Captured: bringing CCTV online in the digital age
Since its launch in 1942, CCTV has been used as a security solution that offers advanced monitoring and control in city centres and other public and private spaces across Europe
Today, it is in widespread use across many countries with one third of all publicly accessible areas in Europe having a form of video surveillance.
Yet, although both private and public sectors across Europe recognise the need for surveillance, in a world which is becoming increasingly digital many organisations are still using old analogue systems. These traditional analogue systems are typically coaxial, restricted in intelligence at the edge, and sometimes based on proprietary technology, which makes them difficult and expensive to maintain.
Due to the cost and complexity, some organisations have even shied away from traditional CCTV altogether or have taken shortcuts, such as only having cameras up as a deterrent but not bothering to record footage. However, this still leaves them vulnerable should a crime occur as there is no way to identify the perpetrators or exactly what happened. With the continuing need for surveillance in today's security-conscious climate, organisations need to find an alternative to analogue CCTV in order to maintain their security.
Bringing CCTV online
Video IP surveillance uses the latest in camera technology and Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit image data over a wired or wireless Ethernet network. To replicate a traditional analogue CCTV system, several IP cameras are deployed in a network in conjunction with either a video management software package installed onto any brand of PC server, or a network video recorder (NVR), which allows images and or audio to be recorded and reviewed using analytical tools such as motion detection.
For those thinking about moving across to IP surveillance, the transition could not be simpler. For most organisations adding IP surveillance requires minimal investment and is not disruptive. The network cameras on the market today are inexpensive and easy to deploy. In addition, the latest models have Power-over-Ethernet capability which means that they don't need to be situated near a power source and can therefore be used in a range of environments. This also makes it very easy to re-deploy network cameras to new locations if required.
It is also not necessary to completely overhaul an existing analogue CCTV system in order to use Video IP surveillance. Digital solutions can be integrated with current CCTV systems allowing benefits to be reaped without the cost implications of having to rip and replace existing infrastructure.
Keeping one step ahead
The need for surveillance for monitoring public spaces and private businesses to keep people safe, prevent crime and identify criminals in the act will continue to grow. However, organisations such as local councils, schools, retailers and businesses should expect more from the investment they've made in surveillance technology. Rather than just using the physical CCTV cameras as a crime deterrent, making the full or just partial transition to Video IP surveillance means that organisations can actually reliably record high-quality footage. This is why organisations across Europe are increasingly transitioning to Video IP surveillance technology, to ensure that people and their possessions are safe.
Andrew Mulholland, Marketing Manager at D-Link UK & Ireland
