Twenty years ago video security was largely confined to analog cameras and VHS recorders. Captured images were poor, and data storage was subject to degradation, damage and loss, a technology that has now, for the most part, become obsolete. Next generation technologies were digital video recorders (DVRs) that accepted the same analog video signal and stored the data to a hard disk drive. Today, digital cameras and data storage solutions promise vastly superior image clarity and flexible, long-term preservation capabilities. Unquestionably, it is an ideal time for organizations hoping to install an original video surveillance solution. It is a dilemma, however, for enterprises still making effective use of an existing system. Replacing a camera system can be a daunting, time-consuming and potentially expensive prospect when you consider the over 20 million analog cameras in use in the United States.
Enterprises hoping to upgrade a traditional analog camera security system have two basic options: replace their entire infrastructure or strategically modify it. A hybrid solution, such as one that Visual Management Systems can offer with its Omnirec Hybrid, is the answer to making the irksome switch. The Omnirec Hybrid will help to upgrade your surveillance system in the following ways:
1. Conversion of existing data: Omnirec Hybrids are capable of converting analog data directly from cameras into a digital format, alleviating dependence on VHS or traditional DVR storage. The Omnirec Hybrid system is able to receive both analog and IP camera feeds, storing data digitally and permitting onsite playback as well as remote access.2. Extremely Cost Effective: Utilizing the Omnirec Hybrid to make the move to digital is extremely cost-effective because it allows current users to maintain their existing cameras, lenses and cables instead of having to eradicate entire systems.3. Ease of Use and Integration: Use of analog VHS and DVR systems can be very labor intensive because of the need to switch and store tapes, perform system maintenance, be onsite to review and analyze data or to need to add recording capacity when new locations or just additional cameras are contemplated. The Omnirec Hybrid system includes advanced search capabilities, vast storage space and the ability to seamlessly integrate up to 256 camera feeds from as many locations onto a single head unit.4. Long Term Solution: Through use of the VMS Omnirec Hybrid, users can incorporate the analog video from CMOS, CCD, USB, IP cameras as well as DVRs and video servers onto a single, multi-functional platform that can easily attune to an IP network, enabling them to extend the life of their surveillance system for years to come while economically taking advantage of the latest technology trends.To read a white paper on the topic of hybrid systems within the surveillance industry, "Technology Vendors and the Evolving Video Surveillance Market," please e-mail [email protected] or call (512)215-4452.
