CCTV SYSTEMS
CCTV
cctv Recording Systems
The building block of any CCTV surveillance system is the recording system and video management software that is used. The core function of the recording system is to process the video images from the CCTV cameras and store this video data in a way that is easily retrieved and reviewed.
The primary function of any CCTV recording system is to store the video footage, but with the progression of technology and processing power, your recording system can now move forward from being a reactive system investigating events that have already happened and now become a proactive system that alerts you to events before they happen.
A few ways that this can be achieved is by integrating these systems with Facial recognition, License Plate recognition, Fever detection, Analytics, Access control systems and building management systems. Integrations with third-party equipment and software are continually being developed and with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence being integrated into these recording systems, the abilities of your surveillance system are becoming crucial to the functionality of your business.
The recording systems available today are Embedded DVRs and NVRs as well as PC based NVRs.
Types of recording systems
What We Offer
Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
With analogue camera technology being discontinued with the progression of Megapixel IP camera systems, the DVR (Digital Video Recorders) have evolved into Hybrid systems able to accommodate outdated analogue cameras, newer technology High Definition over coax cameras as well as support for some IP cameras. The biggest difference on a DVR is that the processing of the video footage is all done by the DVR. With the flexibility of a DVR an older installation can be upgraded at a lower cost as the majority of the existing cabling infrastructure can be used and only the upgrading of the cameras and DVR is required. For most small businesses this is more than adequate. Cameras can be upgraded from analogue to a 1,2,3,4 or 5MP camera. With the flexibility of Hybrid technology additional IP cameras can be added to areas requiring better picture quality.
Network Video Recorder (NVR)
The NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the solution for Megapixel IP cameras. With an NVR the video images are processed by the camera and the NVR stores the footage. This equates to the higher price of the cameras, but more functionality, the ability for more storage, as well as the better-quality video that is available with IP cameras. Although a stand-alone network is preferable for a CCTV system, existing networking infrastructure for example POE switches to power the cameras as well as spare Fibre can be used to reduce installation costs.
PC Based NVR
The NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the solution for Megapixel IP cameras. With an NVR the video images are processed by the camera and the NVR stores the footage. This equates to the higher price of the cameras, but more functionality, the ability for more storage, as well as the better-quality video that is available with IP cameras. Although a stand-alone network is preferable for a CCTV system, existing networking infrastructure for example POE switches to power the cameras as well as spare Fibre can be used to reduce installation costs.
VMS software
Video management software takes your surveillance system to a new level. Bringing you all the features of an NVR and DVR, and additional functionality like Pop up alarms, site maps, video walls. The VMS brings together multiple recording units into a platform to view all the cameras, Video wall functionality gives you the option to lace multiple screens together to view hundreds of cameras seamlessly. Pop up alarms along side Site maps can create a black screen effect of monitoring your surveillance system. Instead of operators meaninglessly viewing hundreds of cameras, only video feed of cameras that have been activated by an event will pop up visually on the screen. This pop up can be integrated with an audible alert ensuring your controller is made aware of any situation. Integrating this alarm with a site map instantly alerts your Security to the exact location of this alarmed event.
Embedded vs PC Based
Embedded DVRs and NVRs have progressed dramatically, storage capabilities are now right up there with PC based solutions. Embedded units run on a Linux operating system that is not only more stable than Windows-based machines, they are not vulnerable to Viruses.
PC based recording systems are more expensive due to the processing power required and are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and viruses, but the flexibility of the software and integration abilities are a great advantage for many installations.
A really good compromise is to use embedded recording devices for your storage and to use a PC based VMS (Video Management Software) to enable you to take advantage of all the features available to you.
Storage Capabilities
Edge recording – Edge recording refers to the ability of the camera itself to save the video footage to onboard storage. On some higher-end cameras, this can be with a built-in solid-state HDD, but in most cases, this is done with an SD card. Recording times are limited to the size of SD card available, but this is a cost-effective method for small sites or even covert installations that don’t require extended periods of recording or are not accessible to network or recording systems. Edge recording can also be used as a failover solution to ensure no footage is lost if something goes wrong with your main recording solution.
DVRs and NVRs – These devices have a set number of SATA drives for you to install up to 10TB HDD. All devices have different capabilities as to the number of hard drives they can accommodate and your limitation to recording will be according to the make and model of your recording unit.
NAS and SAN – NAS (Network Attached Storage) and SAN (Storage Area Network) units allow for the expansion of your video storage capabilities. With these devices your storage expansion is endless and data can be stored away from your recording devices.
Archiving your video footage moves your video data from one device to another, creating more space for you for more footage. By using video grooming you can further expand the amount of footage you are able to store by reducing the number of frames per second your footage has on older footage. Reducing your old footage to just a single frame per second vastly increases your storage capabilities.
It is important to remember every site is different and not every solution will work for you. We are the experts in tailoring a solution that will exceed your expectations.
Please give us a call so that one of our experts can come and see your requirements and advise you on a solution best suited for you.
HD CCTV Systems
Analogue High Definition or HD allows for high-definition analogue signals to be transmitted via RG59 coaxial cable traditionally used for CCTV installations. To the customer, this means dramatic cost savings as existing cabling may be utilised but still provide high-quality images previously only possible from IP or network-based CCTV systems. High-definition analogue systems furthermore reduce the need for expensive network switches and allow for a longer transmission of video signals of distances up to 300m vs the 100m limitation on network-based systems.
The technology is commonly marketed under the following names depending on brand and manufacturer:
HDCVI – High-Definition Composite Video Input used by Dahua brand.
HDTVI – High-Definition Transport Video Interface used by Hikvision brand.
AHD – Analogue high definition is the generic terminology
Our high-definition cameras are available in the following resolutions:
• 720p commonly referred to as HD Ready or 1 megapixel
• 960H or 1.3 megapixel
• 1080P commonly named Full High definition or 2 mega pixels
HD Recorders
HD (High Definition) recorders are available in various configurations and generally will allow for old technology standard resolution cameras to be used on the new recorders. This adds the benefit of allowing a customer to replace their existing analogue system recorder with a recorder with high definition analogue support. Priority cameras can be upgraded or additional high definition cameras can be added. Recorders are available in 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 channel options. Certain models of the HD recorders have the functionality to support IP cameras. These recorders are commonly referred to as Tribrid recorders as the support three technologies namely analogue, high definition analogue or HD and IP cameras.
HD Cameras
HD cameras are generally available in 3 main forms namely dome cameras, bullet cameras or cylindrical cameras as well as PTZ (pan tilt zoom) cameras. Infra-red dome cameras and infra-red bullet cameras are available allowing cameras to see in complete darkness by the use of infra-red illumination. Powerful infra-red PTZ cameras have the ability to view up to 100m away in complete darkness. High definition cameras are available in 720p (1280X720 resolution) as well as full high definition or 1080p (1920X1080). HD cameras will require an HD compatible recorder to operate at this high resolution.Recorders are available in 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 channel options. Certain models of the HD recorders have the functionality to support IP cameras. These recorders are commonly referred to as Tribrid recorders as the support three technologies namely analogue, high definition analogue or HD and IP cameras.
IP CCTV Systems
An IP camera is the evolution from an analogue signal to a digital signal. IP cameras are based on the same networking technology used to connect computers (PCs) to a network switch. The term IP camera is an acronym for Internet Protocol. IP cameras are also commonly referred to as HD cameras, High-Definition cameras, and Megapixel Cameras. Megapixel means millions of pixels.
IP cameras achieve a higher resolution than analogue cameras. The more pixels in a picture allow for a sharper, clearer image.
| Number of Megapixels | Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 Megapixel(Analogue) | 640x480 | 4:3 |
| 1 Megapixel | 1280x720 | 16:9 |
| 1.3 Megapixel | 1280x1024 | 5:4 |
| 2 Megapixel | 1920x1080 | 16:9 |
| 3 Megapixel | 2048x1536 | 4:3 |
| 4.1 Megapixel | 2560x1600 | 16:10 |
| 5.2 Megapixel | 2560x2048 | 5:4 |
| 8 Megapixel(4K) | 3296x2472 | 16:9 |
| 16 Megapixel(5K) | 4944x3280 | 3:2 |
| 30 Megapixel(7K) | 7360x4128 | 16:9 |
What Is Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio is the Vertical and the horizontal resolution of an image. The higher the pixels the bigger the image will be. High-Definition TVs now broadcast in 16:9 aspect ratio where the older Standard Definition TVs used to broadcast in 4:3.
Video Compression and how it affects image quality:
IP cameras run on a compression called H.264. H.264 is the evolution of Mpeg4 and allows for multiple Megapixel Cameras to record to a single NVR (Network Video Recorder) and run multiple cameras on a network without losing picture quality.
H.264 profile works by only logging the changes in the P-frame and I-frame of images. The B-frame is completely ignored thus allowing for lower latency, lower bandwidth and increased recording space. H.264 can be as much as 60% more efficient over the previous Mpeg 4 codec.
The next standard of video encoding will be H.265 or Hvec which will allow for the encoding of higher resolution cameras i.e., 8 Megapixel – 29 Megapixel at a lower bandwidth.
How will IP Cameras Benefit You?
IP cameras are based on a digital IP system this allows for higher image resolutions and clearer images. The installer can also access the camera directly and set up the camera from a PC in the control room.
Most IP cameras can have an SD card slot where recording can take place on the camera, thus allowing for failover of recording should the server be compromised. IP cameras that have audio can also record audio over a single cable.
Installation time can be minimized due to IP Cameras only needing 1 cable for power, video streams, audio and any i/o switching.
The advent of High-Definition cameras over Analogue Cable (HDTVI/HDCVI) has allowed for the entry-level installation of HD cameras. The limitation of this technology is the highest resolution it can record is 2 Megapixels. All audio, power, and I/O have to be run on separate cables.
Analogue vs IP Cameras
Below is an example of an IP camera and an Analogue camera. A Rotakin was used to test the integrity of the camera.
Both cameras were recorded at the exact same time looking at the same object. A two-megapixel IP camera was used with a 3-9mm lens with the lens set at the widest setting.
The Analogue camera had the exact same lens also set to the widest setting at the highest recording quality.
Please note, that this testing was done in-house by CCTV Security Surveillance, all cameras are tested using full resolution:
Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras, also known as Infrared cameras or night vision cameras.
For a long time, thermal cameras have mainly been used by the military. Advances in technology and cheaper prices due to these technological advances have made them steadily more available and a great choice for a variety of applications.
Although mainly for law enforcement, surveillance and perimeter security, thermal cameras are also used in the commercial sector.
Normal CCTV cameras work by gathering light to obtain the images. There is limited detection at night as light illuminates only a certain small area.
Thermal cameras gather their image from infrared radiation (heat). The advantage of this over normal cameras is the ability to view the same picture quality in almost any environmental condition. From pitch black in the dead of night, during obscurities like rain, mist, snow or smoke, thermal cameras will ensure the same picture.
Thermal cameras are also capable of viewing much greater distances than standard CCTV cameras. Detection of a human can be achieved from a few meters to a few kilometres away, depending on lenses used and environmental conditions.
With Thermal cameras you are able to monitor temperature, enabling you to monitor critical equipment as well as protect your perimeter.
Thermal cameras are available in a variety of models and options:
Hand Held Thermals – Perfect for guards on patrol or pursuing a suspect.
Portable Thermals– Able to be fitted to a Drone giving you the ability to quickly and efficiently survey large areas. Whether you are looking for a suspect hiding in a field, or you would like to do a count of cattle or game on your farm this is a great option for you.
PT Thermals (Pan-tilt Thermals) – Thermal cameras with Pan and tilt functions, give your operators accurate pointing control while also providing automated fully programmable scan patterns.
Fixed-mount Thermal cameras – Available in a range of lenses these Thermals are perfect for monitoring critical equipment, being able to give you exact running temperatures, and giving you the information, you require accurately. Fixed Thermals are the perfect solution for your perimeter protection, combined with cutting edge video analytics, you are able to create virtual barriers that will inform your controllers of potential intruders before they are able to breach your perimeter. Now you can react proactively.
