Just a Few Cameras
One of the most important components of modern security systems are surveillance cameras
They observe and record everything, and allow you to react quickly in case of need. At first glance, it’s pretty simple – “Its just a few security cameras, what’s the big deal?”
The truth is that in order to be effective, a video surveillance system must be planned and installed according to very specific criteria. we start with a few basic questions:
- What you want to see?
- Who will be looking at it?
- How well do you want to see it?
- What do you want to be done about it when you see it?
More than you think
One of the most important components of modern security systems are surveillance cameras. They observe and record everything, and allow you to react quickly in case of need.
At first glance it’s pretty simple. Just put a camera here and there, right? Too often we come across situations where customers thought they had a video security system, only to find out that in time of need, it does not deliver. The truth is that in order to be effective, a video surveillance system must be planned and installed according to very specific criteria.
We start with a few basic questions:
- What or who do you want to see, and where?
- How often will you be looking at it?
- How well do you want to see it?
- What do you want to be done about it?
Once we know the answers to these questions, we can start designing a system that can actually deliver the results that you want.
Different Eyes For Different Views
There are a lot of different cameras on the market and each one, whether analogue or IP, is a bit different:
- Bullet cameras – The most common and familiar type of camera. Bullet cameras are a bit easier to install, since they have a mounting arm and also easier to conceal due to their smaller footprint.
- Dome camera – Due to their design, they make it hard to determine where they are looking at, and are more resistant to vandalism. They are also resistant to dust and dirt.
- Fish-eye camera –
- Turret camera –
- PTZ camera (pan-tilt-zoom) – Can be controlled by a joystick or a software, or be programmed with an automatic pattern to track and area or a movement.
- Thermal camera – This camera used head signature to distinguish objects and people. It is the perfect camera for harsh environment conditions like complete darkness, or spaces full of dust or dirt.
- LPR Camera (license plate reader) – This is a special bullet camera with an ability to recognize and record license plates of moving vehicles.
Analog vs Digital
The choice of cameras for surveillance and security systems today is very large. Usually, video security systems fall under one of two categories:
- Closed circuit television (CCTV) – A CCTV system will utilize analog cameras that require a power supply to work and a separate COAX cable for data. The advantage is that the video feed is sent to a DVR (Digital video recorder) via a closed circuit, and not to an IP address thus making the system more secure.
- IP video surveillance – An IP system will utilize network solutions like PoE (power over ethernet), removing the need for bulky power supplies, multiple kinds of cable, and complicated installations. It has a clear advantage in terms of access to the video feed, since it can be viewed remotely, while minimizing the security vulnerability using safe-guards like encryption.
Beyond the physical shape of the cameras they also have a large variety of specifications:
- Image quality
- Megapixel count
- Field of view
- Fixed / variable focus
- Light sensitivity
- Night vision
- Vandal rating
- Weather resistance rating
- Impact resistance rating
- Codec standards
- TAA/NDAA compliance
All these factors must be considered along with other factors like installation schedules, coordination with other trade professionals, future integrations, scalability etc. when designing an effective video surveillance system to all of your requirements.
A lot of progress has been made in recent years in the field of security cameras. Analogue camera equipment is being replaced by digital solutions, so camera systems that used to require power supplies and complicated wire runs are now being replaced by POE hardware. HD technologies provide better and better image quality like 4K video, better software allows for advanced analytics, higher security and convenient access to the video system and better hardware design means easier and faster implementation.
Call (512) 790-2424 now, to speak with a security professional
and get more information or to schedule an appointment.
Security Done Right.
GET A QUOTE TODAY
Please leave your information in the form below and one of our representatives will contact you back shortly.