IP CCTV

If you are considering a network-based IP CCTV solution, we are able to offer the following three levels of service through our specialist IP CCTV Partner company:

1. Simply sales and supply of selected 'Best of Breed' IP CCTV hardware and software. You will be able to see the equipment and software solutions on the web, check the specifications, read the reviews and buy online. Our Partner offers Free Delivery, a Price Match Promise, and a 14-day 'Buy & Try' Scheme, so you can rest assured with these rock solid offers that you can select and prove your new IP CCTV solution in total confidence.
2. Expert professional advice and guidance; based upon years of CCTV design & application experience, our specialist IP CCTV Partner will discuss your application with you by phone or email and develop the optimum IP CCTV solution to meet your Operational Requirement. You can then revert to option 1 above and progress to build your solution in-house by purchasing IP CCTV components and software online OR you may opt to choose option 3 below and progress to have us manage a fully turnkey solution (including installation) for you.
3. Complete design service. Our Partner company will take a full brief from you, visit your site to fully understand your Operational Requirements and produce a professional specification which will be submited to three proven installation companies. Each company will then submit a tender directly to you. In the majority of cases this service is free of charge.
   

A Brief Introduction to IP CCTV

Network cameras have been around for a little over five years now. Initially network cameras found a niche as a form of web camera. They became very popular for monitoring landmark sights and tourist attractions. Their ability to connect to a network and use ftp technology to transfer images to websites made them ideal for such applications.

As time passed recording software was developed by a number of manufacturers which enabled these network cameras to be attached to a local area network and to have their video recorded by a PC at some other point on that network.

In order to minimise the hard disc capacity required for continuous recording sophisticated Video Motion Detection algorithms were developed. By this method these cameras were continuously monitored but only actually recorded to disc when activity was detected.

The early cameras had some limitations when compared with traditional analogue CCTV cameras; low-light performance was not as good, frame rates were often slower than the 25 fps standard from CCTV cameras, they were not all suitable for outdoor duties, and those cameras which could truly compete with CCTV cameras were comparatively expensive.

Despite these limitations of the early camera devices network cameras were still well suited to certain applications. Early adopters included educational establishments. Schools, colleges and universities tended to already have in place extensive Local Area Networks (LANs), existing rack rooms where they could simply add extra discs for video recording, and the majority of their areas of interest were indoors and well-lit e.g. school corridors, IT classrooms, refectories, sixth form common rooms, and the front desk reception area.

Where the cameras suited the application, and there was already a network in place, these cameras proved to be an extremely cost-effective surveillance solution.

After several years of progressive development the current crop of network cameras delivers image performance above that of traditional CCTV cameras. Megapixel cameras have become common place from many manufacturers; some have even produced 2, 3, 5, 11, 16, and even 21 megapixel cameras! These cameras are capable of fulfilling the duties of several traditional cameras, due to the sheer amount of pixel resolution within the images produced.

It is now possible to zoom-in, after the event, within recorded video, and actually see enlarged clear detail. This capability makes them an ideal option for facial recognition, reading number plates within a scene, and other high-definition requirements.

Source : http://www.cctv-information.co.uk/