The surveillance industry continues to evolve at such a rapid pace that systems integrators, consultants, and end-users are all being challenged to keep up with the latest and greatest imaging solutions available.
With the exciting new and emerging technologies like the IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud-based solutions at the forefront of conversation, cameras remain the core imaging system component. Matching the camera capabilities and performance to the needs of each installation is critical to support overall system performance and achieve the intended objectives; thus, it is no surprise that manufacturers continue to introduce more cameras in different form factors with a wide range of functionality and resolution.
At recent major security trade shows, the odds are very good that you saw demos and products featuring 4K HDCVI, multi-sensor cameras, ePoE technology, H.265 and enhanced PTZ cameras. By the time ISC West rolls around in April, more imaging innovations will certainly be on display, but until then, let’s take a closer look at the trending surveillance camera technologies:
4K HDCVI Technology
Many surveillance systems in use today were built on coax infrastructure that remains in good condition, but was designed for lower resolution and functionality than current IP systems.
The first option is to upgrade to an IP platform based on Ethernet cabling, but as most integrators already know, ripping and replacing the entire system infrastructure is nearly always a disruptive and costly project. Option two is to deploy new IP cameras with EoC (Ethernet over Coax) adapters and receivers, but purchasing the extra hardware can also increase costs.
The third, emerging option for upgrading to HD imaging over existing installed coax is the use of High Definition Composite Video Interface (HDCVI) technology. HDCVI cameras are designed to capture 720p, 1080p, 4MP and even 4K resolution images with connectivity provided by standard coax cabling.
In addition to leveraging existing investments in legacy system infrastructure, HDCVI cameras enable long-distance HD video transmission up to 1,200 meters without repeaters for strong cost/performance benefits.
Perhaps more important, given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks, HDCVI cameras are not susceptible to any of the cybersecurity risks associated with IP cameras, nor do they require additional network protection measures. Conventional physical connections between cameras, DVRs, and other system components prevent possible hacking or other cyber-threats for HDCVI systems.
Multi-Sensor Cameras
Multi-sensor cameras may be the hottest imaging trend to hit the professional surveillance market since the introduction of IP cameras. Multi-sensor, and now multi-directional multi-sensor cameras, provide a means of accomplishing wide area coverage with extreme cost-efficiency – without compromising image quality.
Available in IP and HDCVI configurations, multi-sensor cameras provide the same coverage typically provided by multiple standard cameras. This greatly reduces overall costs relative to installation, cabling and infrastructure requirements, and maintenance.
Multi-sensor cameras are also evolving quickly to incorporate innovative features and performance. For example, a multi-sensor camera with a built in PTZ camera is now available in the market – the ultimate integrated imaging solution.
ePoE Technology
Enhanced Power over Ethernet (ePoE) offers a new way to accomplish long-distance transmission between IP cameras and the network switches at the head-end. ePoE enables more flexible surveillance system design, improves reliability and reduces construction and wiring cost.
It is best used for surveillance of large venues such as warehouse, parks, campuses, parking facilities, and stadiums and arenas, where camera locations may be required far from the control center.
While a conventional approach is to add repeaters to extend the transmission distance, ePoE accommodates power and data transmission up to 800 meters over conventional Cat5 Ethernet cable. This capability simplifies system installation, as only one cable is required from the system head-end to each camera, which results in lower installation and maintenance costs.
In addition, some system designers see ePoE devices as a way to support seamless analog to IP migration with long-range transmission. In this scenario, they use coaxial cable to integrate ePoE IP cameras with Ethernet over Coax (EoC) passive converters for a pure IP solution. This is a simple and effective solution that delivers seamless plug-and-play installation, reducing the cost of upgrading from analog to IP.
Enhanced H.265 Codecs
Although H.265 compression is still fairly new in the security market, vendors have introduced enhanced versions that deliver performance improvements for surveillance applications.
Enhanced H.265 compression technologies can provide up to an 80-percent reduction in bandwidth and storage requirements when compared to standard H.264 compression.
Systems employing enhanced H.265 compression schemes reduce bandwidth usage in several ways by limiting the transmission of useless or unimportant data wherever possible. As a result, high-quality video is maintained without putting excessive strain on the network or overloading recording devices. The overall conservation of bandwidth also enables systems to be more cost-efficiently upgraded with higher resolution cameras, or with more cameras.
PTZ Enhancements
PTZ cameras continue to be widely used for applications that require real-time tracking of people or vehicles, and have been evolving with new imaging technologies in smaller, faster form factors; however, the continuous movement that PTZs inherently provide consumes more bandwidth than stationary cameras. New 2MP PTZs with H.265 compression deliver the perfect combination of resolution and bandwidth efficiency.
Jennifer Hackenburg is Senior Product Marketing Manager for Dahua Technology USA. Request more info about the company at www.securityinfowatch.com/12101368.
