While network-based security and surveillance applications are becoming more common, the full realm of benefits from the implementation of IP technology in video surveillance applications is yet to be realised. One benefit which is easily identified is that of enhanced system control and management through the use of video control and management software suites such as OnSSI's IP video surveillance control and management solution.
"The versatility and cost-efficiencies that network-based systems offer for video surveillance applications demand a best-of-breed control and management solution," said Gadi Piran, OnSSI's President and CTO. "OnSSI's IP video control and management solution delivers the functionality, scalability and comprehensive capabilities to capitalise on the inherent benefits of networking while maximising bandwidth utilisation and enhancing security operations overall. It's the reason for our theme 'IP to the core'."
The point is best illustrated in a wireless video surveillance installation at San Diego's popular Belmont Park area of Mission Beach. Mounting crime prompted local residents to pursue funding for the IP-based video surveillance system which was installed in the summer of 2007. The five-camera, network-based system is deployed along the beachfront/Belmont Park area, and is monitored by staff at the Northern Division of the San Diego Police Department. Dotworkz Systems, a San Diego company that focuses on open platform network video servers and specialty environment camera housings provided the needed hardware to optimise the software and ensure long term project performance. WebCamProShop.com, a 7-year Gold Level certified OnSSI partner, provided software, wireless and the needed cameras.
At the heart of the system is the OnSSI IP video control and management solution, which integrates camera control functions, NVR, virtual matrix, intelligent video delivery and content analysis in one software platform. To further supplement and assist the security measures in the area, the OnSSI software "pushes" critical video content, as determined in the set-up, from any of the five cameras to the attention of the security staff. Additionally, access to the video is enabled via a variety of intelligent video delivery clients, from handheld devices such as smart phones, laptops and PDAs to a full-scale video wall virtual matrix display.
These capabilities, coupled with the many advanced features of the software, have given the San Diego Police Department a distinct advantage in their efforts to maintain the area as a safe and secure destination for locals and tourists. In statements issued by the San Diego Police Department, within just a few months the area has seen a 30% reduction in service calls and a 7% reduction in crime. One example cited in a recent magazine article describes how the San Diego Police Department, using the video surveillance system, was able to thwart a potential drug deal and apprehend the suspects.
According to William Ferris, CEO of Webcamproshop.com, his company recommended the OnSSI IP video surveillance solution for a number of reasons, but primarily because of its capability for expansion and upgrading. "The upgrade path for this product is clearly identified and this set it apart from other software suites we looked at," said Mr. Ferris. "It was a deciding factor because it gave us the confidence in knowing that as the system grows we won't have to re-work anything to accommodate the expansion."
Mr. Ferris goes on to say that the quality and reliability of the product also stood out compared to other available options and he believes this is a result of OnSSI's experience and longevity in the marketplace. He adds, "Newcomers are always showing up in this market with their software and, unfortunately, because they don't understand the nuances of video security, they tend to disappear just as quickly. Because of OnSSI's long history in this market, their product is more reliable and its features, such as advanced PTZ control or server based motion detection, are more in tune with the needs of a surveillance application."
In addition to the OnSSI IP video surveillance control and management solution, the Mission Beach surveillance system includes Sony SNC-RZ50 IP cameras which are housed in Dotworkz D2™ marine-ready enclosures, equipped with heater-blower systems. A Dotworkz NVR Serverware, complete with a Seagate® security-based hard drive with RAID configuration, is used to archive the video. Additionally, Dotworkz configured the D2 housing with the "City link" wireless mesh option for four of the five cameras on a 5.8 GHz wireless spectrum. The fifth camera is equipped with a Dotworkz D2 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g wireless SideKick™.
"All in all, it's very pro-active," concluded Mr. Ferris. "We have a pro-active community wanting to do something about their neighborhood. The individual equipment has pro-active features which lead to an overall pro-active system. It's a great example of the value and benefits of an IP-based solution."
