Blended Video is creating new value for existing surveillance systems, combining cordless detection/notification with streaming video. Blended Video maximizes the effectiveness of powerful megapixel or PTZ cameras and delivers apprehensions. This new architecture provides both lower cost and better performance and can be a cost-effective option to upgrade older systems for greater security. This architecture combines two different technologies: streaming video from high resolution cameras and cordless remote wireless video sentries.  The strengths of each technology are optimized in the complete system for greater value. A new generation of cordless video sentries from Videofied is the catalyst for this new concept. These cordless video sentries have proven themselves in harsh outdoor environments securing substations through Hurricane Ike or blizzards in Canada.

Blended Video architecture divides “video security” into two categories; either stream/document or detect/notify. The stream/document function is performed by a minimal number of high resolution megapixel or PTZ cameras in centralized locations that are easy to install – more money spent on far fewer cameras/installation for a lower total cost. These powerful cameras are supported by cordless remote video sentries mounted as needed to detect/notify. These video sentries are the size of a pop can and are positioned at entry points, perimeters, and next to assets at risk. 
     
The video sentries integrate a sophisticated passive infrared motion detector, with a digital camera and infrared illuminators for night vision. They are weatherproof and designed for harsh environments (-20F to +140F). Their mission is to detect intruders and send a 10 second clip of the intrusion over the cell network to a monitoring station operator. The operator immediately reviews the video and either disregards events like encroaching animals or notifies the property manager of an actual incident. Once notified, the owner logs into the high-resolution surveillance cameras to coordinate response. Traditional surveillance systems with static cameras and DVRs tend to be used to review a crime after it has occurred as a rerun of yesterday’s crime. In contrast, Blended Video provides enables surveillance operators to harness their megapixel or PTZ cameras in real time and actually arrest intruders. 

Blended Video architecture delivers more technology for less money (typically a 25-percent less system cost); spending more on fewer/better cameras vs. many fixed CCTV cameras. In many traditional systems, wiring the cameras accounts for 40-50 percent of the total price. Blended Video installation costs are minimized because with wires only used for a couple centralized PTZ cameras; the cordless sentries are simply mounted around the site where they are needed for distributed detect/notify supporting centralized stream/document surveillance.

Apprehensions are an excellent metric to measure performance of an outdoor security system.  Blended Video has proven effective protecting remote infrastructure, construction sites, storage yards, and vacant buildings. The case studies at www.apprehensions.videofied.com
describe specific installations where Blended Video delivered arrests for less money than conventional surveillance. In the case of a remote coal mine, Securitas went beyond deterrence and made their first apprehension in 10 years on the site. Cordless sentries used in Detroit Public Schools helped police make over 45 arrests in 4 weeks. Best of all, traditional systems can be upgraded to Blended Video by adding cordless video sentries to the system for immediate detection/notification.