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All-round security surveillance ­solutions from Bosch

Bosch Security Systems has been active for a number of years in the residential estate market, with products and software solutions deployed in various high-profile locations throughout the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

Charles Coetzee, sub-Saharan marketing and product manager for software and video-based systems at Bosch, says that the company recommends a mixture of thermal and optical cameras, depending on what the end-user requires out of a surveillance system. In addition, the use of video analytics and a suitable storage platform, greatly enhance the security offering to the market.

Bosch has a wide range of products suitable for the residential estate market, including the DINION IP starlight 8000 MP camera. This 5 MP boxed camera has built-in analytics and works extremely well in low-light conditions. The low-light technology, combined with high-end noise suppression, result in a sensitivity of 0.0121 lux at full 5 MP resolution in colour and 0.00825 lux at 1080p resolution in monochrome footage, without the need for additional lighting.

Coetzee says that the DINION is particularly suited to perimeter areas where there are challenges with different light levels. In addition, the camera is popular at gatehouses and for general estate overview purposes. Flexibility is provided with the option of different lenses for various focal lengths. The camera comes standard with built-in video analytics (IVA) and Intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction (IDNR), which reduces the bitrate at the source and only uses bandwidth when needed.

The Bosch VOT series of thermal cameras are fast gaining ground in the market due to their ability to overcome ambient lighting and weather conditions while producing an excellent image. According to Coetzee, it is a common error to assume that thermal technology is financially out of reach of most end-users. The technology, he says is really not as expensive as perceived and the benefits derived are well worth the investment.

Equipped with a 320 x 240 VOx (vanadium oxide) sensor and built-in analytics, this powerful IP surveillance solution is ideal for protecting perimeters plagued by low light, heavy rain, mist, dense vegetation and even no light. By combining the camera with the correct lens, it can provide a range of up to

1,4 km for detection purposes. The VOT camera uses advanced video processing technology for pixel-by-pixel analysis to provide the user with the most detailed information of the scene.

Proven in shootout tests, a further advantage of both cameras is that they can be used on a wireless link, thus allowing deployment even on estates where wired connections are an issue. The inclusion of IDNR in Bosch IP cameras means that one effectively reduces the network bandwidth requirements and subsequent storage costs, while simultaneously maintaining high-quality and detailed images. By reducing both the storage and bit rate levels by up to 50%, end-users realise substantial cost savings and reduce network strain without compromising on video quality.

Launched to strategically fill a gap in the market, Bosch’s Autodome 4000 and 5000 series infrared cameras provide excellent visibility at night without the cost factor normally associated with such technology. Directional infrared allows detection by manually zooming in on the required focal points of 150 m at night and 190 m during day time. Coetzee says that operators face the challenge in the control room environment on what is the most important element to focus on throughout the estate. Bosch cameras equipped with video analytics ensure that functionality resides within the camera itself and consequently predetermined events will automatically trigger an alarm to the control room for response by the operator. Also, by using the IVA technology, searching for alarm events becomes a much easier task for the operators.

The data gathered by the Bosch cameras is stored in the DIVAR IP series 3000, 6000 and 7000 storage systems and managed by the Bosch Video Management Systems (BVMS) application, with anywhere between 16 and 2000 cameras supported, and even more on an enterprise solution. The rollout of the latest version allows BVMS to be readily integrated with third-party solutions, for example EMC, Dell and HP storage, as well as a listed amount of ONVIF Profile S cameras.

Alongside the Bosch Video Management Software, access control is one of the most important subsystems in a security installation. Access control and software from the same supplier allow for a smooth operation and easy integration of other security and safety devices. The Bosch Access Control Professional Edition allows for just this and can become a very important piece of the puzzle controlling access at the main access gates to the estates.

Security solutions tailored to the residential estate sector’s needs can be customised to ensure optimal security and safety levels through consultation with Bosch Security Systems and its specialist partners.

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