http://www.controlware.co.uk/ Controlware RSS Feeds en http://www.controlware.co.uk/fileadmin/templates/mein_rss.gif http://www.controlware.co.uk/ Controlware RSS Feeds TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:23:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/looking-to-the-future-with-ip-cctv.html In this article Controlware's Country Manager Mark Harraway takes a look at the CCTV landscape and... CCTV system and a traditional DVR solution. It demonstrated that the IP solution was more cost effective and had a far better set of features. Over the last year we have seen many more systems being specified as IP, while technology advancements have also continued to move on. Therefore it seems timely to review some of the points raised in the first article and see how the latest technology improvements impact on IP CCTV systems and design.
In CCTV bigger is better: In the last year we have seen an increasing number of systems being specified with Megapixel or HD CCTV cameras and a sharp increase in vendors releasing models to meet these needs.  It would seem that traditional CCTV has reached it’s technological limits with 4CIF / D1 resolution whereas a Megapixel or HD camera can offer around 4 times the image size thus allowing for greater image quality and the ability to digitally zoom in either a live or recorded image without any image pixilation. This can be a great aid when reviewing footage to see small details or identify suspects that might otherwise have been lost. We have also seen advances in hard drive capacity with 2 Terabyte (TB) drives now being released for little more cost than their 1 TB counterparts.  This means that we can now supply 28 TB of useable storage in a 4U footprint and, by the use of RAID, still have no single point of failure ensuring that footage is not lost.  There is a fantastic TCO argument of reducing the power, footprint, air-con operational costs by the savings that this level of storage can offer, as well as the reduced costs from simply having to buy fewer boxes. Power over Ethernet (PoE) also offers additional cost savings when looking at IP vs analogue. The release of Hi-PoE or PoE+ now means that even PTZ domes can now support video, telemetry, I/O, audio and power over a single cable therefore reducing installation costs and time.  Even standard PoE allows for standard fixed CCTV cameras to be quickly installed over either new or existing structured cabling without the need to run additional power cables. This can be a great help if you are looking to quickly install covert cameras. The savings made by using PoE can also apply to Access Control, as there are a number of PoE enabled readers and controllers.  This also allows us to PoE power internal mag-locks to further reduce cost & installation times.  An IP-enabled access control system used in conjunction with IP CCTV brings further benefits to improve processes and operator experience by enabling functionality such as linking a PTZ to a main door entry to verify people trying to enter a site, linking to Time and Attendance systems or protecting lone workers through automated monitoring.  Future technology improvements include the planned release of an IP-enabled intruder system combined with Active Directory from Microsoft to give enhanced functionality to security deployments. It will enable security policies for all the services, functions, processes and operations within a company can be assigned and managed from a single database with combined rules engines, therefore allowing security managers to effectively monitor, report and manage all of their required services and responsibilities. Another cost-saving area is lighting. The release of LED illuminators from companies such as Ganz, have a longer operational life than traditional lights and also use less energy than traditional light sources. It’s not just about the CCTV cameras: Over the last year we have also seen a number of projects being deployed into virtual environments.  Virtualisation of servers and storage is a fast becoming the de-facto standard for large scale IP-based deployments due to the levels of redundancy and cost savings it can support.  As servers become increasingly powerful they can support more and more cameras but there remains a bottleneck in the system with writing the video to the discs for instance.  To avoid wasting resources on the physical server you simply install virtualisation management software to manage the server resources (processors, memory, hard drives etc.) and then you can create multiple “virtual machines” on one physical one.  This then allows more storage to be attached to the unit, and to have built in redundancy of various elements of the system.  (Virtual Server 1 on Physical Server A is the failover server for Virtual Server 3 on Physical Server B while Virtual Server 4 on Physical Server B is the failover server for Virtual Server 2 on Physical Server A etc.).  This can be applied to all the storage attached to the servers, thus promoting multiple paths of redundancy for mission critical installations. Also by promoting a smaller physical footprint further cost savings, in addition to green credentials, are added to the operational cost base through reduced power consumption and lower cooling costs. Virtual servers have also been used to promote remote monitoring and recording.  We have deployed projects over the last year in which a single corporate LAN or WAN has a single large virtual environment at a HQ or data centre.  CCTV cameras are then installed at remote locations and can be monitored at a different site to both the camera installations and the data centre.  Interestingly some of these deployments aren’t even being used for security applications but rather for process control: watching water levels in rivers or sewers or to verify other applications such as alarms on constant motion devices or pumps. We are also seeing more demand for integration with mobile devices. With improvements in connection speeds and the wider adoption of “smart” phones and PDA’s, we can now send video or stills either automatically or on demand to mobile and remote staff.  This aids improved response times when attempting to find or identify suspects but yet still meets legal or operational guidelines by not storing the video on the actual device. All sounds good but… On the one hand IP has so much to offer but only if it is deployed by knowledgeable people who understand how the various components of IP interact and what to look out for when specifying the relevant components: which ports to configure on a firewall to retain network security but allow remote video traffic, how many PoE ports will function on a PoE switch depending what device is plugged in to them, how far to run that DVI extender or to effectively calculate the storage and transmission profile to ensure no footage is lost.  We are seeing an increase in IT / IP literate people in the industry but there is still a large knowledge gap on some elements of design and commissioning. Successful implementation of IP security needs a broad church of skills. Controlware for instance has Cisco CCNA certified engineers, Allied Telesis certified engineers, Microsoft MSCE / MCTS engineers as well as working closely with all the vendors we support so that we can support our partners 100% in designing and implementing IP systems for now and the future.  Skills like these will become more and more important as IP grows its market share and technology advances.
It’s security Jim, but not as we know it: As we enter the final quarter of 2010 and start to prepare for 2011 I think it would be fair to say that if you are looking at a replacement, upgrade or new security system then IP has proven that it has come of age for the security market and can offer so much more than traditional security systems and should rightly be the technology of choice. ]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:39:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/new-mic-500-cctv-cameras-available-at-controlware.html MIC 500 brings new flexibility to MIC PTZ Series •    Rugged, vandal-resistant construction
•    Easy camera selection, installation and set-up

Intelligently designed for easy camera specification, installation and system set-up, Bosch Security Systems’ new MIC Series 500 Classic is a rugged, high speed pan-tilt zoom camera suitable for large, outdoor multi-camera applications like city centres, housing estates and industrial zones.

This robust, reliable camera is the latest addition to Bosch’s field-proven MIC Series camera range and more than a decade of operational expertise gained in some of the world’s most challenging surveillance conditions has contributed to its development. Intended principally for multiple camera installations, the MIC Series 500’s compact, unthreatening appearance enables it to be discreetly integrated into urban environments. With its industry leading IP68/NEMA4X environmental rating and robust, cast aluminium housing which makes the camera resistant to vandal and projectile attack, the MIC Series 500 is also well suited for use in difficult surveillance conditions that would defeat most typical CCTV cameras.

With full pan-tilt-zoom functionality, the MIC Series 500 rotates at speeds of up to 120 degrees per second to allow camera operators a full 360 degree view and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to incidents in the camera’s coverage area. It features a high resolution wide-dynamic range camera that copes easily with changing light conditions and offers a choice of 18x and 36x zoom options. Moreover, precision engineered resolver technology enables pinpoint camera accuracy and absolute positioning.

A new product design feature allows the MIC Series 500 to be mounted upright, inverted or canted on-site without specialist tools and without compromising the camera’s IP rating. This “one type fits all” approach to camera selection enables simple project planning and installation flexibility.

System set-up is easy using the MIC Series 500’s powerful universal camera set-up software (Cam-set) which gives access to the camera’s advanced functionality including diagnostic tools, advanced configuration options and protocol programming. New functionality that allows camera settings to be copied and uploaded to multiple MIC Series cameras in one easy step makes customization and configuration of large scale camera installations quick and easy. For single camera configuration the MIC Series 500 new user-friendly on-screen display which gives easy access to all the settings required to configure, commission and operate the camera. Tested to the limit in the most rigorous quality and performance tests, the MIC Series 500 consistently excels at every stage. The camera comes with a comprehensive three-year warranty and advanced replacement guarantee.

To view the data sheet click here. For best pricing Contact Controlware UK by email on video@controlware.co.uk or phone 0844 225 9 225. ]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:08:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/controlware-opens-new-uk-cctv-demo-suite.html Control room Demo Suite showcases latest CCTV video products Bosch, JVC, Optelecom-NKF, Pelco, Samsung and Sanyo the new Demo Suite allows visitors to Controlware’s offices to see and use the latest CCTV products from leading manufacturers in one location. To find out more and to arrange a visit click here. ]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:09:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/cctv-technology-to-end-football-goal-line-controversy.html Intelligent CCTV cameras can help improve refereeing decisions for football match officials Bloemfontein are to be avoided, for such systems to be deployed in football.” Reliability and resilience will be essential on a match day, especially as the system may not be used for weeks on end, which is why Controlware has based it offering on Allied Telesis technology. Using x900 and 8000 series switches and HD IP Cameras and Cware VMS software enables Controlware to provide stadia with efficient control systems using multi channel video and CCTV at a cost effective level.  “Due to the unique way that Allied Telesis switches are able to handle network video we find that the Allied Telesis network products can handle everything that our customers want to put through them where other higher priced offerings have failed,” added Harraway.  The installation of such a system would also open up the possibility of add-ons which could enhance the fans experience and provide extra revenue potential. Using this technology it would be possible to continually stream live video of a match to the personal PDAs or smart phones of those in the crowd so that, should play move away from their field of view, they would not miss any of the action.  This could be made available on a subscription basis, generating additional funds. “The technology is available and proven and does not have to carry a price that would make it an economically unsound investment,” concludes Wray.  For more information contact Controlware - video@controlware.co.uk]]> bhutchins@cware.co.uk Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:25:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/cctv-fibre-line-drivers-ideal-for-rail-cctv.html Hardened fibre line drivers developed for heavy duty CCTV applications

1 channel UTF (Up-The-Fiber)

4 channel multiplexer TETRA

8 channel multiplexer OCTA

All units support options for video, data, audio, Ethernet transmission along with multimode and singlemode versions and support for one or two fibre transmission. Have a closer look at these robust products here.]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:15:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/optelecom-nkf-siqura-cctv-products-now-available-from-controlware.html The extensive range of high quality CCTV cameras and CCTV encoders are now available from the... Browse the Optelecom-NKF Siqura product range via the links below

• Cameras
• Encoders

Contact Controlware for further details about specific CCTV products here.]]> Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:28:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/controlware-joins-optex-redwall-partner-programme.html Redwall is the leading manufacturer for outdoor PIR sensors used in CCTV systems. Their... Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:11:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/advanced-ip-cctv-for-industrial-manufacturing-plant.html CCTV case study for a demanding environment click here.]]> Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:10:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/now-available-ccv-cameras-from-bosch-jvc-nkf-pelco-sanyo-samsung.html Leading manufacturers at great prices If you need CCTV cameras from leading manufacturers at great prices contact Controlware today for a quote....

• Bosch
• JVC
• Optelecom-NKF
• Pelco
• Sanyo
• Samsung

Call +44 (0)1635 884800 or email video@controlware.o.uk]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:30:00 +0200 http://www.controlware.co.uk/news-events/news-overview/news-details/article/how-much-does-a-cctv-system-cost.html We take a look at the cost of CCTV systems and whats needed to build an IP system before when a CCTV manufacturer insisted that IP CCTV would cost £1.8M for a 750 camera system compared to £600k for his analogue based one. Given that IP vs. analogue costs are still topical it seems fitting to look at these arguments again. From the customer’s perspective, there are three main deployment scenarios for moving to IP: (1) integrating existing analogue cameras within an IP backbone via video encoders, (2) migrating existing analogue installations to IP over the life cycle of the system and finally, (3) installing a completely pure IP solution that meets the project needs, budget and allows for future proofing.   All scenarios present challenges in both planning and deployment, but these can be identified early enough to ensure that there are no surprises.  Through good system design each scenario can be deployed in a number of ways – central storage, distributed storage, failover, redundancy, and remote high quality recording / low quality live view are all possible.  These solutions can easily be implemented across existing infrastructure (without impacting IT services), or new IP CCTV deployments with the use of networking functionality such as VLAN’s (the ability to create separate “virtual” LANs on the same switch) or by utilising low cost switches to create a separate LAN for the surveillance system. In order to dispute the assertion that a 750 IP based camera system would cost £1.8m compared to alternatives, I have to make a few assumptions concerning the system, so we’ve put forward a high-end solution proposal as follows:

• 750 camera feeds
• 31 days retention of footage with 10% overhead for incident recordings.
• All video recorded at 24/7/365 at 4CIF / D1 at 25fps

Recordings are of average motion with 50% in view at any one time. By using H.264 encoding significant savings of between 50% and 80% over M-JPEG can be made by sending changes in video frames rather than full frames. All cameras are in situ and connected via coax to local collection points and then high speed CAT5e or Cat6 cabling is installed back to a central command and control point.  As the system is mission critical 100% redundancy and failover are required. Using a storage design tool demonstrates that only 116.2 TB of storage is needed – even when adding 10% overhead (approx 16TB), for incident recordings the storage is only approx 135 TB.  With 16 x 1TB iSCSI drive units you would only need 11 RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Discs) arrays running RAID 5 for recording. Then when we look at the required servers to process and record the cameras, using a COTS (computers off the shelf) manufacturer such as Dell or HP 64 camera feeds will only require 12 servers plus an additional one to handle system redundancy. The use of iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) means that storage arrays are connected directly to the network backbone eliminating single point of failure issues that are common in the traditional DVR setup.  Should a drive lose connectivity, power or suffer systems failure then the network control software automatically starts to record its streams to another array seamlessly.  By coupling this with RAID even in the event of a drive failure the data is duplicated across multiple discs so that no footage is lost. For the above configuration you simply need 2 x 48 port switches and the cabling to connect all your remote collection sites.  With the cost per port of switches falling even with high grade cabling all this could be installed for less than £25,000.  Even if you had to deploy this over a wide area other IP technologies such as wireless still make this a cost effective solution. The most expensive part of an IP CCTV solution will always be the camera licensing, but as this is normally only around £150.00 per camera (Which is often for life – If you hardware fails you just reinstall.) I don’t see this as a major issue. The final component is simply to add encoders to convert analogue camera signals to IP.  With the new ranges of IP encoders it is possible to convert these streams and transmit them using H.264 at a 12Mbps per group of 16 cameras.  Again the cost per channel for this is cost-effective at sub £200.00. Even before we start to discuss the other benefits of IP solutions such as POE (reduced cabling costs and installation time), Intelligent deployments (Dynamic storage profiles, redundancy and integration with other hardware systems), or Intelligent Video (Analytics, integration with other software systems or improved user functionality), we can see that IP is the future for CCTV.  When we bring all this together - the recording servers, the software, the encoders, the transmission, display equipment and installation and commissioning I can confidently say that a high res, high frame rate IP solution for 750 cameras could be delivered at an End User price of less than £500,000.00 (+ VAT of course just to be 110% clear!).  The cost would be even lower at 5fps as the storage would be quartered and costs would be reduced on transmission and encoder technology with more cameras supported per server. For more details and to receive a complete cost breakdown for this IP CCTV system, please send an email to Ben Hutchins at ipcctv@controlware.co.uk. Also check out our range of IP cameras, video encoders and CCTV management software.]]> Thu, 20 May 2010 15:22:00 +0200