IP Video

IP (Internet Protocol) Video is the digital data received from an IP camera, a type of digital video camera commonly employed for surveillance.  The four key components to an IP Video surveillance system are:  image capture, transmission, storage and video management.  Unlike an analogue CCTV (closed circuit television) camera system, an IP camera system can send and receive data via the Internet and/or a computer network.  Each of these IP cameras has its own IP address and is controlled by a main management centre.  Once the network is established, IP enabled cameras or other IP devices can be easily added or removed.

IP video also allows straightforward implementation of functionality in cameras ranging from movement detection and speech capability (IP door stations/intercoms) to IVA (Intelligent Video Analysis) whereby intelligent video solutions are created to see and process visual information similarly to humans.  These systems can be programmed to track only objects identified as human and send an alert when the subject violates pre-defined rules, such as climbing over a wall.

One concern with IP video surveillance is the pressure placed on existing networks coping with high bandwidth loads, associated with large megapixel image transference.  That is why Vision Security Services prefers the decentralized concept of Mobotix whereby a high-speed computer and, if needed, a digital memory card (SD/MicroSD) is built into their IP camera for long-term recording.  Alternatively, external storage such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) can also be utilised.  This leaves the PC as a viewing tool, not a tool for analysis or recording.

Completing the Mobotix surveillance system is QCamPro- an iphone & ipad app. You can read more about QCamPro here.