CCTV camera sensor

Image sensors when choosing an IP camera for CCTV

There are many variables to define, before selecting an IP camera. We will review three different criteria necessary to help evaluate which IP camera is the right one to choose for your CCTV system.

1. Model: Body style, and location

Depending on where the camera will be physically installed and what is its function? Based on the location, you can better determine what type of body is suitable for where the CCTV camera system is going.

Recommendations:

For the identification of faces (faces - face) or the capture of fine details, the camera must be mounted between 9 feet and 12 feet high.

For the capture of license plates (license plates), the camera must be mounted at a lower height, from 3 to 5 feet. In addition, license plates must be installed in a "narrow" passageway (a bottleneck) where vehicles normally travel slower, and vehicles must go at a speed of less than 10 miles per hour. For example, an entrance of the parking lot.

Image sensor

Image sensors determine the pixel size, and the number of pixels. The larger a sensor, the greater the number of pixels.

A common mistake is to consider that the larger the sensor, the better the image in low light environments. The image size does not have an important role with respect to low light improvement. There are other factors that affect how well image is seen in low light environments, such as night vision.

Some types of image sensors found in IP cameras:

• 1 / 1.7 "
• 1 / 1.8 "
• 1 / 2.3 "
• 1 / 2.7 "
• 1 / 2.8 "
• 1/3 "(This is the most common image sensor for video surveillance use)
• 1/4 "

Lens types according to their focus and zoom: Motorized varifocal, Manual varifocal, and fixed lens

Motorized varifocal: A motorized lens that can be adjusted during or after installation from a computer or desktop computer. The result in a better return on investment, especially in those cases where frequent lens adjustments are required. These types of cameras are usually more expensive than similar manual models.

Manual varifocal: A lens with manual focus must be adjusted during installation and requires a person to physically focus the lens.

Fixed lens: These lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be adjusted. These cameras usually cost less than variable focal length cameras.

CCTV costs

One of the worst nightmares of any person is that they enter to steal on their property. Any risk of intrusion generates a sense of vulnerability and this is never pleasant. Installing a CCTV security camera may be the solution: it will not only detect potential intruders or criminals, but also record any anomaly that may occur.

How much does it cost to install a CCTV system?

Today there is a wide variety of surveillance cameras for CCTV on the market and the cost of each other can vary significantly. Therefore, before revealing prices, we want to offer you a brief summary about the types of cameras that exist.

Types of security cameras

Broadly speaking, it is possible to distinguish two types: analog security cameras and IP security cameras. We can summarize the differences between the two in the following points: Image quality is better in IP cameras.

As for the installation, analog cameras are wired, while IPs can also work wirelessly. The operation of IP cameras is due to a more advanced technology, which generally also translates into greater security.

Finally, we can establish differences in relation to the price. Although the installation of IP cameras is more economical, equipment consisting of analog cameras are usually cheaper.

Nowadays it is usual to install video surveillance systems that combine both types of cameras.

On the other hand, it is also possible to differentiate the cameras according to the type of display you want to choose:

• Through the Internet: The main advantage of this alternative is that it allows viewing images in real time from anywhere thanks to the network connection. It can also work with all types of cameras, both analog and IP.
• Locally: It is used mostly with analog cameras and is the perfect option if you want to install a CCTV system (Closed Circuit Television). They allow to visualize the images from a monitor or television to which the cameras are connected.

Installation price of a video surveillance system

To start, you should know that the cost of installing a camera usually ranges between 100 and 600 euros. We want to highlight that this figure will depend largely on the quality of the device. In fact, you may find cameras that exceed this price range.

On the other hand, it should be noted that security systems are usually configured by groups of four, eight or sixteen cameras.

It is quite common to be able to find offers for this type of kits, and acquiring the already grouped cameras is usually cheaper than buying the different elements of the security system separately. Taking into account all this information we have prepared the following table with a series of estimated prices; the data is purely indicative:

Price of installing a video surveillance system

• Number of cameras Price
• 4 cameras 400 - 2,400 €
• 8 cameras 800 - € 4,800
• 16 cameras 1,600 - € 9,600

CCTV use in hospitals

Technology and service, a healthy alliance

The security in hospital and clinical infrastructures in Latin America faces daily challenges in which the acquisition and intelligent management of technological resources to protect their physical and human capital are decisive.

CCTV systems constitute a technological leap necessary to move towards security policies and service quality at a time when the health sector requires the best administrative and managerial decisions to overcome the challenges and challenges of the hospital industry.

Undoubtedly, CCTV security camera functions aimed at preventing difficulties present in risk situations and generating fast and adequate responses; and thanks to the development of new technologies, it has the potential to integrate with other organizations systems to control, monitor, streamline and improve processes.

Why use CCTV?

Medical facilities serve as a source of data, being key in the collection of information to generate different indicators and rates that go beyond their corporate name. But, in turn, they are susceptible to various crimes being carried out within them and live realities such as confrontations between victims and perpetrators, drug theft, extortion, attacks on employees, patients and the infrastructure itself, etc., altering the Security at all levels.

Other less dramatic aspects related to the daily operation of hospitals, such as handling intolerant people, controlling the entry and exit of patients and visitors, monitoring staff shifts, monitoring parking lots, following suspicious movements, avoiding loss of forgotten objects, Observe access to restricted places, etc., are part of the range of circumstances that a public and private health sector entity faces daily. And to meet these challenges, institutions take precautions based on the technology currently offered by the market.

It is important to note that the CCTV system is continuously articulated in organizations with other tools such as those related to fire detection and alarms, access control, etc. And although each one works independently, its synchrony allows the entity to have a global management not only of its safety, but also of its quality processes in terms of the service provided to patients and the public in general, thus complying with better attention and respecting internal policies.

However, although they are increasingly versatile, intelligent and intuitive, these technological aids require, to achieve success and maximize their potential, trained personnel to handle them and processes consistent with the entire organization to support and act accordingly with the different standards and programs of the entity.

The main objective of the hospital sector in this area is to identify and assess the needs it has within its different areas. And the challenge of the security companies is to provide the ideal advice that allows to choose solid systems for optimal operation, guaranteeing an environment free of risks and threats.

And this is how, aimed at delivering total satisfaction to the final customer, companies that manufacture security systems focus their efforts on creating a technology according to the type of business and budget available to each company

CCTV prevention

Prevent theft and crime with CCTV systems. Installation of Security Cameras.

The main reason why it is decided to install a video surveillance system or make a closed circuit television installation (CCTV) is the deterrent effect it produces. However, it is not always possible to dissuade criminals and ends up committing a crime. In that case, the reason for the installation of security systems is no longer just deterrence, but also to be able to record the criminal act and subsequently extract said video clip. That video may be used as evidence in a trial or it will be used by the security forces and forces to assist in their criminal investigation.

We will not always be lucky enough to have a video in which the offender is caught in fraganti. But that is no reason to dismiss the installation of CCTV security cameras. There are many other uses that you can exploit and that will make you never want to get rid of your surveillance system.

Other uses of CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)

A recording may not show a crime being committed but it may prove that your version of the facts is true, or show any suspicious behavior. As you can see, surveillance cameras can be used for more things than recording a robbery, for example:

• Prove that you have been in a certain place.
• Record the time of entry and exit to a place.
• Check if a restraining order has been violated.
• See the attitude of the people recorded. If they have violent, calm, drunk behavior, etc...
• Exchange of suspicious objects.
• Locate vehicles and license plates used in crimes or parked in certain places.
• And a lot of other uses of CCTV beyond as a security system.

In conclusion

Install surveillance cameras in communities and the use of CCTV security recordings do not always have to show the fact itself, but any evidence that substantiates your version of events. An installation of a CCTV system will always provide advantages and security wherever you decide to install it. No matter the place of installation, you can obtain the images of the surveillance cameras properly requesting the recordings to the correspondent police department or private owner of the videos.

CCTV use in schools

CCTV system in schools and classrooms

CCTV security camerahas been present in our schools and classrooms of at least since 2008-2009. Although it is still unclear exactly how many schools currently have CCTV facilities, we can be sure that the number will only increase in the coming years. CCTV in schools and classrooms is a very emotional topic. In this article we will briefly analyze the arguments for and against (advantages and disadvantages) of the use of CCTV within schools.

CCTV placement advocates in schools and classrooms generally point to the following arguments; security and vigilance (teachers, students and school property are safer), which CCTV also helps build trust, as well as identify poor teachers and those "disturbing" children. Deterrence; that the use of CCTV discourages students, teachers and visitors from the school from antisocial or illegal acts.

Although I can understand the use of CCTV on the perimeters of a school, in order to deter / identify those who wish to enter a school, damage and steal property. I have real concern about how CCTV has been implemented. For example, in 2010 a case involved cameras are installed in children's toilets in a wooden school in Chelmsley (as a security measure). Neither the parents nor the children were informed of the use of CCTV and the cameras appeared without warning. Understandably, parents were very unhappy about this invasion of their children's privacy.

Of course we want our children to be safe and secure within our schools. Although at the same time we need to ensure that they are within a relaxed free learning environment. Schools are not prisons, and possibly the greatest use of CCTV in the classroom does not produce a condusive environment for learning. There is the question of our civil liberties and the psychological impact this can have on teachers, students and parents.

There have been few studies examining the use of CCTV in schools, but the most notable survey conducted by Dr. Emmeline Taylor of Salford University made reading very interesting. In 2009 Dr. Taylor surveyed 24 comprehensive schools in northwestern England and discovered that 23 had installed more than 20 cameras. 85% of teachers have reported the use of CCTV in their schools and one in 10 said they had even placed cameras in toilets. In the name of security it was also reported that some schools were introducing other techniques such as fingerprint detectors, metals, electronic identity cards, eye scanners and facial recognition systems. Surprisingly, some of the schools are collecting images without informing teachers, students or parents. Dr. Taylor also felt that he had not found any evidence that the rise of cameras in schools was providing schools with a solution to the problems (crime, intimidation, smoking, absenteeism) CCTV should fix.

Dr. Taylor concludes; "The effectiveness of CCTV in preventing and detecting crime remains extremely doubtful, and its impact on more trivial behaviors such as absent play has not been measured. CCTV is often attributed with numerous benefits that often there is no evidence to suggest that can deliver in."

CCTV tips

7 steps to succeed in CCTV system installation

Objective of the project

Before leaving and determining the position of the CCTV camera system, determine what the objective of the project will be; This may be: the perimeter of the area to be monitored, the control of certain processes, the protection of assets, among others. This is one of the most important steps; It must be documented so that it is known by all the areas involved in the project, especially by the areas of operations and financing.

Location of the cameras

With the goal set, go to the field and investigate and verify the best positioning of the cameras, also check for possible interference that may affect the quality of the images. At that time observe the lighting of the place, if necessary indicate the use of projectors (LED, infrared), choose the appropriate model for each application and manage the document List of materials with brand and model and objective of each camera, along with the ground floor of the place, position each camera and indicate their field of vision.

Infrastructure

The IP CCTV System requires an Ethernet network already implemented in place. If you have a network in place that will be shared with the cameras, make sure that the network has conditions to keep all systems running. The network administrator must participate in this step.

Administration

Will the system have only one local access or does it include remote access? Is there only one location or will there be multiple locations with centralized administration? Today there are several CCTV software manufacturers, with very similar functions, but they can have different forms of licensing, for example, while a manufacturer only charges the amount of cameras that are being managed and provides all the other features others may charge for the features through additional licenses.

Monitoring Center

• Use servers:

These devices are designed to work 24 hours a day, just like your security system, and should be dedicated for this use, that is, it should never be shared with another application. Refrigerated Environment: The server must be conditioned to racks and in refrigerated environments, it must never be installed in porters, or under tables or cabinets. High temperatures are the main causes of damage to these systems.

At rest:

In addition to the camera monitoring center it should also work in a power interruption situation, adjust the non-rest system to keep all equipment running during failures. Technical Furniture: The operations centers will not last if office furniture is used, the correct thing is the use of technical furniture that has the durability to guarantee the operation during long periods of work.

Skilled labor

Always ensure that professionals have training and a technical certification to install, configure and train the operation of the products.

Warranty

Remember, all equipment wears out, mainly, over time, to minimize effects, you just need regular and preventive maintenance. The cost of preventive maintenance is cheaper than the cost of replacing equipment with corrective maintenance.

Another point is the spare parts, if your work is essential and you cannot suffer interruptions in the service, even if it is defective, it is better to keep some equipment in stock for replacement.

CCTV evolution

Evolution of video surveillance systems

Video surveillance systems, more commonly called CCTV (CCTV system), is an industry that is more than 30 years old and one that has had many technological changes. As in any other industry, end users are increasingly increasing the demand for the products and solutions that are driving the changes, and the evolution of the technologies that are helping to support them. In the video surveillance market, the needs that are most reflected are:

• Better image quality
• Simplified installation and maintenance.
• Safer and more efficient technology.
• Longer storage time of recorded video.
• Cost reduction
• The size and scalability.
• The remote monitoring capabilities.
• Integration with other systems.
• More intelligence of the integrated system.

Video surveillance systems have undergone a series of technological changes. The most recent is the change from analogue CCTV surveillance to fully digital, network-based video surveillance systems.

These systems began as 100 percent analog systems and gradually became digital. Today's systems, the use of network cameras and PC servers (personal computer) for video recording on a fully digital system, have come a long way since the first analog CCTV security camera, which were connected to a VCR (cassette recorder).

Surveillance systems

In the midst of fully analog and fully digital systems, there are several solutions that share both, that is, systems that incorporate both digital and analog devices. This has given rise to some confusion in the video surveillance sector today, as some speak of a "digital" system in the sense of analog cameras that connect to a DVR (digital video recorder), while others use the term to describe a network video system with the network of cameras. Although there are digital components in both systems, there are some very important differences to determine between each of them.

The generation that we currently see on video surveillance systems allows people to have a more advanced and complete, security and connectivity service, which allows us to enjoy better quality images, data or information delivery at a better speed, and we can easily connect to the internet.

Thanks to the implementation of the cameras that we know as IP it is possible to perform a type of monitoring at the same time that it is possible to make the recordings this can currently be done at the same time, however in previous years this was not possible. These new features allow people who use these systems to have a real-time location from anywhere on their space or monitored area.

In addition to this, the evolution of the systems allows us to encrypt the access, which makes it much safer in this regard.

House CCTV

The 4 types of CCTV cameras you can put in your home

Types of CCTV cameras for home interior

CCTV systemsare a surveillance system suitable for the interior of the house. Generally, they consist of security cameras, presence detectors and connection to an alarm system. They connect to the alarm through a wired system, which makes them a particularly robust system. Its great technical advantage over IP cameras is the security of your system, since they cannot be inhibited. The most advanced CCTV security system, also include an anti-sabotage system, which makes them really efficient.

As there are different types of CCTV camera system, if you want to protect your home to the fullest, it is advisable to know which ones exist and what differences they have between them.

4 types of indoor CCTV cameras

Depending on the area to be protected, we offer four types of conventional cameras to install inside the house. It should be added that all have high definition 800 TVL lines (the number of horizontal lines you will see on the screen):

• Mini Dome
• Mini Compact or Bullet.
• Mini Compact medium distance.
• Housing

CCTV Camera Mini-Dome for home

It is an anti-vandal CCTVcamera, that is, it is resistant to shocks and other inclemencies. This makes it really versatile, as it serves both indoors and outdoors. Its 2.8-12mm optics are recommended for short distance, up to 10 meters. It is perfect for monitoring normal-sized areas of the house or exterior walls of the house.

Mini Compact CCTV Camera or Bullet for housing

This CCTV camera is called Bullet (bullet) because of its long and small shape. It has its strong point in its small size, which makes it easy to hide and makes it optimal for corners and spaces where it is difficult to install other cameras. Even so it allows benefits similar to those of the Mini Dome.

Medium Compact Mini Distance CCTV Camera for home

It is a version of the Bullet camera with greater visibility range. Its 6-22mm optics are suitable for monitoring over medium distances of up to 20 meters. Thus, it is perfect to protect gardens, large corridors and open spaces.

Housing CCTV Camera for home

Finally, the Housing camera is the recommended option for long distance surveillance of up to 40 meters.They are useful if your home has a large estate. In addition, they are the best option to protect urbanizations and neighborhoods that have very large streets or common areas, such as swimming pools and sports areas.

CCTV use in hospital unit

CCTV security camera in Neonatal Intensive Care: always by your side

New service in the Patient Portal, available in university hospitals

Knowing that your child is in the best hands and the open-door protocol of the Neonatal ICUs of the four hospitals allows parents to feel safe, be informed and participate and get involved in the care of the newborn; a peace of mind that increases now knowing that they can continue to see you too if they should be absent from the hospital on time

The CCTV camera offer real-time image and 24 hours a day, from the mobile, tablet or computer and, to guarantee privacy and security in its use, the hospital does not save recording of the images, no sound is reproduced and only available for parents

This new service, complementary to the health care offered in the Neonatal ICU, increases the quality of care perceived by parents in a new step in the strategy of Humanization of Health Care of the centers that involves an exercise of transparency aimed at improving patient safety and optimize their communication with the hospital

Tranquility and confidence are the most repeated words by parents who, despite not being able to take their newborn baby home because they are premature, have low weight or any circumstance that requires specialized attention, which leads to worry, fear and frustration, they have to leave their little one admitted to the Neonatal ICU.

It is a priority for these neonatal income services to maintain an open-door protocol, that is, to encourage parents to spend as much time as possible with their children, as much as they want and can, without schedules or restrictions in addition to the CCTV system. This allows them to be better informed, to participate and to be involved in the care of the newborn in a continuous learning process together with the professionals of the unit, feeling with it all safer and checking and sharing the evolution of the child in his first days of life.

Transparency, security and communication as a complement to health care

In real time and 24 hours a day -with immediate information if the service is not available due to the testing of the newborn-, from the mobile, tablet or computer and, to guarantee privacy and security in its use, the hospital does not save recording of images, sound is not reproduced and is only available to parents, since it is automatically activated in the case of the mother, while the father must register the child as supervised in his application to access to this functionality. All this allows this tool to complement the information and health care offered in the Neonatal ICU and improve the quality of care perceived by parents from the human point of view.

CCTV legal conditions

Who can install a CCTV security camera system and where?

The installation of video surveillance devices must always be governed by a criterion of proportionality with the problem to be corrected. Installing a video surveillance camera or CCTV is very delicate. The key to discern when it should be installed and when this resource is inadequate is "proportionality", clarify from the Ministry of Interior, the Catalan Authority for Damage Protection (APDCAT) and the Il·lustre Col·legi d'Advocats de Barcelona (ICAB) in catalona,Spain for example.

Only the security forces (National Police Corps, Civil Guard or local police) can place one of these devices on public roads. Santiago Farré, head of the legal advice of the APDCAT, clarifies that public institutions - such as town halls - can also install them in some cases, but only to regulate "traffic" in very specific situations.

The deputy general director of Interior explains that the police to record on public roads need a permit from the 'conselleria'. This will only be granted if the petition has a "favorable report" from the mixed commission for the control of video surveillance devices in Catalonia, which depends on the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC).

Mounting cameras arguing for reasons of "security" has an inevitable consequence: "You also record people," said Jordi Bacaria, president of the intellectual property and image rights section of ICAB. In doing so, the "privacy" of these citizens is invaded and to violate this right there must be a justification and, above all, it must be demonstrated that there are no other resources to protect a certain objective. "If any site can be secured by putting a security guard, for example, it must be done and forget about video surveillance," Bacaria explains.

In private enclosures

A private agency, such as a pharmacy, a large commercial warehouse or a bank, can mount video surveillance devices within its enclosures. But to do so they must meet two requirements, The first is that they must sign with signs that said establishment is controlled by CCTV security system and tjhat you are being recorded, it is understood that if the posters are visible and the customer enters, they are "accessing" to be recorded. The second is that they must have for the user who requests it all the information related to this system. They are conditions of the organic data protection law (LOPD) clarified in Royal Decree 1720/2007.

The citizen is obliged to be informed of who is responsible for these cameras, he can demand that those images in which he appears be deleted and even request a copy of the sequence in which he appears. To receive it, you must provide "a photograph", detail "the time slot in which you accessed this site" and pay "the costs" that will duplicate them. Failure to comply with any of these conditions by the owner of the cameras implies a breach of the LOPD, warn Farré and Bacaria.

In the case of the controversial camera installed inside a classroom of a Spanish institute by decision of its director, the Department of Education has vetoed its use precisely because "it was not proportional", defends Bacaria. And because, in addition, in this case the people recorded were minors, a "particularly vulnerable" population.

How CCTV works?

How does a closed circuit TV work?

A CCTV is basically formed by cameras, a transmission medium, monitors, recording systems, data recording and some other complementary elements, such as lenses and storage and processing devices for the information collected.

Its operation is simple: CCTV security camera captures the images of the areas that are being monitored, which are then transmitted to the monitors that reproduce them using different media, such as coaxial cable, fiber optic, UTP cables or the most modern wireless systems, which do not need cables of any kind.

Based on this base scheme, current technology allows CCTV systems to be complexed, adapting to the available budget, the needs of the locations to be monitored and other factors. What you have to keep in mind is that an ideal closed-circuit TV system provides many advantages

CCTV system advantages

• Allow a facility with large public flow to be open and, in turn, safe and secure.
• Monitor the perimeters and places of access to your organization, urbanization, educational campus, or others, to detect the presence of unauthorized persons and launch attack procedures if necessary.
• See in real time what is happening in the monitored areas, both through specially dedicated monitors, such as tablets, computers or smartphones.
• Provide the possibility to record and access important events stored easily and quickly, choosing the desired programming of the video recorder.
• Connect the CCTV with other alarm systems and enable the sending of notices of these devices to the monitoring monitors, and keep you posted about any irregular situation that may happened at the moment.

Local police uses CCTV

CCTV for local police monitoring

A Colombian City Hall puts into operation its new monitoring center to provide better and more agile attention to the inhabitants of the municipality in emergency situations A local CCTV system building company will be the technical operator of the solution, will ensure the operation of the system and will be responsible for its technological update. The benefit is based on the technological support that you will receive from the company that will allow agile attention to emergency situations and criminal risks, optimizing times and resources by unifying a command post formed by the National Police, the Fire Department and the Ministry of Transit.

This agreement with the private security sector has an initial period of 24 months, where the company as a technology operator will be responsible for the technological update and proper functioning of the implemented system.

Hector Augusto Monsalve Restrepo, mayor of Copacabana, said that the monitoring center will pay attention 24 hours a day to act effectively in the event of any occurrence, and ensures that crime reduction rates can go down to 70 percent.

Public and private support

The Monitoring Center is located in the Municipal Palace, it has three work stations for receiving calls and dispatching service units. The monitoring of the tracks is done through the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) visualization system of the Municipality, with an equipment of 10 CCTV security cameras with a range of approximately two kilometers and 360-degree rotation. For the current year, it is projected to buy 10 more cameras and create a Mobile Immediate Attention Center.

The municipal administration has invested more than 600 million pesos for security resources, strengthening CCTV and campaigns to prevent violence and promote coexistence, increasing from 2 to 4 quadrants, increasing uniformed police with staff (2 vans and 6 motorcycles).

Currently in the municipality of Copacabana, police operations can be multiplied with the technological collaboration of this Telecommunications company, allowing an efficient response to security issues.

IP camera on CCTV system

How to configure an IP camera on CCTV system

A common example of this application in a CCTV system is the end user who installs an IP camera in your home or your business, and you want to access the video of this camera remotely from an external location. In the case when the camera is installed at home, to see that everything is going well, the person wishes from his workplace or office to be able to connect remotely to his home and check through the device that everything is in order, with your children, your pet, with the housekeeper or with your family in general. The second case, and perhaps the one with the highest demand, is that of the entrepreneur or entrepreneur who, due to his multiple occupations, cannot remain all the time being aware of what is happening in his company, and wants from his laptop, in a business trip, or on your home desktop PC to check that your business is going as it should be; that your employees have opened or closed the business in a timely manner at the correct time, that they are performing their daily tasks properly, or even being aware of security issues such as that there is no intruder in the place.

To begin with, the camera must be configured to be displayed on the local network (how to configure a camera on a local network or LAN), once the CCTV security cameras is already connected to the internal network of the place, essentially the following items must be available:

The router

In principle, the network switch of the place should be connected or if it is not available or has all its ports occupied, the IP camera can be connected directly to the router, usually they include network ports to connect devices directly to it.

The Internet Connection

Once we have the previous connection ready, the router must be connected to the Internet, either to the cable modem or Internet connection equipment provided by the ISP or Internet provider.

The Fixed IP Address

A fixed IP address must be requested from the Internet provider, in some cases it may have an additional cost, check with your ISP. Write down in a safe place the IP address assigned to your Internet connection, usually assigned to your router, associated with the MAC of this device.

Routing the camera to the Internet

As is known, a router allows to link 2 networks, a local network with a public network, in this case the Internet. Because the IP camera has an invalid or internal IP address, it must be made visible from the Internet, for this the fastest and most effective way to do this is by using a DMZ configuration. To do this, you must have access to the router configuration, and look for the DMZ section, depending on the brand of the router the location of the DMZ configuration will change, but surely by consulting the device manual you will easily find the location of this section. The DMZ must be activated and then enter the invalid IP address of the network camera. It is important that the camera has a fixed IP address and does not use DHCP.

CCTV camera types

How to choose the camera for your Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

Among the security systems offered by automation is the CCTV System (closed circuit television), a solution that mainly uses cameras to achieve one of its objectives: the optimal surveillance of spaces. The last lines express very well where the CCTV has found prominence; Today, no public, private or commercial construction is contemplated without the great contribution that this device makes to safety. A closed circuit television is made up of various components such as cameras, transmission media, monitors and storage systems; However, the first is the most relevant and therefore the most difficult to choose. In order not to make mistakes, we present the information you need to choose the one that best suits your needs; But do not forget that you always have our advice to choose the most suitable camera.

The CCTV security cameras

• Outside or inside?:

  The first consideration when choosing a camera for a CCTV is where it will go. For an interior location, for a house or small business, the ideal is to opt for a small and discreet model that fulfills basic functions. For outdoor use, a camera that meets an IP66 or IP67 certification is recommended. This quality guarantees its competence to withstand inclement weather and minor acts of vandalism.

• Ceiling or wall?:

  After circumventing the first condition, you have to determine the type of installation you want. Preferring a ceiling or wall placement is a factor that helps define the model and cost of the camera.

• Night vision?:

  That a closed circuit television has night vision or is not a look to be analyzed. For 24 hour protection, the only option is to have cameras capable of recording in any light condition. An alternative, however, is to have the entire area to be watched perfectly illuminated, as this way you can opt for cheaper devices.

• Viewing angle:

  One of the last characteristics that you must define is the viewing angle, that is, the area you want to cover. Current models offer multiple options, from 360 ° recording to a zoom that reaches x20 to have different focal lengths.

• Connection type:

  The final demarcation to be performed is the type of power the camera will receive. There is not much to define here, the current technology (POE) supports power supply and data transmission through a single cable. The above is just a mouthful of all the considerations that you must take into account to choose the cameras for your CCTV, for a more personalized accompaniment you should contact a CCTV specialist

CCTV in private security

The important role of the CCTV system in Private Security

At present it is difficult to conceive of a private security service without considering a complement between the human factor and technology. In particular, image detection systems or Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems have become a special tool to strengthen surveillance services as they provide us with the following capabilities:

• Deterrence: It is one of the most important characteristics since it is proven that in the areas covered by CCTV security cameras the crime rate is much lower than in other unprotected ones.
• Control: CCTV systems allow monitoring that certain processes are carried out in the appropriate way, increasing the efficiency of the procedures and detecting anomalies.
• Economy: A CCTV system can reduce the need for the presence of security personnel and provides the possibility of covering larger areas from a point that allows few monitors to cover more land and perform better surveillance work.

How is a CCTV system formed?

Basically a CCTV systemhas three components:

• Camera: which records the image.
• Signal carrier: for example, a cable.
• Monitor: where the image is represented. From there, a system can be completed by adding the necessary accessories according to the client's requirements and the safety criteria used, for example:
  • Sequencers: to show the successive images of different cameras.
  • Quad -lexers: to display four images at the same time on the monitor.
  • Multiplexers: to represent more than four screens on the monitor.
  • Lenses: to adapt the camera to a specific function such as identification, etc.
  • Drivers: to handle saved images.
  • VCRs: to store images, for example, a hard disk.
  • Video transmission system: when you want to see the images from another place (cable, wireless, telephone, internet, etc.)

In turn, the system cameras must be selected according to different criteria:

• Sensitivity: refers to the actual amount of visible or infrared light needed to produce a quality image.
• Resolution: defines the image quality from a detail or perspective of reproduction.
• Focal length: you can choose a camera that records a cone or a larger image angle or a smaller one. In general, the greater the angle obtained, the less detail the image will be, but in many situations the mere determination of a presence in the image will be sufficient to trigger an alarm.
• Color or black and white: color cameras allow a better definition of objects and facilitate the analysis and identification process.

Basic tools for CCTV

Basic tools for every technician in CCTV, access control and alarms

To make the proper installation of CCTV systems it is important that they have on hand, apart from the basic tools (screwdrivers, drills etc.) special tools listed below:

• Pochadora

  This tool is essential for connecting network wiring and telephone connections.

• Pipe bender

  With the use of the pipe bender, the use of prefabricated curves is avoided, which increases the possibility of imbalances of the pipe due to lack of mechanical support over time, while its use leads to the aesthetics of the pipe installation when It is used correctly.

• Hexagon wrench set

  Usually the camera fixing screws, rack mounting screws, PTZ camera holders, etc., are hexagon type. Some manufacturers incorporate with the equipment keys of this type; however, these are sometimes lost in the works or are simply discarded along with the boxes or packaging of the equipment so this tool is very useful in these cases.

• Safety tips

  As with hexagon screws, many manufacturers assemble their components especially CCTV with security screws, usually the keys of these are lost or forgotten after the installation process and at the time of performing a review or reinstallation it becomes necessarily Have this type of tools.

• Multimeter

  Essential equipment for the review of any electronic system. It allows us to assess whether the fault is due to electrical problems of voltage, current or wiring or impedance failures. It is important to take into account that, like all measuring equipment, it requires recalibration and thus have accuracy in reading the variables we measure.

• CCTV test monitor

  In CCTV installations it is important to save time and resources in the camera installation stage, usually the cameras are installed but then two, or even three technicians must return to the video point and focus the image of the cameras. The idea of using this equipment is to optimize the time of the technical staff, both in facilities and in services making sure the CCTV security cameras are working properly since day one.

• Network cable tester

  In many cases, failures in IP CCTV or network connections are caused by failures in the strikeout of RJ45 connectors and we notice this when installing equipment does not have a signal or it is intermittent, which leads to revisions, loss of time resources, delays, etc. Having this type of tool prevents this situation and with its use the risk of failures is minimized at the time of making the equipment connectivity.

• Tone generator

  The tone generator helps to identify wiring, which is particularly useful when working with multiple cables arriving at a single site with the same type of cable, but used for different signals. An example is the fire detection system where the same FPL type cable is used for the detection loop or SLC and for NAC’s circuits.

Public CCTV to increase security

Video surveillance cameras to reduce crime: Do they serve or just make us believe they do?

For a few years, the installation of CCTV surveillance cameras by municipalities has become fashionable. But we seldom wonder if so much investment really serves to reduce crime. In many areas of big Latin American cities, it is common to run into CCTV security cameras. Installed at the top of poles or buildings, these devices are the eyes of the Police. They are attributed a deterrent power. No criminal wants to be seen in full action.

In a recent El Comercio note, it is noted that between 2017 and 2018 the number of video surveillance cameras installed by the municipalities increased by 44%. Peru for example in Lima, only Groove, for example, has 551 of these cameras. Ventanilla, a district with much less resources, has 350, even more than Miraflores (304).

But this is not a Lima or Peruvian fashion. Outside of Peru, it is an extended practice in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, for example. That was what motivated several investigators to assess the effect reported by 41 rigorous studies on the impact of security cameras on crime.

What they found was positive. Surveillance cameras reduced by 51% the crimes committed in massive car parks (very common in both countries). However, its range of impact is limited. They did not reduce home theft or public transport theft.

Should similar results be found in Peru? There is only one study that has answered a similar question. He focused on the video surveillance cameras of the Cercado de Lima. This study, conducted by Noam López, found much more modest results. For every 30 crimes committed in a month, 3 stopped committing.

Possible problems at big scale CCTV

CCTV systems are an instrument within a major production line, which is to prevent crime. They are not the panacea. On the contrary, being part of a production line, they need the rest of the parts to work perfectly. For this, at least three aspects are needed.

First, they need support. It is useless to have monitoring centers with hundreds of cameras if we depend on the eyes (and attention) of people who monitor what happens in a mass of information from hundreds of cameras. In other countries artificial intelligence has replaced those eyes. It is used to analyze, process, systematize information and even to identify suspicious objects and people. Once done, human intervention becomes easier in the following steps (intervene, stop, etc.).

Second, they require timely police response. And in that, the algorithms will always be defeated by people. The notification of a crime can reach the police automatically and in real time. However, you must have enough patrolmen to quickly go to each emergency. Response time is key and there we have a patrol gap in the country to cover.

Third, it matters that the cameras are strategically located. Several years ago, a citizen security manager told me that the mayors installed what he called "political cameras." They were cameras that were installed just because the neighbors asked for them and not because they were necessary. In other cases, the cameras are installed in sites of little use (dark sites, low crime, etc.).

Fourth, they must be interconnected. This is the big problem of Lima. To put it in some way, the signals of the cameras of each district are not compatible with each other, which prevents having a single video surveillance center for the entire Metropolitan Lima. Fortunately, last May the Municipality of this commune issued an ordinance to generate such interconnection. But it will take a while until all this works as an integral system.

As with many ideas on citizen security, what matters is not only the idea itself, but all the resources around it that make this idea work. Therefore, not every imported recipe will work here. The institutional context of the “importer” country matters and the effectiveness of video surveillance cameras does not escape this

CCTV failures

Vulnerability that would allow an attacker to manipulate CCTV cameras

Researchers discovered vulnerability in software of the firm NUUO used for CCTV security cameras that would allow third parties to spy, manipulate videos and implant malware. The company has already released a patch that repairs the bug.

Tenable researchers recently discovered a critical vulnerability, called Peekaboo, that affects software used for recording videos and is part of a solution for CCTV systems offered by the NUUO firm. This failure would allow an attacker to access video logs and alter the recordings by being able to execute malicious code remotely. The company has already released a patch to solve this vulnerability that can be downloaded from the official site.

Right inside the software

The vulnerability affects the software used by NVRMini2, which is a network storage device that records video in digital format and is used for CCTV security cameras. Once it is exploited, it would allow an attacker to access the control system, which is equivalent to accessing the credentials for all connected security cameras, disconnecting them and making changes to the recordings of the recordings.

Assigned with CVE-2018-1149, this buffer overflow vulnerability would allow an attack that would allow access to the Common Input Interface (CGI) used by the camera's web server, which acts as intermediate point between a remote user and the web server. According to the investigation, the CGI does not adequately validate the user's entry and allows access to a part of the camera's web server and execute code arbitrarily.

In addition, a second vulnerability (CVE-2018-1150) takes advantage of a failure in the NVRMini2 application that contains a backdoor that can be used by an attacker to connect to the web server. Once backdoor is enabled within the PHP code, it allows an unauthenticated attacker to modify passwords of any registered user, except the system administrator.

A big company responsability

NUUO is a leading company in the video surveillance industry and these types of devices have more than 100,000 installations throughout the world. In addition, its software is used by third-party surveillance systems. In this sense, taking into account that with the NVRmini 2 solution it is possible to have up to 16 CCTV cameras connected, the number of devices that can be affected is hundreds of thousands.

The company announced in a statement the corresponding updates that must be installed manually to avoid being a victim of the exploitation of these vulnerabilities

SURVEILLANCE: CCTV OR IP CAMERA

When you want to protect your home or business, one of the best way is through the use of security cameras. You have to decide whether to go for the classic television closed circuit (Closed Circuit TV) based surveillance, webcams connected to your PC, or IP cameras.
Security video can be both a defense and a deterrent. As they say: Prevention is better than cure! If you are considering the installation or update of video surveillance for your company or your home, understanding how different video surveillance systems work is essential to make the right decision.

CCTV

Originally, video surveillance was performed using a closed circuit television. This technology uses analog video cameras, coaxial cable and video recorders. The CCTV security cameras transmit a signal to a specific and limited set of monitors. CCTV systems usually include a fixed communications link between cameras and monitors, using wires and cables. This method records what is happening, but does not send you alerts. CCTV works like a video player, you have to change the cassettes, the image quality is average, storage tapes wear out over time, and the storage is bulky. In addition, cameras, monitors and recorders must be physically close enough to be connected by cables.

Web cameras

A webcam is connected to the PC, most often through a USB port, and uses the PC to make the video available to other viewers. The images of a webcam, can be accessed through the Internet with the help of monitoring software. Webcam images can be uploaded to a web server, continuously or at regular intervals.
Webcams are being used effectively for security purposes. These cameras can be used to monitor and record activity in small offices, stores and homes. Monitoring software, such as WebCam Monitor, which is needed to complete a video security system. A webcam works only if it is connected directly to a PC. You will need a lon g Cable if you want to monitor something that is not close to the webcam's PC is connected. Webcams can only be read directly controlled by the host computer and cannot be shared on a network.

IP cameras

IP Camera is a digital video camera designed for surveillance, and that can be viewed through the Internet. IP cameras are stand-a lon electronic devices that connect to your Ethernet or wireless network. You can monitor several cameras in different places from a PC through the Internet.

Benefits of an IP camera through CCTV.

• Remote Live Monitoring: Multiple location monitoring becomes easy and economical with IP cameras. The camera does not need to be connected to a PC. You can view camera images from anywhere that has an Internet connection. All you need is a PC with Internet access to see all the activity live.
• Motion detection and alarms: When IP cameras are used with motion detection software, such as Security Monitor Pro, you will be informed and alerted immediately when motion is detected. The software allows you to view and control multiple IP cameras from a single PC interface.
• Better to see and control: Some IP cameras have features such as Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ). You can control the camera remotely, adjust the focus, angle and field of view without actually being present at the camera location. You can track and zoom to reveal more about the exact person, place or thing you care about.
• IP camera based systems are the future of video surveillance. In the short term they may be a bit more expensive, but it is obviously an investment in superior quality and flexibility. As the surveillance technology of the future, it will not exceed a video surveillance system based on IP cameras at any time soon. You will be able to update and improve this system in the coming years, while older systems will become obsolete. IP network cameras are a proven technology that has many advantages over traditional analog CCTV systems. An IP camera may be the best used for surveillance, since it covers a large area.

How to choose a security camera, Surveillance: CCTV or IP camera

When you want to protect your home or business, one of the best way is through the use of security cameras. You have to decide whether to go for the classic television closed circuit (Closed Circuit TV) based surveillance, webcams connected to your PC, or IP cameras.
Security video can be both a defense and a deterrent. As they say: Prevention is better than cure! If you are considering the installation or update of video surveillance for your company or your home, understanding how different video surveillance systems work is essential to make the right decision.

CCTV

Originally, video surveillance was performed using a closed circuit television. This technology uses analog video cameras, coaxial cable and video recorders. The CCTV security cameras transmit a signal to a specific and limited set of monitors. CCTV systems usually include a fixed communications link between cameras and monitors, using wires and cables. This method records what is happening, but does not send you alerts. CCTV works like a video player, you have to change the cassettes, the image quality is average, storage tapes wear out over time, and the storage is bulky. In addition, cameras, monitors and recorders must be physically close enough to be connected by cables.

Web cameras

A webcam is connected to the PC, most often through a USB port, and uses the PC to make the video available to other viewers. The images of a webcam, can be accessed through the Internet with the help of monitoring software. Webcam images can be uploaded to a web server, continuously or at regular intervals.
Webcams are being used effectively for security purposes. These cameras can be used to monitor and record activity in small offices, stores and homes. Monitoring software, such as WebCam Monitor, which is needed to complete a video security system. A webcam works only if it is connected directly to a PC. You will need a lon g Cable if you want to monitor something that is not close to the webcam's PC is connected. Webcams can only be read directly controlled by the host computer and cannot be shared on a network.

IP cameras

IP Camera is a digital video camera designed for surveillance, and that can be viewed through the Internet. IP cameras are stand-a lon electronic devices that connect to your Ethernet or wireless network. You can monitor several cameras in different places from a PC through the Internet.

Benefits of an IP camera through CCTV.

• Remote Live Monitoring: Multiple location monitoring becomes easy and economical with IP cameras. The camera does not need to be connected to a PC. You can view camera images from anywhere that has an Internet connection. All you need is a PC with Internet access to see all the activity live.
• Motion detection and alarms: When IP cameras are used with motion detection software, such as Security Monitor Pro, you will be informed and alerted immediately when motion is detected. The software allows you to view and control multiple IP cameras from a single PC interface.
• Better to see and control: Some IP cameras have features such as Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ). You can control the camera remotely, adjust the focus, angle and field of view without actually being present at the camera location. You can track and zoom to reveal more about the exact person, place or thing you care about.
• IP camera based systems are the future of video surveillance. In the short term they may be a bit more expensive, but it is obviously an investment in superior quality and flexibility. As the surveillance technology of the future, it will not exceed a video surveillance system based on IP cameras at any time soon. You will be able to update and improve this system in the coming years, while older systems will become obsolete. IP network cameras are a proven technology that has many advantages over traditional analog CCTV systems. An IP camera may be the best used for surveillance, since it covers a large area.