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CCTV: beware the myths when considering digital

At the recent ISEC 2003, a two-day security industry conference on the future of CCTV, and the definition of international CCTV solutions, standards and practices, various points were raised concerning not only the importance of ‘going digital’; but of the many myths circulating the market place, which consumers sometimes believe, at their peril.

In this day and age of technological parity, it is vital for suppliers and end-users to gain clarity and understanding on all 12 areas of surveillance, particularly regarding the digitisation of CCTV; and how business value may be added through the effective understanding and use of this technology.

However, good electronic security starts long before the first smoke detector, card reader or camera is installed. It starts with a relationship. And a good relationship starts with the right partner. This is according to Brett Birch, managing director of GE Interlogix in South Africa.

A trusted partner

"You need a partner who can discuss with you and your security systems integrator the risks your institution faces. A partner who will analyse the physical layout of your facilities and help you design an electronic security system that protects your people, your property, your customers - and your bottom line," Birch emphasises.

"Perhaps the biggest 'digital myth' of all - and certainly one that was raised and examined in detail at the ISEC conference - is that of so-called 'specmanship'," he comments.

Explains Birch, "Specmanship applies to all aspects of technology, not just digital. Perhaps it should be further defined as specmanship stretching the boundaries of practical digital possibilities."

"What this refers to in the security industry specifically, is the tendency of suppliers and vendors to over-specify product features, enhancements and capabilities, without honestly and critically examining the real needs of the customer, together with the consulting engineer who is conducting the Needs Analysis and System Design. This leads to customers ordering products which are way over-specified, the performance of which does not match their requirements, nor their budgets," he adds.

According to Birch, there are also many other digital myths or traps that were highlighted at the ISEC conference, which the industry should be aware of.

These include the following:

* Realtime digital is here - At five pictures per second? Really? However, this is also open to debate - and depends on the specific customer requirements, which, in certain user contexts, may not be so demanding.

* You always see the right picture - This is dependent upon the quality of image entering the digital recorder and is affected by the correct installation and all the components thereof, that is, camera, lens, field of view, etc. Assuming all this is okay, then a good quality digital recorder will provide good quality images. If the set-up is not good then sometimes a good quality digital recorder can be falsely blamed for giving inadequate picture quality. Therefore, having a good quality installation is the key. In this way good and inferior quality digital products may be compared on equal terms.

* Digital video recording is acceptable in a court of law - Apparently, according to experts at the ISEC conference, this largely depends whose side you are on, because internationally, case law is non-existent at this stage.

* User-friendly transitioning to digital - This is actually possible, as digital systems that are user-friendly and intuitive for control-room operators to use are available in the market - but once again, check your specs against what the system you are evaluating offers.

"As the experts made clear at ISEC, the business case for going digital is a strong one; when one considers the costs in terms of video tape and management time and effort that the former VHS/Multiplexer systems took," Birch points out.

"In its intended form and at the intended performance and specification level, digital security systems certainly do make life easier. This is due to the speed of search, accurate copying, ease of storage and access of evidential material. However, always bear in mind the 'myths' surrounding digital, and be critical and analytical about what salespeople promise.

"The best way to get what you are looking for, is to ensure that all parties involved are working to mutually agreed, measurable requirements that will deliver the particular specifications needed in the relevant context," he concludes.

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