers are looking seriously at megapixel IP cameras. The challenges come in three areas –
- How to transport such enormous video data traffic on a facility LAN
- How to store such an enormous volume of video data
- How to search such an enormous archive of video data
Sometimes the decision is based on project size. Most DVR’s are designed to support 16 cameras. There is generally no limit to the number of cameras on an IP camera system. Some DVR’s are “hybrid” units. Hybrid units offer inputs for analog (VGA) cameras with separate Ethernet ports to accommodate a limited number of IP cameras. Setting up a small IP camera system can be relatively easy. Larger, campus-wide or enterprise-wide systems will involve significant planning and the involvement of I.T. personnel, since it may be necessary to take up significant portions of an existing network, or even create a separate security network. As more manufacturers develop megapixel camera technologies, end-users should consider carefully the choice between conventional DVRs or the newer Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Video Management Systems.
Alarmlock Corp. proudly offers all types of camera systems. Both CCTV and IP video allow you keep your eyes on every part of your facility. When integrated with trained operators, our industry-leading video systems afford a higher degree of protection, and mitigate risk, all the while increasing efficiency and savings.
Video surveillance is effective and generally inconspicuous. It also mitigates another serious risk: legal liability. Video provides historical and evidentiary support for you, because a slip-and-fall that results in a lawsuit can sometimes be as damaging as a fire or a theft.
Situational awareness means having a view of the entire room or area - a 360 degree view. That view can be digitally de-warped, providing a panoramic view of the room you are trying to secure. Alternatively, you can select four views for a quad split screen - all with a single camera. This kind of technology far surpasses analog camera limitations. While it does capture the same views as an analog camera, it also permits after-the-fact pan, tilt and zoom capabilities while playing back recorded video. Picture the camera you are used to, angled at the door or window you are trying to protect. Imagine now a slip-and-fall right below the camera. If you had an analog or IP camera pointed away from the fall, you would never have seen the real truth. With a 360 or even a 180 degree camera, you not only see the door or window, but you see below, right where the person claimed that he "fell".
Alarmlock Corp systems specialists can consult with you to identify and design a camera system which works best for you. Our extensive line of cameras and equipment ranges from small and covert, to sophisticated cameras that can see into the darkest of spaces. From a correctional facility to an office tower and from shopping malls to residential developments, our skilled technicians can handle any project, even the most sensitive installation.
Call for a demonstration or walk-thru to protect your investment, (801) 649-3573.
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