Influencers in Video Surveillance

By Frank DeFina

Numerous influencers have been driving the rapid evolution of IP video surveillance systems over the past few years. The inherent benefits of networked systems had already been proven across many business applications such as human resources, finance and warehousing, and access control systems were already pursuing IP software-driven platforms, so the migration to networked video systems was a viable path to pursue.

The intrinsic benefits of networked systems are universal across almost every business application. They include virtually unlimited scalability, extensive remote capabilities, ease of installation and less dependency on hardware solutions, as IP systems are predominantly software driven. These all apply very well to networked video systems with additional benefits such as the use of distributed hardware that enables systems to be easily expanded as facilities realize the need for additional surveillance and security capabilities. The net benefit is lower total cost of ownership, as networked systems can change as users' needs develop and new technologies become available with unprecedented cost efficiency.  

One of the biggest, earliest inhibiting factors was limited bandwidth to accommodate high-resolution video in full format and with real-time motion. One significant influencer was the development of more advanced IP video products - specifically surveillance cameras that incorporate advanced imaging technologies to deliver the highest resolution and best color reproduction. These cameras continue to drive the development of new software driven applications that offer enhanced system capabilities only possible on a digital networked platform.  

IP cameras with such high performance characteristics provide volumes of detailed video data that allows video analytic middleware to perform more complex operations with greatly expanded policy-driven features. Not only do these applications offer benefits for live viewing, they also greatly improve forensic investigations of recorded images as a result of the amount of data recorded, and ability to mine data and metadata embedded in the video images.  

The new generation of IP megapixel imaging devices combines new advancements in chip design with better compression technologies. High Definition (HD) quality IP cameras with minimal bandwidth requirements are the next systems breakthrough - one that will surely further accelerate the acceptance of networked systems. With the development of H.264 compression, the bandwidth and recording capacity requirements of megapixel IP cameras will be reduced dramatically - in some cases by multiples in the double digits.  

The new H.264 megapixel IP video surveillance cameras will have a dramatic influence on the manner in which video surveillance systems will be configured, managed and recorded. The high efficiency of these IP megapixel cameras allows them to be deployed for general surveillance applications using even more advanced video analytics and push technology. This will greatly reduce the number of video displays to monitor large scale systems, the number of personnel required to monitor the displays, and the server/recorder capacities needed to record all pertinent action in real time at full frame rates. These are all contributing factors to further reducing the total cost of ownership for networked systems.

About the Author:
Frank DeFina is the president of Panasonic System Solutions Company of America (PSSA), which is a leading supplier of video security and surveillance systems products; iris recognition systems for access control and identity management; industrial and medical imaging products; point of sale and wireless audio systems for the restaurant and hospitality industry; retailTV digital signage solutions and large screen LED display systems.Find out more at www.panasonic.com/security

The Security 500 Survey is in Progress!

The 2008 Security 500 Report will be the most valuable to your organization yet!

As a result of participant's feedback and input from industry leaders, including George Campbell, CSO of Fidelity Investments (retired) and member of the Security Executive Council, valuable changes to the program have occurred, including:

• Vertical markets will be measured and evaluated on metrics among peer organizations.
• Each industry will be profiled and listed. The top 500 organizations will be listed across # vertical markets and not in one comprehensive list.
•  The data requested and metrics used to evaluate your organization has been redesigned to reflect the input of our advisors.
• Whether your organization is global or local, the survey and the information you provide and the results published will be specific to North America only. 

The purpose of the Security 500 is to create a reliable database to measure your organization vs. others and create a benchmarking program among security organizations. The results will enable you to answer the question, "Where do I stand?" as a basis of an ongoing peer review process.

As a participant, you will receive a detailed report showing where your organization ranks within its vertical market. Metrics ranked include, but are not limited to:

• Security Spending/Employee
• Security Spending/Revenue
• # of Security Officers/SqFt of Facilities
• # IT Security Staff/$ of Revenue
• # of Security Officers/Employee

The Security 500 Survey should be completed and submitted by and/or with the approval of the most senior security executive in your organization. If you are not currently in that role, please direct this survey to the proper individual.

Your answers to the survey will not be published, but will only be used for the purpose of gathering metrics and reporting the overall results of the survey.

Please complete our online form at http://www.securitymagazine.com/500survey today! 

Transform Introductions into Strategic Alliances

This year's ASIS Foundation 12th Annual Golf Classic will be held Sunday, Sept. 14, at the scenic Smoke Rise golf course. If you're new to ASIS, don't miss the opportunity to meet key members and other new members at the First-Time Seminar Attendee/New Member Reception, Sunday from 6-7 p.m.  All Seminar attendees are invited to the Get Acquainted Mixer, scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Sunday night.

Monday morning's not-to-be-missed Opening Ceremony kicks off at 7:45 a.m. and will feature a cast of nearly 300 performers.  The President's Reception, 7-10 p.m. that night, will allow attendees to explore the Georgia Aquarium and the New World of Coca-Cola. 

The 26th Annual ASIS Foundation Dinner, held Wednesday, Sept. 17, will offer a first-class event featuring fine dining, dancing, camaraderie and a 10-piece orchestra.  Finally, Thursday's Closing Luncheon/Closing Ceremony will feature "Flags of Our Fathers" author James Brady and his realistic portrayals of the Pacific theater of World War II.

Learn more details about ASIS events.  http://www.asisonline.org/education/programs/noframe/2008seminar/attendees/networking.html

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