Posts Tagged ‘security cameras’

Choosing The Right Video Analytic System

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

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.

Things To Know Before Going For Video Analytics

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

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.

Video Analytics: The Intelligent Form Of Security Surveillance

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Video analytics is one of the emerging technologies in the field of CCTV surveillance. When ordinary CCTV cameras themselves created a revolution in the security industry, the introduction of video analytics gave an all together new dimension to security surveillance. Rather than just capturing and recording the images, video analytics is capable of detecting, analysing, tracking and categorising the behaviour of people as well as vehicles. When earlier officials had to rummage through infinitly useless footage before finding any relevant ones during investigations, video analytics has made the task much easier.

Another advantage of video analytics is that the system continuously monitors all the images captured by the CCTV cameras, and alerts the operators only upon finding any objects of interest. Any suspicious behaviour or anything out of the ordinary immediately alerts the operators, helping them intervene before any damage is done. This is especially helpful for health and safety applications, detection of perimeter violation, people counting and for number plate recognition, and helps immensely in cutting down the cost of monitoring in the long run.

Options are galore when it comes to buying these gadgets, but it is getting to the right choice that is often the hard part. So, if you are thinking of getting a security camera system for your property, and are contemplating the video analytic option, please feel free to go through our online catalogue. You can also contact our team of experts at CCTV4U who can guide you through the process of choosing the right CCTV equipment for your specific situation.

Micro Security Cameras For Evidence Collection

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Running large establishments requires immense attention to every single detail; if you do not keep your eyes wide open, a single dishonest employee is all it can take to ruin the most efficiently run business. Yet when it comes to the clever crooks who can outwit you despite the tight security systems you have employed, the only way to pin them down is catch them unawares and prosecute them with evidence.

Among the new genre of advanced CCTV cameras are the micro security cameras that can be popped in anywhere, from an air vent to a harmless looking flower vase resting idly on your table. These micro security cameras are considered the ideal equipment for such covert operations.

These miniature cameras can be hidden anywhere or in anything, from a pen to your pocket, where you think you can watch the culprit in action. Though these come in such miniscule sizes, these cameras are equipped with illuminated light inside, which enables them to capture good quality images under most conditions.

These being much less expensive than the usual CCTV cameras, and also being easy to install and use, these are now very much in demand for investigational and evidence collection purposes. Their portability and low price tag have made them accessible to even those on a low budget.

In case you are in need of further information about CCTV cameras, equipment or their installation our team of experts at CCTV4U will be glad to be of assistance to you.

Infra-Red Security Camera Myths

Monday, January 25th, 2010

As with most technology, there are a lot of misconceptions associated with infra red security cameras. There are several myths about infra red security cameras widely believed by many who are not familiar with the technology.

For instance, there is a widespread misconception that infra red security cameras are ideal for covert surveillance. However, the fact is that although they have the ability to record day and night, these cameras give out a visible glow which is hard to hide. Moreover, when placed outdoors in hot weather, these cameras tend to attract bugs as well. Consequently, they do not make for great options as covert security cameras.

Also, there is another general misconception that infra red security cameras always come as Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) models. The practical difficulty with this is that infra red cameras detect objects that fall in the range of the infra red radiation emitted by the camera. As for the PTZ cameras, they zoom out to greater distances than those covered by the emitted infra red, making it technically difficult to capture any images of usable quality.

However, though infra red cameras sometimes present practical difficulties when it comes to covert surveillance, they undoubtedly are the best option for day and night surveillance. Infra red cameras are capable of capturing images of the best quality even in low light conditions.

At CCTV4U we have on offer a wide range of infra red security cameras and all CCTV security equipment, to suit all budget ranges and are happy to advise on which is best for your property and purpose.

CCTV Cameras To Catch The Pilferers In The Act

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

In the times of the recession, getting profits out of a business is hard in itself. Add to this the loss from shoplifting and theft, and there isn’t significantly much left for the owner to call a profit! Installing CCTV cameras has become imperative for businesses, in the present economic climate.

From the display shelves to the stockroom and from right under the cashier’s nose, theft and shoplifting can happen in just about any part of the store. No matter how smart you are in employing staff to keep a close watch for shoplifters, they are always smarter and figure out new ways to get hold of the items they have been eying.

It is under such circumstances that CCTV cameras can make or break a business. With covert CCTV cameras hidden away from the unsuspecting shoplifter you can catch them in the act. When many are on their alert when they see the sign that CCTV cameras are in operation, a few who might still take the risk of trying their luck will not escape from the eyes of the camera if you place them strategically. If camouflaged cleverly behind harmless looking items the unsuspecting pilferer can be caught red-handed!

CCTV cameras are now much affordable than they used to be so they are no longer beyond the means of a small businessman. At CCTV4U we have a wide range of CCTV systems and equipment in affordable price ranges to suit all budgets.

Why Sensors Are Important For CCTV Systems

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

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.

Zooming In On Culprits With Dome Security Cameras

Monday, January 18th, 2010

CCTV cameras have been given their present appearance after going through various stages of evolution. From the bulky box-like cameras to the smooth dome shaped cameras, CCTV cameras have undergone quite a make over in terms of looks as well as utility. When the conspicuous box-like models of yesterday were bulky and far from aesthetically pleasing, the dome shaped CCTV cameras are compact, sleek and blend beautifully into the décor.

One of the other major advantages of dome security cameras is that they are vandal-proof to a great extent. For one thing, it is difficult to spot the concealed dome cameras, and for another- even if they get spotted and are tried to be vandalised, these cameras will not give in easily as they have the capability of standing up to five tonnes of force!

Most of the dome security cameras also come as PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) as well. The PTZ camera inside the tinted dome is capable of panning, tilting or zooming in or out inside the dome to capture images that even move out of the camera’s view. As all this happens inside the dome, it is often difficult for offenders or possible offenders to make out what angle the camera is pointing in (in the rare case that they do spot the camera.)

Now, if you decide to get a dome camera for your property, please feel free to contact us at CCTV 4U for any specialist assistance in choosing from the very best and most up-to-date equipment.

CCTV For Taxi Cabs

Friday, January 15th, 2010

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.

CCTV: For Keeping A Watch On Your Hyperactive Toddler

Monday, January 11th, 2010

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.