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Megapixel IP ROI

Megapixel IP cameras can positively impact on security solutions by improving return on investment (ROI) for customers.

Security professionals should be able to separate hype from reality and create convincing business cases for the installation of new security imaging technologies. Ethan Maxon, Arecont Vision’s, regional sales manager for South Africa and Alex de Barros, divisional managing director at AV Enforce Electronics, a national supplier of megapixel cameras and associated systems developed and manufactured by Arecont Vision agree that the knowledge of new and emerging technologies is the security professional’s best tool to eliminate the hype and focus on the reality.

“There is no doubt that megapixel camera technology provides superior imaging quality; and better images make for better systems. The South African economy remains fragile and companies still need to be mindful of costs and total money spent on new installations,” says De Barros. “The reality is that security capital expenditures are being meticulously scrutinised at corporate levels, and this is likely to continue for some time into the future. However, by making intelligent technology choices, companies can reap the benefits of innovation while still minimising costs.”

It is accepted that megapixel IP cameras on IP recording platforms are extremely cost effective. De Barros points out that fewer megapixel cameras are required to cover the same physical area, with the bonus that resolution and picture quality as well as quantity are greatly improved over standard resolution cameras.

“The most important aspect of a new, or upgraded, security installation is to provide the customer a dramatic return on investment,” adds Maxon. “A system comprised of multimegapixel technology can reduce the number of cameras purchased for the same, if not a larger area of coverage. Early adopters of our megapixel technology cameras have realised that our cameras perform above and beyond the average licence plate reading or facial recognition functionality – the value is in the detail that a megapixel camera can provide.”

De Barros comments, “Using fewer cameras requires less cabling, camera housings, lenses and networks. It reduces video recorder licensing fees and installation costs. Bear in mind at the outset that IP security systems benefits already support the case for a strong return on investment.”

Among these benefits are standardised IT-based components that allow IP video systems to be created using the same building blocks – servers, network switches, digital storage and the like that encompass the IT industry. Competition among suppliers of industry standardised systems keeps pricing keen and product functionality is enhanced even as prices come down.

“There is also a broad choice of sources for new equipment and technology platforms,” adds De Barros. “The ability to use existing infrastructure lowers costs. At medium-to-large-sized facilities, the cabling costs can be significantly lower if the IP system uses existing Ethernet infrastructure. Existing fibre-optic cables can sometimes be used for networked systems as well. Often the video security network architecture, design and support can be identical to the network that has already been deployed for other IT and networking purposes.”

The flexibility of today’s security software – and the fact that it is the management 'brain' of an lP video management system – makes it easier to update or upgrade a video network. Software updates are easily available, often over the Internet, so getting firmware and software current is more efficient and less expensive than physically replacing equipment.

“In addition to choosing the right hardware, the right software, server and supporting peripherals for your particular installation are paramount to the ultimate success of megapixel IP camera installations. Keeping abreast of new technologies, practices and product offerings will ensure the most cost-effective end result,” concludes Maxon.

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