Technologies Overview

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Security Camera Choices and Options

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

Remote Viewing

IP Video Surveillance vs. Analog Video Surveillance

IP video surveillance brings yesterday's analog technology into current standards.  Just as voice telephone service has moved from a traditionally analog-based technology, video surveillance has too.  The advantage, like voice and UC is that when you have your surveillance on your data network, accessing and controlling your cameras, and DVRs becomes considerably easier and more cost-effective to maintain.  And like voice and UC, it opens up a new world of possibilities in how you can make better use of your investments.

Analog closed-circuit recording systems (CCTV) are limited, because they are only as smart as the person monitoring the system. With IP networks you have access to a wide-range of automated software settings and alert systems that make security management more efficient and intelligent and less error prone and less costly.  On the other hand, IP camera systems handle motion detection, event triggers, and alert automation (via e-mail, pager or phone call), and have a multitude of options for changing frame rates, resolution and timed record cycles. Analog camera systems can't do this without digital conversion.

IP Video Surveillance has improved the effectiveness of video security by leaps and bounds over the analog CCTV equipment we've grown so accustomed to over the years. Today's IP video surveillance solutions use an IP network, rather than complicated coaxial cabling setups, as the backbone for delivering information.  This allows for flexible, cost-effective installation, remote video monitoring, improved storage, and a host of other benefits. The most beneficial part of IP cameras is that they allow viewing and recording in megapixel quality.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Another benefit of IP video is that the same cable that you've connected the camera with can also be used to power it, reducing the need for multiple cables to every camera, reducing clutter, and installation costs.  PoE switches and adapters are useful for times when local power outlets are not available. Power is drawn from the power source near the switch and then routed over Ethernet cables. This is possible because the CAT5 Ethernet spec enables both data and power.  As always, pricing depends up the various equipment involved on a site, along with such network variables as the number of ports, switch capabilities, vendors deployed, etc.  PoE (short for Power over Ethernet) is basically a power extension via Ethernet cable. It requires a PoE switch or PoE adapters. PoE switches will send power and data to either a PoE enabled device that can take power and data from a single Ethernet cable and the attached PoE switch; or A PoE terminal adapter that splits the power out of the Ethernet cable at the end of the line and connects to a standard power input on the networked device (in this case a camera).

Security Camera Choices and Options

When choosing a security camera system there are many factors that will affect its overall operation and performance. For instance when using CCTV Cameras to capture employee theft at a register you would need a high-resolution color camera with a vari-focal lens. With a high-resolution camera you will be able to make out a lot more of the finer details that a standard resolution camera might miss. Also using a vari-focal lens in this situation will allow you to adjust the security camera to a close up picture for fine detail or a wider area picture for an overview of the surrounding register activities.

Indoor Dome Security Cameras

Our high resolution indoor cameras deliver a clear picture for businesses needing to capture a little sharper images. These dome cameras are great for giving a clean appearance to any building. They have a great picture even limited lighting. These dome camera are suitable for Banks, office buildings, over cash registers, or any indoor area need discreet video.

 

Outdoor Dome Security Cameras

Outdoor video solutions are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and to provide reliable surveillance at all times.  Outdoor products are used in applications ranging from railway stations and university campuses to city surveillance and traffic monitoring. Smart features and materials that ensure optimal performance are employed:

 

• Robust, weather-proof casings (IP 66)
• Wide range of temperature operation
• Day and night functionality
• Tampering alarm
• HDTV/Megapixel resolution

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

A PTZ network camera offers network video functionality combined with Pan/Tilt/Zoom capability. The camera’s movement is easily controlled via a computer connected to the network.  This provides you with the

PTZ camera range includes cameras with:

• Up to 26x optical zoom
• Day/night functionality
• Built-in IR-lamp
• Two-way audio
• Tamper-resistant dome casing

Depending on your needs, you can choose a PTZ network camera where both movement and viewing direction are visible, a more discreet model where all moving parts are inside the casing, or unique models with no moving parts at all.

Thermal Cameras

Thermal network cameras are a perfect complement to any professional IP-Surveillance system that needs to secure an area or a perimeter in complete darkness.  Thermal network cameras create images based on the heat that always radiates from any object, vehicle or person. This gives the cameras the power to see through complete darkness and deliver images that allow operators to detect and act on suspicious activity – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Thermal cameras are excellent for detecting people, objects and incidents in darkness and other challenging conditions. Thermal cameras do not, however, deliver images that allow reliable identification – that is why thermal cameras and conventional cameras complement and support each other in a surveillance installation. Thermal cameras do not require any additional light sources – conventional or IR – that consume energy, create shadows and reveal their locations. And, in contrast to conventional day-and-night cameras that depend on a certain amount of near-infrared light to function, thermal cameras deliver reliable surveillance images even in complete darkness.

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

The price of the recorder will depend on the a couple main factors. First what is the speed of the live and recorded view of the cameras which is measured in FPS or frames per second. Second will depend on the hard-drive size of the unit. Everything else is usually standard on most recorders like a CDR-W, motion recording, and remote viewing options.

Remote Viewing

You can view your security camera systems over the Internet.  After we've installed your security cameras and DVR, it can be connected to the Internet.  This allows you to be anywhere in the world and log into your security cameras from any computer.  You can also access your surveillance system from your iPhone.

What Next?

VNS has been providing IP surveillance solutions to our Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia and Oakhurst customers since 1996.

For more information or to discuss implementing a surveillance solution with VNS, give us a call at (559) 650-2600, or send us an email at sales@vns.net.