Re: CCTV Cameras

[J. Sloud <jsloud@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 28 Aug 2005 18:54:30 -0700, cctvbahamas@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

>Why would I use IP when I use twisted pair gear like NVT and Nitek, and
>use Amplified Gear, which tie right into my rack mount DVR servers.

Twisted pair is just another way of transmitting analog video signals.
What I'm talking about is manipulating digital video.  Once video
signals are encoded at the camera level, they can be transmitted like
any other type of network data.  They can be viewed, recorded,
manipulated, played back, etc at many different sites and in many
different ways.  Virtual switches, muxes, and viewing workstations
mean IP video is much more flexible and powerful that analog.  Don't
worry, you'll learn about this stuff soon enough.


>They come in expandable rack mount gear for 100% flexebility. And then
>I get real high crisp quality. DVRs are expanable simply by adding more
>cards.

DVRs are not 100% flexible in the way I'm talking about.  With
traditional DVR's you are limited by the location of the equipment.
IP based systems allow you to record video anywhere on the network, at
multiple sites on the network.  You can view and control any or all
cameras with a workstation located anywhere in real time.  You can
even decode the video signals back to analog and process them using
traditional switches, muxes, DVR's, and monitors for legacy
applications.


>With the current IP technology DVRs will not get replaced.

You're right in the limted world you know.  The customers I'm talking
about have gigabit networks.  Bandwidth is the biggest challenge.

>We
>also use Network software that can view thousands of DVRs and cameras,
>and record remotely if needed, with still having a DVR at the location
>which is recording in high quality. Also we can view IP cameras if we
>need to.

Any common DVR can be connected to and used to view the cameras that
are connected to it remotely.  However, true IP video allows each
viewing to connect directly to individual cameras and to manipulate
the video in ways not possible with traditional DVRs.

>
>Wireless should always be used as a last resort, for any application.
>Wired will always be more reliable, especially with video.

Wrong.  The best wireless stuff out there is more reliable than all
but the most hardened cabled installations.  With wireless, you can
create redundant signal paths.  IP video also allows you to record at
the edge with remote video recorders, so if transmission is cut with
the NVRs, you still have recording that is buffered and transmitted as
soon as connectivity is restored.
>
>Care to discuss it more we have many threads on this over at:
>www.cctvforum.com -  I dont wish to discuss it anymore on an "alarm"
>forum.

I spend enough time on the interent already without joining a web
based CCTV forum.  Btw, this is a newsgroup, not a forum, and CCTV is
certainly on-topic here since it's the fastest growing segment of our
industry.


Here's two real world examples of the use of wireless CCTV where
cabled systems proved to be far too costly to implement or the
customer liked the flexibility that wireless can provide:

Case Study:
Port of Oakland

Addressing America's Seaports


Situation
After September 11th, the federal government declared port security an
even higher priority and hurried to make funds available for security
system upgrades. The Port of Oakland, one of the nation's strategic
seaports, was among the first to receive security grants to improve
the security of its facilities. In addition, several port tenants also
received grants to support security enhancements to specific terminals
or tenant security programs. The Port is made up of seven active
container terminals and two intermodal rail facilities that move
nearly 23 million metric revenue tons of food and materials between
the United States and its international trading partners, Hawaii and
U.S. Trust Territories.


Solution
The Port of Oakland received proposals from contractors nationwide,
with bids ranging from a low of $10.9 million to a high of nearly $22
million, significantly above its available budget. In April 2003, the
Port of Oakland signed a $4.75 million maritime security enhancement
contract with ADT® Security Services, Inc. To meet the security needs
within the established budget, ADT developed an integrated security
solution including automated access control, video surveillance,
perimeter intrusion detection and an integrated communications
infrastructure. Not only would ADT be providing the security systems,
the team would be responsible for system maintenance, electronic
access control enhancements and other sole source system expansions.
The proposed system met all of the Federal Homeland Security criteria
and commenced implementation shortly thereafter.


Implementation
ADT recruited Tyco sister company, Earth Tech, an industry leader and
global provider of engineering, architecture, environmental,
infrastructure development and facility operation services, to perform
all of the construction management tasks. The team analyzed
requirements and eliminated 31 miles of trenching through the use of
an encrypted wireless network. This system schedule would save the
Port millions of dollars in labor and expenses and reduce the
possibility of terminal operation disruption during the installation
process.


Results
The new baseline security management system includes firewalls,
password-protected commands and control capabilities through a remote
web-enabled management system for Port terminals. The integrated
system will help ensure secure and fast communication among a variety
of agencies in the event of an emergency.
"Maintaining the safety and security of Port workers and visitors, and
the integrity of our seaport operations are of paramount importance,"
said Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Port of Oakland. "This
contract provides us an exciting opportunity to harness ADT's renowned
experience and professionalism and the latest technologies available
to deliver a superior integrated security operation at our maritime
terminals."


Here's another:

ADT to Design and Install Video Intrusion Detection System at Boston's
Logan International Airport


BOCA RATON, Fla., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- ADT Security Services Inc., a
unit of Tyco Fire & Security, today announced it was awarded the
contract to provide a video intrusion detection and reporting system
at Boston's Logan International Airport and other properties operated
by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). The system will help
monitor Massport's waterfront perimeter.

The contract calls for the installation of sensor devices to detect
perimeter movement, automated surveillance software from Atlanta-based
VistaScape Security Systems, a wireless network and continuing system
maintenance. Work on the project will begin immediately.

"We were looking for a security solution that could seamlessly
integrate the best of the proven security products on the market into
one comprehensive system," said Dennis Treece, director of corporate
security for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Logan
International. "We were happy to select ADT and VistaScape to meet
this challenge."

The system to be installed by ADT is capable of detecting intruders at
night and during poor weather conditions. The detection devices will
be integrated with VistaScape's SiteIQ(TM) automated surveillance
software, which will automatically trigger an audible alarm when
violations of security rules, such as movement in restricted areas,
are detected. The automated surveillance software provides full-time
monitoring of incoming video signals, improving the performance of
on-site security personnel and permitting them to extend their
coverage to other areas of concern.

The completed system will also feature a wireless network that can
give Massport security staff firewalled, secure command and control
capabilities through a wireless, Web-enabled remote management system.

Paul Brisgone, director of National Government Sales for ADT's Federal
Systems Division, said that before beginning field work at Logan, ADT
created a working model of the system in a laboratory environment to
minimize complications encountered on-site to help find solutions
prior to installation.

"ADT was able to provide a low-risk, proven solution that incorporated
the best security products currently available," Brisgone said.

Joining ADT on the project team as on-site project manager will be
another Tyco International unit, Earth Tech Inc. Previously, ADT and
Earth Tech teamed up to design and install a $4.75 million maritime
security enhancement project at the Port of Oakland.

Currently, ADT, through its Federal Systems Division, helps secure 19
of the top 30 busiest airports in the United States.

The Massachusetts Port Authority is an independent, financially self-
sustaining public authority operating facilities that employ more than
20,000 people and annually generates more than $8 billion in revenue
for the region's economy. Logan International Airport is the nation's
18th busiest airport and New England's largest transportation center,
serving more than 23 million passengers each year. Logan handles more
than 1 billion pounds of high value cargo and mail and employs over
15,000 workers.

Celebrating its 130th anniversary, ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit
of Tyco Fire & Security, is the largest provider of electronic
security services to more than six million commercial, government and
residential customers throughout North America. ADT's total security
solutions include intrusion, fire protection, closed circuit
television, access control, critical condition monitoring, electronic
article surveillance, radio frequency identification (RFID) and
integrated systems. ADT's Web site address is http://www.adt.com/ .

Tyco International Ltd. is a global, diversified company that provides
vital products and services to customers in five business segments:
Fire & Security, Electronics, Healthcare, Engineered Products &
Services, and Plastics & Adhesives. With 2004 revenue of $40 billion,
Tyco employs approximately 250,000 people worldwide. More information
on Tyco can be found at http://www.tyco.com/ .