Anubis
Systems Technologies
CLOSED
CIRCUIT TELEVISION (C.C.T.V.)
The
smallest and most important part of any video surveillance system
is, of course the camera. Modern CCTV (closed circuit television)
cameras employ an optical chip to process a visual image into
electronic data "bits". Digital cameras are a far cry
from the old style black and white monsters that employed things
like vidicon and nuvicon tubes to translate the image into an
anologue signal. These types of cameras suffered from the effects
of harsh light (called blooming - where the image around a bright
light source actually whited out entire areas of the picture)
and burn-in (a condition that resulted in a ghost-like after-image).
The older cameras were big and chunky and difficult to enough
to conceal let alone protect from harsh elements and even harsher
conditions. Large camera housings were obvious targets for vandals
or criminal elements. Now-a-days you can conceal a camera in a
book of matches (you still need a power source and a means of
transmitting the image it sees).
Camera's
need to be able to capture an image or series of frames in order
to be of any use to your security personnel or law enforcement
officers. From very early on, the security profession recognized
the importance of the VCR (video-tape recorder), but the early
models had some problems too. For one thing, you could only fit
a very limited amount of time on a standard video tape cassette.
The courts also required you to be able to substantiate the exact
time and date of the occurance as well, or you couldn't use this
new tool as evidence against a suspect. Technology and the need
for more time heralded the birth of the time-lapse recorder. Early
models provided a visual time record but recorded images in one
to three second bursts with several seconds of inactivity in between.
This resulted in a played back image that appeared jerky and difficult
to watch. Modern time-lapse recorders can actually tape up to
48 hours on a special, high quality six hour cassette. The tape
moves so slowly across the record head that it's physical movement
is almost imperceptable, yet the image quality is excellent. (Note
- Never attempt
to use a standard over-the-counter VCR tape in one of these machines).
Couple
this type of unit to a digital multiplexer and you now have the
ability to record images from multiple cameras onto a single VCR
tape, and play them back camera-by-camera should the need arise.
The one major drawback is the requirement to have the unit cleaned
frequently (normal video head cleaner will NOT do in this instance).
The
time-lapse VCR has given way to the next generation of computer
hard drives. Able to store up to three terabytes (thats 3,000,000,000,000 bytes)
of information, these mass storage devices can play back digitally
enhanced images that rival those produced by modern film studios.
Instead of having to change tapes every other day, the digital
recorder can store up to a weeks worth of images, make data retrieval
a snap, and output to a standard video cassette which can be played
without the need for special equipment. Most units of this type
come complete with a built in multiplexer that allows you to record
images from up to 32 cameras at a time.
While
the camera remains the most important part of the system, new
technology has shrunk it's size to allow it to be mounted completely
covertly (inside a regular room heating thermostat, or behind
a clock face for instance). Large department stores can conceal
cameras in mannequins, coat racks, even fire sprinker heads. Shrinkage
from shop-lifters isn't as big a problem these days as we're lead
to believe. Loss prevention officers are shifting their attention
to some store employees and using micro technology to help them.
Wireless cameras use standard nine volt transistor batteries,
have a range of over 1500 feet (450 meters), and can be placed
anywhere.
Here
are some commonly asked questions regarding video surveillance
systems:
FAQ's
1.
What will the courts accept in the way of video surveillance evidence?
This
is a difficult question to answer, in that there are a number
of laws and codes that address the indivuals rights to a fair
trial. We've all seen what happened to photo-radar. Is the fact
that you have Joe Blow on video stuffing that Black & Decker®
cordless screw driver down his pants proof that he's going to
steal it? No. This is where a good loss prevention department
will kick into high gear. If an officer has seen Mr. Blow actually
stuff that thing down his pants, it's a pretty good bet that in
the next few minutes the store will be minus both the screw driver
and some money. The clincher is being able to physically capture
Mr. Blow's every move while he makes his way to the exit (with
the screw driver). As soon as he steps through that door, he's
committed theft. He formed the intent when he saw the screw driver
and decided to conceal it in his pants. He didn't actually commit
theft until he walked out the door without paying.
A
completely different scenario involves either a physical attack
or vandalism that is captured on tape. In both these instances
the camera is actually witnessing a crime in progress. The important
thing here is to have an image clear enough to be able to identify
the attacker/vandal, hence the need for high resoution colour
cameras.
2.
Aren't most surveillance systems black and white?
Yes.
Sometimes you just can't beat the low light performance of a black
and white camera, particularily if you want it to remain covert
or inconspicuous. Most courtroom judges these days favour colour
images because it makes identification of the individual so much
easier. Hair colour, eye colour, jewelry, clothing, and facial
features are much easier to discern with a colour picture. Most
banks and trust companies have switched to this technology. Where
ambient lighting isn't an issue, the difference in cost between
a black and white system and a colour system isn't that significant
now-a-days. New technology keeps narrowing that gap as well.
3.
I live in an older apartment/condominium? Is there any way for
the residents of my building to see who's at the door before they
let the person in with the intercom?
Yes.
All camera systems can output to a special device called a frequency
modulator which will transmit camera images onto cable channel
57 of your television set. Your local cable company can give you
more information on this feature and it's availability. The unit
is available either through them or your security consultant.
Got
a question? You can email us by clicking on the scroll
or you can call us at (778) 863-7147! If we post your's
we 'll reward you with a plush toy Dalmation
(the Fire-Lite® mascot) guaranteed house-broken and
completely safe to leave at home with the kids!
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