Peter Caldwell, Project Manager
8. February 2011 17:25
Almost microscopic-like detail obtained from CCTV footage which could identify individuals right up to and beyond the color and texture of their eyebrows, was only made possible by clever trickery in the movies, up to a couple of years ago. But advances in CCTV technology have now made this a practical reality which is implemented across the world; in similar as well as vastly different environments such as recreation, mining and manufacturing industries.
I am referring to the Avigilon IP HD CCTV range as an example here, because we have recently undergone certification training on their wide range of IP- and HD-based products. See http://www.avigilon.com/products/samplefootage/ for an example of how awesome this equipment is. Might I say this is the DB9 of CCTV systems?
At first glance, you’d be right to assume that it costs the same as one too. However, these systems become economical when one considers that one HD Pro camera (with an appropriate lens) can replace the need for many SD cameras and still cover or even exceed expected viewing ranges; and are also implemented over relatively inexpensive CAT5/6 networks.
As much as I’d like to punt this as the-be-all-and-end-all of CCTV which must to be installed absolutely everywhere; there exists another reality: Not all sites require or, in fact, want such an elaborate system. Yet it is clear that they do need something to protect their assets and enhance security…which leads us to the opposite end of the scale.
Pre-assembled CCTV kits and analogue CCTV systems provide an entry point into having such security implemented at low cost, but it must be emphasized that you get what you pay for and expecting all the bells and whistles from a low budget perspective is simply not going to happen. That being said, however, even the most basic of modern analogue systems come with remote viewing via the internet (should you have an always on connection available) and back-up recording functionality built in.
What can be expected from a value added point of view i.e. how can you make your money stretch a bit further? Allow the installation to be executed by an experienced and well established company who prides itself in using quality equipment, takes pride in high installation standards and offers top notch after-sales support.
Accept nothing less.