Security cameras are today intelligent and smart, and are also catering to various applications
By Richa Chakravarty
Monday, November 12, 2012: Security cameras are emerging as a tool for gathering business intelligence and cater to different applications, Retail outlets, for example, use network surveillance for footfall measurement. On the other hand, in airports, an intelligent video system measures the time spent in a queue, between entry and exit points, helping staff to work out ways to minimise waiting time. In banks, remote surveillance and monitoring helps prevent theft and fraud and facilitates investigation.
Currently the market is seeing an obvious shift to digital and IP network based surveillance. Despite being a price sensitive market, acceptability of IP cameras is increasing, especially in the private sector. According to industry experts, IP based surveillance market in India is valued at about US$ 50-60 million, and is expected to grow at 45 per cent year on year for the next four to five years.
What’s latest in the market
All major players are focusing on offering devices with new features. IP cameras have been in the Indian market for around two to three years, so these cameras are not new. But their upgradation in terms of new features is making them a runaway success.
Here’s a look at the latest security cameras, which are gaining in acceptability and popularity.
Cloud based video surveillance: Video surveillance as a system (VSaaS), also known as hosted or managed video surveillance, is the latest technology in the market. With VSaaS, cameras are installed at the user’s site and video is streamed to systems at the provider’s facilities. There is no need to implement specialised video management service (VMS) for viewing the video; this is done over the Web. Cloud video management (CVM) breaks free from traditional security camera hardware restrictions, such as a limited number of cameras and processing capabilities. Also, it is less expensive because no DVR is needed. Video is stored locally inside a cloud camera and, optionally, on a USB hard drive attached to the router. Video can be easily viewed on demand through a cloud portal on the Internet VSaaS. Hence, one can easily access video anywhere through the Internet using a computer, smartphone or tablet without installing any software. All that’s needed is a secure and reliable internet connection. However, it is recommended to install adequate cloud security software to make sure your facilities remain safe and secure.
Secureye has launched a cloud technology based HD video monitoring IP camera, first time in India, which is distributed by Fortune Marketing Pvt Ltd. The cloud IP camera is easy to setup with an existing LAN and internet settings, and can be viewed on remote location from iPhone, Android or computer. This camera is specially designed to work without server or NVR.
HD and megapixel cameras: High definition and megapixel resolution security cameras have been in demand and, according to IMS Research, this trend will continue till 2015. Most top manufacturers have already launched or are in the process of launching high definition television (HDTV) cameras. HDTV cameras offer high visual improvement in storage and recording server specifications. In video management application system, these cameras have the ability to handle high resolution streams. Axis Communications offers Axis M50 series, which it claims to be world’s smallest HDTV camera. The palm sized Axis M5013 and Axis M5014 PTZ, enables discreet, high quality 360° surveillance in HDTV. Axis M11 network cameras are specially designed for easy and discreet day and night surveillance, comprising HDTV quality and the highly efficient H.264 video compression. Shares Sudhindra Holla, country manager, Axis Communications India, “Axis has been able to recognise the requirements of the security industry, and offers products accordingly. These cameras are affordably priced for remote and discreet monitoring of indoor areas.”
Bosch’s Dinion HD1080p camera gives high performance imaging which is possible with its intelligent and adaptive video processing.
Cameras with higher storage capacity: New upgraded cameras come with high storage capacity. The recording of the camera can be stored on an HD card, and a separate computer or server is not required for monitoring and recording. Sparsh has recently launched its series of Z-secure IP cameras based on Texas Instruments’ DaVinci Technology. With 32 GB of internal memory and depending on different settings, a user can save up to seven days of data, without using any extra equipment. It comes with a data card and WiFi connectivity. A user just needs to put in the data card and the camera starts streaming videos over the network. Another unique feature is its ‘heart beat keep alive’ mechanism. The camera can take a snapshot as per the user’s configuration and indicate that the camera is working.
Remotely controlled cameras: Now security cameras can offering access to video footage from a remote location over the Internet. Users can view the footage on their smartphones. Depending on the DVR, the user can even download recorded video remotely. Godrej Security Solutions has recently introduced SEE U V8 box camera and SEE U V8 dome IR camera with G-sensor technology. “Its 360° rotational body provides various recording directions, ensuring multi-directional security. Along with real time video streaming facility, these cameras record sudden events or movements occurring in the periphery,” says Mehernosh Pithawalla, assistant vice president, marketing, Godrej Security Solutions. These cameras can easily be configured with e-mail alerts and a Web-based live view application.
Digital wireless cameras: Doing away with cumbersome video cables, these cameras can be easily installed anywhere (indoor/outdoor). The wireless cameras can easily be set up with a DVR, which can be connected to the Internet and can be accessed through any Web browser, smartphone, etc. LG’s HD wireless network camera provides a mobile flexible solution for enhanced indoor surveillance and security. LG’s latest LW130W cube camera is an HD compact network wireless camera which supports various WiFi specifications. With its combined technology of three line filters, edge enhancement and 520 K/610 K sensor images with new optical low pass filters (OLPF), it allows the camera to see details even in dark conditions with its adaptive contrast enhancement (ACE) feature. “Based on internal testing procedures, we believe that LW130W will be the market’s most advanced surveillance camera, making it the top choice for critical surveillance installations in all environments,” says Hemendu Sinha, business head, B2B sales, LG India.
Upgraded and effective digital video recorders (DVRs): Manufacturers are today offering more advanced DVRs that do away with the cumbersome task of changing and storing tapes, provide consistent recording quality, and enable an easy search of recorded events. Bosch’s new 600 Series DVR Viewer App is effective and efficient for live viewing and pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) control via Apple iOS devices. It features an intuitive user interface and several flexible remote management options. Users can even choose to receive an automatic e-mail notification with a short video clip when an event occurs.
Interconnecting systems: Integrated solutions, which combine biometrics, access control and network cameras in one device, are another striking development in the surveillance industry. Informs Mehernosh Pithawalla, “Cutting edge features like motion detection, back light compensation (BLC), masking, wide dynamic range (WDR), event handling, sensor input, relay output, time and date, and other built-in capabilities allow these cameras to make intelligent decisions on when to send alarms, when to send videos, and at what frame rate to send them.” The IP based surveillance solutions provide an open platform to build more collaborative and integrated physical security systems, while preserving their existing investments in analogue based technology. Honeywell’s Pro-Watch system offers an integrated security management platform, which allows companies to easily manage complex systems that tie together access control, IP video surveillance, intrusion detection and building management technology for tighter security and increased productivity. Pro-Watch 4.0 includes new features such as support for wireless readers, new compliance reporting functions, and Web-based alarm and event management capabilities. Recently, Honeywell has refreshed the platform’s look and feel by restyling its graphical user interface (GUI) with new icons and improved navigation for a more user friendly experience.
Bosch has launched a new video management system (BVMS), which is an IP video security solution that provides seamless management of digital video, audio and data across any IP network. It is designed to work with Bosch CCTV products as part of a total video security management system. One can also integrate the existing components into one easy-to-manage system. This system has superior alarm handling system with alarm priorities and selectable user group distribution capability. It also has edge based intelligent video analytics (IVA) and forensic search facility. With BVMS, any configuration can be carried out from any location. In short, any camera added to the network become a completely active part of this system within minutes.
IR technology with LEDs: Images can be viewed through IR (infra red) cameras even in the dark. The technology of IR cameras is complex and has been mastered by very few companies worldwide. Manufacturers are continuously working on this technology by introducing these cameras with LEDs and IR illuminators. Electronic Eye has recently added an array of outdoor and dome cameras along with LEDs. The new range blends reliability with beauty, while offering long lasting products. Godrej Security Solutions also offers the SEE-U V8 dome camera with 12 LEDs in it. This IR camera helps users to view crystal clear images even when it is pitch dark.
Advanced technologies to counter counterfeit devices: Perhaps the biggest challenge for the surveillance industry is to compete with counterfeit products available in the market. Companies are countering these cameras by using advanced technologies. Sony has come up with the Sony Effio chipset for analogue cameras, which comes with 650 TV lines. It uses certain wafers and components that cannot be counterfeited easily.
Where are prices headed?
Over the past few years, the prices of surveillance cameras have been declining rapidly. Today, manufacturers are competing heavily to offer cameras with the latest technology at competitive prices. Although IP cameras are steadily strengthening their presence in the Indian market, the price remains a challenge. Players like Sparsh, an indigenous manufacturer, have, however, been able to launch products at competitive prices. Sparsh IP cameras are optimally priced, and cameras that fall in the range of Rs 20,000-30,000 are now available within the range of Rs 10,000-15,000. “We have launched our existing products with advanced features. We have tried to cater to all the models with a single design, which is very important for the stability and viability of the product. It also brings down the cost,” informs Sanjiv Sehgal, managing director, Sparsh.
Tips for buyers
With various products, features and brands available in the market, it becomes difficult for a user to make a choice. Most users choose a low price device over a quality product. Hence, for those who have already burnt their fingers, or for those looking for some suggestions, here’s a list of three things to consider before making a purchase decision.
Evaluate your requirement: First and foremost, evaluate your requirement for security on the basis of applications, features and configuration of the camera. “In order to understand the need for security, a site survey should be done, keeping major points in mind, such as the application, what are we securing against, areas that need to be covered, light scenarios and how to measure light, and also the camera installation point versus the area to be covered,” suggests Sudhindra Holla.
Users also need to check housings and mount options, whether tampering can be done, and whether integration with other IP based systems is required. Also, networking bandwidth, data storage, etc need to be calculated.
Budget that suits the requirement: After evaluating the requirement, the user should fix his budget. While there are a wide range of products available, the price should not be the only aspect for choosing a device. For example, a 420 TV line with a 20 m range camera suits the user who does not want a face recognition feature. This camera is available within the range of Rs 3000-4000. But if users require to install a camera for face recognition even at dark (night time), a 540-600 TV line camera is best suited, which might cost anywhere around Rs 10,000-12,000.
Reliable integrator: While buying a camera, it is equally important to procure the device from a reliable brand. “One should always buy a well known brand to ensure product robustness, strength and quality. It is also important that the buyer checks the international certifications awarded to the product,” adds Mehernosh Pithawalla.
