What type of system do you need? There are three basic approaches to a video surveillance system. First is the CCTV (Closed Circuit TeleVision) approach which uses standard video cameras that output a composite video signal. That signal is then routed by cables or wireless means to switching equipment, monitors and video recorders. Video tape recorders have long been used, but today the best approach is a digital recorder.

The second approach is using web cameras, called webcams or IP cameras. These cameras do not need video cable and do not put out video signals in the usual way. They are connected with network cables to an ethernet computer network. If your business or home already has a computer network, the cameras just plug in.

If you see video cameras on the internet or in catalogs that say they are wireless, this does not mean they are webcams. Webcams are often called IP cameras because they use "Internet Protocol". Wireless cameras, although not capable of transmitting on the interent, are good solutions in locations where it is not practical or possible to run a video cable. They still require electrical power. However, they generally operate on 9 or 12 volts DC from a wall mounted transformer. The 12 vdc circuit is a thin wire, like a speaker wire, and can be extended significant distances. Thus, an AC outlet need not be nearby the camera.

The primary reason to use webcams is to make the video available on the internet. To do this takes a high speed internet connection such as DSL or cable. A cable connection is much preferred. There are additional considerations we will assist you with. It also generally requires a commercial class of service providing a static IP. A webcam allows you to watch your business from anywhere. The DSL or cable router/modem normally act as firewalls, and they must be configured to pass the video image out to the internet. Multiple cameras will generally require multiple static IPs.

Recording a webcam is a bit more problematic than CCTV cameras. If the output of the camera needs to be recorded, it has to be recorded on a computer on the network or to a website on the internet. Blue Planet can provide the website.

The third approach is a combination of the first two. The CCTV/Web hybrid system uses conventional video cameras and a recording system. Digital recorders can be obtained which connect to a network and make the video available on the company network and/or on the internet. It is also possible to dispense with the video recorder and install video capture cards into a computer to turn a good quality desktop computer into the video recorder.

Digital recorders built for video surveillance also have additional features such as a quad processor. This allows 4 cameras to be recorded on a single digital video recorder. The processor will also provide a time and date stamp on the video. Separate devices can also provide time and date stamps for recording devices that do not handle it internally. If you are protecting a business from theft, burglary or robbery, you must have a time/date stamp on the video for it to be admitted in court.

You have probably seen video shown on television of crimes where the quality is really bad. This is generally due to businesses using tape recorders that are recording four, six or even nine cameras onto one recorder. In these cases the video is 1/4, 1/6 or even 1/9 of the recorded signal. These images have very bad resolution. NTSC, the video standard used in the U.S. is not great to start with, and with every additional camera, the quality gets worse. Bad video will make it more difficult for the police to make an arrest in the case of a criminal offense, which is the main purpose of using video surveillance in a business.

Video recorded on a VHS tape recorder is an analog signal. It is affected by tape defects, tape wear, electrical and tape noise, and many other factors that result in poorer video quality than a digital recorder. The other very big difference is that every time a copy is made of a video tape, the quality will suffer even more. Copies made from digital recording devices are identical to the original in quality. Digital recordings are also easier to work with in many other ways.

Using very cheap cameras, not cleaning lenses regularly, and poor lighting will also make the video quality suffer. Video cameras need a significant amount of lighting to produce a good quality and sharp image.

Black and white cameras generally work best in low light conditions. Lighting for B&W cameras can be increased using infrared illuminators. People can not see this light, but the camera can. Many video surveillance cameras today have some infrared illumination builtin. Color cameras have advantages and disadvantages. Most modern cameras will switch to B&W mode in the absense of adequate light, though you should make certain that a color camera will do this before purchasing it. If there is always adequate lighting, such as in a 24 hour convenience store, then color cameras are practical. Video cameras watching parking lots or other places without adequate lighting at night should almost always be B&W.

Most video surveillance systems are visible to act as a deterent to crime. Blue Planet can also provide and install concealed video systems in offices, homes and motor vehicles, subject to legal and liability restrictions. There are also legal considerations for video systems intended to also record speech. Most surveillance systems do not record sound due to state and federal legal restrictions. There are also issues concerning reasonable expectations of privacy. There are exceptions, such as systems used within a home i.e., baby monitors.

Blue Planet offers consultation and installation services. Our rates are very reasonable.

Blue Planet can also design and build a private video headend to provide multiple channels of video for a resort, hotel or guesthouse.