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Video transmission: digital video and audio remote monitoring

A video and audio codec is like a 'high end modem' which transmits images, voices, relay commands and data (telemetry) through any type of telecommunication network. One can also connect alarms (sensors) and control systems such as intercoms, car park barriers and industrial machinery through a codec.

What are the benefits of having video monitoring for end-users?

It is a statement of fact that over 50% of alarm calls are false alarms.

Some of the main benefits for an end-user are:

* The ability to have remote video monitoring on a building or a house 24 h a day by using dedicated remote monitoring centres.

* The ability of the monitoring centre to direct police units to respond more effectively to criminal activity by updating them with on-site surveillance information.

* Prevention against robbery and vandalism when sites are unmanned by using voice and video to remotely manage visitors and intruders.

The video transmission can be used as a first line of defence in realtime alarm verification.

What are the benefits of having video transmission for the monitoring companies?

A monitoring company will have a much quicker return on the investment it has already made in equipment and people if more of their customers are making use of video monitoring services. It will reduce and even suppress the number of false alarms dealt with on a day-to-day basis which means that field response units will not visit sites needlessly. Remote video monitoring will also provide a better quality service to their customers because it will allow them to monitor the alarm events in realtime. This reduces the risks for employees and the amount of potential damage to monitored sites.

Which video transmission should I choose for my customers?

Before making a product choice, it is important to accurately define the needs and also learn a little bit about the technical issues.

Video and audio transmission can be a great tool and bring a lot of benefits to customers but the information one gets from the remote site must be useful. In order to match this basic goal, it is important to be able to answer to the following questions:

* How many images per camera per second can the product deliver? Is it enough?

* How many cameras, sensors, and relays can be connected to the transmission device?

* Which type of compression does it use? (JPEG, or H261...)

* Is audio transmission required?

* Which type of network does one intend to transmit over?

What is the difference between JPEG and H261?

First of all, JPEG and H261 are two types of compression of algorithm that compress images and sounds into pure data that can then be used for transmission over networks. JPEG has been designed mainly for compressing static pictures whereas H261 has been designed specifically for video conferencing (moving pictures) over telecom networks.

Which are the main applications for a video codec?

* Remote surveillance.

* Relay control - ie car park barriers, river-flow control, additional lighting, etc.

* Traffic control.

* E.P.O.S. control - Retail applications with electronic point of sale.

* Marketing applications - live verification/analysis of promotions being run in shops.

* Access control.

Which are the top five benefits of a digital audio and video codec?

* Reduce the number of false alarms - instantly!

* Offer a complete video solution 24 hours a day, locally and remotely.

* Prevent fraud, theft, and casual vandalism.

* Identify the suspects faster.

* Realtime communication with units on the ground responding to alarms.

For further details contact Nathan Bearman, Eagle Technology on tel: (021) 423 4943.

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