Video Surveillance System

The video surveillance system is a network of cameras, monitors/displays, and recorders. Cameras are of various kinds and differ from one another with respect to resolution, frame rate, and color type. Video Surveillance system can be deployed outdoors or indoors and is designed in such a way as to record footage. Most of the surveillance systems are closed, which means that signals can neither be broadcast nor accessed by other parties. Only authorized persons can monitor the content and use that footage for various purposes. The recorded footage can be compressed, stored in a recorder or it can be transmitted over communication networks.

 

Why is Video Surveillance System Installed?

The adequate security measures for protecting homes and offices cannot be stressed enough. A Video Surveillance system is such security measure that is installed to monitor a given area. This system is used for various objectives as well:

  • Remote Video Monitoring is an important objective that can be achieved via a digital surveillance system. You can keep a watchful eye to protect your assets from burglary and theft by outsiders or dishonest employees.
  • The monitoring of operations, particularly, if some industrial processors are being carried out under harsh and rough atmospheres, is another objective of installing a video surveillance system. This may help to prevent any accident from happening or streamline the day-to-day operations. The employee’s safety and compliance with safety protocols are also ensured with the help of a surveillance system.
  • This surveillance system can also be installed for facility protection to monitor the perimeter of the property or the perimeter of the building by intrusion detection or highlighting some suspicious activity.
  • Vandalism can be deterred by the installation of high-definition cameras. These cameras can help recognize the faces of vandals which can later be used by law enforcement agencies for apprehension and conviction.
  • Crime control and public safety can also be ensured by the installation of security cameras.

Video Surveillance Equipment:

There are five components of a video surveillance system:

  • Monitors/ Display
  • Cameras
  • Cables and Routers
  • Video Recorders
  • Data Storage

Monitors/Displays:

Monitors are the most critical component of any surveillance system. They are used for viewing recorded footage and video so that further actions can be taken. The number of monitors is dependent upon the size and kind of area you want to monitor. If the area in question is not large, 3 to 5 screens are enough for putting in place an effective security system. Some considerations that you should take into before choosing monitors/display units are enlisted below:

  • Power consumption is an important factor. It is suggested that customers should always buy LED rather than LCD displays because LEDs are power efficient and consume 46% less power in comparison with LCDs.
  • Building up heat inside in chassis is one of the leading causes of failure of electrical devices. Always try to buy a monitor that has been provided with an external PSU (Power Supply Unit). Here again, LEDs should be preferred because they release a lesser amount of heat due to the fact that they consume less power.
  • Connectivity should also be given utmost consideration. The display should have future-proofed and flexible connectivity options like VGA, HDMI, and others. Mostly, display units are connected to DVR and NVR storage devices, therefore, there should not be any connectivity-related hurdles at all.
  • The importance of the resolution of monitors/display units can be stressed enough. Therefore, the display should be equipped with a panel that can support the maximum resolution. As a thumb rule, panels should support 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Cameras

There are two kinds of cameras when it comes to the question of installing surveillance systems: IP and Analog. IP cameras are preferred for their ready compatibility with most devices. The number of angles and the size of the area you want to cover determine the total number of installed cameras. There are multiple types of cameras like dome cameras, bullet cameras, PTZ cameras, Infrared, Torrent, or Eyeball cameras. Some important features you should look at before buying security cameras are as follows:

  • Fast Motion Activation
  • Intuitive Smart Phone App
  • Flexible Video Resolution
  • Night Vision
  • Two-way audio communication
  • Video Storage
  • Field of View
  • Design and Durability
  • Pan-Tilt-Zoom
  • Emergency Connectivity
  • AI Facial Recognition

Cables and Routers

Cables and other associated peripherals should be decided after finalizing the camera (analog vs IP), and monitors. For instance, if your cameras are IP, you will Ethernet cable, otherwise, don’t go for Ethernet cables. Similarly, if your security cameras are wireless, you will have to install routers as well. Therefore, cables, wires, and routers should be bought after finalizing the cameras and display units.

Video Recorders:

Video recorders are of two types: DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder). Here recorded video can be processed for storage & viewing.

Digital Video Recorder:

DVR is used for analog security cameras. Image quality is generally low and scalability is also restricted. Both power and audio/video cables are required for proper functioning. They are less expensive than NVR

Network Video Recorder:

Network Video Recorder is used for IP cameras. Ethernet cables are used for surveillance systems and image quality is usually higher. Scalability is also possible which adds further to its functionality.

Data Storage:

Robust storage is critical for meeting the intended objectives of the surveillance system. The quantity (number of recorded videos and their length), quality of the videos (4K, UHD, FHD, etc.), and the duration for which videos are stored in data storage determine the data storage infrastructure.

Currently, there are three types of data storage:

  • Surveillance HDD: Types of hard drives designed specifically for surveillance system
  • Memory Cards: high-capacity memory cards designed for CCTV surveillance system
  • Cloud Storage: virtual cloud storage for CCTV videos.

Do You Need Professional Support?

Morgan Inland LLC deals in all kinds of surveillance systems. Whether IP or analog or specialized security cameras like bullet cameras, dome cameras, PTZ cameras, Infrared/thermal cameras as well other components including NVR, DVR, LEDs, LCDs, and more, we pride ourselves in offering a full portfolio of surveillance solutions. Morgan Ingland LLC also delivers high-end accessories and storage & backup IT infrastructure to provide you with a one-window solution design to cater to your distinct business requirements. Feel free to contact us at 415-704-8713 or email us at info@miatlantic.us for further details.