video surveillance technology | Hardware & Software

Hardware & Software

Better Hardware and Software Improve Video Surveillance Systems

Choosing a video surveillance system for a home or business means balancing factors concerning the area to be monitored, the quality of video needed and the extent to which video needs to be stored and archived.

Mega pixel cameras cover more for less and are easily integrated into a wireless network. HDcctv cameras that broadcast uncompressed video are a better choice if details such as facial recognition are important, but generally work better in hardwired networks. Regardless of the camera used, archiving video footage will require large storage capacity. Fortunately, the cost of storage devices has fallen dramatically.

Video management software (VMS) is a vital component of any system. On the most basic level, VMS offers the human manager of the system the ability to pinpoint areas of interest, but it is much more than a way view back and forth in time. VMS searches video using parameters selected by the manager such as activity levels and changes in lighting, but can also send alerts or trigger alarms.

Bear in mind, the more that is expected of the software, the more extensive is the training to use it. Improvements in hardware and software have made video surveillance systems both affordable and highly manageable for home and business users.

Conclusion

''Video cameras in public places are inherently privacy intrusive, and a major step towards a surveillance society. It is to be hoped that all of the issues identified in this paper are taken into account when authorities are considering any further street video surveillance schemes and reviewing existing schemes. The justification for introducing new schemes needs to stand up to rigorous costs-benefits analysis rather than simply pre-judging the desirability of surveillance as a crime prevention measure. Video may just be a superficially attractive way of being seen to do something about crime and other behavioural issues which require more deep rooted analysis and action. Privacy and civil liberties concerns cannot be dismissed or seen to be satisfied merely by the introduction of guidelines or even legislation. Codes of practice and operating rules need to be a secondary step after the benefits issue is weighed up carefully. Otherwise the early enthusiasm for street video surveillance may develop into its rejection as an unacceptable imposition on valued freedoms.'' URL: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/PLPR/1996/32.html