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Installer's guide to selling CCTV technology

This article explores the changes taking place in CCTV systems. Ernest Mallett, product manager for ADI Global Distribution, explains what has been happening in the marketplace, empowering installers to use this information to help them in their sales activities.

Ernest Mallett

Although security is an important factor to most businesses, budgets have been squeezed due to the prevailing economic climate. However, the price of CCTV systems has reduced significantly over the past couple of years. At the same time, there have been many improvements in their performance, versatility and functionality. Ultimately, this means that end user companies can enjoy even greater value for money.

High-definition megapixel technology

One of the most dramatic changes has come from the introduction of high definition (HD) megapixel cameras, along with HD recording and display solutions. This impressive technology offers greatly improved detail in the images captured. Whereas standard definition CCTV cameras have up to 470 000 pixels, an HD megapixel camera typically has a resolution of around two million pixels.

Previously, this level of definition was only available with film. Fortunately, digital HD CCTV systems now provide a far greater degree of flexibility (particularly in relation to image handling) and are more cost-effective than the use of specialist film. The quality they offer helps with two key objectives of CCTV cameras – the identification of suspects and the use of images as evidence. These cameras are therefore likely to appeal to the banking and retail sectors, large corporations, urban centres and sensitive military installations. They are also being welcomed by transport services and petrol stations (due to their ability to capture vehicle registration numbers).

The move toward HD technology parallels the move towards HD televisions in the consumer market and HD CCTV systems could enjoy a similar boost in popularity. Installers need to be aware of their huge potential, as they are likely to take an ever greater share of the market. Indeed, HD megapixel technology is likely to become the industry standard for CCTV within the next few years.

So, what specific features should you be aware of that could increase your sales of HD CCTV systems? Customers are likely to be very interested in the advantages of a system that supports pan, tilt and zoom on live megapixel images. In addition, recordings from the latest megapixel cameras can cover the complete field of view of the camera – so the user can retrospectively review areas that were originally outside the operator’s original ‘live’ view.

Another attractive advantage is on-demand de-warping during the live playback of panamorphic 180° or immersive 360° camera views. This capability considerably enhances the management and interpretation of images and allows them to be viewed seamlessly alongside more conventional views.

If a purchaser does not want (or cannot afford) to migrate completely to HD, he/she can still integrate this capability into an existing CCTV system. This means for instance that a megapixel camera can be connected and be used to provide detailed images for evidence.

Recording, storage and transmission

One of the issues arising from the popularity of this new technology is that other associated equipment needs to keep pace with it. The images produced are typically larger than those from standard analogue systems. Therefore, new methods of viewing, recording and storing these images, and transmitting them across networks are required. Historically, IT managers have been reluctant to increase the use of bandwidth on their networks.

One solution is a closed CCTV system that stores images (taken directly from megapixel cameras) locally. However, this restricts their use as they cannot be transmitted elsewhere. Another option is to link the cameras via IP connections to a network video recorder. This is feasible as long as the transmission of the images does not overload the network.

Another, perhaps more effective solution, is to add megapixel cameras to existing analogue cameras and to manage them by setting up a segregated high bandwidth network for local HD IP recording, with low bandwidth IP connectivity to the corporate network. For added flexibility, digital video recorders (DVRs) can be used to reduce the size of the images, optimising them for transmission. This enables a remote operator to call up high quality images without overloading the corporate network.

The latest high-speed dome cameras incorporate powerful zooms (including the world’s first lens providing 37x magnification). These can deliver high-quality colour images of objects far away, even in poor lighting conditions. To take advantage of the superb quality of images available from the latest generation of cameras, more powerful DVRs have been developed, which can record at high quality D1 resolution. Some of these (with 16 channels) can achieve this across all channels in realtime.

As an added bonus, some of the latest software enables the different elements of a CCTV system (whether traditional or IP) to be brought together at a single viewing, administration and control platform.

Thermal imaging cameras

Thermal imaging cameras used to be very expensive, but they can be an extremely valuable surveillance tool. Because they detect the heat signatures of objects, they can be used in many and varied conditions – including complete darkness, bad weather, bright lights, fog and smoke. They are therefore ideal for use in high security environments such as airports, ports, coastlines, detention centres and prisons.

Improvements in cabling

Cabling, too, has evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry. Cameras and fixed domes can now transmit high quality video by using unshielded twisted pair wiring. This is less expensive and easier to use than standard cabling. It allows all video, data and power to be sent down a single cable.

Further cost savings can be achieved by using coaxial cables to control CCTV cameras. With an increasing range of equipment being compatible with the industry standard PelcoC and Samsung CCVC coaxial control protocol, both video and telemetry control can now be transmitted via coaxial cables. This gives users full control of the camera functions (and access to set-up menus via a DVR) from a control room. This not only leads to lower cabling costs, but also provides a quick and easy way of updating existing equipment.

The continuing development of new and exciting CCTV technology opens up tremendous challenges and opportunities for installers. The excellence of the image quality that can now be achieved could herald major changes in the ways in which CCTV systems are designed and used.

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