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No. 21/2009 (May 25, 2009)
IFSEC 2009 - world security fair. The most prestigious event in the field of security industry - International Fire &Security Exhibition and Conference (IFSEC) in Birmingham - took place on May 11-13, 2009. IFSEC shows new trends in the global security market, and therefore is closely monitored by distributors who can evaluate condition of major companies and attractiveness of new products. On the basis of the new products at the fair, many distributors are tailoring their offers for the second half of the year.
Has this year's IFSEC brought some breakthrough products? Are there any new developments in the field of security? What is the strength of the market?
In terms of products used for protecting different places and objects, the main trend is towards dominance of techniques related to image analysis. Systems based on the use of cameras become the basis for alarm and access control installations. Digital technology allows cameras to easily integrate with biometric systems, emergency centers, radars, etc.
Has this year's IFSEC brought some breakthrough products? Are there any new developments in the field of security? What is the strength of the market?
In terms of products used for protecting different places and objects, the main trend is towards dominance of techniques related to image analysis. Systems based on the use of cameras become the basis for alarm and access control installations. Digital technology allows cameras to easily integrate with biometric systems, emergency centers, radars, etc.
Megapixel cameras and H.264 compression - it was a standard that could be seen on all the stands. New releases were megapixel cameras with CCD sensors. A megapixel camera with CCD sensor and the smallest vandal-proof dome were displayed on ACTi stand - the corporation represented in Europe also by DIPOL.
Image analysis can provide best results with high resolution images, thus the interest in megapixel cameras. This year, new products were megapixel cameras equipped with CCD sensors - more sensitive in comparison with CMOS devices.
A breakthrough in the field of popularization of IP cameras may be the adoption of standards developed by the ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum), a forum set up for standardization of protocols of IP cameras. One standard would enable mass production of the cameras, so the lower prices of hardware and software. Software manufacturers could focus on the development of image analysis, instead of laborious work over new proprietary protocols. This year, there seems to be a widespread acceptance of the forum recently created by leading manufacturers, confirmed by the first products in the market - advertised as being in conformity with the requirements of the Forum (e.g. Sony - SNC-RH124P).
The number of solutions presented indicates that the first truly mass implementations associated with image analysis will be ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems
A breakthrough in the field of popularization of IP cameras may be the adoption of standards developed by the ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum), a forum set up for standardization of protocols of IP cameras. One standard would enable mass production of the cameras, so the lower prices of hardware and software. Software manufacturers could focus on the development of image analysis, instead of laborious work over new proprietary protocols. This year, there seems to be a widespread acceptance of the forum recently created by leading manufacturers, confirmed by the first products in the market - advertised as being in conformity with the requirements of the Forum (e.g. Sony - SNC-RH124P).
The number of solutions presented indicates that the first truly mass implementations associated with image analysis will be ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems
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ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems integrated with radar systems are interesting implementations of combined solutions with image analysis - the mainstream of modern CCTV
The industry response to the increasing threat of terrorism are surveillance systems for monitoring of large areas, using typical CCTV solutions supported by thermovision and radar systems. Protection of borders, ports, military bases requires reliable means of detecting any potential intrusion, so the systems combine video, infrared and microwave equipment.
The security industry is not so much in crisis as other areas (IT, telecommunications), however one can see a major change of the leaders. There was apparent lack of major distribution companies from the UK - as a result of the crisis and relatively high market saturation. European companies are still losing their significance, while companies from Asia show their technological dominance.
A photo report from IFSEC 2009
The security industry is not so much in crisis as other areas (IT, telecommunications), however one can see a major change of the leaders. There was apparent lack of major distribution companies from the UK - as a result of the crisis and relatively high market saturation. European companies are still losing their significance, while companies from Asia show their technological dominance.
A photo report from IFSEC 2009
Mast amplifier - a good remedy for low signal. In difficult reception conditions (levels of antenna signal below 50 dB) it is far better to use mast amplifier than antenna diplexer and apartment amplifier, because the signal is not additionally attenuated by the distributing cable that would decrease S / N ratio.
Mast amplifiers are used in small installations. These outdoor devices usually have band inputs, often with adjustable gain, and can provide power for optional preamplifiers. Typical parameters of mast amplifiers: gain - 30 dB, noise figure - 8 dB, maximum output level - 110 dBuV. They have only one output and are powered via the coaxial cable.
On the market there are many different mast amplifiers. It is important to pay attention to the noise figure, having very significant impact on the output signal (the amplifiers are the first amplification stages). Good mast amplifiers should have noise level not higher than 6 dB. Equally important is that the mast amplifier is fully shielded, which protects it against external interferences.
Above conditions are fulfilled by mast amplifiers from ALCAD, e.g. AM-417 and AMS, e.g. AWS-1018M.
Mast amplifiers are used in small installations. These outdoor devices usually have band inputs, often with adjustable gain, and can provide power for optional preamplifiers. Typical parameters of mast amplifiers: gain - 30 dB, noise figure - 8 dB, maximum output level - 110 dBuV. They have only one output and are powered via the coaxial cable.
On the market there are many different mast amplifiers. It is important to pay attention to the noise figure, having very significant impact on the output signal (the amplifiers are the first amplification stages). Good mast amplifiers should have noise level not higher than 6 dB. Equally important is that the mast amplifier is fully shielded, which protects it against external interferences.
Above conditions are fulfilled by mast amplifiers from ALCAD, e.g. AM-417 and AMS, e.g. AWS-1018M.
Application of mast amplifier
CCTV systems in one-family homes - how to choose the equipment? In order to properly design and implement a video surveillance system for your house, you should pay attention to several important factors.
1. Layout. First of all the system should monitor the entrance/s and driveway. A good supplement is set of cameras watching the area around the house and the premises (garage, shed etc.). Generally, 3-4 cameras can provide satisfactory results.
2. Cabling. It is important part of the installation. In small systems we use special CCTV cables (coaxial cable plus two power wires). The best choice is CAMSET M6050.
An alternative is application of UTP 5e cable NETSET E1408. It will require to use impedance transformers.
3. Power. Proper power supply is the condition of stable operation. All cameras should be powered from a single device. A good choice is the power supply ZS 12/5x0.5A AWZ 250 M18285 or ZS 2500 12-14V/2.5A M1828. The suppliers have independent short circuit protection for each camera.
4. Cameras. In such small CCTV systems the best choice is use of compact cameras (plug&play). They feature small size, nice look, and good stability - which makes them absolutely unbeatable in these applications. The popular models are V-CAM 315 M11277, VF-515 M11279 (for most demanding customers) and Cam-665 Roto M11252.
5. Preview and recording. The hart of the monitoring system is digital video recorder (DVR). The device records video from cameras onto hard drive (e.g. Seagate 1TB M89260) and allows to review the recorded material, if needed. Constantly lowering prices of DVRs are within the reach of growing number of home owners. Modern DVRs use H.264 and/or MPEG4 compression and have got network interface. These are:
1. Layout. First of all the system should monitor the entrance/s and driveway. A good supplement is set of cameras watching the area around the house and the premises (garage, shed etc.). Generally, 3-4 cameras can provide satisfactory results.
2. Cabling. It is important part of the installation. In small systems we use special CCTV cables (coaxial cable plus two power wires). The best choice is CAMSET M6050.
An alternative is application of UTP 5e cable NETSET E1408. It will require to use impedance transformers.
3. Power. Proper power supply is the condition of stable operation. All cameras should be powered from a single device. A good choice is the power supply ZS 12/5x0.5A AWZ 250 M18285 or ZS 2500 12-14V/2.5A M1828. The suppliers have independent short circuit protection for each camera.
4. Cameras. In such small CCTV systems the best choice is use of compact cameras (plug&play). They feature small size, nice look, and good stability - which makes them absolutely unbeatable in these applications. The popular models are V-CAM 315 M11277, VF-515 M11279 (for most demanding customers) and Cam-665 Roto M11252.
5. Preview and recording. The hart of the monitoring system is digital video recorder (DVR). The device records video from cameras onto hard drive (e.g. Seagate 1TB M89260) and allows to review the recorded material, if needed. Constantly lowering prices of DVRs are within the reach of growing number of home owners. Modern DVRs use H.264 and/or MPEG4 compression and have got network interface. These are:
The output video can be distributed within the existing antenna installation. The video out of the DVR connects to an RF modulator, e.g. TERRA MT-21P R871721. Using ADSL service and ADSL router (TP-Link TD-W8910G N2901), the user can remotely, via the Internet, watch the video and configure the DVR. How to setup DDNS, you can find out in the article from our Library.
CCTV system in one-family home
Wireless monitoring system with PiXORD cameras. Wireless network cameras PiXORD P400W K1132 have been designed for use in places without wired LAN networks. The video data can be received in the monitoring center by access point TP-LINK TL-WA501G N2940, operating in AP mode. PiXORD P400W cameras connect with TP-LINK TL-WA501G N2940 at 2.4 GHz in b/g standard, in Infrastructure mode. The connections can be secured by using 64- or 128-bit WEP algorithms. After connecting the AP to LAN, the video can be viewed on any computer in the network.
If the distance between a camera and the access point is too long, the problem can be solved by using another TP-LINK TL-WA501G N2940, installed between the camera and the first AP and set in Repeater mode.
Additionally, the range of such links can be increased by using suitably placed indoor antennas. Depending on the deployment of the cameras and access points, there can be used indoor panel antenna ATK-P1/2,4GHz A71290 / A71291 or indoor omnidirectional antenna TP-LINK TL-ANT2408C A72714.
If the distance between a camera and the access point is too long, the problem can be solved by using another TP-LINK TL-WA501G N2940, installed between the camera and the first AP and set in Repeater mode.
Additionally, the range of such links can be increased by using suitably placed indoor antennas. Depending on the deployment of the cameras and access points, there can be used indoor panel antenna ATK-P1/2,4GHz A71290 / A71291 or indoor omnidirectional antenna TP-LINK TL-ANT2408C A72714.
Application of wireless network cameras in a CCTV system
Monitoring of market chain in Italy. Oscar Cerami is a chain of stores which sell mainly porcelain articles. The owners decided to build a video surveillance system that would cover all locations. Due too very fine assortment, the priority was high resolution of the images. The requirements were perfectly met by IP ACTi cameras ACM-4200, indoor color cameras of 1.3 Mpx resolution. Recently, the model has been upgraded to ACM-4201 K1514 with 12 V supplying voltage and PoE option. These features make the cameras easier to install. Long distances between the monitoring center and the cameras in the stores were not a problem, due to transmission over IP networks. "Video" software enables the surveillance staff to simultaneously watch images on three monitors, as well as on mobile devices - via 3G network. Similar functionality is offered by ULTISYSTEM software K3232.
ACTi cameras
ACTi cameras
Architecture of the distributed megapixel IP surveillance system
MIG-29 - 3.5" service LCD monitor - a useful device for CCTV installer. Service monitor MIG-29 M3104 is a very handy device for anyone installing and configuring CCTV systems. Thanks to small dimensions and mobility it can be easily and quickly connected to a CCTV camera or DVR, and used for configuring operational parameters.
MIG-29 M3104 service monitor is especially useful in the case of cameras with OSD menu.
The set includes BNC/BNC lead, power lead, and special case to be worn on the arm. The monitor can be powered directly from 12VDC network (typical for majority of CCTV installations), or from a set of eight alkaline AA batteries (not included) - to be put into the arm case. The latter solution allows for independent powering of the monitor and the configured camera.
MIG-29 M3104 service monitor is especially useful in the case of cameras with OSD menu.
The set includes BNC/BNC lead, power lead, and special case to be worn on the arm. The monitor can be powered directly from 12VDC network (typical for majority of CCTV installations), or from a set of eight alkaline AA batteries (not included) - to be put into the arm case. The latter solution allows for independent powering of the monitor and the configured camera.
Service monitor M3104 - an indispensable device for setting up OSD cameras
- the menu can be directly displayed on the screen
- the menu can be directly displayed on the screen
The arm case is a perfect solution for field work
Wireless IP CCTV system - the problem of "hidden node". This problem emerges in wireless networks when a client is within the range of AP, but outside the reach of other client stations. The situation creates problems with control of access to transmission medium when nodes X and Y simultaneously start to send data to the AP. In this case client station does not receive signals from other senders, so cannot prevent collision using the CSMA/CA algorithm. As a result, the stations send packets that can get the base station at the same time, and such collision forces repetition of the transmission. This is the reason of increased workload and lower transfers.
It makes a problem which should be taken into closer consideration in the case of wireless links to be used in IP CCTV systems, for video data transmission. The often used point-to-multipoint topology, with omnidirectional antenna at the base station, is the main reason of the phenomenon and unstable video transmission. There is no single and simple solution to the problem, it depends on the specific installation, but it always requires well thought-out design of wireless network. There may be used RTS/CTS algorithms, specially chosen antennas, Mesh technology solutions, and access points with two radio interfaces.
It makes a problem which should be taken into closer consideration in the case of wireless links to be used in IP CCTV systems, for video data transmission. The often used point-to-multipoint topology, with omnidirectional antenna at the base station, is the main reason of the phenomenon and unstable video transmission. There is no single and simple solution to the problem, it depends on the specific installation, but it always requires well thought-out design of wireless network. There may be used RTS/CTS algorithms, specially chosen antennas, Mesh technology solutions, and access points with two radio interfaces.
Video surveillance of industrial facilities using ULTIAIR devices. Many industrial lands and facilities are characterized by strong interferences and air pollution. These conditions are not favorable for wireless data transmission, especially in the case of IP video streams.
Smooth transmission in such areas can only be guaranteed by use of professional equipment with stable parameters and hermetic housings. The perfect choice is the family of ULTIAIR access points. The devices have been equipped with IP66 housings.
Smooth transmission in such areas can only be guaranteed by use of professional equipment with stable parameters and hermetic housings. The perfect choice is the family of ULTIAIR access points. The devices have been equipped with IP66 housings.
Below we list components of example IP CCTV system using wireless transmission:
- Camera points
- Outdoor Megapixel IP Camera ACTi ACM-1231 IP 1.3 Mpix K1511 - ACM-1231 megapixel camera from ACTi offers very high image quality (resolution: 1280 x 1024) even in low light. The employed CMOS sensor and IR illuminator allow operation even in total darkness (0 lx).
- Wireless transmission
- Monitoring center is equipped with ULTIAIR 417SB N2330. Due to 90-degree horizontal beam width, the access point can receive data streams from many camera points.
- Camera points are equipped with ULTIAIR 319KC N2310.
- Software
- Monitoring center uses ULTISYSTEM software allowing live monitoring and recording of the video from the cameras. ULTISYSTEM is an advanced network application for managing video surveillance systems. It is compatible with majority of CCTV devices from leading manufacturers.
Implementation of MPEG-4 codec allows to transmit and record images of 1.3 Mpix resolution without high bandwidth and disc space requirements - one ULTIAIR access point can transmit video even from 5 such cameras!
ULTISYSTEM software manages over 35,000 monitoring systems.
Example IP video surveillance system on industrial land
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Index of published issues
Moisture-resistant cable - TRISET-11 PE Total Cu. TRISET family has a new member - TRISET-11 PE Total Cu E1029. The inner conductor, foil and braid are made of copper, which allows to use the coaxial cable in wet environments - there is no risk of corrosion due to presence of water, typical for aluminum. The cable is protected by PE (polyethylene) sheath...
- archive DWR of Dec. 3, 2007
ULTISYSTEM for schools. At nights CCTV systems in schools often work without operators - the images from outdoor cameras cannot by analyzed in real time...
- archive DWR of 24.11.2008
Modular Headend TERRA MMH-3000. What is a headend? A headend or head station is a set of professional satellite (and often DVB-T) receivers equipped with RF modulators. Each of the modules receives different program. It enables distribution of digital satellite and terrestrial programs, re-modulated in analog format for viewing on existing televisions...
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Index of published issues
