Saudi Arabian supermarket chain minimizes shrinkage with surveillance and PA systems

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 11/6/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Demystifying HD-SDI Transmission and Storage

Editor / Provider: a&s China | Updated: 7/24/2012 | Article type: Tech Corner

IP-based video surveillance systems have been improving rapidly over the past few years, and there are fairly complete and sophisticated solutions out there, along with numerous product lines to choose from. But it was not always so.

High prices, few selections, lack of options… Sound familiar? HD-SDI is still maturing, just as network cameras began to gain awareness back in 2002.

Analog Inheritance
Besides a selected few subcontracted installations in China and Korea, HD-SDI currently does not have any large-scale applications. Why? This is associated with the price of the switching, and storage requirements, said Alan Hayes, founder and MD, AMG Systems. "This can be compared with analogue video where all signals come back to the control room rather than IP systems where storage and switching is distributed.

“There is, however, an advantage to this approach. With HD-SDI DVRs, the structure of the system does not require any change at all. All the user needs is an SDI signal distributor to push the signals to a TV wall or LCD monitor.

Another benefit is that existing infrastructure can potentially be reused. For example, since banks are largely still using coaxial cables, they are in a great position to upgrade from analog to HD-SDI, providing that their cables reach a certain level of quality. This reduces their time and cost of installation, which appeals well to the keepers of cash.

However, existing cables are not guaranteed to work. Since HD-SDI is digital, it does not degrade gracefully like analog does, said Todd Rockoff, Executive Director, HDcctv Alliance. "Once the return loss exceeds the prescribed range, the signal ceases to be transmitted." Ultimately, installers bidding retrofits will need field testers to verify the status of the cables. According to the HDcctv Alliance, the ability to reuse legacy cable depends on the physical properties of that cable and the quality of its terminations. "Length is just one factor; core composition, wire gauge, cable run geometry, the integrity of the insulating layers, and so forth, also affect the result."

Maturing at a Rapid Pace
Other enhancements are also being made to increase HD-SDI's feasibility, such as extending its transmission distance, developing specialized displays for HD-SDI, and improving manageability.

Extending Distance
While short transmission distance has been a major downside for HD-SDI, improvements in chip technology and the debut of fiber link breaks HD-SDI away from the chains of coax. The current selection of transmission solutions is still limited for integrators and end users, but recent improvements show that HD-SDI is now suitable for many more applications than previously assumed.

Besides increasing bit rates, chips also use lossless compression to extend the distance to 300 m. However, the most common practice is to use fiber optic transceivers, which can use WDM/DWDM/CWDM to utilize different wavelengths of light to extend HD-SDI's reach to 30 km to 70 km, up from the paltry 100 m.

Multiple channels can be put on one fiber, but this will involve using different optical wavelength channels, one for each video channel, using CWDM technology, Hayes said. "CWDM does have a price premium, so it comes out relatively expensive. But from a technical point of view it is perfectly doable.

“Other benefits of the fiber approach are that other signals — Ethernet, data and so on — can be multiplexed onto the same fiber, thus saving materials and installation costs on the infrastructure.”

Specialized Displays
For the most part, current video surveillance displays use CVBS and VGA interface. When it comes to high definition video, two prominent formats are 720p and 1,080p. The HDTV SMPTE-296M/274M requires that the interface used to be HDMI or DVI and YC.

Most HD display manufacturers directly assume HDMI when it comes to HD-SDI, but in reality BNC is a more apt interface for SDI. Many displays already support HDMI-1080p, and displays with embedded SDI receivers and that support SDI connectors are available as well, albeit choices are currently limited to either small or large displays.

Video Management Not a Problem
HD-SDI originally lacked a unified platform for video management, but it is now possible to run the video through an SDI server to convert the signals to IP. The data can then be managed by any NVR or VMS.

In addition, the DVR can also output the video through its network interface into the VMS. The claim that HD-SDI does not have management platform no longer rings true.

For a highway project in Korea that had such a requirement, coaxial cables and fiber optics were used at the front end to transmit the signals to the traffic control center, then converted via HD-RX and convert the signals to BT.1120 and input into a network enabled DVR or HD-SDI video server. The VMS can then collect and manage all the DVRs on the network and control camera PTZ, all via standards.

As little as a few months ago, there were still many that expressed concern over whether matrix switchers could handle HD-SDI signals. Many even assumed that SDI could not be controlled as easy as analog, since SDI is not a composite signal like CVBS. However, with the help of chipmakers and developments in SDI equalizer circuit and SDI distributor, manufacturers now offer SDI control matrices.

Getting Behind the Wheel With Real-Life Traffic Monitoring

Editor / Provider: AMG SYSTEMS, DVTEL, INDIGOVISION AND INFINOVA | Updated: 8/25/2011 | Article type: Infrastructure

Traffic monitoring applications are taking place all over the world. Some of the latest installations feature rugged transmission, hybrid video systems and scalable management software.

AMG SYSTEMS DELIVERS TOLL MANAGEMENT SOLUTION TO INDIAN HIGHWAY
AMG Systems supplied managed ruggedized Ethernet switches for its local partner ITNL in India. ITNL is using the transmission equipment for the new 74-mile addition to Highway No. 8, which the company is implementing as a build, operate and transfer project on behalf of the Indian Government's Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

The project covers a new stretch of Highway No. 8. This addition has two toll plazas, each with six lanes, including one extra-wide lane in each direction. The toll system was developed in-house by ITNL and operates as a semi-automated collection system with automatic vehicle classification, slow-speed weigh-in-motion and lane controllers installed at all toll plazas. Each lane has a camera for incident capture.

The climate in Rajasthan is hot, sandy and often dusty. ITNL selected ruggedized industrial Ethernet equipment from AMG Systems. The AMG solution provides redundancy in case of link failure. ITNL is using managed switches with two links between the control room and the lane, so if one link fails, it automatically switches to the redundant link.

The AMG solution transmits all signals from auxiliary equipment, cameras and DVRs. The solution also covers lane traffic lights and overhead lane signs. There is a provision to connect both toll plaza control rooms to each other as well as to the head office. The solution has been further designed to incorporate future expansion, such as more toll lanes and IP-based surveillance.

DEPLOY DVTEL FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY
DVTel's VMS was deployed in four Indian cities — New Delhi, Dehradun, Kashipur and Rudrapur. Optimum Tech Solutions served as the security integrator of record for the projects in Dehradun, Kashipur and Rudrapur and has been instrumental in growing the project in these cities.

The DVTel solution manages a mix of network fixed and PTZ cameras monitoring upwards of 40 locations total in the four cities. In each city, video is monitored by police to improve travel flow and enhance safety, but also to monitor traffic movement around the cities to respond quickly to terrorist or related threats. The Delhi project is managed by New Delhi city police, while the other three locations' city surveillance programs fall under the Uttrakhand State Traffic Police. The DVTel system is highly effective, particularly during festivals, when the entire city takes to the roads in celebration, and when VIPs are on the move in any of the cities.

The Delhi installation is the oldest of the four projects and the other three cities owe their inspiration for their projects from city officials visiting Delhi to observe its surveillance program in action. Video surveil-lance in India is experiencing strong growth, due mainly to perceptions of heightened terrorism threats. The DVTel solution was deployed for all four locations based on the recommendations of the trusted integrator partners as well as its demonstrated system performance first in Delhi and then in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttrakhand state.

BELGIAN CITY STOPS GRIDLOCK WITH INDIGOVISION SYSTEM
IndigoVision's integrated IP video system provides monitoring for a traffic calming system in the Belgian city of Antwerp. The video system monitors a series of automated bollards that regulate traffic on a number of the city's streets, alerting the Antwerp police to malfunctions, accidents and acts of vandalism.

The bollards can be lowered automatically during predetermined hours or when buses and trams pass using onboard transponders. Local residents and other authorized people can gain access using a smart card reader or by entering a PIN code via a keypad. The access control system shares the same network as the IP video for communication back to the local traffic center that is the equipment hub for the project. The surveillance video is then relayed to the Antwerp police over a fiber network 6 miles away, where it is monitored and recorded. The traffic system was installed by TV Vialis- Paque, a joint venture between Vialis Traffic BV and Yvan Paque, which was created specifically for this project.

The police operators use IndigoVision's management software to view live and recorded video from the cameras monitoring the bollards. IndigoVision's MPEG-4 based compression technology ensures that high quality video and data can be transmitted over large distances with minimal impact on the available bandwidth, without image degradation and with negligible latency.

Operators can view video images that are as good as analog and have smooth PTZ camera control even though their monitoring center is located 6 miles away from the cameras. The high-quality video allows the police to easily identify the license plates of vehicles that have been involved with incidents or that have damaged the bollards. [NextPage]

INFINOVA WATCHES OVER EIGHT EXPRESSWAYS IN CHINA'S SHANXI PROVINCE
Infinova delivered 2,870 cameras of varying types to cover 516 miles of expressways throughout the northern province of Shanxi in China. Expressways include Shangman, Xihan, Baoniu, Weipu, Shangjie, Baomao, Tongxi and Zhong'nan Mountain Tunnel. Besides Infinova cameras, the implementations also include Infinova matrix switchers, DVRs, fiber optic transceivers and modems, housings, Ethernet modems and other Infinova equipment.

The wide dynamic range (WDR) cameras are featured throughout the expressways. For example, the Zhong'nan Mountain Tunnel, the longest tunnel in China at 11 miles, uses 305 cameras to monitor low-light conditions within the tunnel. WDR cameras offer advantages over CCD cameras, providing a higher signal-tonoise ratio, improved color rendering and better image quality. They yield excellent video for the various expressway surveillance sites, all of which require detailed images under difficult lighting conditions.

Surveillance systems used on the expressways differ from traditional systems. The highway systems have decentralized edge sites distributed along the expressways, all of which need to stand up to weather extremes, temperature fluctuations and other rigors of an outdoor environment. Due to the long distances, transmission quality is a challenge and fiber is the best choice for these intelligent transport systems. To ensure reliability, both node fiber optic modems and video encoders are deployed.

The use of a node fiber optic modem greatly reduces the engineering costs of an expressway surveillance system. Video transmission system is networked through one or two fibers. Deploying a standard time division multiplex and an add/drop multiplex approach, the node fiber optic modems save fiber resources and extend transmission distances.

Infinova Surveillance Cameras Transport through Chinese Expressways

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 6/9/2011 | Article type: Infrastructure

Infinova announced that 2,870 Infinova cameras are covering 516 miles of expressways throughout the northern province of Shanxi in China.  Expressways include Shangman, Xihan, Baoniu, Weipu, Shangjie, Baomao, Tongxi and Zhong’nan Mountain Tunnel. Besides Infinova cameras, the implementations also include Infinova matrix switchers, DVRs, fiber optic transceivers and modems, housings, Ethernet modems and other Infinova equipment.

"These complex installations show how obtaining equipment, from the cameras with several types of transmission technologies, to the DVRs, from the same vendor can make implementing such systems easier," said Mark Wilson, Marketing VP, Infinova. "For instance, the Shangman Expressway is integrated with 136 sets of Infinova WDR, dome and PTZ cameras as well as matrix switchers. The Xihan Expressway features the same cameras plus 260 pairs of fiber optic modems."

The WDR cameras are featured throughout the expressways. For example, the Zhong’nan Mountain Tunnel, at 11-mile the longest tunnel in China, uses 305 WDR to view through the low-light and illumination within the tunnel.  WDR cameras offer superiority over CCD cameras, providing a higher signal to noise ratio, improved color rendering and better image quality, yielding excellent video for the various expressway surveillance sites, all of which require detailed images under difficult lighting conditions.

Surveillance systems used on the expressways differ from traditional surveillance systems. The highway systems have decentralized edge sites, distributed along the expressways, all of which need to stand up to weather extremes, temperature fluctuations and the other rigors of an outdoor environment. Due to the long distances, transmission quality is a challenge and fiber is the best choice for the intelligent transport systems. To assure reliability, both node fiber optic modems and video encoders/decoders are deployed.

The use of a node fiber optic modem reduces the engineering costs of an expressway surveillance system. Also called a bus digital fiber optic modem or link type digital fiber optic modem, the video transmission system is networked through one or two fibers. Deploying a standard time division multiplex and an add/drop multiplex approach, the node fiber optic modems save fiber resources and extend transmission distances.

Infinova Surveillance System Displays at Shanghai WorldExpo Culture Center

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 4/1/2011 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Shanghai WorldExpo Culture Center, shaped like a flying saucer (the “spaceship”) and one of Shanghai's new iconic buildings, is using Infinova cameras, modems and matrix switcher to provide security for the multiple six-story facilities that make up the complex, including an 18,000-seat theater.

“This is yet another Infinova installation at a prominent public facility,” said Mark Wilson, Marketing VP, Infinova. “From the Asian Games in Guangzhou to the Ertan Dam, Infinova is helping protect people and property.”

At the WorldExpo Culture Center, Infinova cameras are installed at entrances and exits, garages, fire control passages, stairways, control rooms, elevators, elevator halls and other important areas. Infinova fixed color cameras and minidome cameras are installed at indoor passages and halls. Areas with lighting fluctuations, such as the entrance and exit are installed with Infinova WDR day/night cameras. Infinova speed dome cameras are also installed at other important areas. All cameras are configured with auto iris lenses. WDR cameras also are used where needed. Video signals are managed at the control center, providing forensic image information for evidence recording and transmission. The system will automatically and dynamically adjust camera angles and select the most effective view and display.

Since the WorldExpo Culture Center site is expansive, distances between some cameras to the control center is far longer than standard coaxial cable can effectively handle. For transmission beyond 500 meters, Infinova fiber optic modems are deployed with signals from the cameras being transmitted to the control room via fiber.

The control center features an Infinova large-scale matrix switcher which supports up to 4,096 by 512 channels. WorldExpo Culture Center security personnel can predefine tours, time events and set alarm displays. Guards can view all parts of the center from the control room and respond quickly in case of an event.

With so many cameras deployed, it is impossible to display real-time video images for all cameras simultaneously in the control center. Instead, when an alarm occurs, an alarm handling routine is triggered and the matrix switcher calls the live video from the camera that triggered the incident and displays this on the monitor. Using this solution the video surveillance system can manage alarms from multiple inputs including the burglar alarm, access control and parking lot management systems.

Infinova Video System Protects Romanian Oil Refineries

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 2/14/2011 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Infinova announced that Rompetrol Rafinare SA, Romania's second largest oil company, is using an Infinova fiber optics video system to watch over its multiple facilities inside the 480 hectares (1,186 acres) Rompetrol Rafinare Refinery (formerly called the Petromidia Refinery) in Navodari. Using Infinova outdoor cameras, placed throughout the facility, many with an IP66 rating to protect against the maritime environment, refinery and oil terminal security operations staff can view what is going on within the refinery at all times plus refer to a record of any incidences using Infinova DVRs.

The system also features an Infinova V2010 video matrix switcher system which lets ten refinery security operations personnel view ten monitors while operating ten keyboards simultaneously. The system is used by Rompetrol Rafinare SA operators but administered by the integrator, Global Security System SA (Bucharest).

“We refine more than 14,000 tons of crude oil per day so it is very important that we can monitor activities throughout our refinery. However, it is quite difficult to provide high performance video in such a large area, especially one with all the electrical interference found in a refinery,” explained Laurentiu Sofron, Rompetrol Rafinare SA Project Manager. “Not only could Infinova supply us with the whole range of video products, from cameras to DVRs, they also could provide the fiber optics equipment. We felt that having all products in our system under one brand name would be a tremendous advantage for us.”

“With fiber optics, the refinery has no problems with electro-magnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), cross-talk or ground loops,” said Liviu Vladulescu, Technical Director for Global Security System SA. “Rompetrol Rafinare SA does not need to worry about short circuits, sparks or fire hazards with fiber. In addition, the large signal carrying capacity of optical fibers makes it possible to provide not only many more signals, but also more sophisticated signals than could ever be handled by a comparable amount of copper wire.”

Vladulesco also noted that, in working with Infinova on other large projects, he knew that the Infinova technical support had the expertise his organization would need with local presale and post-sale engineering support.

Sofron said, “We have many other projects planned, including putting in video systems at our retail outlets. We will be using an Infinova solution there as well.”

A View on the Inside:Security Measures at Law Enforcement Agencies Ⅰ

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 12/24/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

We leave it to law enforcement officers to safeguard citizens, but what or whom do they rely on for protection? A&S examines how personnel in police stations, court houses and correctional facilities are protected by security electronics.

Security setup at a law enforcement agency often serves a twofold purpose of protecting the staff and monitoring those detained on the premise, relying on systems that capture minute details on screen or provide instant alerts for timely response. To be able to provide credible court evidence, sort out inmate/ officer conflicts or watch for any suspicious activity, law enforcement bodies around the globe are increasingly opting for comprehensive security and safety equipment for day-to-day operations.

Common security devices include analog/network cameras, tape recorders, D/NVRs, matrix switchers, intercoms and biometric readers. “In all buildings, especially law enforcement establishments, overall security and safety are based on people management, site-specific operational regulations, processes thoroughly adapted to individual premises, and strict application of security and safety guidelines in addition to suitable, reliable, secure products,” said Felix Schrimpf, Senior Manager for EMEA Marketing and Sales Support of Intrusion, Fire, Access Control and Integrated Systems, Bosch Security Systems. The key lies in the seamless operation and application of the various functions to aid law enforcement officers in critical situations.

Common Approach
A good starting point is to understand the threat levels and alarm situations as defined by a law enforcement facility, in order to devise a blueprint of equipment layout to support the officers on duty. “The efficiency of a solution is reflected in the timely operation of users, which leads to overall operational savings,” Schrimpf said.

Access Control
In an environment where polarized groups interact on a daily basis, knowing and controlling the whereabouts of every person on the premise is essential. Access control is, thus, more about limitations rather than unobstructed foot traffic. In high-risk areas such as detention or cell rooms, only one door in the area can be unlocked at any given time. To facilitate such measures, hand geometry readers have been deployed in various cases to be used along with identification cards for added credential verification and security. For maximum security, some buildings have even implemented a complex interlocking solution, where the authorized person can only open one door at a time in a designated area by confirming identity with staff in the monitoring room via video surveillance.

Visual Documentation
It is equally critical to integrate cameras, intrusion detection and access control points in a way that not a single place is left unattended physically or electronically. Therefore, what equipment to be planted at what strategic locations around the building or area needs to be thoroughly planned out beforehand. Cameras provide constant and consistent monitoring, and every movement is loyally captured and stored for evidentiary purposes when necessary. Inspector Tim Mifflin of the Chatham-Kent Police Service from Ontario, Canada commented that one of the various responsibilities of the police institution is to monitor prisoners for court proceedings and provide reliable and useful video evidence.

Video evidence is not only provided to the district attorney's office as part of an inmate's file, but can be used for liability disputes when physical violence or mistreatment accusations arise, which often lead to time-consuming investigations and costly lawsuits. “We had an inmate claim that an officer used excessive force to confine him,” added Captain David Baisden of Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office. “But when we reviewed the surveillance video, it was clear that the inmate had tried to head butt the officer without provocation. The case was quickly thrown out.”

Delivering consistent and clear footage to officers on duty allows them to determine the level of threat or urgency of any situation, before deciding on the best course of action. “There was a case where an inmate attempted to hang himself while in custody, and the camera system showed that the officers reacted adequately and swiftly as required,” said Don Tennyson, A&E Business Development Manager for Pelco (a Schneider Electric company). It also meant a quicker investigation and evaluation by the supervisor.

Audio/Video Synchronization
Another common installation is a synchronized audio setup for sound evidence. Interrogation rooms on law enforcement premises require this kind of device to help ascertain and provide records for any discussion that takes place between the interrogating officer and the detained. “Typically, when the door is unlocked to enter into an interrogation room, both video and audio recordings begin automatically,” Tennyson said. “Upon conclusion of an interrogation, burning the interview onto a DVD is quite simple — just very few keystrokes on the computer.”

Aside from recording voices as evidence, some users find that hearing an incident complements the video. “Solutions are available for delivering an ‘ear' to work with the already common ‘eye' (camera) in any premise under surveillance,” said James Beldock, International President and Executive VP of Corporate Development for ShotSpotter. Noise in the background, such as loud arguing or gunfire, can be picked up and located on the site map of the monitored premise, and those on duty can be directed to check on the incident, saving time to sift through an overwhelming amount of video data. “For instance, if 100 cameras are installed on a premise but only five guards are in place for every shift, it means that only five monitors are watched at any given time,” Beldock explained. Real-time video and audio monitoring offers the potential to be more efficient and effective.

Guangzhou Expressway Deploys Transmission System

Editor / Provider: SUBMITTED BY INFINOVA | Updated: 10/15/2010 | Article type: Infrastructure

Infinova provided a comprehensive digital video surveillance solution for fast, reliable, convenient and affordable surveillance for Guangzhou’s sprawling West 2nd Ring Expressway system.

The Guangzhou West 2nd Ring Expressway, also known as the Xiaotang to Maoshan section of Guangzhou City Circular Highway, connects six expressways of approximately 42 kilometers. The highway surveillance system includes decentralized edge sites distributed along the expressways. Due to the long distances, transmission quality has been a challenge for this intelligent highway system.

Traditionally, point-to-point (PtP) digital fiber-optic modems have been used in such systems, but create problems despite competitive pricing. Also, as a PtP setup requires fiber to run from each edge site to the monitoring site, the amount of fiber needed for a highway surveillance system can be high. This increases the overall investment and the cost of installation.

For the expressways, a comprehensive digital video surveillance solution was needed, which integrates real-time video transmission, online storage, archive search and playback, and multiple levels of remote control. This ensures the system’s improved security responses, faster handling of emergencies, timely and reliable video information for traffic management, and allows supervisors to call up and collect evidence.

Solution
Two types of transmission modes were used to assure reliability within the surveillance system — a fiber-optic modem integrating with a traditional video matrix-switching system. One link can achieve real-time transmission of up to 10 channels of video with eight channels of bidirectional audio and data (or 16 channels bidirectional data), and two channels of reverse data and one channel of Ethernet.

Since the surveillance system must transmit many types of signals — video, audio and alarm — the most logical choice was to create a centralized transmission distribution mode. Video signals collected at each toll gate and from cameras along traffic lanes were sent to the closest communica- SUBMITTED BY INFINOVA tions station to be compressed and encoded by video encoders working with the on-site digital video storage server. Ultimately, the data is transmitted to the monitoring and management center via the fiber ring network. The resilient packet ring channel is dynamically distributed to fully leverage the fiber wiring, which guarantees real-time surveillance of emergencies and faster response to incidents, including counterterrorist activities.

The network video surveillance system software can assign priority for different management stations, such as the overall control center, expressway monitoring center and area subcenter. Authorization levels allow the center to remotely call up, control and store video from the edge sites. In addition, distributed management allows every toll station to call up videos from monitoring sites by using its individually managed matrix switcher. Video can be retrieved and transmitted manually, by schedule or events, and can be viewed live on Internet Explorer.

Result
The use of a node fiber-optic modem greatly reduced the engineering costs of the surveillance system. Deploying a standard time division multiplex and an add/drop multiplex approach, the node fiber-optic modems save the expressways fiber resources.

The industrial-grade OSE real-time main operating system assigns a unique internal 31-level priority of the network video encoder/decoder for multilevel priority management. Since it does not rely on server authorization control, the system is more stable.

The solution provides self and online checks for the encoder/decoder, DVR and their communication lines for troubleshooting purposes. With its rack encoder/ decoder, the system saves installation space at the local sites and the control center while ensuring easy maintenance for future system expansions.

A Checklist for Jumping from Analog to IP Surveillance

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Infinova | Updated: 7/20/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Organizations have experienced increasing demand for surveillance technology, to protect people as well as private and public assets. Mark Wilson, VP of Marketing for Infinova, explores how recent events, from boarding airlines to protecting embassies, highlight the growing needs for security.

One of the most challenging dilemmas facing security managers is when and how to take the leap from analog to an IP video system. They want to jump to IP surveillance but in a cost-managed way that extends the life of existing equipment. For most sites, this migration will take place gradually. During the process, analog and IP solutions will have to coexist.

Cameras
A key consideration for security professionals is whether the existing cameras or new IP ones will provide the image quality needed to achieve the functional requirements of the system. Each application has different requirements; some users require the ability to see and track suspects in changing lighting conditions, while others simply need to see that a corridor is clear.

In many migration plans, specific locations of greater vulne r abi l i ty or image detail requirements are ideal places for network cameras, including megapixel and high definition models. One needs to ask if higher resolution cameras can help at
each location.

As part of a coexistence plan, analogto- digital encoders at the camera end can transform images from an analog camera to digital transmission and storage. The analog control room equipment gets scrapped, but the new IP control room equipment controls the already-installed analog cameras.

Another approach holds down the budget at the beginning. The existing analog equipment, including cameras, control room, video wall and cabling remains untouched. VMS software, integrated with the present keyboard, sits on top of the system to manage the new IP equipment and the already-installed analog system.

Transmission Choices
Coaxial, shielded twisted-pair and unshielded twisted pair-cable, fiber optics and a variety of wireless approaches carry most security video. The differences and business advantages of the various transmission schemes are in the cost of installation and cost of maintenance. A question to ask is whether the new network
cameras will eliminate long-distance analog cabling.

One strategy to handle both analog and digital networks is to transmit all signals over a single fiber optic cable that is secure and immune to electrical or environ- mental interference. Installation is simplified by eliminating the need for multiple fibers, transmitters and receivers. Not to be forgotten are power supplies. Following a coexistence plan, power supplies that are multitap, addressable and programmable have advantages.

Other considerations include the increased bandwidth impact on the enterprise's network. This is a tricky assignment and IT can help. Will newer types of compression, decompression or codec, such as H.264, reduce bandwidth traffic load but at a cost of more storage and command center processing? Can the budget afford the increased transmission and storage associated with megapixel cameras?

Storage and Retrieval Challenges
Most security organizations already have DVRs for storage and retrieval. However, storage solutions have their own challenges, thanks to myriad features and benefits. These range from common specifications to helpful elements, such as intelligent PTZ control with preset positions, and e-mail or SMS message notification upon motion detection or event alerts.

At the camera edge, security managers are also deploying SD storage cards. This is important in applications where loss of connection to the rest of the system could lead to lost images.

Regardless, there are several questions to consider before selecting one mode or another on the pathway to IP:
● If the video is being monitored from a remote location, will one get exception reporting?
● Do files ever need to be shared with other departments, including law enforcement, in real time?
● How much does one need to record and how long does one need to keep those recordings?

Command and Control Options
There is a great deal to consider with command and control. Traditional matrix switching and joysticks are workhorses, but in a fast-approaching software world, a solid next step is the consideration of networked video matrix switchers.

Traditionally, in the leap from analog to digital video, organizations convert analog signals to digital signals by buying and installing rack encoders for their bank of analog cameras. They replace the analog control room equipment with new IP control room equipment. This can be expensive at the front end.

Some believe that a better way is to create a coexistent system. In this scheme, the system keyboards connect to a VMS, not the matrix switchers. The analog side of the coexisting system stays untouched.

Nothing is added to it. However, since the VMS sits on top of the system, operators use their traditional keyboard commands to manage both the analog and digital solutions.

That's because the VMS interfaces with both the system's analog matrix switchers as well as the network cameras. As a result, on the combined video wall, the analog and IP solutions coexist but are still separate. Transparent to the operator, with no mouse needed, the system sends network camera images to the digital monitors and analog camera signals to the analog monitors. With this coexistent solution, agencies can use an IP solution simply by adding network cameras, digital monitors and VMS.

Integration
True security system integration is a goal of most security operations. Beyond relays and interfaces, seamless integration of security video with electronic access control, intrusion, perimeter and identification systems is a beneficial end-point of any operation and one made simpler through IP.

No matter the speed of migration, a solid plan is one in which both analog and network cameras can coexist. Such coexistence increases security's overall situational and domain awareness, as well as improving its operational effectiveness. A hybrid solution provides a growth plan that extends the life of existing equipment, is affordable and is easy to manage.

Infinova Network Video Locks Down Chilean Jail

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 5/13/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Infinova announced 10 facilities in the Chilean private jail system are using Infinova fiber optic video multiplexers with dual data and audio transmission and reception capabilities along with Infinova analog matrix switchers with IP output for video transmission. The Chilean Ministry of Justice and Corrections has outsourced low and medium security correction facilities, including construction and management, to a private management company. The private jails are located throughout the country.


"Fiber optic transmission was chosen for this implementation because fiber preserves the quality of video signals, provides a high level of security, transmits at higher bandwidths and lower losses, and operates at distances five times greater than coaxial cable," said Mark Wilson, Infinova VP, Marketing. "Importantly, Infinova fiber optic products integrate with Southern Microwave's perimeter control systems, which the private jail uses to transmit audio and video images."


With the Infinova fiber optic video multiplexers with dual data and audio transmission and reception capabilities, the private jail system can transmit digitally encoded video channels with audio and data over one optical fiber.  Their data format supports factory default setting RS-232, DIP selectable RS-422, RS-485, Manchester or biphase. The analog matrix switcher with IP output lets them turn the analog signals from their cameras into digital signals for transmission over the Southwest Microwave equipment. For the private jail system, this is important because both the jail warden and the administrator can view what is going on using the matrix switcher via Internet connection.