What componets you need in a fiber optic CCTV transmission system

June 15, 2010, 6:01 am

The sole purpose of the fibre optic link in a CCTV fibre optic transmission systems is to transfer electrical signals between two remotely separated points, A and B, with no degradation in the transmitted signal quality. In this way the fibre optic link becomes transparent to the user. An analogous situation is with a telephone call where you want to be able to talk to another person anywhere as though they were standing next to you. The basic components of a CCTV fibre optic transmission system are as follows: Electrical to Optical Converter (Transmitter) at the camera end of the link. This unit takes the analogue 1 v peak to peak signal from the surveillance camera and converts it into a light signal that varies in proportion to the camera output signal. The light signal is generated by an LED (light emitting diode) or laser transmitter which is designed to couple a maximum of the generated light into an optical fibre. The optical transmission fiber and fiber optic cable. The optical fibre guides the light from the LED or laser transmitter with a minimum of loss to the monitor or matrix controller end of the link. The optical fibre itself is protected by a variety of sheathing materials to provide a cable construction appropriate to the specific application. The fibre cable is connected to the terminal equipment using de-mountable screw or bayonet fixing connectors. Optical to Electrical Converter (Receiver) at the monitor end of the link. This unit takes the optical signal from the optical fibre and converts it into an analogue electrical signal that is compatible with the monitor input requirements. The light to electrical conversion is carried out by a semiconductor detector which is called a photodiode, or an avalanche photodiode. Subsequent electronic circuitry regenerates the output signal. Products from the better quality manufacturers compensate for optical fibre losses and transmitter output intensity variation with time and temperature by providing automatic gain control to give a standard 1 v peak to peak output format as generated at the camera output. Control data and audio connections. Cameras in CCTV installations are either fixed, viewing a specific scene, or movable, so that different scenes can be viewed under the direction of the operator who would be sited in the remote control room. In the case of fixed cameras then the fibre optic link is required to transmit video only information from the camera to monitor, this requires only a single fibre link for each camera to monitor path. In the case of a movable

camera then a return signal must be provided from the control room to the camera usually over a second optical fibre. It is usual for these return control links to provide remote control of the camera PTZ pan, tilt and zoom functions plus

camera enclosure wash/wipe activation.

If camera control is used then the fibre optic link interface electronics must be compatible with the protocols used by the controller manufacturer. These functions are transmitted over the return fibre link using a standard digital transmission format such as RS232, RS485/422, 20 mA current loop and most recently Echelon Lonworks FTT10A. In addition some controller manufacturers require a return data channel from the camera to confirm camera movement. This return data is usually encoded by the camera optical transmitter electronics and sent over the same fibre as the video signal. Help point and door entry installations require the transmission of two-way audio signals over the fibre link. Again optical transmitter and receiver units are available to provide this facility in addition to the video and control data links all over the same two fibres. It is also possible to provide all of these video, data and audio transmission functions over one fibre using different wavelength (colour) lights sources to transmit light in each direction. This technique is known as wavelength division multiplexing; it maximises the use of installed fibre cores but at the expense of more costly fiber optic transmitters and fiber optic receivers.
Tags: camera video over fiber, CCTV, cctv camera over fiber, CCTV Surveillance, CCTV Video over Fiber, Fiber Optic Transmission, security surveillance Category: Fiber Optic Components | Comment

Introduction of CCTV Video Transmission over Fibre Optics

June 5, 2010, 7:18 am

The

use

of fibre

optic

transmission is

now

commonplace

in

telecommunications,

data

communications and broadcast quality television signal applications. In contrast the use of optical fibre as the transmission media in CCTV security and surveillance applications is a

relatively recent development fuelled in the 1990`s by the need for the installation of extensive CCTV systems to combat crime, vandalism and terrorism. Conventionally cameras are linked to monitors over copper cable links using the lowest cost components available. As system size has increased the distance between cameras and monitors has also increased resulting in an unacceptable degradation of received video signal quality. i.e.

received picture quality, for link distances over 100 150 m. This has meant that the use of optical fibre transmission has had to be considered even in this most cost conscious of applications. In these sections we will attempt to de-mystify fibre optic transmission as applied to CCTV system use. We will start by outlining why fibre optics should be used, go on to consider the basic elements of a fibre optic converter system and installation practice and finally outline the technology to extend CCTV systems from essentially local installations to extensive, distributed multi-channel signal transmission systems.
Tags: camera over fiber, camera video over fiber, CCTV, CCTV fiber, CCTV over Fiber, CCTV Surveillance, CCTV Category: CCTV Camera over Fiber Optics | Comment Camera, cctv camera over Video over Fiber

Top 10 for choosing a CCTV system

June 3, 2010, 8:02 pm

CCTV and surveillance technology is constantly evolving and todays digital IP cameras provide increasingly sophisticated capabilities for monitoring, recording and reviewing activity inside and outside your property. With a wide choice of products available, understanding your options can be confusing, whether youre new to CCTV or planning to upgrade an existing system. Here are the top ten things you need to ask yourself to get the right CCTV system for your needs. 1: Defining criteria Why do I want to install CCTV? Its essential to start with a clear idea of what you want your CCTV system to achieve. What suits your neighbour or another business may not suit you. Are you considering the investment as a deterrent to intruders and thieves? To record access to a building or car park? To monitor movement in particular areas of your property? To record activity round the clock or at specific times, for example when your property is unoccupied? You also need to think about what you want to do with the information once you have it. How long do you want to keep it? How often do you want to review it? With clear objectives, its easy to determine the criteria such as picture resolution, camera focal length and image storage requirements that will ensure your chosen system is fit for purpose. 2: Basic requirements What equipment will I need?

Essentially, a CCTV system comprises one or more cameras and either a software- or hardwarebased image recording facility. Until recently CCTV cameras operated by transmitting analogue video signals through copper cables or fiber optic cable to a central location where the video signal was recorded. While analogue cameras still have their place, todays more sophisticated IP cameras produce digital output and use IP networks to relay their images. The number and type of cameras you choose will depend on the subject and the extent of the surveillance area. 3: Recording options How can I store images? Images can be stored on the camera itself, on a computer or on a digital video recorder (DVR). The output from an IP camera is digital and is recorded without change; the output from an analogue camera is first digitised and then stored. DVRs and computer software offer the ability to record multiple channels, ie images from several cameras at the same time, regardless of the camera type. With analogue cameras, the number of channels that can be recorded is limited by the number of physical connections on the DVR, whereas in an IP system it is usually limited by software licensing. The number of camera sources you want to record from, the image quality you require, and the length of time that you want to store those images will all influence which recording device is best for you. 4: Ongoing surveillance How can I monitor images? A key consideration in getting the right system is to know how you want to view the images from your cameras. Will you have a central control room with trained operators constantly monitoring screens? Do you want a third-party to monitor your property? Will you want to access your CCTV images remotely while abroad? Do you want to receive email or text alerts if suspicious activity is detected by your CCTV system? IP cameras can be connected to the internet to relay images anywhere, and both IP cameras and DVRs have the capability for motion detection. 5: Static or not Do I need fixed or moving cameras? Camera housings can either contain fixed cameras, trained on a single location, or PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) cameras that can rotate 360 and provide pre-programmed tours of an area. Motion detectors can be added to a PTZ camera system so that the camera can respond and focus in on suspicious activity. Depending on the rationale for your CCTV system, you might want a mixture of fixed and PTZ cameras to cover different zones and applications. 6: Camera features Do I need IP or analogue cameras? While an analogue camera is ideal if you want to monitor one location from a fixed position, an IP camera is more flexible and can enable more sophisticated surveillance, recording and review. IP cameras can deliver high definition or megapixel images, which give greater detail and can

cover a greater range. They can also be powered over a network using Power over Ethernet (PoE), so do not require a separate power supply. Some IP cameras have audio recording built in which allows recorded messages to be broadcast automatically to warn people that they are being watched. However, this functionality can be integrated into any cameras housing and is not a specific benefit of IP. Both types of camera can also feature infrared technology to capture full-colour images during the day and black-and-white images in low light or even complete darkness. 7: Intelligent security Should I integrate my CCTV with my other security systems? CCTV cameras can be easily integrated to enhance your security. When integrated with an intruder alarm, your CCTV system can be set to record images at a higher resolution when the alarm is set or activated. When integrated with an access control system, CCTV can provide additional visual verification that a person has authorised access. Your specific integration requirements will influence the type of camera and recording equipment you need. 8: Investing wisely How do I make the most of my budget? This depends on what you want your CCTV system to achieve. IP cameras are more expensive because their image quality is better and they are more flexible, but analogue cameras are often sufficient for the job. If you only need fixed-point monitoring, a low-spec, low-cost analogue system would be the right choice. On the other hand, if you need to monitor a large area, it may be more cost-effective to use one high-resolution PTZ camera in the place of several fixed analogue cameras. 9: Going digital Should I upgrade to a digital system? The need to upgrade will depend on what equipment you already have, your surveillance requirements and your budget. By replacing a VHS video recorder with a DVR, the feed from existing analogue cameras can be digitised and more easily stored. The system can then benefit from features, such as motion detection, which are supported by DVRs. IP cameras can also be introduced to work alongside analogue cameras allowing you to benefit from their technology where appropriate. 10: Industry validation What accreditation or references should I look for in a CCTV installer? Credible CCTV installers will have industry accreditation such as recognition by the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) which promotes compliance with relevant British and European Standards as well as the requirements of the police and the insurance industry. A reputable company will not have any problem with you asking for their credentials, and should also be able to introduce you to existing customers for reference.

Tags: access control, camera cctv, camera over fiber, camera video over Camera, cctv camera over fiber, CCTV Surveillance, IP networks, PTZ surveillance, security Category: CCTV Surveillance Technology | 1 Comment

fiber, CCTV, CCTV cameras, security system

Top 10 for choosing a security company

June 1, 2010, 7:01 pm

Unless you have received a personal recommendation, choosing a security company can seem daunting. Searching on the internet can present you with a wide choice of companies, all seeming to provide what you want. So how do you decide which one to choose? Your success in making the right choice depends on two key activities: thoroughly researching what functions and service you will get in return for your investment, and correctly assessing the expertise and professionalism of the company you choose. Here are the top ten criteria you need to investigate along with the questions you need to ask to be confi dent of making an informed decision. 1: Reputation How long have you been in business? A company that has been in business for some time will be well-tested and have a relatively large customer base. It is also more likely to be able to weather a diffi cult economic climate and less likely to fold leaving you to repeat your selection process or write-off any of your investment. Can the company tell you how many customers it has? Can it provide you with customer testimonials? 2: Product knowledge What product ranges do you use? Products and technologies are constantly changing. Try to establish how knowledgeable your prospective security company is, what product options and choices are available to you, and how the company embraces new technologies. Ask what areas of security it covers alarms, access control, CCTV, and so on, and be confi dent that they can meet any future requirements you may have. 3: Customer-centric advice How do you decide what is best for me? A company that sees itself as a trusted advisor should help you decide whats right for you and not try to impose a one-sizefi ts-all solution the right solution might not necessarily have all the features that are available. Make sure when you receive your estimate that the company has really listened to your requirements and taken into account your budget and any other constraints you have stipulated. If you are in a listed building, you might want to deal with an installer that has experience working in this kind of environment and understands the challenges it may present. 4: Breadth of service What sort of ongoing customer care do you provide?

Regular maintenance of your security system will ensure peace of mind and should avoid the need for expensive

emergency call-outs. Reputable companies will offer a range of service levels to suit your budget and the system being

installed. They should be able to offer a committed date and time for maintenance visits. Ask whether there is a dedicated customer service function and fi nd out how they handle customer calls out of offi ce hours do you have to call a mobile number or is there seamless continuity of service via a landline? Will they come out at weekends? Do they guarantee 24/7 support 365 days a year? 5: Tailored security Can you offer a system design service in-house? If you have more complex security requirements, you will probably want to choose a security company with a specialist design team, experienced in producing bespoke solutions. These specialists should also be able to advise you on legal requirements (such as privacy issues related to CCTV), and health and safety issues. The better companies will be able to create CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings so that you can properly visualise the fi nal installation and can accurately assess the impact and viability of different options. 6: Staff quality How do you ensure your employees are trustworthy and competent? The staff of your chosen installer may come into your home or business and have access to passwords and security codes to physical areas and computer systems. You need to be absolutely certain that they are trustworthy. Does the company carry out police checks on its staff? Equally important is the staffs ability to resolve problems and deal with any issues you may have. How does the company train its staff? Is it endorsed by any third parties such as Investors in People, the national standard for investment in training and development? You may also want to check how the company complies with health and safety requirements, and the levels of public and product liability insurance it carries. 7: Responsiveness How quickly can you get back to me? Asking for a quick turnaround on your quote can be a simple and effective way of assessing how rapidly the company is likely to respond if you need to call on it in future. Can they give you a price the same day or next day? Ask what their process is for responding to emergencies. Do they guarantee response time? 8: Total cost of ownership What additional charges am I likely to incur? Dont automatically plump for the company which comes in with the lowest quote. It is highly likely that a company charging more will also give you more in the long run. Ask for a detailed

specifi cation of the equipment and ask whether you will own the equipment or be leasing it. Secondly, fi nd out if the cost covers other customer and support features such as technology upgrades, handover training, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring. You should also check how long the warranty lasts and what exactly it covers. What, for example, will happen if something goes wrong and you need to call someone out as an emergency how much will you be charged? For commercial installations, can the company provide training to new staff in the future? 9: Industry validation What industry accreditations to you have? If the company has a sound foundation and follows best practices it will no doubt have some sort of industry accreditations. There are several badges that you could look for but some of the best are Gold awards from the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) which promotes compliance with relevant British and European Standards as well as the requirements of the police and the insurance industry, and membership of the FSA (Fire and Security Association) which works to improve professionalism in the industry by supporting the development of technical and occupational standards, apprenticeship schemes and training programmes. A reputable company will not have any problem with you asking for this information. 10: Testimonials and references Can I speak to your existing customers? There are two advantages to being put in touch with a companys existing customers. One is that it demonstrates the companys confi dence in its work and service. The other is that it gives you an opportunity to delve a bit deeper into what level of service you can expect. Clearly the company is unlikely to get you to speak to someone who says they wouldnt recommend it, but you can look into how smooth the whole process was by asking about aspects such as how the company behaved if they were going to be late did someone phone to let the client know? Was anything damaged during installation and, if so, did the company make good? Most importantly, would the customer use the company again?
Tags: access control, CCTV, CCTV Camera, CCTV Surveillance, security surveillance, security system