Too often when we turn on our televisions, we find another news broadcast about a murder or a robbery at a public business. More often than not the transgressor is able to hit the streets and cause more trouble before they are caught. A lot of business owners invest their time and money into a surveillance system that may not able to capture an image with high enough quality to be useful in an investigation. In this article, I'll share some key factors that can help both the victim and law enforcement increase the odds of apprehending a suspect.
Recording Quality Starts With The DVR
The brain behind any security system is the digital video recorder. The importance of a great unit is a necessity and often end users will purchase an inexpensive recording device expecting high end results. Price isn't always a factor in purchasing a quality DVR, but inexpensive can sometimes mean cheap. One thing that I always stress to my customers when purchasing a DVR is to start with the FPS (frames per second). For example an 8 channel DVR that has 60 FPS will provide a lower quality video than an 8 channel DVR with 240 FPS playback. A good rule of thumb is to add the number of cameras and divide the sum by the total amount of FPS offered by the DVR. The goal is a minimum of 30 FPS for each camera in the security system. Please note that high resolution cameras or megapixel cameras will cause some channels to record at a slower frame rate than others.
When working with law enforcement you need to be able to obtain to your footage fast, while having the ability to back up your information. Recorders that have built-in DVD recorders are always a great choice. Keep in mind that you will need a recorder that offers a watermark on the captured file in order for the video to be permissible in court. Two well-known manufactures, GeoVision and AverMedia, offer this feature.
Camera Strategy
It's always important to match the best camera to its application. Camera position, lighting, and image detail should play an important role in the selection process. When looking at the setting of the scene you'll want to consider your camera position. Is this camera going to be located in a corner? You will also want to consider the background light in conjunction with the angle of the camera. Will there be any obstructions, perhaps shelves or light fixtures? Ultimately, you'll want to obtain the best line of sight to capture a clear facial shot. Lighting plays the most important role in camera selection. This is due to the fact that direct light without an auto-iris lens can cause too much noise to obtain a picture. Can the camera capture shots at night? Will the camera be located in a low light or no light environment? In this case, the AP-148z would be suitable choice for the application.
Picture quality is what you are after when trying to obtain details. This is directly affected by the recorder you purchased. IP cameras have the ability to provide megapixel quality which is always an option when paired with an NVR (network Video Recorder) or a PC-based DVR. However, if analog is your preference, then evaluate the chipset in the security camera you are considering. A 1/3 HAD CCD is suitable for most situations. Typically, CMOS chips have a lower picture quality than that of an HAD. Another factor to be aware of is the TVL (television lines). Higher TVL means you'll enjoy better picture quality from your security footage.
Overview
Building the right system can make the difference between protecting your assets and losing them. Remember the initial investment on a security system takes proper planning and skill. Don't hesitate to contact a security expert who can walk you through a step-by-step process and provide you with the tools necessary to get the job done right the first time.
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