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Megapixel Cameras for IP CCTV Solutions
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| Analogue CCTV Camera Image |
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| IP Camera with 1.3 MP |
Most current security surveilliance systems that are based on analogue technology provide a 4CIF image of 704 x 480 which is mere 0.4 Megapixels. This technology was developed over 50 years ago but is still being specified in most security solutions. A widely available 1.3 Megapixel IP Camera is storing more than 3 times the quaility of this analogue predessor.
With IP solutions we now have a wide choice in clarity of images from VGA to Megapixel and also HD. The latter in recent times has seen a heavy investment in development from manufacturers to provide clear, bright images with 16:9 aspect ratios which fits well with modern monitors and high quaility Televisions. With this type of solution it is now possible to use digital zoom on recorded images and in some cases digital Pan & Tilt.
What are the Benefits
With the introduction of HD technology for surveilliance solutions we are in parallel with consumer electronics such as TV's, camcorders and digital cameras. All of these devices provide a far higher image quality and clarity. It also allows us to digitally zoom in on the suspects retaining the detail.
The application of this technology into the Security world will be no different. We have far higher detail of incidents, high clarity allowing facial and object capture making it easier to identify suspects and prove crime leading to a better deterrent. Applications are already being implemented in Retail, Transport, Banking and Leisure, particularly Casinos. It is now also being implemeted for City Centre monitoring, Football stadia and other large scale events.
What's downside
Being megapixel, means a larger image size which will require more storage and bandwidth. This must be taken into consideration when a system is designed. However with the ability to utilise standard storage systems with Raid arrays brings the cost back down. There has recently been a move towards H.264 compression algorithms for cameras. When we employ this within a Megapixel camera it uses a fraction of the storage and bandwidth when compared to an MJPEG camera but with a higher image clarity. In effect we are getting a Megapixel image for the same bandwith and storage of a 4CIF image of the previous generation of compression algorithms.
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