Posts Tagged ‘surveillance system’

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Security Camera CCD

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

We are asked quite often about the security camera CCD (Charged Coupled Device) and the CMOS or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor.  In the following article we’ll discuss how a digital video system actually works and what importance a security camera CCD has within this system.

First let’s describe a digital video security and surveillance system.  It normally consists of three components; the camera(s), the Digital Video Recorder, and a monitor(s).  The camera’s function in this system is to capture a video image created by light reflectance and transform it into an electronic image based on electricity.  Both live and recorded material is played back by the DVR and may be seen by watching the monitor.

So now that we have a general idea of what each component does, let’s talk specifically about the camera and the security camera CCD.

A digital video camera works by using a combination of mechanical (lenses) and electronic (Integrated Circuit or IC chips and printed boards).  Whatever direction the camera may be pointed in, the area that you will see as a point of view from the camera is called the camera’s field of view.  The field of view is the specific area that will constitute the video image.

The field of view can be made larger or smaller depending on the focal length of the lens.  A standard lens has one focal length and therefore on field of view.  Varifocal lenses can vary their focal length (either manually or remotely).  The field of view contains objects that reflect light.  This reflected light is captured by the lens and when in focus, the lens focuses the reflected light on a sensor chip which is usually only 1/4 to 1/3 inches square.

This sensor chip, in our case, is the security camera CCD.  As the focused light strikes the security camera CCD, tiny pixels on the sensor emit a very small but measurable electric impulse.  Their may be more than one CCD and their maybe the use of one or more filters involved as well.

Once the light strikes the security camera CCD, the CCD gives off it’s electrical pulses and this are measured and interpreted by the analog to digital processor IC chip.  This is when the video image becomes digital.  As the processing continues in the camera, the camera’s Digital Signal Processor or DSP, in essence another IC chip, makes adjustments to brightness, color intensity, contrast, etc. to make sure the video image is of the highest quality.

Once the video image information, now binary or digital data is sent to the DVR the DVR stores it or plays it live.  Either the camera or the DVR compiles the binary data and creates a digital video file out of it.   These digital video files are the same type of digital video files that can be watched on a personal computer.

The security camera CCD (and the CMOS) has a unique feature about it that makes it even more versatile.  The CCD inherently can also create video images using on infrared light.  Infrared light is invisible to the human eye, so this makes for a very powerful, useful security device.  Most night time infrared cameras have an array of Infrared producing Light Emitting Diodes or IR LEDs that are arranged around the lens of the camera.   The human eye cannot see their light, but to the CCD, they work like using a floodlight.

In addition to the array of LED’s around the camera lens, IR LED illuminators may also be used.   Illuminators are just a group of more IR LEDs to add more light to the picture.  Some illuminators boast IR ranges of as much as 300 feet when using the illuminator along with the camera’s own lights.

Incidentally, since this type of video construction is done with only IR light, the image will be in either black and white or monochromatic.  But very seldom will the detail or resolution degrade so the IR video image is as good of quality as the day time color versions.

Security Camera King has a large variety of security camera CCD cameras and systems.  Be sure to check the “Specification” tab when looking at a camera that you may be considering to purchase to make sure that the camera gets the proper night time range that you will need.

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Remote CCTV System

Friday, May 6th, 2011

There was a time in the not-so-distant pass where a remote CCTV (Closed Circuit TeleVision) system would be unheard of.  Today, thanks to the leaps and bounds of electronic technology, all of Security Camera King’s featured packaged systems include remote control of the system as a standard feature.

Security Camera King offers several different complete system packages and very competitive prices.  These systems are based on the number of cameras and the type of Digital Video Recorder or DVR.  We offer 4, 8, 16, and 32 channel systems that should appropriately fit just about any application.

In addition, we offer 4 different DVRs.  Each DVR has slightly different features (usually on the plus side) that make them suitable for your specific situation.  We offer the Elite Mini Economy, the Elite Mini HD, the Elite Series, and the Ultimate Series DVR systems.  Each one of these systems can be a remote CCTV system.

Before we go any further, let’s create a definition for remote CCTV systems so we know just exactly what we are talking about.  Each one of the DVR systems previously mentioned above come with an InfraRed or IR remote control that can be used to operate the DVR.  By strict definition of remote, each one of these systems qualify as a remote CCTV system.  However, this is not what we are talking about, in this article at least, when we say remote CCTV system.

Our definition of a remote CCTV system is one that can be easily controlled by an individual who is no where near the system.  Here is a good example:

You’re vacationing in Rome and are standing in line waiting to enter the Sistine Chapel, when you suddenly get the feeling you should check back with home because of the escalated rates of vandalism that have been occurring in your neighborhood lately.

So you get out your iPhone and start the application for your digital video system and while you’re standing in line you view each one of your cameras.  In addition, one is a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera that covers your entire driveway.  You can control this camera right where you are to get a good view of your entire home and drive way after manipulating the PTZ by just using your iPhone.  You find that everything looks ok, and you have a better peace of mind feeling, just before you are ushered into the chapel to view the beautiful art work.

To some, this may sound a little like science fiction but it’s not.  Furthermore, it’s very easy to achieve with this remote CCTV system.  No matter where you are located, as long as you can connect to broadband internet through your 3G or 4G telephone you’ll always have remote control access.

In fact, you don’t have to have a smartphone to operate your CCTV system remotely.  You can even use a personal computer or Mac with a Web browser to access your system remotely and it only takes a couple of minutes to set up the system to do so.

How is this possible?  First, all of our DVRs run on an embedded Linux operating system.  This also includes the technology for an embedded Web server.  Just connect the DVR to a broadband internet perform a little set up work and you’re ready to “Go Remote.”  For those that are techno-savvy, our DVRs also have Dynamic DNS support, another indication of the versatility of these systems.  Since it is not necessary to have a Static DNS this saves you money (normally, Internet Service Providers can provide you with a Static DNS but will do so for an additional monthly fee).

Another function of our DVRs that contribute to the remote CCTV system is email capability.  Instead of checking your system all the time when you are on the road, you can have your system send you an email based on your own criteria.  You can then use your smartphone to access y our system and “see what’s up.”

As you can see, remote CCTV systems are no longer science fiction and are a very dynamic feature for your digital video security and surveillance system.

If you have any additional questions about remote CCTV systems, please feel free to contact one of our security experts.  They can be reached on-line through the “Live Chat” feature or by telephone at 866-573-8878 Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM EST.

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PTZ-TOOL Programming Module

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

The PTZ-TOOL programming module makes programming PTZ cameras a cinch.  Security Camera King offers this for sale for customers because there are many people that have more than 1 PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera in their system.  In fact, this tool is only required if you use more than 1 PTZ camera in your system, but it can be used to control a standalone PTZ camera as well.

PTZ cameras make for a powerful addition to a digital video security system.  Often times, these cameras can take the place of two or more stationary cameras making them very cost effective as well.  These cameras usually come with factory pre-settings and it may be useful to “tweak” them a bit; that’s where the PTZ-TOOL programming module comes in.

Before we talk about the PTZ-TOOL programming module itself, let’s take a look at what makes up a digital video system and exactly what a PTZ camera can do in that system.

A basic digital video security and surveillance system normally consists of three components; one or more digital video cameras, a Digital Video Recorder or DVR, and one or more monitors (a monitor is needed for the initial setup of the system, but once the system is up and running a monitor is actually an optional choice).

The cameras’ primary function is to “capture” video images created by light that reflects off objects in the cameras’ field of view.  The lens focuses this light onto a small sensor that ranges in size from 1/4″ up to about 1/2″ square.  When light strikes its individual units (pixels for example) the sensor produces an electrical impulse that can be measured.  These electrical impulses are used to create a video image that can be displayed on an electronic monitor and/or compiled into a file that can be stored on the DVR’s hard disk drive.

There are many different ways to increase or decrease the field of view for the camera.  One way is to use a varifocal lens.  These lenses however are often only manually operated and can only enlarge or reduce the field of view.  Another way to increase security coverage is to use more than one camera in such a manner that their fields of view overlap just a little.

The third way to increase coverage is to use a PTZ camera. A PTZ camera can normally pan 360 degrees or a full circle and have a vertical movement of at least 180 degrees.  In other words, picture an object that looks like a sphere cut in-half.  Now imagine the camera lens in that half-sphere; generally this is the area that the camera lens can move/rotate through in order to capture video images.

PTZ cameras have become very popular, due to their extreme versatility and advanced electronically controlled features.  However, there are so many different features and functions that it may seem somewhat overwhelming to the do-it-yourselfer.  The PTZ-TOOL Programming Module helps to make the task of changing PTZ settings easy.

 

The PTZ-TOOL Programming Module is designed for use with Security Camera King’s PTZ-LX550L3X Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera and our PT-LX540 Pan/Tilt Camera.  If you use more than one PTZ-LX550L3X or PT-LX540 Pan/Tilt Camera you will need the PTZ-TOOL programming module.  One of the reasons that this tool is required when using more than one PTZ or PT camera is so the address of the camera can be changed from the setting of “1.”

The DVR has virtual “ports” that are assigned to the cameras to keep them separate for the DVR’s sake.  These virtual ports or addresses can range from 0-255.  Programming the camera to a different address allows the DVR or other device to control that camera only.  It’s the equivalent of a first name when talking about someone in a particular family.  If you used the surname only, no one would know who you were talking to; mother, father or siblings.  However, when you use a first name, then the individual knows exactly who you are talking to (addressing).

With the Programming Module for PTZ-LX550L3X and PT-LX540, you can assign different addresses (first names) to the cameras so that the DVR can keep track of them.

If you have any additional questions about the Programming Module for PTZ-LX550L3X and PT-LX540 contact one of our security experts today either by on-line “Live Chat” or by telephone at 1-866-573-8878  Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM EST.

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CCTV Surveillance

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Thanks to modern technology, CCTV Surveillance has advanced leaps and bounds over the past several years. Not only have systems advanced but prices have dropped considerably making a home digital video security and surveillance system not just something for the “rich and famous.”

CCTV surveillance or Closed Circuit TeleVision surveillance today inherited its name from many decades ago.  The first CCTV surveillance systems were based on analog and not digital video transmission.  In fact the phrase “Closed Circuit Television” was created in reference to actual television cameras.

Television cameras were originally an analog device; that is their signal was sent as an analog signal.  The analog cameras used for live News, Sporting Events, and other “broadcasts” sent their video signal to the studio for processing.  Here the signal was fine tuned; edited if need be, amplified and sent via large antennas to the open public.  Anyone with a receiver (television set) and an antenna could see and hear the video image and audio sound.

Close Circuit Television used the same type of cameras as the cameras used by television broadcast stations, with one exception.  Instead of broadcasting the signal via an antenna to the open public, CCTV surveillance sent its signal through an individual cable that was connected to a specific video recorder and or monitor.  In this manner, the circuit was not available to just anyone.  It was a “closed circuit” that was dedicated to a particular source; hence the name “Closed Circuit Television” or CCTV.

Although CCTV surveillance originally described television only transmitted through a cable, its meaning is used loosely in that regard today.  CCTV today is not necessarily confined to a video image sent over a cable, but may be wireless as well.  However, even though the video images maybe sent using radio frequency signals, they are still directed for use by a specific or finite group of individuals and not the general public.

As a result of CCTV surveillance becoming digital, it has been able to “piggyback” if you will, on the personal computer industry.  In other words, the digital video security industry has been able to benefit tremendously by the technological advancements of the modern day digital world, namely the personal computer industry.

When technology yields a faster computer processor, so too is there a newer, faster Digital Video Recorder or DVR.  When the computer industry develops a larger hard disk drive, so too is there a larger storage capacity DVR.  When the Integrated Circuit or IC chip becomes smaller and performs more tasks, CCTV surveillance cameras become smaller and so on.  This has resulted in remarkable changes in the video security and surveillance industry.

For example, only those who could afford the older, expensive analog equipment could have a home CCTV surveillance system.  Typically, such a system could only be afforded by the incredibly wealthy or commercial businesses that in essence, had to have them, regardless of the cost (banks, retailers, and industrial applications for example).

Now however, digital video CCTV surveillance systems are economically priced and systems are available that fit just about any budget.  For example, Security Camera King sells its Elite Mini complete package system including cameras, cables, power supply, etc. for only $499.  Compared to today’s average prices, that’s not much of an expense at all.

In addition to reasonable pricing, digital video CCTV surveillance systems have also become incredibly easy to install.  So easy in fact, that a professional installer is not required.  A complete home security system can easily be installed as a do-it-yourself project in one weekend or less.

There are other benefits as well.  A contemporary CCTV surveillance system is no longer a proprietary packaged system.  In other words, these systems are component systems such that cameras, monitors, and DVRs can be used from different manufacturers and with different special functions to “tailor fit” the system to your specific security and surveillance needs.

And the benefits keep coming.  Since CCTV surveillance has become digital that means that transmissions can now be sent via the Internet.  All of Security Camera Kings DVRs have this as a basic feature.  Therefore a security system in Florida can be monitored and controlled by a Internet connected computer or smartphone anywhere in the world there is Internet access.

So, as you can see CCTV surveillance has encountered quite an evolution in less than a century of life.  Only imagination can determine what may be yet to come.

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Security Camera DVR

Monday, March 7th, 2011

The central controller as well as the storage for a digital video security system is the security camera DVR or Digital Video Recorder.  The DVR coordinates and controls the actions of the system as well as provides a central location for quick access of the recorded digital video files.  In this article, we will talk about the functions of the DVR and how it works.

A typical digital video security and surveillance system consists of up to three types of components; the digital video camera, the security camera DVR, and the system or spot camera monitor.  The camera’s main function is to capture light images and convert them into electronic images that can be sent to the DVR to be compiled, stored, and viewed.  The monitor’s function is to provide the display mechanism for viewing the electronic video.

But it is the security camera DVR that is responsible for tying all this together.  The DVR is basically a specialized computer with its video processing services on steroids.   The DVR has a central processor much like a personal computer, however the DVRs processor is specifically designed to deal with the data that is used to make video images, control cameras, store files, and display the images.

Most cameras have a special Integrated Circuit or IC chip called a Digital Signal Processor or DSP that is used to convert the electronic impulses sent by the sensor chip into video data.  However, the DVR also has its own dedicated DSP and central processing unit to handle the tasks needed to produce security video images.

First, the DVR must be able to accept multiple video data streams or bits simultaneously.  For example, most digital video security systems have more than one camera.  The DVR must be able to handle the video information being sent by as many cameras as it is designed for.  Think of the complexity involved when a personal computer uses a Webcam.  Many personal computers, until recently, didn’t have the computing resources to do anything else when the Webcam was in operation.  Now imagine using 4, 8, 16 or even 32 cameras at one time!

Further, the DVR doesn’t just receive the video data, but it must do something with it as well.  In fact, it must compile it, compress it, decompress it (for viewing) and store it all in just a few milliseconds.  It’s no wonder then, why a DVR is far superior to processing digital security video than say, a typical personal computer.

A security camera DVR creates a digital video file out of the data sent to it by the digital video camera.  The data that is created for just one camera is enormous.  For example, a digital video is actually in a simpler form, a series of digital photographs all stitched together.  When these photographs are played in front of the human eye at a fast enough rate, they fool the human eye and brain into thinking it is seeing fluid, motion video.

Typically, a security camera DVR produces high quality video at a rate of 30 frames per second or 30 fps.  That is 30 digital photographs taken within the time span of 1 second.  The information that is processed by the DVR at this rate just for one camera in one hour is 30 fps x 60 seconds x 60 minutes or 108,000 times the size of one digital photograph; if the DVR is a 16 channel DVR that jumps to 1,728,000 times.

The security camera DVR uses a utility called a CODEC which stands for COmpression/DECompression to shrink the digital file to a fraction of its original size while maintaining a minimal loss of quality.  This makes the file easier for the DVR to handle and requires less storage space to hold.  All of Security Camera King’s featured DVRs use the latest, most efficient CODEC known as H.264.

Once the file is compressed it is then made available by the DVR for viewing (live) or storing on the hard drive for future use.  Not until you consider all of the activity that is involved in creating digital video files for security systems can you really appreciate the high speed, intensive work performed by the security camera DVR.

In addition, the security camera DVR also acts as a fine tuner, relay station for other inputs, audio processor, and networking server.  The more channels a DVR processes the more expensive the unit because of the hardware and technology that is required to handle the job.

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