A modern surveillance system goes a long way in protecting your home or business. Beyond the ability to record break ins or theft, security systems act as deterrents to crime through their physical presence (being mounted on a ceiling or a building’s exterior walls) and their ability to alert business owners to suspicious activity in real-time.
Those considering a security camera system for the first time as well as those looking to upgrade their existing system would do well to be aware of recent advances in surveillance camera technology. The latest commercial security camera systems deliver crystal clear video in a range of light conditions, and seamlessly integrate with other IT systems to enable more intelligent monitoring from remote devices.
Aside from discouraging theft and monitoring on-premise activity, investing in a modern surveillance system can also lower monthly insurance costs. Being aware of the latest advances in security monitoring technology will allow you to make a more informed decision on the best solution for securing your home or business.
Remote Monitoring Capability
Remote monitoring allows businesses and homeowners to access live feeds of their property or assets from any device, anywhere, any time. While traditional security systems alert you after a break-in or theft, remote monitoring capability allows for preventative action - viewing feeds in a variety of light conditions and even with pan-tilt-zoom capabilities for PTZ cameras.
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Remote monitoring works by transmitting video feeds in digital format to a smart phone or other device. End-users login to a secure app to view the camera feeds or configure their system, including smart alerts that detect motion during specified hours or other unusual activity. Remote monitoring is possible using IP (internet protocol) cameras or HD cameras over coaxial cable.
The benefits of remote monitoring include:
- The ability to control and view live feeds from anywhere in the world, on any device with an internet connection
- Integrated video analysis for improved evidence collection or warehouse/retail monitoring
- Two-way audio integrations to deter burglars or speak with delivery people
- Both passive theft deterrence an active investigative capability
- Peace of mind from being able to monitor a home or business from anywhere, anytime
Remote monitoring lets you secure your business or home from any device with an internet connection, wherever you are. To secure the remote monitoring device itself, consider a laptop lock for additional security.
Internet Protocol Cameras
Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are the latest and greatest in security camera technology. Older analog technology needs to be converted into digital format to be viewed remotely, whereas IP cameras capture and transmit live feeds digitally through an internet connection.
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These cameras not only offer superior resolution, zoom capability, and viewing angles as opposed to older analog varieties, but transmit video in digital formats for easy configuration, remote monitoring ability, and cloud storage and backup. As businesses are shifting to cloud-based solutions for their cost-effectiveness and wealth of analytical integrations (including AI), IP cameras have become the new industry standard.
As opposed to analog cameras, IP cameras come with the following benefits:
- Higher resolution and image quality
- Motion detection with a higher frame rate than CCTV analog cameras
- Require a single cable for multiple functions (power, network connectivity, and 2-way audio)
- Better coverage of a surveillance area with high-resolution zoom and tilt-pan-zoom capability
- Can be installed easily with plug-and-play setup out of the box
Note that while high-end IP cameras come at a cost, there are many affordable options that require only minimal setup and installation for a remote monitoring system. While some businesses choose to upgrade their analog cameras because they have an existing analog wiring system, smaller businesses or those investing in a CCTV system for the first time would do well to begin with IP devices.
Low-Light and Infrared Cameras
To be effective at any time of the day, security cameras need to be able to capture high quality video in any light conditions. The latest security cameras come equipped with features for monitoring a storefront or residential property at night, using infrared or the latest Starlight technology to capture color video even in low-light conditions.
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Similar to an infrared motion sensor, infrared cameras use advanced sensors to create an image from low-frequency heat waves not visible to the human eye. Many cameras use an infrared sensor together with a visible light camera, blending the two images to automatically detect problem areas and adjust for enhanced image quality.
Day-to-night cameras such as Starlight security cameras are one such example, incorporating both visible light and infrared sensors. These cameras use an IR cut filter (ICR) to toggle between daylight and night mode depending on the prevailing light conditions. Starlight cameras are fully digital with Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity, deliver long-range color images at night, and can be configured for remote viewing.
In addition to being useful for night surveillance and motion detection, infrared cameras also offer a contactless means to conduct temperature screenings. Being placed outside a business or at the entryway, these cameras can be configured to scan for abnormalities in body temperature that could be indicative of transmissible viruses such as Covid-19.
Smart Recording and Custom Alerts
The latest advances in security camera technology allow cameras to record and upload video when triggered by a change in light, movement, or sound. Uploading and storing HD video from multiple cameras can take a lot of bandwidth, and larger files take longer to analyze with video analytics.
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AI is also being applied to security camera footage as it offers highly advanced analytical functionality. Computer vision, or AI applied to security camera footage, uses convolutional neural networks to analyze and learn from hours of surveillance video. While human security guards get tired and progressively less accurate in spotting irregularities during their shift, IP cameras with AI computer vision get smarter the more they process video and are consistently accurate, 24/7/365.
With remote monitoring software, users can configure custom alerts to be sent to their inbox or via text messages. These might be triggered by an unusual motion at a defined place and time, and are configurable from the user’s end to minimize the occurrence of false alarms. Once an alert is sent, the user can log onto the remote viewing software to follow up on the alert in real-time or view recorded video at a later date.
Vandal-Resistant and Weather-Proof Housing
Security cameras mounted outside or on the corners of buildings are particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and vandalism, though banks, schools, and airports, and retail stores rely on vandal-proof cameras to ensure security footage during the event of a crime. Not only should the camera housing be resistant to temperature extremes, precipitation, and impacts, but the lens and wiring should also be sturdy enough to deliver high quality video even if being tampered with.
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Sturdy metal housing offers protection against hail and severe wind gusts as well as impacts from tampering. While securing video cameras from the roof or a high-wall can mitigate the risk of vandalism, the highest-rated vandal-proof cameras also come with fortified lens covers and wiring boxes.
IoT Integration
The Internet of Things (IoT) allows for companies or individuals to set up HD video streaming from a network of dispersed digital devices. Any device that transmits digital data, from an IP security camera to a digital load cell, can be connected with an IoT network and controlled by a simple device like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
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Those with a background in engineering or a strong interest in DIY tinkering can even create their own low-cost home security system or office IoT system using IoT-ready devices. While the DIY route can be low-cost and potentially rewarding as a home project, it can take time and significant effort to create a reliable and accurate system.
Aside from security systems, IoT devices include smart doorbells, elevator cameras, and full-scale building management systems. With a greater network of connected devices that might include smoke alarms, motion detectors, or other sensors, security system operators can configure more specific alerts tailored to their individual home or business surveillance needs.
Cloud Storage and Cybersecurity
Rather than keep CCTV tapes stacked in a security room office, modern surveillance systems upload footage directly to a cloud server for superior backups in case of an outage, greater accessibility, AI-enable video analytics, and built-in cybersecurity protection.
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Cloud storage’s as-a-service (AaS) model is scalable, allowing business owners to pay for only the storage and functionality they need while being able to grow their system should their needs require in the future. Cloud service providers backup data in several locations to prevent data loss, and ensure all data on their servers is protected against outside cyber hackers.
In response to increased security threats stemming from foreign-manufactured cameras and components, the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) places a ban on certain manufacturers’ products for use within government applications, as these products contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited. To ensure cybersecurity within a security system, each component should be NDAA compliant to protect against potential hacks.
Benefits of cloud storage for enterprise security footage include:
- Automatic data backups
- Site management capabilities and access control
- Built-in cyber security protection
- Scalable, subscription-based service model
- AI and advanced analytics integrations
Better Tech Means More Peace of Mind
Investing in a security camera system with the latest advances in technology pays dividends in the short- and long-term, from easy setup and scalable cloud storage models to enhanced video quality and AI-powered analytics. The latest dome, turret, and bullet cameras are not only able to withstand hurricane-level winds and hail storms with ease, but are equipped with anti-tampering features for protection against vandalism and tampering.
The latest generation of security cameras are connected within an IoT network, allowing users to monitor and control HD cameras remotely, configure custom alerts using AI analytics, and deploy scalable systems with plug-and-play installation and minimal set-up. IP cameras are set to replace analog cameras as they are able to more easily transmit high-quality video over internet connections.
Your security system is only as strong as its weakest point, be it an out-of-date camera or the entire system infrastructure. Rather than overcomplicating setup or operation, the latest advancements in security camera technology ensure peace of mind, unparalleled control, and advanced analytic integrations to deter theft and investigate break-ins.
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