cctv4u Blog

As with every technology, video analytics too comes with its constraints. When CCTV systems with video analytics clearly have several advantages over the conventional systems, there are a few factors which determine the performance of the system. Though it is sometimes said that the chances of false alarm is quite high when using video analytics, their chances of occurrence can be brought down to quite a considerable extent if other governing factors are taken care of.

Processing Rate: Higher processing rate is essential as the system would require a higher frame rate and resolution to detect small objects moving quickly.

Frame rate: Most systems require a frame rate of at least 5-8 Frames per Second (FPS). Tracking requires higher frame rates for faster moving objects, in order to reduce the chances of false alarms.

Memory: An additional 10-100 MB of memory is required when used on a PC.

The resolution of the camera and the camera angle: Video analytic security cameras require a minimum pixel size of 15* 15. Resolutions much higher or lower than that can resulting in distorted images, often leading to false conclusions. The camera angle also determines the proper segmentation etc of the images.

Choosing the right video analytics for specific CCTV systems requires extensive research and very good awareness of the right kind of equipment suitable for your specific need. It is always advisable to seek the guidance of experts in the field who can assist you in identifying the right kind of CCTV equipment. Should you need any help in choosing your video analytics or CCTV system, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team at CCTV4U.

Several external and internal factors can affect the performance of your video analytics system, so it is important make sure that special attention is paid to overcome all the constraints in order to reap the maximum benefits.

Environmental conditions: The changes in weather, lighting conditions and the presence of shadows can very much affect accurate detection when it comes to video analytics. It is therefore important to compensate for such conditions by going for appropriate CCTV equipment and filters for shadows and the varying light levels so as to get the best performance out of your video analytic system.

• Compatibility: Another thing to keep in mind is that video analytics is not a stand alone technology. So it is very much important to see to it that it is compatible with your video equipment and network that the system is standards-based

• CCTV Cameras: It is not always essential to go for the high-end cameras irrespective of the location you intend to place them in. Going for CCTV cameras that are most suitable for specific environmental conditions will not only yield the best results but also save you from unnecessary expenditure

• User friendliness: User friendliness is an equally important aspect, as underestimating the training for your personnel could significantly impact on your budget.

At CCTV4U we have a team of experts who could guide you through choosing the right kind of video analytic equipment for your security camera systems. If in need of any assistance in selecting your CCTV or video analytic systems, please feel free to contact our friendly team.

Most people on low budget often settle for the basics in CCTV systems, and consider motion detectors or sensors as an add-on that they can go for later. However, motion detectors are not only just important for effective surveillance, but they can also help save battery power and notify activity.

Power is always a major problem for CCTV systems, especially in remote locations, and the source of power most of the time would have to be batteries, rather than direct power supply. If these security cameras are to work 24/7, when there is no activity happening the batteries have to work all the time recording nothing of importance. However, if equipped with sensors for motion detection, the cameras will spur into action only upon detection of motion and you can save the battery power, and also save yourself the time of going through useless footage.

Most of the security cameras designed for field surveillance come equipped with built-in motion detectors. If you also have a CDMA connection you will even receive a notification by email or text when activity occurs. Advanced video analytical devices are also available now that can even be programmed to distinguish suspicious activities from normal. For instance your security system can be programmed to ignore people who just walk by, but capture ones who slow down or look around.

At CCTV4U we have a wide range of the latest CCTV systems and equipment. To learn more, please feel free to contact our friendly team.

We are now in an era where security is an issue for many of the general public. With the kind of crimes happening around us, security measures are everywhere right from the streets, homes and offices to taxis and public transport vehicles.

CCTV cameras are now widely being installed in taxi cabs for the safety of not only the passengers, but the drivers as well. Several incidents of violence towards the cab drivers and of cab drivers attacking the passengers, has raised concern. Installing CCTV systems in the taxi cabs is now being considered as one of the prime measures for curbing such crimes. It is already prevalent in many areas like Hackney and Dundee.

The security cameras installed in the cabs will completely monitor the inside of the car and will even record sounds. The recorded footages which will be encrypted will only be accessible to the police or the officials of the relevant council.

Installations of CCTV cameras in the cabs are seen as a major crime deterrent and many places have recorded a drop in crimes in taxi cabs, following the installation of the cameras. It has also served as a major source of evidence in many instances, which would otherwise have remained as unsolved cases.

Whatever the criticisms, CCTV systems have proved to be a major crime deterrent in many of the rough areas which earlier had very high rates of crime. At CCTV 4U, we will be happy to be of assistance, should you require any further information regarding CCTV systems.

Parental psychology is still more or less the same, though the changing times and the faster pace of life has made it difficult for parents to spend as much time with their little ones as they would like. No matter how good the babysitter is, you probably find yourself reaching for your phone every half hour checking up on them, when you know what tricks your restless toddler could possibly have up his sleeve.

However, with the growing popularity of CCTV security, it is finding a new role in monitoring on the activities of your hyper active toddler, even when you are away at work. Now that CCTV systems can be accessed remotely just by connecting to the internet, parents have the advantage of literally keeping an eye on their little ones wherever they are – as long as they have their mobile or laptop with them and a good internet connection!

Knowing that they can get away with whatever they do, thinking their parents are not seeing what they are up to is often what gets the kids trying out all kinds of pranks. When they know that you know what they are up to via security cameras, it can really make a huge difference. Just be sure that even while being strict and drawing the line, you do not fail to have an open and loving communication with your little one.

In case you are looking for good CCTV systems, please feel free to contact us at CCTV4U for assistance in choosing the equipments.

CCTV systems can range from the expensive to cheap, depending on the features, quality and potential longevity of the individual components. Whilst high-end brands undoubtedly offer the best features, sleek looks and longevity, you still can get similar features and quality at a much more reasonable price range, but without the brand name and perhaps the sleek look.

However, if feel you can’t obtain some brilliant package deals from a single brand, the best option may be to choose the components of your choice from different brands and assemble your own CCTV systems. This gives you the advantage of getting the best brands for what you feel is most essential, and going for the cheaper lesser-known brands for good quality equipment – thereby striking a balance between your budget and your requirements.

While setting the budget for your CCTV systems, it is also essential to set apart a portion for installation and maintenance contracts. Entering into a maintenance contract at the beginning might seem avoidable, if you are on a tight budget. However, a maintenance contract can save a lot of trouble and expense in the long run, if you can manage to arrange a sensible one when you bring home your CCTV equipment. All the same, make sure you steer clear of the low-end packages and the too-good-to- be- true offers that may have problems waiting for you further down the line!

So if you are looking at getting yourself a new system, just contact us at CCTV 4U for the best quotes for high quality CCTV equipment.

With CCTV systems turning out to be the most favoured security option, more and more people are considering CCTV security systems even for home security needs. However what most people are unaware of is that there are certain legal sanctions to be obtained before installing a CCTV system.

The Home Office and the Information Commissioner has set specific guidelines and regulations regarding the installation of CCTV systems, which are to be followed throughout the UK. In addition to these, local regulations have also been set up by the various councils and the police based on the specific requirements of the localities. These regulations are meant to ensure that the security camera systems are not misused and that the installation of the CCTV cameras does not violate human rights in any way. These rules are set in accordance with the Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act.

Similarly, local constabularies are vested with the rights to allow or reject the installation of security camera systems within their area of jurisdiction. The police can refuse the license for installation if the security system does not meet the standards set by them. The rules set by one constabulary could be different from that of another, as each station has the liberty to set the rules for their area depending on their needs. For more information, visit the Information Commissioner’s website.

For any assistance regarding the installation following the legal guidelines, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at CCTV 4U.

One of the major users of CCTV surveillance is retailers trying to curb shoplifting. It is important to have an assessment of the extent of risk from shoplifting to estimate the level of security measurements. The layout of the shop and the arrangement of stock play a vital role in regulating shop lifting. It is important to lay out the shop in such a way that all the isles are visible to the staff and there are no unlit nooks in the shop.

Here are a few signs of potential shop lifters:

• Entering in large noisy groups to distract the cashier
• Wearing bulky clothing or jackets even during warm weather
• Entering the fitting rooms with a number of items and returning with one or two
• Constantly visiting the shop without buying anything
• Repeatedly declining help from the staff
• Changing the order of arrangement of the clothes on the racks
• Holding tightly on to handbags or umbrella
• Stealthy glances and nervous movement
• Constantly looking at the doorway or exit for a quick gateway

As shoplifters can fall into any category of age, race and gender it is not always easy to look out for a specific group.

Installing a good CCTV security system and training the staff to watch discreetly for suspicious behaviour can help immensely in preventing theft. To know more about security systems and CCTV surveillance, please speak to our CCTV4U team who are happy to help.

With the increasing popularity of CCTV systems for security, there has been a parallel rise in cases of crime and intrusion of privacy by misusing the security cameras. It was to curb these activities that the Code of Practice for CCTV use was implemented in 2000, under the Data Protection Act.

As per the stipulations of the Data Protection Act, one needs to register at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, before installing a CCTV system. The reason for installation is to be stated and the persons or organisations involved are to be disclosed and documented during registration.

The Code of Practice also has strict guidelines about the way images are captured, so as to ensure that there is no breach of privacy. Apart from posting visible and legible signs showing that the area is under CCTV surveillance, the practice code stipulates the following:

• Cameras should pan only the areas that are meant to be monitored

• Prior permission should be obtained from the owners of any domestic area that will fall into the coverage area of the equipment

• The operators of CCTV systems should be conscious of the purpose of the installation and ensure that the equipment is used only for that purpose

• The operators should not adjust the cameras to capture images of areas not covered by the scheme

• The operators should be aware of the privacy issues involved

These guidelines will ensure that your CCTV security is not at the cost of other people’s privacy and safety. To know more about how to protect your premises with surveillance systems, feel free to contact us at CCTV4U.

Even though the advancement in CCTV surveillance has evolved drastically over the years, hitches are still prevalent in the existing technology that prevents many criminal activities from being detected on time. While CCTV images are a major source of evidence in forensics and investigations, the major need of CCTV systems is to prevent criminal activities before they occur. There are several ‘Video Analytic’ pieces of software that analyse the recorded CCTV camera images and raise the alarm on detection of certain pre-programmed patterns of motion. Yet, it is often found that the rate of false alarms is high with this sort of software.

The Behavioural Analytics video surveillance system developed by the Behavioural Recognition Systems Labs (BRS) in Huston is expected to bring about a revolution in CCTV systems across the world. The new technology employs cognitive reasoning like the human brain, to interpret visual data and recognize criminal behaviour.

This fully automated system develops cognitive memory while monitoring through CCTV cameras, and automatically identifies what is normal behaviour and what is not, functioning the way the human brain does. The system raises alerts on detection of abnormal behaviour, without any specific programming or virtual thresholds. Alarms sent instantly to security personnel can help to avert the incidence of criminal or terrorist activity. Rather than functioning as a mere source of evidence to prove the irrevocable criminal activity, this system could help save lives and avert danger before it occurs.

At CCTV4U, we have a wide array of the latest CCTV systems and equipment to cater to your specific requirements.