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Using digital technology, Sygma's CCTV systems are among the very best and most reliable camera systems available. Digital surveillance and recording offers many advantages to the end user, including: continuous recording (with no need for video tapes); higher image quality; faster image search and retrieval; superior archiving capabilities; instant playback; simultaneous playback, record and archive capability; lower maintenance than VCRs and networking opportunities. The addition of wireless technology means that today’s systems are less intrusive to install and therefore create minimal interruption to your business.
IP Systems
‘IP’ or ‘networked solutions’ is the latest buzz in the security sector. Quite simply, IP (Internet Protocol) is a method of transmitting data over a network (a network, in its simplest form, being two or more devices interconnected). Each computer (or host) on the Internet has at least one address that uniquely identifies it from others. IP technology itself isn’t new, but it is now being used on a wider range of applications – for home, business and leisure use - than ever before.
IP CCTV operates on existing wired and wireless TCP/IP computer networks and removes the need for running separate cables for the CCTV system, making installation quick, convenient and inexpensive. As the CCTV system operates over a network the cameras can be accessed by anyone on the same network or via the Internet and recorded on a PC on the network. Another advantage of IP CCTV cameras is that they can connect directly to the network or ADSL (broadband) connection (router required), so no PC is required (although a PC is required for viewing images). The cameras are self contained and supplied ready for connection. Because they have few moving parts, IP cameras tend to be much more reliable over time.
In a corporate environment IP surveillance shows cost savings for companies in several areas. In many cases, security equipment can be added to the existing IT infrastructure. They can also be run on a separate VPN (Virtual Private Network) if required.
No longer do organisations need to rely on an individual to preserve evidence at a site. Instead, this control can be taken from anywhere on a company’s network, or even the Internet. Recordings from a remote site can be transmitted across the network to be reviewed and passed on to the relevant authorities as evidence.
The strength of IP technology is its ability to allow large numbers of devices to communicate with one another on an ever increasing scale. Expansion of these systems is possible with the minimum of effort (although there are a number of design issues that must be considered as the network grows).
A total IP solution may not be practical for all organisations. Existing cameras may not require replacement, or cabling is already installed and operational. IP systems can form part of the overall solution, known as a hybrid solution.
The flexibility and versatility of IP-based systems mean they are particularly suited to a wide range of applications in security. IP products (such as CCTV cameras) can be addressed and accessed from anywhere in the world with a connection to the Internet, delivering a myriad of commercial and operational benefits.
Why use IP?
How can a Network Camera make my life easier?
With a network camera, you can track every person that passes through a high security entrance, or check for false alarms at your store from the comfort of your own home. These and thousands of other revolutionary applications are now possible with the arrival of the network camera.
Why use a Network Camera and where?
Recent advances make it possible to connect cameras directly to an IP-based computer network. Network camera technology enables a user to have a camera at one location and view live video at another location over the Network/Internet. Access can be restricted so only authorised persons can view the images, or live video can be posted on a company's web site for all the world to see.
If a building is equipped with an IP Network, then the necessary infrastructure already exists to add IP network cameras. A network camera performs many of the same functions as a standard analogue CCTV camera, but it does so with greater functionality at substantially lower costs. Because network cameras plug directly into the existing network via an Ethernet Port, companies can save thousands of pounds by not having to wire their facilities with coaxial cabling required for analogue cameras. When computers are already in place, no additional equipment is needed to view network camera footage. The output can be viewed in its simplest form in a Web Browser at the computer monitor and in more complex security solutions with the aid of Video Surveillance Software. If Analogue Cameras are already present at a site, the addition of a Video Server will make those images available in any location required.
Applications for network cameras
Network camera technology can be used for literally thousands of high-value, professional security and non-security applications. Uses range from offices and retail to casinos, and extend into monitoring manufacturing processes and web attraction.
Here are a few of the many cost-effective and highly productive applications for network cameras:
Security Surveillance
Network Cameras are used in professional security systems and enable live video to be viewed remotely by authorized personnel. The network cameras are easily integrated into larger, complex systems, but can also function as stand-alone solutions in entry-level surveillance applications.
Network cameras can be used for surveillance of high-risk locations, such as buildings, casinos, banks and shops. Video of those areas can be monitored from relevant control rooms, at police stations and by security managers from a variety of sites.
Network cameras are also effective substitutes for Analogue Cameras in traditional law enforcement applications, such as keeping public places safe.
Access Control
Cameras linked to access control systems such as door or barriers can enable an operator at a remote location to greet, identify, direct and authorise entry. People as well as vehicles can be recorded with time stamps that are easy to locate and review. The images can be stored in a remote location, making it impossible to steal the information.
Remote Monitoring
Network cameras are easily connected to the existing IP Network and enable real-time updates of high-quality video to be accessible from any computer on the Network. Sensitive areas such as the server room, the reception area or any remote site can be closely monitored in a cost-effective and simple way, over the local network or via the Internet.
Web Attraction
Network Cameras enable high-quality, Live Video to be shown to the whole Internet community. Live Video is an effective way to bring visitors back to a Web site.
Network Camera technology enhances Web sites thus attracting more visitors to the Web site. Weather Cameras and other Live Cameras are popular ways to boost web visitor traffic. Cameras can be mounted in a city centre, at a university, on a mountain, or by the sea to show Live Video.
IP CCTV cameras and other products are remarkably versatile and can be used in a wide range of environments, delivering benefits at many levels. Check out some of the most popular applications below:
Retail
Network cameras enhance the monitoring of a retail location by ensuring that everything is in good order. As a business owner or manager, you can monitor your site (or several sites) from wherever you are in the world. Knowing they are being monitored keeps staff on their toes and you can check in to keep tabs on what is happening at any time. Placed over a service desk or counter, you can see and hear your staff / customer interactions making monitoring customer service easy and objective. You can use the system to identify problem areas in service / staff behaviour, or to highlight best practice.
Office / Commercial Environments
A Network camera is a convenient way to monitor the office. Areas like the reception area and conference rooms can be monitored for activity. In addition, users can keep track of who has been in the server room and take appropriate action when problems arise.
Premises such as multiple-occupier offices can be linked to a central reception area. A camera linked to an access control system (at its simplest, a door or gate) can be controlled from your desk to enable you to greet, check, direct and authorise and admit visitors, without moving from your chair!
Manufacturing
Network cameras can be used in the manufacturing industry to monitor robots, other machines and production lines from the office or home and allow service engineers to access the cameras remotely. With Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras it is possible to look at all-inclusive or detailed views.
ANPR - Automatic Number Plate Recognition
Using sophisticated camera and software technology, an ANPR system firstly locates the registration plate on a vehicle and then reads and interprets the plate.
Having read and interpreted the plate, the system can look up the plate in a database and flag and/or display details about the vehicle on an operator's screen.
ANPR is suited to many security and access control applications. Here are just a very few of ANPR's many uses.....
- Police and Customs use ANPR to check every passing vehicle through a control point
- Shopping centres use ANPR to manage car parking
- Business and industrial parks use ANPR to control access, often remotely
- Town and cities use ANPR to manage congestion charging
Sygma has extensive experience in the creative design and application of ANPR systems, helping organisations across many different sectors to manage security and access more effectively.
Data Protection
- It is a legal requirement that CCTV must be operated in accordance with Data Protection and Human Rights legislation.
- Only use CCTV for reasonable, justifiable purposes.
- Let people know what those purposes are.
- Make sure that your CCTV system is continually fit for purpose.
- Let people know that you are recording their images and make those images available to them if requested and it is reasonable to do so.
- Keep the images secure and controlled, the only copies that you would normally download should be for police and Archive purposes.
- Don’t keep recordings for longer than necessary.
For more information regarding Data Protection simply email your name and address details to info@sygmasecurity.co.uk requesting a copy of the VMS ‘Operating CCTV within the Law?’ free booklet.
HOME OFFICE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FACIAL RECOGNITION
The recommended combination of cameras and lenses has, where stated, been calculated so that the system complies with the current Home Office Recommendations for Police Evidence and the P.S.D.B. (Police Scientific Development Branch) guidelines. These guidelines evaluate, recommend and indicate the benchmark criteria for the use of CCTV systems.
Camera and lens selections need to be chosen and based upon a 1.6 metre person, as recommended by the Police Scientific Development Branch.
Monitor/Crowd Control - 5% Screen height
This will be achieved by capturing the image of a person, which occupies at least 5% of picture screen height on the monitor.
Detection of Intruder - 10 % Screen height
This will be achieved by capturing the image of a person, which occupies at least 10% of picture screen height on the monitor.
Recognition of a Known Person - 50% Screen height
This will be achieved by capturing the image of a person, which occupies at least 50% of picture screen height on the monitor.
Identification of an Unknown Person - 120% Screen height
This will be achieved by capturing the image of a person, which occupies at least 120% of picture screen height on the monitor.
Please note that unless a Camera achieves ‘Recognition of a Known Person’ it cannot be used by the police to identify a person for prosecution in a court of law. The police have stated that over 75% of the video evidence that they collect fails to meet the required standard.
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