The real reasons for going digital

Sep 1, 1999 12:00 PM, ACCESS CONTROL & SECURITY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION STAFF

Security managers can choose digital technology when upgrading and improving the performance of their CCTV security systems. But considerable confusion remains about what a digital video system is and what advantages it offers over analog.

First, when essential data is stored in a digital format, troublesome videotape and costly tape storage are eliminated.

Another advantage is total video and audio without interruption.

The best systems provide continuous, high-motion digital video and audio recording from multiple cameras spanning various locations. Only digital recording systems can store all moving motions for playback, without interrupting simultaneous recording. Therefore, security managers can analyze and respond to events without losing critical information.

Expansion and system integration are also attractive features.

For industrial security areas, such as hotels, hospitals, and government buildings, top-of-line digital systems accommodate the highest level of camera capacity (up to 32 input cameras). Digital systems have a modular design allowing for expansion to include hundreds or thousands of cameras, for single or multiple sites. The architecture of some systems is software-driven

Some systems can be independently configured so that each camera can record at higher frame rates than conventional CCTV system. Other features include event-triggered recording via an internal motion detector and integration with external intrusion detectors.

Digital recording systems work from a networked PC platform, so users can view all records easily. This enables security personnel to view real-time events occurring at any camera location from any networked desktop PC.

Here is digital CCTV checklist:

* on-line high-quality, digital video storage for all cameras;

* long-term storage with no media degradation over time;

* ability to quickly search and locate video segments for real-time debriefing without interrupting continuous recording;

* multiple search capabilities based on criteria such as data time, camera name and number, specific event description, event-triggered recording, and intrusion detection;

* architecture flexibility allowing for seamless integration and unlimited growth with the entire security environment.

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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