Controlware Communications Systems

Controlware takes a closer look at the benefits that IP based CCTV can bring.

We should never lose sight of the fact that one, if not the most important goal, of any CCTV system is to produce high quality video images. This was brought home to me recently when a leading manufacturer visited our offices to provide a demo of HD / megapixel cameras and it was refreshing to be reminded of the benefits that this technology can provide.

Looking back IP based CCTV products have been with us for a while and having distributed cameras, encoders and management software products since 1998 we at Controlware have seen the technology develop and progress. While in the beginning IP camera image quality was at the same level as analogue alternatives today with the arrival of HD / megapixel cameras if you are looking to improve the image quality of your system then HD / megapixel is the ideal way to go.

It’s all about the CCTV picture quality

So in real terms what do megapixel cameras give you? Well, a one megapixel camera is 10 times more powerful than an analogue camera running CIF (Common Interchange Format) and a two megapixel camera is 20 times more powerful. What this means for the user is twofold; the benefit of more detailed CCTV images and the potential to cover a much wider area with less cameras. A two megapixel camera covers a much larger scene than four 4CIF analogue cameras whilst maintaining the same number of pixels per area. For example, a single megapixel camera can replace four analogue cameras required to monitor the four lanes of a petrol station forecourt.

HD / megapixel cameras are also great for locations such as car parks, where there is no-one available to continuously supervise the site, but images are required of any incidents that may occur. Analogue PTZs with auto tracking are often employed in these circumstances. However, the camera can only track one event at a time. This is often not the event you actually want since many cars and people move around the car park at the same time. Alternatively a large number of analogue cameras have to be deployed. Using HD / megapixel cameras the whole scene can be recorded either constantly or on event. After an incident has occurred, we can digitally zoom in to the recorded video with more clarity and therefore view any incident we want to see in greater detail without loss of image quality.

Since the aim of most CCTV systems is to provide good quality video images that can be used for evidential purposes HD / megapixel cameras tick all the boxes as well as providing users with the means to embrace the additional benefits an IP based CCTV system can deliver.

 

Cabling savings with CCTV

IP technology delivers benefits that work across every level of a CCTV system. Often existing CAT 5 or CAT6e cabling infrastructure can be used for a new system providing an immediate opportunity for cost savings. If not, it’s much more cost effective to go IP by running new cables at 20p per metre than coax at 80p per metre for an analogue installation. By using PoE (Power over Ethernet) and powering cameras over the IP network you need to run fewer cables to cameras. This also means reduced ducting which equals lower costs and faster installation. Also in most cases there is no need for a fused spur at each camera location, which can also be a considerable cost saving.

 

CCTV Recording efficiencies

Moving on to storing recorded video, much more flexibility and resilience can be built into the CCTV system by using professional IT storage systems instead of DVR and NVR boxes that are limited to a specific number of video channels. Professional IT storage systems take less space than DVR / NVR boxes while supporting more channels and allowing extra capacity can be added resiliently to the system as requirements evolve to the extent that all video can be re-routed to standby control rooms in the event of a major incident. From a disaster recovery point of view for mission critical systems this level of resilience was unheard of before the arrival of IP based systems. Recordings are available digitally as before but video can be stored in different locations avoiding loss of video cause by failed DVR / NVR hard drives. Professional IT storage systems are also in general a lot more cost effective Gigabyte for Gigabyte than their DVR/NVR counterparts since the typical storage costs for surveillance projects can represent between 20 and 30 percent of the project cost this means that significant cost savings can be made.

 

Benefit by working with CCTV experts

There is no doubt that IP delivers significant cost savings and improvements with video transmission, cabling and recording but the true benefit of IP CCTV can be felt where it really matters with the improved CCTV image quality that HD / megapixel cameras deliver. While recognising that IP systems can often be complex, by working with the right distribution partners, installers are able to benefit from all the support they need when it comes to designing and implementing IP. The advice and support of experienced distribution partners is invaluable to ensure that high levels of performance are maintained throughout the lifetime of the project and CCTV systems that meet user’s operational functionality requirements are delivered on time and within budget.

For an HD / Megapixel camera demonstration from a number of leading IP manufacturers contact us video(at)controlware.co.uk