CAMERA SYSTEMS

Video technology has been around for a long time but has had major developments within the last decade. Most retail businesses have one or more cameras installed and connected to some type of recording device. The internet has opened up video systems to easy and affordable remote access from anywhere in the world.

Resolution
When comparing one camera to another, resolution must be taken into account. In general, resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical lines that make up the image. The higher the resolution, the clearer and sharper the picture.

Lux
Cameras typically see like the human eye. When it gets dark out our ability to see distances is greatly reduced. A cameras ability to see in the dark is measured by lux. The lower the lux, the better the cameras ability to see in the dark. Some cameras come with infrared illuminators which allow the camera to see in complete darkness.

VCR / VHS
For many years the majority of video recording, world wide, has been done by VCRs called video time lapse recorders. These VCRs allowed up to 960 hours of video to be recorded on to a single VHS tape. The down side of this technology was the resolution was low and it took too much time to locate and view information on the tapes.

DVR
DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder and is the direct replacement of the VCR. Unlike VCRs, the resolution of DVRs is high and retrieving & viewing information is fast and simple. Unlike VCRs, DVRs are easily connected to computer systems locally or remotely over telephone, WAN, LAN or internet connections. DVR based video systems have many features such as motion detection and can accommodate many cameras simultaneously. There are many specifications to be considered when comparing DVR equipment and software, with the primary considerations being recording speed and picture size (resolution).

Color vs. Black & White
The primary performance differences between colour and black & white cameras are that colour does not see in the dark or low light areas nearly as well as black and white, but the advantage of colour over black and white is that it provides you with more information. The average lux rating for black and white cameras is much lower (better) than the average lux rating for colour cameras.

Day / Night Cameras
The term day / night refers to a cameras ability to operate in colour during the daytime and switch over to black and white or low light condition at night. Most cameras that have a day / night feature will also incorporate LED illuminators to allow the camera to see better in the dark.

Recording
Recording on a VCR based system is limited to the ability of the VCR and VHS tape. The maximum recording time on any one VCR and VHS tape is 960 hours. DVRs recording ability is only limited by the size of hard drive(s) that is installed. Most DVRs have built in video motion detection which will create recordings (files) when there has been movement in the field of view of a camera. The recorded files are time and date stamped for fast and simple retrieval. Recorded files can be viewed on site or remotely over the internet.

Remote Access
Remote access of camera systems is now affordable and flexible. Video transmission, recording and camera control (P/T/Z) are available over a standard phone line or internet connection. Most DVR based systems come standard with remote access capability and any required software.

Pan / Tilt / Zoom
Cameras can be set up to provide greater detail and viewing of larger areas when combined with zoom lenses and mounts that offer pan and tilt. (P/T/Z). P/T/Z units can be programmed for automated camera touring or can be controlled from on site or remote locations.

Laws
Privacy laws and how they are interpreted vary throughout North America. Most areas allow for cameras inside and outside of buildings but signage may be required for the public when cameras are inside of buildings. It is always best to consult a lawyer for legal advice if you are not sure of your rights.

Privacy
When considering the placement of a video camera you must always consider whether or not you are violating privacy. In general you can not place video cameras in any area or room where there is presumable privacy such as bathrooms, change rooms and locked offices.