Myths debunked about Wireless and CCTV Security Camera Systems

http://www.securityinfowatch.com/CCTV & Surveillance/1314037

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Are 'Hot' IP Cameras a Problem?

Are 'Hot' IP Cameras a Problem?

Google side wiki looks interesting

Google has is always coming up with something new.

This Sidewiki looks like an interesting way to allow for additional contributions from vistors and for site owners.

I am going to look into it more and see how it could be helpful to the visitors of my sites.

Peter

site owner of http://www.cctv-security-camera-systems.com

in reference to: Google Sidewiki (view on Google Sidewiki)

Is it a good idea to start a Security Camera Installation Company

This is one of the more unique questions that I have received on the site. I wanted to share the question with you and my answer. Enjoy and comment if you like.

Dear Security Camera Expert,

For the last 6 months i have researched opening a cctv and card access install business based on local market need. Most of my friends and co-workers support the idea and have experience in the low voltage industry. Also, i currently work as a contracts specialist in the procurement field and see the need for this business. Is this a good idea?

Todd

My Answer to Todd

Hi Todd,

Is this a good idea? That is a very difficult question. I can tell you what I think of the industry and where I think things are going. It being a good idea is something you need to explore as a part of what you want to do in pursuing your interests and your passions.

I think that is a bigger question to answer. Is having a safety and security business something you have a very strong desire to do? Do you see yourself doing this for a very long time and loving doing it?

So if the answer is yes to that then here are my thoughts.

This is a very competitive industry as are many. There are many great systems out there that you can sell and install and you have to choose the few best you will work with. Everything is converging on IP networks. Security, phones, IT. How do you fit in to all of that?

How can you position yourself differently from every other security installer out there? What "value" do you bring that is better, faster, cheaper (whatever your mantra is) than what they have to offer? What is that USP, the Unique Selling Proposition, or Value Proposition. How can you make your customers life easier? Safer? Etc.

What are the major problems facing businesses right now? Is security the top issue? Maybe not. Increasing revenue and growth and helping their cash flow are definitely big issues. Is there a way to take the technology and help to reduce costs, or even grow revenue?

Example: Customer has beautiful gardens on their location and they occasionally have weddings. What if you could stream live video and audio to the website and the customer can charge a fee to allow family members that could not attend to watch the wedding and interact with the guests?

Example: Customer has multiple locations and they have security people at each location even when there is no one else around. Why not pull the video to a central location so one of the other security people can monitor the site and therefore eliminate the need for security at a location when no one is there.

I would look at how you can do all of the security in a very easy to use integrated way. So that you can pull in the intrusion, video and access control together as much as possible.

You have to focus on the problems with real solid solutions and be at least 10 percent better than the competition.

You will also want to look at how you can get ongoing revenue by doing live monitoring. You can set that up yourself or outsource that. As well as combining equipment and service in a "lease" agreement and lock in your customers for 2 or 3 years at a time.

So is it a good idea? Security is and will be a growing market. There are many security installers out there that are not focused on how technology is changing and how to find new ways to use the technology to solve customers problems. If you can do that effectively then yes I think it is a great idea. There is competition, but there is always room for someone that can do it better and out hustle the competition.

I also recommend you get your website right as the foundation of all your other marketing efforts. If you need help with that let me know and I can point you in the right direction.

I hope this helps. If you have further questions please let me know.

Sincerely,

Peter Brissette

Be sure to check the Security Camera Installer Directory

Technorati Posting

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Marketing, Branding and USPs

I recently added this post to a discussion regarding branding and developing unique selling propositions. Some of it is out of context for you but you will get the gist of it. It isn't about CCTV but it may help someone with their business endeavors. Enjoy!

I have just been reading about this and wanted to add to the discussion. In general marketing terms there is a focus on "building brand equity". I came upon this because I am researching the word Equity as possibly being part of my business name. Like Kevin says you need something that says what you do and I am trying to convey a message of ownership, long term growth, asset building, etc.

At any rate here is a link to an article from a pure marketing perspective on that.

http://www.netmba.com/marketing/brand/equity/

How that article relates to the individual Eagleprenuer and "free agent" as Kevin likes to call it.

First in building a brand you are really talking about what makes you unique. It is your unique selling proposition. It is that something extra that tells people they should choose you.

After you have a USP you have to build your story. Why are you doing this? How did you get here? What does the future hold for you and for those who work with you?

Then you need to tell that story over and over again. There are many ways to do that. I love the new book "Crush It". He talks a lot about this. This where web sites, blogs, social media, sites like this, etc. come into play.

By building your "brand equity" you are giving people reasons to choose you over somebody else. You are building a following and nurturing that following until those who are ready raise their hand and are ready to do business with you.

When you build equity this way you are building an asset. It has value in and of itself. It is something that can be sold and monetized in many different ways.

So choose a name like Kevin says that tells what you do. Then build "brand equity" by clearly identifying your USP, and shout it from the roof tops until everyone knows!!!

Thinking with this in mind we can have a better way for making decisions about what we do everyday. We need to ask the question, "Does this build my brand equity or will this take away from it?" Our focus as Free Agents (IMO) should be on those activities that are building equity. Anything that does not build equity we should eliminate. It is not different than taking money and putting it into a savings account. You put money in and it will earn interest. You take money out then the value goes down and so does the interest earning capability.

I will stop there. These were just some thoughts I had. Would love to hear others comments.

Peter

CCTV-Security-Camera-Systems.com latest updates

Just wanted to post a short note to our readers.

There has been a lot of things going on in the background over the last couple of months that has taken a lot of time and attention away from the blog and even the website. We have been working on developing some new key technology to make the site more interactive and building new content as well.

The goal is to continue to expand the site and offer more training and advice not only to contractors but to those who are putting in security systems themselves. There are a lot of products out there that people buy in the retail market but then do have the support or information that they need to actually use the products to the fullest potential. We hope to be able to provide help for that.

We have been getting great feedback on the site as well on things that people are looking for and the information that they need. If you have come and did not find what your looking for please visit our main site and fill out the quick three question survey so that we can better priorize the necessary changes.

Here are few of the new key things that have been added to the site.

1. Three column design. We went to this design to make the navigation and use of the site more functional and to increase the amount of information available to vistiors without changing pages. There are many pages that have to be transitioned so it will be done gradually over the next few months. If you find a page that looks like the information is not up to date please let us know.

2. CCTV news update. We added a news update page that will have headlines from latest news and information in the world of CCTV. It will also include a list of our latest page updates as well.

3. RSS feed. We added the RSS feed so you can subscribe to the site and any time we add or update information on the site we will push it to our feed if we feel it is something note worthy. We hope you will subscribe to the feed.

4. Ask the Security Camera Expert. This is one of the new advanced interactive features we have added to the site. We get many questions so we wanted to start sharing that information with other vistors. It will help us to build a FAQ and a forum type question and answer option that should be helpful and informative to everyone. Be sure to check it out!!

Other major changes coming.

Webinar series updates
Email ezine and optin lists updates
More relavent and helpful content!!!

And much much more,

Thank you all that follow the site and the blog and we are working hard to continue to bring you the information and help you need as it relates to CCTV and security camera systems.

Thanks,

Peter Brissette
Site Owner

Resolution and Pixels and Frame Rates OH MY!!!

There is a lot of confusion about all the different image sizes, frame rates, resolution etc. To be honest it has been very confusing to me. So I went on a small quest to discover the real answers. Much of what I found was on some tech forums where they were discussing the in's and out's of video. Also key points come from John Honovich as well with http://ipvideomarket.info/

Differences between capture, display and storage resolution.

Resolution can be very confusing because there are several different applications of it. In this article you will find our best attempt to explain the differences in as much of a non-technical manner as possible.

First to identify a few terms to help guide us. With the advent of high definition TV a new term has developed referring to the old TV format has standard definition. That terminology has seemed to creep into video security as well. A camera could be referred to has standard definition which basically means it is not a megapixel camera. However a camera may be called a High Resolution camera but it is still a standard definition camera. Now an analog camera or IP camera for that matter could be 380 TV lines of resolution and it would be called a low res camera. However, a camera with 540 TV lines would be called a high res camera. However they could both be considered standard definition cameras because they are not megapixel cameras or HDTV cameras. We will explain more about megapixel and IP in a moment.

In CCTV Video Security Systems the main differences of resolution are capture, display and storage resolution.

Capture or Camera resolutions for analog cameras

When reading a security camera specification sheet, you will see two sets of numbers rating the sensor of the camera. One lists the number of pixels (768 H X 494 V) for the sensor and the other rates the horizontal resolution (TVL) of the camera.

Effective pixels = 768 (Horizontal) X 494 (Vertical)
Horizontal resolution = 540 TV lines

The difference between the two is pixel aspect ratio and picture aspect ratio. The pixel aspect ratio has to do with the actual number of pixels that sensor is able to capture. The picture aspect ratio is based on what the NTSC standard for analog signals (composite video) has been designed to process. The numbers are different but using the math behind it you can calculate how the two relate. We will avoid the math for this discussion.

Since analog standard definition security cameras do not have square pixels there are two types of picture aspect ratio. There is storage aspect ratio and display aspect ratio.

Storage Aspect Ratio

The storage aspect ratio is the digital size of the image as it is stored on digital media. For instance the highest stored resolution using composite video (which is what comes from an analog camera) is 720x480. That is the same as a standard definition DVD movie.

When storing video on an analog security DVR you have several resolution options. The typical Settings available for storage are CIF, 2CIF and 4CIF.

CIF	352 x 240
2CIF	704 x 240
4CIF	704 x 480

Display Aspect Ratio

The display aspect ratio can only be displayed as what is referred to as a 4:3 aspect ratio which is the NTSC standard. This limits the number of lines of data that can actually be displayed. This explains why a 768 horizontal sensor when displayed on a 4:3 aspect monitor will result in only 540 TV lines of resolution. (note: a standard definition movie on a dvd could be in 4:3 or 16:9 format but the pixel size would still be 720x480 for storage purposes.)

Newer standards for TV have introduced High Definition TV with an aspect ration of 16:9 which allows for a greater number of lines of resolution to be displayed. Newer technology of cameras are now able to capture higher resolutions which will now allow for storing and displaying these higher resolutions.

Standard Resolution IP Cameras

Standard resolution IP cameras can produce the same resolutions options as shown above for DVR storage and the video data can be stored on a HDD using any PC that the camera software is installed on. They can usually also do full D1 resolution which is 720 x 480. Standard resolution IP Cameras can also capture 30fps. Typically they are setup to run at lower resolutions and frame rates to help with bandwidth and storage of the data.

Megapixel resolution IP Cameras

Just a note about megapixel IP cameras. Megapixel cameras can capture video at much higher resolutions but are not necessarily the same as High Definition as in HDTV. HDTV has a very specific set of resolutions available. 720p HDTV is 1280 x 720 and 1080p HDTV is 1920 x 1080. HDTV also operates at 30fps.

A megapixel camera that is 1.3 megapixels has a resolution of 1280 x 1024. From there the megapixels go up. 2, 3, 5, and on up to 16mp. However they are not able to capture images at 30 fps. They typically are only capturing 3 to 7 fps. Megapixel cameras can display higher than HDTV resolutions on PC monitors that support higher resolutions.

Take a look at the chart below to see how some of the more common resolutions compare.

Other Resolutions Compared

Designation H x V
CIF -------- 352 x 240
2CIF ------- 704 x 240
4CIF ------- 704 x 480
D1 --------- 720 x 480
720p HDTV -------- 1280 x 720
1.3MP ------ 1280 x 1024
2MP -------- 1600 x 1200
1080p HDTV ------- 1920 x 1080
3MP --------- 2048 x 1536
5MP --------- 2592 x 1944
11MP --------- 4000 x 2656
16MP --------- 4872 x 3248

Well I hope that clears things up at least a little bit. If you have any further qustions feel free to post a comment or two!!

By Peter Brissette
Sales Manager
GSP America

Click here to learn more about Megapixel security cameras

Should You Use PTZ Cameras?

This is a great article on PTZ Cameras from John Honovich with www.ipvideomarket.info

Should You Use PTZ Cameras?

Though popular, PTZ cameras often create a false sense of security. They make for great demonstrations but are often underutilized or misused.
The use of PTZ cameras varies significantly. Offices and fast food restaurants rarely use PTZ cameras. However, the majority of cameras at shopping malls and public surveillance are PTZs. In general, PTZs are the standard choice for monitoring large public areas.
Here's a short video demonstration of using a PTZ:




Advantages of PTZs
Monitoring large areas: the PTZ camera can be pan, tilted and zoomed to cover hundreds of acres (a few square kilometers). This is not possible with fixed cameras which normally only cover a small area (few hundred square meters).
PTZs can be placed on tours (patterns) that move the camera in a predetermined way to capture areas of interest. For instance, over a 1 minute period, the camera can capture the front door, the gate to the parking lot and the fenceline. The tour can repeat indefinitely.
Operators can control PTZ cameras to track a suspect or respond to a security incident. The operator can zoom in to view and capture fine details like facial features or license plate. The operator can also follow a suspect across a large area.
Because PTZs can cover a wide area, this reduces the cost of coverage per given area.
People love PTZ demos. They are the closest thing the surveillance industry has to movie special effects (see the demo above). It makes people feel excited about the potential.
Disadvantages of PTZs
PTZs can see and record only where they are currently looking. While the PTZ has a potential to view enormous areas, at any given time, it only covers the area of a fixed camera. If a PTZ on a tour is looking at the front door and an event happens at the vehicle gate, that event is missed (and vice versa).
Service issues: Since PTZs are complex mechanical devices, they tend to have much more frequent service calls and shorter live spans (compared to fixed cameras).
High storage costs: Because PTZs move so frequently, their storage utilization tends to be 2 - 4x higher than a fixed camera with equivalent frame rate and resolution. Motion based recording cannot be used (or it has little savings since the camera continues to move). Plus, encoding motion requires higher bit rates to maintain image quality.
Poorer image quality: PTZ image quality is often poorer than fixed cameras, especially when zoomed in. This is likely a result of smaller chip sizes (1/4" for PTZs vs 1/3" inch in fixed cameras) and the much larger focal lengths in PTZs (over 50mm focal length is common for professional PTZs).
Mispositioning of PTZs is common. Operators routinely place (or leave) the PTZ in different positions. While this can be solved by using a 'home' functionality, many systems are not configured to use this properly.
Works Poorly over IP Networks: Controlling mechanical PTZs are very sensitive to latency. If the latency is more than a fraction of a second, controlling PTZs become very difficult. This is not an issue for traditional analog systems but a growing problem for IP video. Furthermore, network viewing often requires on screen PTZ controls which are much harder for an operator to use. These issues can be somewhat rectified by using USB joysticks and manufacturer optimizations to reduce latency. However, this is a frequent problem with IP networks.
Higher Per-Camera Cost: Whereas a fixed camera may cost $200 - $500, a PTZ camera with a 15x or greater zoom can cost $1,500 to $3,000. The cost increase is significant.
The demos are unreflective of most real applications. While it's impressive to see a building a mile away, that ability rarely solves real security problems for users.
In general, PTZs suffer from a host of logistical problems that detract from the potential appeal in demos.
Alternatives to PTZs
Megapixel IP cameras are emerging as an alternative to PTZs but issues remain.
The primary potential of Megapixel cameras is to eliminate the problem that PTZs can only view/record where they are currently looking. By contrast, since megapixel cameras use a digital zoom, viewing does not impact the area recorded. Also, since megapixel cameras eliminate the mechanical complexity of PTZs, their cost is lower (even for multi-megapixel) and the service issues should be less.
However, megapixel cameras cannot come close to matching the potential coverage area of a PTZ camera. Even with the far higher pixel count of a megapixel camera, it's unlikely to provide anything more than the equivalent of a 2x or 3x optical zoom. Furthermore, while megapixel vendors contend that megapixel cameras provide the resolution of 20 to 60 standard definition cameras, the effective image detail is nowhere close to this (especially at lower light conditions).
While megapixel certainly offers enhanced resolution and coverage area over fixed cameras, there's little reason to believe that megapixel is or can eliminate the use of PTZs.
Best Fits for PTZs
With these considerations in mind, PTZs work best when:
An organization has operators dedicate to monitoring security systems. If you are a big box retailer or a sports stadium and have operators dedicated to monitoring, PTZs make sense. The PTZ cameras allow operators to monitor greater areas. However, if you rarely monitor the security system and primarily use it for investigations, megapixel cameras are a worthwhile alternative to consider.
An organization has a really large area that needs to be covered. Such large areas may still be impractical even with megapixel cameras. Only a PTZ provides you the range needed (so long as you have active monitors). However, if you have a moderate size area (like a parking lot with a few dozen spaces), one or two megapixel cameras are likely to be less expensive and more effective.


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Check out the PTZ cameras from GSP America at http://www.cctv-security-camera-systems.com/

Infrared Use in Video Surveillance

The video is a brief explanation of what infrared (night vision) technology is and how it works in video security cameras.

Infrared Use In Video Surveillance from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Please contact me with any questions.

New partnership helps solve common problems with video security systems.

New partnership helps solve common problems with video security systems.

New partnership helps solve common problems with video security systems.
By Peter Brissette

The new integration of GSP America IP Cameras and LuxRiot DVR software will help to solve many of the common problems associated with video security systems currently.

For_Immediate_Release:
GSP America, a manufacturer of high-quality CCTV systems since 2000, announces a critical new relationship with LuxRiot, a DVR software developer. LuxRiot has completed a full integration with the more than fifteen models of IP cameras currently offered by GSP America.This new relationship goes a long way in solving three common problems with video security systems today.

Those three problems are:

• Managing multiple IP cameras from a variety of manufacturers with a single system; including Megapixel cameras.
• Reducing cost by using existing hardware instead of purchasing expensive new hardware.
• Easily and effectively creating hybrid recording and management systems.

There are few software/hardware systems that can manage multiple IP Cameras from a variety of camera manufacturers; LuxRiot is one of them. This will allow someone to implement a new video security system with GSP America cameras and still maintain an open architecture to add other manufacturers IP Cameras. This is a benefit to contractors since they will be able to truly recommend the exact camera their customers need with out concern for compatibility.This includes the ability to view, manage and record Megapixel cameras.

Megapixel cameras reduce the number of cameras needed and increase versatility to digitally pan, tilt and zoom the recorded images.Since LuxRiot is a very light software system it can be installed on any existing PC and will work with any IP Cameras. This will eliminate the need to purchase expensive DVR or NVR devices which is a significant savings to end users.

Finally LuxRiot has the ability to work with a variety of analog camera capture cards that if installed will allow the system to work with existing analog cameras as well. This will eliminate the need to replace analog cameras allowing for the addition of new IP cameras. This is a very easy and effective way to create a hybrid system.

GSP America has a full line up of IP Cameras available. Some of the many options are Domes, Full Body, PTZs both indoor and outdoor. Additional options include Day/Night, Infrared and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) capabilities.GSP America also has the knowledge and expertise to assist with PoE requirements and can help you design and implement a video security system to work effectively with Power Over Ethernet PoE.For additional information about the new partnership please contact Peter Brissette at GSP America.

About GSP America:GSP America has been manufacturing for over ten years. GSPA originally sold in the US under OEM partners and now for the last three years under the GSPA brand name. GSP America specializes in Video Security systems that meet the most common needs of the every day low voltage contractor and integrator. From Analog to IP to Wide Dynamic Range, GSP America has the Video Security equipment needed to get the job done. GSPA provides ongoing training via websites, live webinars and even live events. Technical support is also provided for contractors and integrators 24/7.For more information, visit www.gspamerica.com or call the GSPA headquarters in Westminster, CO.

For more information:Visit our website: http://www.gspamerica.com

Contact us: 6510 W 91st Ave Suite 114 Westminster, CO 80031

1-800-298-0470

CMS IP Camera Software - 32 Channel Version Demo

This is a breif demo of the GSP America CMS software. This software works with our IP Cameras, DVRs and Network Video Servers. Please contact us if you have any questions.

CMS Software - 32 Channel Demo from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

IP Cameras, IP PTZ Cameras, CMS Software, GSP America

Latest Press Release - GSP America IP Cameras using Pixim's Digital Pixel System

GSP America Expands into IP Cameras
New wide dynamic range IP dome cameras based on Digital Pixel System® (DPS) technology by Pixim

GSP America, a manufacturer of high-quality CCTV systems since 2000, announced today that its product offerings now include a new line of IP cameras. The wide dynamic range IP dome cameras are based on Digital Pixel System® (DPS) technology by Pixim, Inc., a leading provider of image sensors and processors for enterprise security cameras. DPS technology delivers 120dB dynamic range, enabling the cameras to produce excellent image quality and color rendering in variable and high-contrast lighting conditions. As an added benefit, DPS technology yields more highly compressed images—an important factor for IP cameras.

“GSP prides itself on meeting the needs of our dealers,” says Peter Brissette, sales manager, GSP America. “With the introduction of our IP cameras we are giving integrators more choices for the end user. They can now offer Pixim-powered GSP cameras for customers who prefer networked systems over analog.”

Both the IP 4” indoor dome (GPX-IP4D802DS) and the IP vandal resistant dome (GPX-IPV802DS) offer a full range of features including:
• 1/3" Digital Pixel System technology
• MPEG4, MJPEG video compression
• 2-way audio
• Motion detection
• Onscreen menu
• High resolution of 540TVL
• 12VDC or POE operation
• Progressive scan image capture
• Global electronic shutter

“Pixim is pleased to work with GSP as it expands into IP,” says John Monti, Pixim’s vice president of marketing and business development. “Pixim’s technology has many advantages in IP imaging. This end-to-end digital solution maintains image quality while defeating fluorescent flicker issues with internal sync or POE. The cleaner images and global shutter technology result in more efficient compression and reduced motion artifacts for more accurate data.”

GSP Cameras powered by Pixims Digital Sensor addresses the six common problems with traditional CCD cameras. They are…

1. CCD security cameras have the inability to capture highlight and shadow detail in the same scene. In traditional CCD cameras all the pixels in the array have the exact same shutter speed. This “one pixel fits all” approach is a big problem. As a result every pixel in an analog CCD camera receives the exact same exposure, creating overexposed regions in bright areas and underexposed regions in dark areas.

2. CCD security cameras produce inconsistent clarity in bright, lowlight, or high contrast situations. Traditional CCD cameras can’t see well when lighting conditions are not optimal. These cameras experience a lack of details in high-contrast and backlit situations, low clarity shadows, and image “washout” from glare or reflections. Images with these cameras are always suspect.

3. CCD security cameras create color inaccuracies in varying lighting conditions. CCD security cameras have a difficulty adjusting for proper white balance. Since they have a difficult time finding the proper white balance it is difficult to produce accurate colors in the video images.

4. CCD security cameras also have difficulties with glare from windows and other reflective surfaces. This goes back to the basis of the technology mentioned above. Since the CCD sensor has the same exposure across the whole array the camera is not able to adjust for the variation in lighting.

5. CCD security cameras can suffer from camera blindness caused by vertical smear and pixel blooming. Pixel blooming is a problem inherent in analog CCD technology. This problem creates additional artifacts in the images which can distort the images and cause blindness in areas of the camera sensor which can seriously compromise the quality of the image.

6. CCD security cameras create low quality recordings and large file sizes. CCD cameras frequently introduce a number of variants of random pixel alteration, called “noise.” They produce pixel blooming, vertical smearing and camera blindness which can seriously reduce the quality of the image.

Noise not only compromises image quality, it uses up valuable recording space. Analog CCD cameras can add sampling and conversion noise that often increases DVR storage needs by three times what GSP America cameras powered by Pixim require. Again this is a result of how the technology works.

To learn more visit http://mail.gspamerica.com/piximpresent.html

About GSP America:
GSP America has been manufacturing CCTV Security Cameras and products for over ten years. GSP originally sold in the US under OEM partners and now for the last three years under the GSP America brand name. GSP America specializes in Video Security systems that meet the most common needs of the every day low voltage contractor and integrator. From Analog to IP to Wide Dynamic Range, GSP America has the Video Security equipment needed to get the job done. GSP America provides ongoing training via websites, live webinars and even live events. Technical support is also provided for contractors and integrators 24/7.

For more information, visit http://mail.gspamerica.com/piximpresent.html or call the GSPA headquarters in Westminster, CO.
Contact:
Peter Brissette
Regional Sales Manager
303-643-5540
peter@gspamerica.com

Making the Most of Megapixels Marvels - IP Video Network - Security Sales & Integration

Making the Most of Megapixel’s Marvels - IP Video Network - Security Sales & Integration

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IP Cameras from GSP America

This is a brief overview of the IP Camera offering from GSP America. I also show some possible configuration examples that demonstrate some possible migration possibilities from analog to IP.
If you would like a copy of the presentation feel free to email me peter@gspamerica.com.

IP Cameras from GSP America from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

This video discusses the many IP Camera offerings from GSP America. Including IP Dome Cameras, both indoor and outdoor. IP Full Body (Box Style) Cameras. Also our nice line of IP PTZ Cameras and accessories. As well as our Pixim Powered IP WDR Cameras.

Understanding POE (Power Over Ethernet)

Here is a brief screencast describing what POE is, how it works, and the major pit falls to avoid.

If you would like a copy of the presention feel free to send me an email. peter@gspamerica.com

Understanding POE (Power Over Ethernet) from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Be sure to search the blog for IP Cameras. GSP America now offers a full line of IP cameras that will fit the majority of everday applications currently in the market. It includes IP Outdoor Domes, IP Indoor Domes, IP PTZs and even IP Full Body Cameras (Box Cameras). Our cameras include 32 channel CMS software for our IP Cameras to record, playback, view and make back ups.

June Webinar Schedule

I have the June Webinar Schedule now posted.

I will be covering POE Requirements and IP Cameras the first week of June.

I will also be doing our 7 Fundamental Questions when designing a video security system webinar again as well. We will be focusing on how to choose the right security camera.

Plus I am doing something new and hosting a CCTV Questions and Answer webinar where I will field questions on anything related to CCTV. I will most likely have an expert on the webinar to assist in answering any questions you may have about CCTV and Video Security.

So click here to see the full schedule.

What is a PTZ Camera?

Here is a high level overview of what a PTZ camera is, power and control options and what GSP America has to offer.

For a hard copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.

What is a PTZ Camera? from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

We have 10x, 23x, 25x, and 36x zoom options. We definately have one of the best oudoor PTZ cameras on the market today.

Connectivity and Power Supply Options for Analog Video Security Systems

Here is a brief overview of how an analog video security system is connected for video as well as some of the power supply options.

To download a handout of the video please right click here and open in a new window.

Connectivity and Power Supply Options for Analog Video Security Systems from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

GSP America
http://www.gspamerica.com/
Peter Brissette
connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin/in/peterbrissette

Challenges in Choosing Surveillance Cameras

Challenges in Choosing Surveillance Cameras by John Honovich, IP Video Market Info posted on May 10, 2009 About John Contact John

With hundreds of manufacturers to choose from and little comparative information available, choosing the 'right' surveillance camera can be difficult. Worse yet, specifications provided by manufacturers are often unhelpful or misleading.
In the camera testing I am now performing, here are four fundamental challenges that continue to arise:

How well does the camera work in low light
How well does the camera work in bright sunlight
How much detail does the camera provide
How hard is it to configure the camera for optimal image quality

Handling Low Light

As critical as low light performance is for many security applications, it is as difficult to assess. While numbers are provided, they are not to be trusted. First, everyone measures low light performance slightly differently, making it difficult to compare. Secondly, most manufacturers only include partial information. Third, there is no standard or definition of what an acceptable image is, leaving this up to subjectivity of the manufacturer. All of this results in many manufacturers playing games with these specifications.

If you are trying to assess low light performance, throw these numbers out, do a test yourself in the location you want the camera to be deployed or ask someone you trust what their experience is with the camera. [Note: If you are interested in a comprehensive breakdown on low light performance, see Axis' note on measuring illumination.]

Dealing with Bright Sunlight

While darkness and sunlight may be opposites, they pose equally difficult challenges for surveillance applications. The problems with sunlight are not limited to outdoors. Anytime you have windows or doors that open to the outside (obviously very common), you are at risk to issues with bright sunlight ruining your surveillance video.
The category of cameras that are designed to address is are Wide Dynamic Range or WDR cameras. However, good luck comparing the specifications of various WDR cameras. Often cameras labeled WDR have no technical specifications and those that do usually measure the range in dBs. However, it's not clear how much better an image is created with a 100 dB range than a 60 dB range. Also, manufacturers may measure this differently.

Seeing Details

Capturing details of a scene are at the core of conducting surveillance. This is critical in determining if your camera meets its security objective and it's also increasingly important for reducing camera count (by using megapixel).

The stated resolution of a camera is the obvious primary indicator (e.g., Standard Resolution, 1.3MP, 2MP, etc.). However, this is better viewed as the pixel 'potential' than the definite resolution you will obtain.

First, lighting can dramatically reduce the actual details that your camera can produce. To the extent that you have issues with sunlight or darkness (which are very common), your camera will provide details far less than its stated resolution.

Secondly, and this is a special concern for megapixel cameras, not all megapixel cameras, even rated for the same pixel count will deliver the same level of detail.

Determining How Hard Configuration Is

When you see cameras at trade shows or from manufacturer supplied videos, they almost always look outstanding. This happens because:

Manufacturers have technical experts who know all the configuration options of a camera and have significant experience experimenting with various combinations of settings.

Manufacturers know what lighting conditions work best with their cameras and are careful to set up cameras to avoid known areas that expose flaws

If you are integrating or using cameras, you cannot avoid areas that need coverage and you are unlikely to have or want to spend the time becoming an expert at the camera's configurations.
As such, determining how well cameras work 'out of the box' is important. If a camera's image quality can only be made to work well with adjusting multiple settings, the risk of performance problems become high (especially if multiple techs are needed to setup cameras).

Equally critically, be careful in making judgments about camera performance based on manufacturer supplied videos. Like head shots of actors or people's wedding photos, they tend to show an ideal scenario, unlikely to be matched by real world use.

Conclusion

These are some key considerations for choosing surveillance cameras but certainly not the only ones. Other important topics include reliability, bandwidth/storage consumption, information security and more. I look forward to more discussion and debate on these topics.

6 Common Problems with CCD security cameras

Here is an overview of the common problems with CCD security cameras. I talk about why the problems exist and how the technology works and of course offer a solution.

For a copy of the handout to follow along right click here and open in a new window.

6 common problems with analog CCD video security cameras from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

connect with me on linked in www.linkedin/in/peterbrissette

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Visit our main and training sites

http://www.gspamerica.com/

http://mail.gspamerica.com/training.htm

How to Calculate HDD Storage time for GSP America DVRs

I demonstrate the various compression, resolution and frame rate options available on the GSP America DVR and how to use our online Hard Disk Drive Calculator for determining what size storage you will need and length of time for recording to that size.

To download a copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.



Calculating HDD Storage Times on GSP America DVR from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

If you can any questions please email me at peter@gspamerica.com or link with me on Linked in by clicking here.

What is a DVR and what does GSP America offer?

I talk about key features of DVRs and what GSP America has to offer.

For downloads of the presenation right click here and open in new window.


What is a DVR and What does GSP America offer from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Contact me with any questions peter@gspamerica.com
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Link with me on LinkedIn

7 Fundamental Questions to Answer When Designing a Video Security Solution

This is a high level overview of the basic questions that need to be answered. It is brief and to the point and very informative. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Click here to download the pdf handout that you can follow along with and make notes.


7 Fundamental Questions to Answer When Designing a Video Security Solution from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

peter@gspamerica.com
GSP America www.gspamerica.com

Spring Specials from GSP America - Dome Cameras

 

Spring Specials from GSP America    We have a couple of specials running through the end of the month that I wanted to make you aware of.  Be looking for more emails with product specific information. Vandal Domes - Color   Sony Super HAD or Exview HAD CCD Sensor with Digital Signal Processing for consistent and quality images   480 TVL Resolution   3 Axis Gimbal for easy adjustment   Surface or Flush Mount - No extra cost   Polycarbonate High Grade Plastic with Durable Aluminum Housing   Outdoor Rated at IP66   Installed in locations from Wisconsin to Florida   Camera settings available to get the picture you need: Auto Gain Control, Iris shutter control via Auto Iris or Electronic Shutter, Back Light Compensation, Flickerless mode for florescent lights, Automatic White Balance       Part Numbers       Lens Options                  Distributor Price GSP-VD48S/49    4-9mm Lens            $ Ask Distributor for price  GSP-VD48X/49    4-9mm Lens            $  Ask Distributor for price 4" Indoor Domes - Color    Sony Super HAD CCD Sensor with Digital Signal Processing for consistent and quality images   480 TVL Resolution   3 Axis Gimbal for easy adjustment   Surface or Flush Mount - No extra cost   Polycarbonate High Grade Plastic - will not fade or discolor   Camera settings available to get the picture you need: Auto Gain Control, Iris shutter control via Auto Iris or Electronic Shutter, Back Light Compensation, Flickerless mode for florescent lights, Automatic White Balance   Part Numbers        Lens Options       Distributor Price GSP-4D48S/26      2.6-6mm Lens        $ Ask Distributor for price  GSP-4D48S/49      4-9mm Lens           $  Ask Distributor for price GSP-4D48S/922    9-22mm Lens          $  Ask Distributor for price We have a nice amount of these in stock and available to ship.  If you have a specific number you need please call me right away and I will reserve them for you.   Sincerely,   Peter Brissette Regional Sales Manager  GSP America 1-800-298-0470

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CMS Software - 16 Channel Record/Playback software at no Cost

This is a short demo of the 16 Channel CMS software offered by GSP America at no cost for a limited time. Please let us know if you have any questions.

1-800-298-0470



16 Channel NVR Software at No Cost - Demo from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Video Comparison between Infrared and Intensifier Technology

This is a short video that compares the differences between infrared and intensifier technology.

If you have any questions please give us a call at 1-800-298-0470 or email sales@gspamerica.com



Infrared Cameras vs Intensifier Camera from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Follow this link for product information: Intensifier Cameras

Intensifier Cameras

Here is a short overview of the Intensifier cameras carried by GSP America.

For a copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.

To see a video comparison on the Intensifier and Infrafred click here.


Intensifier Cameras from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.


To see more information visit Intensifier Cameras.



Contact me with any questions,

Peter Brissette
GSP America
1-800-298-0470
link to me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrissette

GSP America Product Overview

Here is a short overview of the GSP America line of Video Security Products.

For a copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.


Overview of GSP America Product Line from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

http://www.gspamerica.com/

Latest Press Release

Press Release: GSP America announces new manufacturing representative relationship for the Rocky Mountain region.

Understanding WDR Cameras

Learn about the benefits of WDR cameras and how they work. We talk about the Pixim Digital Imager and how it solves many image problems that are out there in standard CCD Cameras when used in GSP America cameras.

For a copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.


Understanding WDR Cameras from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

http://www.gspamerica.com/

Dome Cameras

Here is a brief overview of the GSP America Dome Cameras. I talk about the key selling features and the various types of dome cameras that we carry including the WDR models.

For a copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.



Dome Cameras from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Peter Brissette
GSP America
1-800-298-0470
link to me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrissette

Understanding Analog Camera Specifications Part 2

Here is part 2 of 2 of our webcasts on Understanding Camera Specificiations.

For a copy of the presentation right click here and open in a new window.


Understanding Camera Specifications Part 2 from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Contact me with any questions!

PTZ Cameras Overview

This is an overview of GSP America PTZ Cameras. We talk about some of the key features and selling points of the PTZ line.

To download the presentation right click here and open in a new window.


PTZ Cameras from GSP America from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

If you have any problems or questions please let me know.

Peter Brissette
GSP America
1-800-298-0470
link with me on linked in: http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrissette

Understanding Analog Camera Specifications Part 1

This is part one of a two part webinar series of understanding analog camera specifications and how to read a camera spec sheet. This will give you a brief overview of the various specs on a spec sheet as to what they mean and their importance.

Presented by GSP America.

To download a copy of the presenation right click here and open in a new window.

If you have any questions please let me know.


Understanding Analog Camera Specifications Part 1 from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Peter Brissette
GSP America
connect with me on linkedin http://www.linkedin/in/peterbrissette

DVR Basics Part 2 - HDD Calculations

Here is part 2 of our DVR webinar. This will give some details on image resolution, quality and compression and how that relates to Hard Disk Drive storage. We also review how to use the GSP Hard Disk Drive Calcualator.

DVR Basics Part 1 GSP America DVR Features

This is part 1 of this 2 part series. This section will give an overview of our DVR and associated software and includes how it might compare to the low cost models available in the marketplace.

You can get a copy of the presentation as well as the estimated HDD usage chart here. The file name is GSP DVR Basics Part 1 & 2.pdf

If you have any problems or questions please email me. peter@gspamerica.com.

DVR Basics Part 1 - Overview from Peter Brissette on Vimeo.

Field of View and Focal Lengths Webinar Recording

In this recording I define what FOV is and how to determine which lens you should use in your security camera for a given scene.

Download the calculator by right clicking here and saving to your desktop.

Any problems or questions please let me know.

Peter Brissette

peter@gspamerica.com

Link to me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrissette

Field of View Calculator, Field of View, FOV, Angle of View

CCTV Glossary of Terms Rev C

Here is the latest CCTV Glossary of Terms Document. It is a PDF which makes it very easy to search to find the information you need. If you find something we need to change or add please let me know.

Click here to go to the page where you can download the pdf file.

Or you can visit the new online CCTV Glossary of Terms by visiting http://www.cctv-security-camera-systems.com/cctv-glossary-of-terms.html.

This has great information about Video Security Systems. Presented by GSP America. For more information visit http://www.gspamerica.com/.

Field of View Calculator

Here is our Field of View Calculator. Be sure to view our blog posting that explains what Field of View is and how to choose the correct lens for your security camera.

To download a copy to your desktop right click here and "save as" to use our xcel version.

Or you can use our new online version by clicking the link below.

http://www.cctv-security-camera-systems.com/cctv-field-of-view-calculator.html


If you have any questions or need any help please let me know.

Peter Brissette
peter@gspamerica.com

Reducing Fluorescent Flicker in Security Camera Video

This is a great article on the Pixim chip that we use in our WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) Cameras.

http://www.videsignline.com/212700387?printableArticle=true

As always please let us know if you have any questions or comments!!!