Impact of IP-based Video Surveillance

Real-time videos have become an increasingly important source of information for remote surveillance, intelligence gathering, situational awareness, and decision-making.

In the past, video surveillance has been quite expensive and not always that effective. In the last decade or so, prices have come down while dependability has increased, and many homeowners are choosing to include video surveillance in their home security systems. This is because video surveillance systems (VSS) are good for catching intruders "in the act." The VSS Consist of:
• Video camera
• Recording/playback device
• Monitor
• Sometimes a motion detector
IP- Based video surveillance
The basics
A digital camera “views” the scene in front of it, broadcasts the video images as a digitized signal over a LAN line (Local Area Network) where it’s then transmitted to a computer or server. The server in turn manages all of this information. Depending upon the software used to manage the digital images, it can record, display or retransmit the images to anywhere in the world. The software package can easily be upgraded to allow for analyzing data, selecting specific “flagged” items to watch for and a host of other functions, making it a truly customizable security tool.
True IP-based digital surveillance uses CCD cameras that use signal processing that send packetized video streams over the LAN through a Cat 5 cable rather than a coax cable network, utilizing greater bandwidth and standard TCP/IP communication.
It also provides more intelligent data mining and information retrieval. If security is an issue, full digital surveillance also offers the added advantage of data encryption opportunities to protect against image tampering - something not possible with analog recording.
Features of IP-based surveillance
• IP-based recording means instant transmittal of images anywhere in the world.
• Can monitor multiple cameras from one remote location
• No decrease in recording quality over time or with repeated replays
• Digital picture quality far superior to analog
• IP-base recording is highly compressed for easier storage and can be transported over a variety of media
• Digital images can be encrypted for security purposes
• Updates and add-ons are relatively inexpensive through software packages and Internet computer networking
• Adjustable frame rates
• Remote or shared viewing may be done over the Internet or a wireless connection
• Standard IP video compression techniques are used
• IP surveillance cameras may be added individually or in groups according to your needs
Hidden cameras are often made to look like objects that have other uses, like clocks, computer speakers and smoke detectors. Furthermore, they are often small enough to be concealed in objects such as pens, cell phones, or even a button.
Conclusion
Overall though, wireless security cameras are fast becoming the ideal mode of security. They have come a long way thanks to advanced technology in the areas of image recording and digital transmissions and today there are various types of security camera systems available in the market. Today, more households than ever appreciate the need for and the value of good home security to protect their families, homes and belongings.