Usable or actionable video is a critical and often overlooked function of any security system. All too often Security Managers and end-users end up with blurry images from their video surveillance systems.
Video camera images may look great from a distance. However, when you undertake an investigation and require some clarity, you discover the system falls short of its intended purpose.
There are many common reasons why a newly installed video system produces poor results. The most common we encounter today are:
Poor design
Substandard technology
An easy-to-spot indicator of a poorly designed system is having an array of cameras from different manufacturers, or the same model of camera deployed throughout your location. TIP: The camera in your building lobby should not operate the same as those in your parking area or larger workspaces.
Good design principles recognize camera specifications will vary to meet the location's needs. However, the manufacturer type should be the same.
When designing a security system, the most important factor to establish is the exact need and placement of cameras before anything is mounted or products selected. The performance of the surveillance system and the system user's expectations need to be carefully considered. Once understood, the following factors help to ensure your system delivers usable video and ease of use.
Mounting height of the camera
Distance from camera to the target area
Desired width of the image at the target area
Available lighting in the target area
Lighting changes in front of and behind the target area
Environmental conditions at the camera mounting locations
Overall desired image quality at the target area
Understanding these factors will ensure a system is designed correctly and within budget. With this insight and analysis, the next phase of design is to correctly select:
System manufacturer
Resolution & performance of cameras
The correct optics and lens choices
Camera form factors
Video management software and configuration
It can be frustrating to discover that the system you've purchased does not meet your expectations. In these cases, the original design criteria described above were not undertaken or properly understood. The installer may not have established your actual intentions regarding performance, failed to describe the quality of video you would receive, or incorrectly carried out the above in reverse order.
The video surveillance experts at ivelah will commit to system performance and deliverables during the pre-design of your video surveillance system, not after it has been installed.
ivelah helps corporations and their facilities with security system requirements. We believe you should be in a position to make the best choices for security system technologies. We uphold these principles by providing you with continued dialogue and consultation, as well as essential information and insight for effective security system provisioning.
With comprehensive designs, scopes, and proposals, complemented by effective implementation strategies, customers can look forward to innovative, “future-proof” solutions.
ivelah is committed to maintaining high standards for integrated security systems, using products that excel in all areas. By utilizing platforms specifically designed to provide situational awareness, we help our clients be better prepared for constant change and increased flexibility.