Australian Govlink Vol 1 2014 | Page 74

70 SECURITY A strong advantage of IP network-based video surveillance systems over analog video systems is scalability. IP-based systems scale easily from one to thousands of cameras in increments of a single camera. There are none of the mandatory 16-channel jumps dictated by pre-configured analog systems using digital video recorders (DVRs). This makes IPbased solutions ideal for growing a system as budget allows. Installation can be done in stages and video encoders can be used to incorporate existing analog cameras, creating a hybrid system that preserves the existing security system investment. It’s nearly always less expensive to set up a hybrid IP video surveillance system and gradually replace existing analog equipment with the superior functionality of IP network cameras and other components. One of the significant advantages from an administrative point of view will be the ability to centralise the management and control of security systems. Customers will increasingly have comprehensive video surveillance integrated with access control and other building management systems, all centrally managed and controlled through an open platform solution. Such systems will enable faster, more informed decisions and better coordinated responses. With IP video surveillance, live and recorded video from the system can be set up for remote viewing via authorised desktop computers, laptops, PDAs, and smart phones. As the adoption of IP based solutions grows, so too does the ability for security systems to talk to each other and maximise their effectiveness. As a result, the organisational benefits of implementing a fully integrated system that combines alarms, access control, CCTV and other security systems also grows. Delivering even more value, IP network cameras enable easy use of a new capability in video surveillance: situational awareness. Moving beyond simple motion detection advanced software using video analytics analyses digitised video from cameras to detect, recognise and analyse objects and events. Also referred to as video intelligence and video content analysis, video analytics can identify a variety of different types of behaviours, actions and objects. Examples are: • People loitering in a particular area; • An object left behind in an airport; • Illegal parking in a restricted area; • People gathering into a crowd; • The number of people entering and leaving buildings (people counting); and, • License plates of cars. Govlink I Issue 1 2014 From identifying intruders to providing reassurance to the public and your staff, the technology of CCTV security cameras allow you to monitor any area you choose and a Video Management System makes it easy to quickly find high-quality footage of the event should you require it. Security integration – where to now? With security systems becoming more sophisticated and complex, the importance of choosing an experienced and qualified provider capable of designing [