Video surveillance security systems are increasing as prices continue to drop. Odds are better now than ever that a security surveillance system will capture any given criminal event. As a result, many security surveillance camera images are useless when it comes to identifying involved individuals, much to the surprise of security surveillance system owners, using security surveillance cameras and security cameras. Not all security surveillance systems are designed, installed and maintained alike. Just like anything else, the consumer gets what he or she pays for.
Of course, video security surveillance is a proven method to deter criminal acts. It reduces business liability and detects questionable activity. Frequently, the lowest bid gets the job and resulting in a surveillance system of inferior workmanship. In layman terms, you end up with a worthless security surveillance system in which the police cannot identify the suspect and the entire security surveillance industry suffers because some dealers do a shoddy job by using substandard security surveillance equipment. Also, some dealers are not qualified to perform the work in the first place.
If your facility has an existing VCR/Tape Based CCTV System, consider an easy upgrade to an Internet accessible DVR. In most cases you can keep the existing CCTV cameras and cabling and just replace the VCR with a state of the art DVR.
Why Invest in a Video Security System?
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| It can be extremely frustrating and difficult when purchasing or seeking
advice for business CCTV systems. Most individuals purchase from the
internet or seek advice from friends and colleagues. Then after you have blindly made the purchase you realize your purchase does not meet your standards of quality or you are unhappy with the quality of the camera or the CCTV System. |
Getting Better Security Surveillance Video
Several organizations are working on video security surveillance system standards for commercial establishments. Absent any written specifications, experts refer to a confusing array of values like lines of resolution, loss-less compression schemes and time-lapse versus real-time recording methods. Nonetheless, the real indicator of a security surveillance system's usefulness resides on the videotape or hard drive. In other words, what you see is what you get.
Do security surveillance system installers discuss the system's ability, or its inability, to identify culprits? If not, why not? In the case of a digital video recorder (DVR), can investigators easily retrieve images or will the entire DVR be seized as evidence?
LOCATION
Camera and lens selection is crucial to having usable video for identification purposes. Wide-angle fields of view may provide the most coverage per security surveillance camera but such shots provide minimal detail of facial characteristics. Focus cameras on choke points within the store or office. An example of a choke point is a narrow walkway where customers must pass, like a doorway or isle.
LIGHTING
Make sure the quality and quantity of light under all conditions, day and night, are appropriate for the security surveillance cameras used. Be aware of backlighting because inexpensive security surveillance cameras cannot compensate for a dimly lit foreground and a bright background as would be seen when a subject stands in front of a sun-drenched window.
PROTECTION
Camera enclosures prevent tampering while protecting security surveillance equipment from the elements whether indoors or out. If outdoor security surveillance cameras are used, make sure enclosures are designed for outdoor use. Depending on climatic conditions and placement, enclosure components such as a heater-defroster, blower, window wiper, and/or sun shroud may be necessary. Cabinets securing recorders may require a fan to provide adequate ventilation. If the recorder is not locked away it may be tampered with or stolen by the perpetrator.Video surveillance is not a panacea for every security woe. Being properly informed along with working with a knowledgeable dealer or integrator allows end users to have a security surveillance system that better identifies individuals and incidents.
For questions, more information, or to request a free estimate for your project, please email or call us at 504-885-0069.
