Effective low-light surveillance has become a necessity in a variety of industries, including business and public safety.
Effective low-light surveillance has become a necessity in a variety of industries, including business and public safety. The most recent developments in video security and access control provide systems integrators with potent instruments for enhancing safety and security measures. To realize the maximum potential of these technologies, it is essential to comprehend how to install, configure, and anticipate potential obstacles.
Speaking to asmag.com recently, Hamish Dobson, Corporate Vice President for Product, Video Security and Access Control at Motorola Solutions, offered few tips for systems integrators desiring to employ low-light video surveillance systems most effectively.
Dobson underscored the importance of adhering to manufacturer recommendations during the installation process. "For optimal installation and configuration, it is important that low-light security cameras are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many factors such as installation height and the angle of the camera sensor can impact the camera’s performance.”
Of course, each space is unique, with specific requirements that can make installation difficult. The placement and angle of the camera, as well as the intended coverage area, can significantly affect the overall effectiveness of the surveillance system. Finding the optimal lens for each specific circumstance is essential for providing the most comprehensive coverage feasible.
"A common challenge to anticipate may include ensuring that the camera is able to provide the coverage required for the site or the appropriate field of view,” Dobson said. “An ideal camera manufacturer should be able to offer multiple lens options such as HFoV lens to support the most optimal video security system design."
Another essential aspect of low-light surveillance solutions is the ability to produce high-quality images under varying illumination conditions. Low-light conditions can be a challenge, but this issue can be mitigated by comprehending specific metrics. When evaluating a camera's efficacy in low-light conditions, lux ratings and the IR illumination range are important factors to take into account.
"Another challenge to anticipate is ensuring the camera’s imaging quality in low light or pitchblack conditions meet the sites’ requirements,” Dobson added. “For low-light cameras, this includes looking at the lux ratings or IR illumination range. For thermal cameras specifically, many sites require 30 images per second (ips) and high Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) values for optimal thermal imaging quality."
Takeaway
Systems integrators must have the ability to adapt and optimize low-light solutions in the dynamic field of surveillance technology. Utilizing the insights of industry experts like Hamish Dobson can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these systems.
Understanding the unique requirements of each installation site and selecting the appropriate equipment while always adhering to the manufacturer's instructions are crucial. Understanding potential obstacles, such as assuring optimal coverage and the highest imaging quality even in low-light or pitch-black conditions, will enable integrators to design robust, dependable, and effective security systems.
The key to success in this field is the combination of technological innovation, strategic integration, and proactive problem-solving. Unlocking the full potential of low-light surveillance systems is thus both a learning trajectory and a path to establishing new safety and security standards.