First, CCTV (closed circuit TV) is quite expensive and disruptive when installed. Once it is installed, it offers limited monitoring services and functions compared to IP video security systems. Because the CCTV systems record onto videocassettes, the event can’t be viewed live.

This limits the use in emergency personnel and police cases where live feed is vital and essential. Thus, many crimes can be committed and be over before anyone can actually see what’s going on via the CCTV videos. Of course, if the criminals take the tapes with them, there is often no chance for the event to be viewed.

Because of the limitations associated with CCTV video security surveillance systems, more corporations and emergency departments are choosing to go with IP video surveillance systems. They are much more superior to CCTV and offer live feed of events.

Those who already have CCTV systems in place are often excited to learn their cameras can easily be integrated into a new IP system. Thus, there is no money being wasted. Instead, the security system is just updated and begins to offer more functions. Overall, while CCTV is useful in security, IP video systems are the new wave of the future.

These systems have been known to enhance law enforcement services, help reduce the need for eyewitnesses when a crime occurs, can be used locally or remotely and easily integrates with CCTV cameras.

1. What is IP Video Surveillance Systems?

An IP video surveillance system uses a businesses network (already in place) and the Internet to transmit information and images from cameras (typically analog or IP) over public networks.

2. What does an IP video system show?

This type of system shows a live video stream and can also show still image and allows for transfer of these images (one-way and two-way).

3.Is IP video speed fast?

An average IP video surveillance system streams at over 30 frames per second and can easily be viewed in real time.

4.Who can use IP video surveillance systems?

Many police cars and other emergency vehicles use IP video surveillance systems. However, businesses and hospitals can also utilize it with many benefits.

5. What all does an IP system provide?

Motion detection, time stamps, date stamps, pre-alarm messages, post-alarm messages and the ability to transfer visuals are added functions.

6. What is the benefit of alarm messages?

Alarm messages allow business owners to know something is occurring so they can then log in to see what’s going on via video.

One of the most common benefits of making the switch to IP based video security systems is the ability to have more video capabilities. Businesses can get more degrees of documentation using the updated systems. With wireless options, there are no limits to what areas can be viewed and kept secure.

In addition, businesses often find they spend much more to keep the older systems running (with changing tapes, viewing tapes) than with the new systems. If there was a problem, it took hours to scroll through tapes to find any footage. Once they did find the footage, it was often too blurry to make a difference.

Businesses are always happy to know the resolution that comes with IP based video security systems is light years ahead of the old analog systems. Thus, they can actually see what they’re recording!

Thus, while it may seem like a pain to change over a security system it can certainly save time in the end. The quality of service an IP based system can give is well worth the extra cost and upfront installation hassle.

Every month, increasing numbers of families are considering hooking their home up with video surveillance systems in order to protect and secure their premises. But sometimes choosing can be daunting because of the many choices available.

Not long ago, most homeowners never even thought about including video surveillance into their overall home security plans. But today things are different. The good news is the cost of all security equipment has dropped significantly in recent years. As it has become more available, it has become more popular and vital for security functions.
This means that today an average family can find it quite affordable to install a complete home safety security system and even includes a network of remote video surveillance cameras. Barely more than decade ago, such a system would only be found in large businesses or government installations.

One of the most popular features of a home security system that integrates home security systems is the option to have the video feeds sent to the internet. This means that busy parents who are concerned about how things are going back at home can log into a password protected website and view the live feeds from the various cameras in their network.

Not only is this helpful for moms and dads who put in long hours at the office, but this IP video surveillance arrangement is also perfect for the person who travels a great deal and is concerned about their home security while away. Some of the home security systems also monitor things like temperature and moisture levels. For homeowners who have leaky basements or tropical aquariums that must maintain certain temperatures, this can provide a tremendous amount of peace of mind when they are away.

Many home security systems provide monitoring as well that keeps tabs on all the various indicators of home safety. This includes alarms that go off and notify the monitoring center in case of intrusion, fire, a “panic button” being pressed, temperature drops and changes in moisture levels. The monitoring center can then dispatch the appropriate help for the situation.

However, it should be noted that the monitoring centers do not have access to the video surveillance part of the home security system. This is only available to the homeowner and is accessible only through a secure network. A security company doesn’t eavesdrop on home activities.

Home safety security measures are increasingly important to families. In many ways the world is becoming smaller through the advancements in communication, travel and technology, but at the same time there seem to be more dangers around every corner. A quality home security surveillance system can provide a great deal of protection and also peace of mind to busy families.

You may start wondering what the difference between the two is. Each one can connect to a network via an IP address and be viewed over the Web. The good news is that there is no difference at all!

The reason most cameras go by both names is that various companies use various terms to describe their specific products. One company calls theirs the “network camera” and another calls theirs the “IP camera”. So, by consumers the names are very interchangeable.

When you are browsing through products, you might even see some cameras being called “Network IP Cameras”. This does not mean the camera does double-duty. It only is a merging of the two most popular names, into one.

So, don’t let the techno mumbo-jumbo confuse you when you are looking for a network camera. The most important aspect is not the name of the camera, but the fact that it does what you desire it to do.

Network cameras are becoming the preferred way to monitor the security of homes and businesses. They are very economical and allow customers the comfort of viewing their property from any location that has an Internet connection. If you are looking for the latest in home and business security, check out the various network cameras available on the market.

Critical visual and text data can be sent to first-response personnel via cell phone, pager or PDA evice. Mission critical information is available in the field, in real-time.

The first thing you should do is try a demo from your prospective companies. When you find the demo software you like best, you can move on to doing a background check on the company offering it. One way to find information is to browse the Web. You can look at reviews of software or even go into message forums to get customer opinions.

Calling the technical support team is also a good idea. If they are friendly on the phone, you can expect them to be friendly if you ever have a problem. Since customer service is important, you want to know you are working with people who are there to help you, should you need them.

When you dig in and do some research, you may find that you are making the right decision, or you may find that you would rather go with another company. Overall, your confidence in the company you choose to work with will have an overall effect on your satisfaction with your system.

Features

One of the most important things you need to consider when purchasing a new IP camera and security system is the features each particular model offers. Each camera might do the same basic things, however all software is different. Finding software you feel most comfortable with, and one that offers everything you desire, may take some time. However, putting in the extra effort to ensure you are getting what you want is worth the time.

Demo

Most of the best companies that offer IP cameras and security systems will offer their potential customers a free demo. This basically means you can download a trial version of their software and test it out, to be sure you are comfortable with it. Although the cost of IP cameras has dropped since their introduction, purchasing an IP camera and an entire security system can be costly. Therefore, you don’t want to put a lot of money into something you haven’t tried first.

If you are selective with an IP camera and its software, you will feel more confident with your purchase, and feel safer knowing you have a terrific IP camera and security system in place.

According to national statistics, employee theft makes up about 45 percent of a company’s losses and external theft about another 32 percent. Video surveillance equipment can help the bottom line on two fronts, first as a deterrent to theft and as a powerful witness to the crime in a court of law. In a majority of cases, when confronted with video evidence, a suspect will admit to their wrongdoing.

Video surveillance equipment has also been successfully used to counter claims of employee accidents to save money on insurance costs and to counter accusations, which could cause claims of your business offering an unsafe working environment. Typically a person who has filed a fake accident claim will drop it once they are aware a video exists, however since the claim was filed they may also be subject to prosecution by the insurance company for attempting insurance fraud.

Whether you are looking for video surveillance equipment to be used as a deterrent or as prosecution evidence, it can serve either role with perfection. Provided you have selected the correct equipment for the specific surveillance you want to conduct, the investment can offer a good return on protecting your property.

The good thing is that today’s equipment not only works together, it can be connected to your home computer network for monitoring from a remote location. For example, if you are away on vacation and have access to a computer, you could access your computer network and observe what is happening at your home or business.

The two main parts of video surveillance equipment are the cameras and the recording device. Cameras are available in many sizes and designs and some are offered in everyday items you would have around the home or office such as built into smoke detectors, flower vases, light fixtures and light switches. For those who want to deter crime, they can be left obvious to make people aware of their existence.

Cameras can be mounted inside or outside, in special weatherproof housings, with as many as 16 individual cameras connected to one recording device by using what is called a multiplexer. Through a typical multiplexer system, the individual camera views can be seen one at a time, or in individual pictures on your monitor screen. When played through a computer, the views can also be copied to the computer’s hard drive for later distribution to the proper authorities.

There was also a time when many doors were not locked and people knew and trusted most of their neighbors. We were willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. We also were able to judge many people on the way they dressed, their appearance or their manner. Video security was not even considered in most circumstances.

The times have changed and many of us do not know our neighbors. We may not be well acquainted with a majority of the people who work for us or with us. We can not leave our doors unlocked or answer the knock on the door without wondering who it is.

This is where video security comes in. It is a great way to help people protect their homes and their businesses. By utilizing video security the home and workplace can become safer places.

Because of all the changes in safety and the increase in home invasions, violent crimes and thefts in businesses, video security has become quite popular. When a video security system is installed in a business the owners will be able to watch their workers and customers. They will have a record of what is going on at all times if needed. This information is important for documentation purposes if a crime is committed.

Even in well-established neighborhoods and areas of expensive homes, crimes are committed. In fact, sometimes these areas are hardest hit because of the high-end furnishings, jewelry and electronics. A video security system can be used to monitor the entire property, therefore making an invasion less likely.

A video security system can be a life-saver.

Video security is used to protect homes, valuables, property and people. It is used when homeowners want to protect their families and their property.

Homeowners can use video security cameras outside in strategic locations around their property. Entrances can be covered, both front and back. Video security can also be used to track suspicious behavior on any other part of the property.

It used to be that video security was only used by people who were very wealthy. This is not the case anymore. Because of increased crime in many towns and cities, people of all incomes are utilizing video security protection. When you consider what you might lose in a home invasion or a theft the cost is worth it.

When you are installing a video security system outside you will want to make sure it is properly installed. The surveillance camera should be placed out of the elements so that it will not be damaged.

Video security protection for the inside of the house is also helpful. The camera can be placed in the locations in your home that make the most sense. Cameras are usually positioned at each of the doors to the home. This maximizes the effectiveness of the video security camera.

Another reason for video security protection is documentation. If a crime is committed in your home you will have a record of it. This evidence is readily available and can be quite valuable.

Video security protection is a wonderful tool that can be used to protect your home and the people you love.

No hardware/software at your facility.

Just install:

• Networked based cameras (indoor or outdoor)
• Cat5 cable or wireless mesh network
• Misc power supplies, switches, etc

Your video recordings are stored off site….server and software are managed by IT professionals and security specialists.

When you want to view live or recorded video, log on to your account with any browser from anywhere at anytime.

No server or software to purchase, install, maintain, service and upgrade.

And…the crooks can’t steal your server with your video recordings.

]]> http://www.ballardsecurity.com/blog/archives/13/feed 0 http://www.ballardsecurity.com/blog/archives/1 http://www.ballardsecurity.com/blog/archives/1#comments Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:09:31 +0000 Scott If you are considering a video security system, you should probably be looking at an IP based video system.

Although the total price for an IP system will be somewhat higher (20-30%) due to the higher cost of the cameras, this small price difference delivers 400% higher image quality, and up!

Other significant benefits of IP based systems include: 2 way voice/audio, phone call alerts delivered via internet, power over ethernet to cameras, camera settings managed through keyboard (you don’t have to climb a ladder). IP systems will handle unlimited number of cameras, utilize standard off the shelf hardware components, integrates easily with other technologies such as access control, authentication management.

Installation costs are less. Cat5/6 cable costs a fraction of coax cable.

Unless you are on the tightest of budgets, it simply does not make any sense to purchase an analog system.