CIO Survival Guide -Sony Handbook to Video Surveillance Jan09
1. V I D E O A N A LY T I C S | BUYER’S TIPS | H.264
CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
JANUARY 2009 HANDBOOK TO VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
A special supplement with
MIDDLE EAST
IN CO-OPERATION WITH
DIGITAL EYES
The definitive guide to video surveillance
2. How do you make a
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4. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
BUYERS’ GUIDE
A BUYERS’ GUIDE
TO IP SURVEILLANCE
CAMERAS
IP network-based surveillance cameras offer enticing possibilities. But do you want full
or partial IP? How much bandwidth? We’ll walk you through the entire process.
N
etwork cameras for IP-based that convert the analog signal to one that
video surveillance systems can run over IP. These systems work well
have been around since 1996. but are not architected for growth. Full
These are attached directly to IP installations are more streamlined and
the network and send video to a network efficient and require less maintenance. Do’s and Don’ts
video recorder or to a server equipped with They’re digital from one end to another and
video management software, which stores, are very reliable because there are fewer DON’T let cost be your guiding light. Most
displays or broadcasts the images. It will be moving parts. people buy cameras with cost as their highest
another five years, according to consultancy Second, consider if there is enough priority and effectiveness as the second, which
results in grainy, out-of-focus images. There
and research firm Gartner, before the market bandwidth on the corporate backbone.
are tools available that help you choose the
favors IP over analog. However, IP cameras Because IP-based surveillance places
resolution and lens that fits your needs, based
are considered a fast-growing market; new demands on existing network
on factors like distance and camera height.
according to IMS Research, the global infrastructures, the physical security
network video market grew 42 percent last department has to work with IT to
DON’T think small when upgrading from
year and is expected to reach $2.6 billion implement or even choose the best system,
analog/DVR systems.
by 2010. which means overcoming a traditional
Experts say the reasons for analog’s barrier between the two groups. The best DO understand the trade-offs to high-
continued dominance center mainly decisions on network design will be made quality images. Favor a crisper image over
around upgrade costs and a general lack of jointly between the two groups, says Jeff smooth motion.
knowledge about networking technologies Vining, research vice president at Gartner.
in many physical security departments. For instance, because streaming live video DO consider the benefits of centralizing
is bandwidth-intensive, it can be too costly video surveillance.
Two Key Decisions to upgrade networks or too difficult to use
When looking at your options, the first thing in situations where there are many users. DON’T assume everything is mix and
you need to consider is whether you should To optimize bandwidth, you may need to match. While many network cameras claim
use full or partial IP. You can still get some of use application delivery controllers and/or compatibility with many vendors’ video
the advantages of IP while maintaining your wide-area-network optimization controllers, management software, some management
investment in analog by using encoders he says. software is more open than others.
4
5. Because IP-based surveillance places new demands on
existing network infrastructures, the physical security
department has to work with IT to implement or even camera with adjustable lenses to control
the amount of light that is received. This is
choose the best system, which means overcoming a especially important, Vining says, when a
traditional barrier between the two groups camera is facing east or west. However, he
says, some organizations will simply elevate
camera mounts and then angle downward
Evaluation Criteria needed context. “You need to use that to view the horizon rather than incur the
The range of features available on network selectively,” he says. additional costs of adjustable lenses.
cameras is constantly changing, but here Power source: The state-of-the-art Open platforms: Look for vendors
are some basic things to look for, according approach for network cameras is to use that comply 100 percent with industry
to analysts. power over Ethernet (POE), which means standards, such as in the areas of
Field of view: According to Vining, most you power the camera through the same security and video compression, Gartner
applications call for a 240-degree field of wire that sends the IP signal, resulting in recommends. Also look for open application
view and a zoom capability of 500 feet. For significant cost savings. POE is not always programming interfaces and multiple
those who need more, there are pan/tilt/ available on PTZ cameras, however, because supported software applications.
zoom (PTZ) cameras, which can provide of the amount of power they consume. Also Scalability: Companies with large
360-degree views. These can cost more than ensure that the POE feature complies with installations will want the equipment to be
twice as much as fixed cameras, Vining says, the IEEE 802.3af standard so it’s compatible compatible with tools that locate, update
and normally require more maintenance with network switches from leading and monitor the status of the devices and
because of their moving parts. vendors. their IP addresses.
Bandwidth: It’s a huge issue, especially as Resolution: Many users are moving toward Service/support: Make sure the vendor
demand grows for more cameras on the megapixel cameras, which offer five times or reseller is able to send replacement
network and higher-resolution images. You the resolution of video graphics array (VGA) parts quickly and can readily offer
can reduce bandwidth consumption by cameras. Not only do you get a clearer engineering support. Many network camera
putting intelligence into the camera, says image, but because of the higher resolution, manufacturers sell indirectly through
Simon Harris, senior analyst at IMS Research, you can also reduce the number of cameras channel partners, which is common in the
so, for instance, only certain images are you need. IT industry but not in the security industry.
forwarded. However, that means you’re Auto filtering: For image clarity in various This takes some getting used to among
not recording nonevents that may supply lighting situations, it’s important to get a traditional security personnel.
5
6. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
VIDEO ANALYTICS
AVOIDING COMMON
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT
VIDEO ANALYTICS
Video content analysis (AKA video analytics) is
getting better all the time, but it’s still new enough
that buyers should proceed with eyes wide open
V
ideo analytics is one of those hot MYTH ONE: Video analytics can replace
technologies that gets people or surpass human performance. When
excited. The ability to use artificial confronted with an unlikely claim about
intelligence-based technology to video analytics, a good rule of thumb is to
“watch” video, extract useful information ask the following question: could a person
and create alerts holds much promise for watching the video perform the same
security and surveillance applications. task? If the answer is no, then it is unlikely
In fact, the technology can appear so that video analytics can do it either. Even
cutting-edge that it often sounds more if the answer is yes, it is still possible that
like science fiction than reality. And, the abilities of video analytics will be
unfortunately, the excitement around stretched -- remember, humans have been
the technology has led to a marketplace interpreting visual images for about 5
where the line between fiction and reality million years. Computers have only been
has blurred. For instance, one common at it for about 40 years.
myth about video analytics is that it
can spot a terrorist in a stadium full of THE TRUTH: In most operational
people -- something even the human environments, good analytics software
eye can’t detect. Or it can automatically can be configured to be as capable as a
“see” a person cheating at a black jack human observer at detecting important
table, while highly trained surveillance events such as cars parking illegally,
personnel cannot. This article covers the people climbing over fences, people
five biggest myths of video analytics entering restricted areas, and so on. This
technology and practice, and examines event discrimination ability makes the
the true state-of-the-art. technology a significant improvement
6
7. over other sensing technologies such most realistic operational scenarios,
as buried cables, microwave detectors, there will be many false alarms caused by
and taut-wire fencing. The real value of extraneous motion and the inability of
video analytics, though, is that casts an VMD to distinguish between any motion
unblinking eye over the scene -- in this and a real event of interest.
sense, it is a dramatic improvement over
human performance THE TRUTH: Like any product, there
are varying design specifications behind
MYTH TWO: Video analytics can improve each video analytics application. Don’t
bad CCTV infrastructure. Most CCTV be fooled into thinking that a technology
systems aren’t designed with video for counting people in a retail setting
analytics in mind -- in fact, many are will work for perimeter protection or vice
designed without human operators in versa. Analytics products often make
mind. Cameras are often low quality; views assumptions about camera orientation,
are obstructed by natural or man-made distance to objects, numbers and types of
obstacles such as trees and buildings; and objects, indoor vs. outdoor environments,
scenes are often poorly illuminated at illumination and many other factors that
night. Analytics is no “magic bullet” that can affect performance. Make sure that
can see through walls or turn night into whichever products and technologies
day. If the camera doesn’t have a clear you choose are appropriate for your
unobstructed view of the area of interest, operational environment and your
analytics will struggle to add value. particular mission.
THE TRUTH: The performance of analytics MYTH FOUR: Video analytics (or the
systems is generally very acceptable in necessary hardware) is not cost effective.
well-designed operating environments. If Historically, video analytics solutions have
there are enough pixels and appropriate required a serious capital outlay to get
Analytics products often make
assumptions about camera orientation,
distance to objects, numbers and types of
objects, indoor vs. outdoor environments,
illumination and many other factors that
can affect performance.
illumination to view an unobstructed area up and running. Per-camera license costs
of interest, detection rates are usually used to be very high; systems required
very good. Most reputable manufacturers large PC infrastructure footprints; and
claim detection rates (in ideal conditions) of deployment, maintenance, and training
over 90% with very acceptable false alarm costs were a constant financial question.
rates -- as low as 1 per week per camera or In some cases this is still true! This is a
even better. very large expense for system that isn’t
going to replace a human guard-force any
MYTH THREE: Video analytics are time soon.
“one size fits all”. Customers often have
trouble in the field when an analytics THE TRUTH: Video analytics technology,
technology is taken outside of its comfort as it has matured in the marketplace,
zone. There are many different video has become more of a value-added
analytics products that are designed to component of CCTV infrastructure rather
do many different jobs in many different than a stand-alone enterprise software
operational environments. Many vendors solution. Today, it is possible to purchase
are even selling Video Motion Detection true intelligent analytics capabilities as
(VMD) as intelligent video analytics. In a a feature of main-stream CCTV hardware
largely unchanging, indoor environment, components such as: cameras; IP video
VMD might provide some value but in encoders; IP routers; and DVRs, NVRs, and
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8. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
VIDEO ANALYTICS
Analytics features
do add a premium
to the prices of
these devices but
the price-tag is
significantly lower
than a stand-alone
PC-based solution.
Furthermore,
more sophisticated
customers of
analytics have
seen more value
in analytics than
simply replacing a
guard-force.
MYTH FIVE: Video analytics is over-
hyped. It seems that there is a new
video analytics vendor hawking their
wares every week. Every video analytics
application is the best on the market: the
most robust; with fewest false alarms;
also easiest to use; and operating in the
widest variety of environments; oh, and it
costs almost nothing to own. With all the
market noise, it is difficult to separate the
wheat from the chaff of even figure out if
there is any wheat at all!
THE TRUTH: Like any competitive
market with new and exciting technology,
there will be outrageous claims made
by some less-than-scrupulous vendors.
But this doesn’t mean that everything
is hype. We’re all familiar with used car
salespeople and yet there are a great
many good quality used cars out there.
Be suspicious of a vendor who answers
“yes” to every question. Look for reputable
video management platforms. Analytics are now reaping value from analytics vendors with proven track records. They
features do add a premium to the prices by making their people, processes and will help guide you through the process of
of these devices but the price-tag is infrastructure more cost-effective. This evaluating and deploying video analytics.
significantly lower than a stand-alone is being done by using analytics to They will help set expectations and work
PC-based solution. Furthermore, more help optimize bandwidth and storage with integrators to ensure that CCTV
sophisticated customers of analytics of network video systems; or by using infrastructure will be appropriate to make
have seen more value in analytics than analytics to make forensic investigations your mission and your experience with
simply replacing a guard-force. Customers faster and more personnel-efficient. analytics as successful as possible.
8
9. help me accomplish that I can’t accomplish
any other way? Could analytics allow you
to reduce your security guard force? Could
it let you monitor a site remotely and save
money on gasoline? Could it help manage
all the video information you’re collecting
or let you conduct investigations more
efficiently? Prices have come down, but
the technology is still expensive. One way
vendors are dealing with this is by moving
to packaged models, with groups of
algorithms targeted at specific industries.
TIP 3 - Think About Whether On-the-
Edge Analytics Makes Sense for You
Another key decision is whether you want
to have content analysis performed “on the
edge”—that is, on digital video cameras or
encoders, rather than on servers or DVRs.
Analysts say this is where the industry is
heading, but right now you still have a lot
of options.
The advantage of on-the-edge analytics
is that content analysis can be performed
when the video is of its highest quality,
before it is compressed to be sent over
the network and stored. A traditional,
centralized model, however, provides
more flexibility. One DVR or server can
do analytics on more than one camera
feed, which means that capabilities can
be directed and redirected based on the
needs of the minute.
Which direction to go, says Frost &
Sullivan research analyst Dilip Sarangan,
depends largely on your organization’s
LOOK SMART
network capabilities and what the IT
department is willing to put on the
network, since video traffic tends to
be a bandwidth hog. The decision may
influence which vendors you want to
consider. Some vendors, such as Cernium,
focus on centralized tools, while others
V
such as Ioimage focus on on-the-edge
ideo analytics has come a long intrusion detection, entry through an setups. A lot of vendors, however, do sell
way from the hyped-up, gee-whiz exit and so on. Some of the analytics both.
technology of a few years ago that companies are still focused on only the
promised way more than it could software. TIP 4 - Test, Test, Test,
deliver. The good news is, the technology Before You Write the Check
has improved enough that organizations, TIP 2 - Start With Your Business Need Once you identify your business need
slowly but surely, are finding that analytics – Then Select the Technology and narrow down the field, it’s time to
tools can help them make sense of all the The latest video analytics tools claim to start testing. Video analytics technology
video they are collecting and even find an do very sophisticated activities, from is able to deliver on more of its promises
ROI—but only if they are careful shoppers. identifying loiterers to detecting vandalism than it could a few years ago. Even
Here’s what to know before you begin. to monitoring crowds for dropped today, however, the technology must be
baggage. When evaluating your options, configured correctly, and it may not work
TIP 1 - Understand the Marketplace you may be tempted to get carried away. at all in certain situations. Fortunately,
Once, video analytics was largely a Don’t. Always start with the business need, vendors may be willing to let you try out
software business, with applications then see if there is technology that could the hardware or software for a month or
residing on central servers or digital video fill it—not the other way around. two before you actually write any checks.
recorders. These applications were (and It’s like every other decision. What is the Insist on it.
still are) based on algorithms that monitor return on investment, what is the value it
for specific events—motion detection, can bring my organization, and what can it
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10. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
IP VIDEO
MANAGING IP VIDEO
ON THE NETWORK
The growing popularity of video surveillance is fuelled by the shift
to IP video systems that are less expensive than traditional analogue
systems and make it easier to add or relocate cameras and multicast
video signals to multiple locations.
10
11. Video-recording management software also can
act as a traffic cop — helping distribute video in
1GB blocks across various iSCSI disk arrays on the
network. This allows for higher storage limits for
cameras that are capturing video in sensitive or
high-traffic areas where alarms are frequent.
Video content analysis (VCA) embedded Consider a university with 20 buildings
in an IP encoder — the device that and 25 cameras per building. Each
translates analogue camera signals into camera is recording high-quality video at
digital — also can reduce the amount 2.8Mbps per camera for 90 days. With an
of traffic sent across the network. With NVR solution, the university would need
VCA at the edge, it is possible to only 1,500TB of storage and 40 NVRs spread
transmit video that generates an alarm over each location. With direct-to-iSCSI
due to a security concern — such as a recording, the 40 NVR PCs are not required.
person loitering, theft of an object or an Multiple cameras can share the
object left behind in a scene. By selecting direct-to-iSCSI RAIDs on a local recording
specific portions of video to forward, VCA network, keeping the recording load off
diminishes the amount of bandwidth the main local or wide-area network.
required for surveillance but enables Video traverses the backbone only when
all camera channels to be monitored personnel need to review stored video.
effectively. When this occurs, the video can be shared
Of course, storing all of that IP video and searched by anyone with the proper
represents a challenge. A 200GB hard network access.
drive can store approximately two weeks This approach also means that
of video data, depending on the quality enterprises do not lose recorded video
of video. For some industries, such due to network outages or NVR server
as correctional facilities and gaming, hardware or software failure.
regulations require that recorded video is Video-recording management software
stored for a longer period of time — up to also can act as a traffic cop — helping
Y
30 days or even a year in some states. distribute video in 1GB blocks across
et, every system is limited by Enterprises can reduce storage costs various iSCSI disk arrays on the network.
two finite resources: network by improving and optimizing how the This allows for higher storage limits for
bandwidth and disk space. available storage is shared among cameras. cameras that are capturing video in
A 100Mbps network The traditional storage approach uses sensitive or high-traffic areas where alarms
connection can support nearly 85 network video recorders (NVRs), which are frequent.
cameras producing 10-15KB images per are PC servers that act as gateways to Also, if one disk array fails, the
second (about 1Mbps each), but the directly attached SCSI RAID storage or recording-management software will
network will be running at 100 percent storage-area network storage. By moving simply redirect video to a backup device.
utilization. Whether the IP video system the intelligence to the edge, it is possible That results in better disk utilization, better
is on the existing IT network or a parallel to configure an IP camera or IP encoder to load balancing and greater reliability. This
network, enterprises need to set a realistic stream directly to an iSCSI RAID, bypassing architecture is also simpler, with fewer
bandwidth target and then determine how the NVR and the associated capital and items that can fail, and less hardware and
many cameras can be supported by their ongoing costs. software for IT personnel to manage.
infrastructure The difference in this architecture Among enterprises, there is no doubt
To ensure efficient bandwidth usage, is particularly noticeable in dispersed that the use of video surveillance is
security integrators can help design fluid systems where the WAN lacks the growing, making it important that IT
systems that adjust to accommodate traffic bandwidth for centralized recording. managers understand the methods to
surges. For example, frame rates can be Instead of installing NVRs in each building, eliminate issues that can cause network
reduced temporarily while the sharpness which can be a maintenance nightmare, congestion and failure. Recording video at
of each image is maintained, or the same enterprises can install storage that is the edge is a simple and common practice
number of frames can be recorded at a directly attached to IP cameras or to IP that can make IP video surveillance systems
lower resolution. encoders. easier to manage and more cost-effective.
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12. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
FEATURE
HOW TO BUILD
A SURVEILLANCE
CAMERA SYSTEM
TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED ON THE RIGHT ROAD
STEP 1:
Determine your cameras’ raison d’être.
STEP 3:
Get smart on camera technologies.
Going mega
From this you’ll be able to decide just Determine the effect of new technologies
about everything else. Be on demand, on operations, training, maintenance and Network cameras are reaping the benefits
because you can’t watch the cameras all staffing. Determine how clear you need of the megapixel revolution, a major
the time. You should be able to call up the picture to be (as opposed to how benefit that cannot be achieved by their
the camera with the best coverage to clear you want it to be). This will have an analogue counterparts. The new generation
monitor situations if and when incidents impact on costs. Here are some of your of megapixel cameras provide enhanced
occur. Allow for targeted “smart” cameras choices: clarity and practical intelligence into any
for high-risk areas, so that camers will FRAME RATE. The more frames per security or surveillance operation. From
trigger alarms when something begins to second (fps) you choose, the more airports, stadiums and shopping malls, to
happen. network capacity each camera will require corporate, banking car parks and public
and the more data storage you’ll need. spaces, the megapixel resolution will extend
STEP 2: RESOLUTION. Similar to frame rate, your capability to protect people, property,
but this is not a motion issue; rather, it’s products and services. With 1.3 megapixel
Take an inventory. a clarity issue. The clearer your picture, resolution, this new generation of cameras
If you have cameras already, survey what the more pixels it will have, the larger the can deliver sharp and vivid images, at even
wide viewing angles, ideal for forensic details
departments own them, what they are file will be and the more bandwidth it will
in security applications like building entrances
for, how they are monitored and what consume.
and car parks, the megapixel range gives you
format they use, then decide if any of COMPRESSION. There are several
the level of identification detail you need
these cameras can be folded into your standard commercial compression
without creating over-large files causing
new system. algorithms, but the most common, for
bandwidth problems.
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14. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
FEATURE
all the right reasons, is MPEG-4. You can
add a commercial compression package
to your MPEG-4 to further reduce your At some point you’ll want to
storage needs.
STORAGE DURATION. Thirty days of convert your images to digital
storage is the unofficial standard. This to take advantage of its easier
gives enough time, without overdoing it,
to learn of an incident before the data is storage and better retrieve and
lost. When you get an event of interest,
you should plan on dropping that file
search capabilities.
onto a DVD and storing it indefinitely
or at least until all criminal and civil DIGITAL VS. ANALOGUE. At some
proceedings are concluded, including point you’ll want to convert your images
appeals. You can also send events of to digital to take advantage of its easier
interest to a separate server for indefinite storage and better retrieve and search
storage. capabilities. But analog images can travel
STORAGE SIZE. A single digital farther from the camera, so cable runs
camera running 24 hours at just 5 fps, will impact your choices. A consultant can
using MPEG-4 at Quarter CIF resolution, advise you on the best route to go.
creates 11GB of information. A 500- PAN TILT ZOOM (PTZ). There are
camera system, not at all uncommon for two ways to do this. The old-fashioned
corporate buildings and campuses, will way, which still works really well, is to
generate 165 terabytes every month. So physically move the camera and change
it’s easy to see why keeping pedestrian its focus whenever you want to get a
images beyond 30 days is economically close-up. Dome cameras have a dark
foolhardy. And remember, this is with bubble over the camera to mask where
cameras running on spare frame rates it is pointed at any given time. Make sure
and resolutions. Full motion video (30 each PTZ has a default “park” position
fps) will create 990 terabytes, almost a that gives you an optimal view and focal
petabyte, of data. If you also go to full CIF, length. It is easy to forget to do this and
multiply that by four, and you’re talking leave a PTZ where it was last focused; this
a few petabytes a month! Stay on top of will likely not give you the best coverage
the contractors and consultants so that when nothing special is happening. The
they stick to the original engineering other (more costly) way to do PTZ is
discussions, or they could easily overdo digitally, within the image itself. This will
your system. Mission creep can be require megapixel images. Zooming in on,
expensive. And remember, it’s not just say, a license plate, will fuzz out the image
storage but also bandwidth you have illegibly if you don’t start with sufficient
to consider. pixel density in your camera platform.
5 ROI rules of thumb ROI rules of thumb when you’re building
your case for the upgrade:
positive ROI. Linking video surveillance
to access and safety, especially, could
*Digital video surveillance scales well. possibly allow you to lower insurance
The larger your planned installation, the premiums, but also to facilitate response
You’re likely dealing with a CEO and CFO more remote sites you plan to monitor times to crises large and small.
who want to know why they should from a central control room, the more *Cross-threading applications and
invest in Escalade-like networked efficiency you can create and the faster systems allows you to share the cost
digital video when they’ve already got your return will come. burden with other departments.
a perfectly fine Chevy CCTV system. *Cost calculations favor digital video *The more things a digital video
That is, you need to demonstrate video over closed systems. The economics of surveillance system does, the higher
surveillance ROI. storage favour standard IT infrastructure the ROI. What software applications,
It’s impossible to create a generic over closed systems such as DVRs. The or even business activities, exist to
return case for video surveillance equipment functions better with less extend the usefulness of the surveillance
because, while its applications overlap, repair. It’s also easier to expand on. infrastructure? Training? Marketing? Find
they are also unmanageably varied. Still *Integration with other systems will all the ones that are realistic for you and
having said that, we can descry some cost more up front but will also facilitate attach a value to them.
14
15. STEP 4:
Wrestle a few more issues to the ground.
MONITORING. This is a contentious
issue. The public may expect that
cameras are monitored all the time,
but it’s neither practical nor possible.
The best you can do is put your high-
priority camera images up in your
command center for occasional viewing.
Even better: Use analytics software to
pinpoint an event of interest and call it
up with an audible alarm.
DECOYS. It may be tempting to use
dummy camera domes to suggest you
have surveillance, this will give your
public a false sense of security. Most
competent programs avoid their use,
except in specific circumstances and
then only in concert with live cameras.
STAFFING. It’s unrealistic to expect
to be given additional staff to monitor
a new suite of cameras, and it’s equally
unrealistic to expect to get different
people than the ones you have now. For
these reasons, you will want to choose a
system that has a simple GUI (graphical
user interface), provides out-of-service
alarms for cameras and encoders, is low-
maintenance and has high mean times
between failures.
Surveillance software revenue to quadruple by 2013 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. If your
I
cameras can view geography off your
n a new study that has of the more disturbing uses is camera can recognize his face property, consult with your software
potentially Orwellian the ability of store marketing and send out an alert. Casinos provider to mask out these areas. This
implications, ABI Research departments to actually monitor are already deploying this sort is especially important if you have
projects that revenue for the eyeball movements of of face recognition software to line of sight to residential properties.
video surveillance software customers to figure out what monitor their employees, Schatt Supervision and the application of swift
will quadruple over the next products or displays draw their says, and using it to detect when
discipline are very important to avoid
five years. According to ABI Vice attention. certain employees enter into
President and Research Director “When stores have the unauthorized areas and alerting inappropriate use.
Stan Schatt, revenue generated ability to observe you as you the security team. TRAINING. The more complex your
from surveillance software will walk through a store, what I can Schatt believes that as system, the more training the staff will
increase to more than $900 imagine is that more and more more surveillance equipment need. This takes good time management
million in 2013, up from current stores will try to basically have becomes increasingly digitized because unless you have a full shift to go
revenues of $245 million. a pretty in-depth knowledge of and software-reliant, it will on training rotation, you will be doing
Schatt says there are several their customers,” he says. “So let’s increasingly move into the training on overtime.
big drivers for this increase, say for instance the store issues purview of IT departments. MAINTENANCE. Include in your
including increased spending you a discount card that also has a And because the surveillance
maintenance contract a service-level
on security systems by the radio frequency ID that identifies software vastly broadens the
government, on theft prevention who you are. And then let’s say extent to which companies and agreement that guarantees your high-
systems by retail outlets and they observe you looking at, but governments can watch people, priority cameras are fixed promptly.
on surveillance by market not actually purchasing, movies it will inevitably create privacy Be sure it requires an adequate stock
researchers. Additionally, he in the adult video section. Well, concerns that will have to be of onsite replacement cameras and
says that the advent of Wi-Fi has the next thing you know you’re addressed. network encoders and other peripheral
made it possible to place wireless getting all these promotional “Down the road our devices so that the most important
cameras just about anywhere materials for racy movies you’re behaviour is going to cameras can be restored to service
while still sending footage back not even interested in.” be observed much more quickly. Your system should open a
to a central location. Schatt also notes that more frequently, and that has all trouble ticket immediately upon device
Looking at the broader and more banks are looking kind of implications,” he says.
failure, and you will want to review the
picture, Schatt says that into installing cameras with “I mean, the fact that they’re
technological advances are face recognition ability to help actually looking at your eyeball system’s performance monthly to ensure
also increasing the scope and prevent robberies before they movements shows we’ve you are up to speed on how reliable it
the potential uses of video even occur. Thus, when a known reached a whole new realm of is and which parts are giving you the
surveillance. He says that one bank robber enters a bank, the surveillance capabilities.” most trouble.
15
16. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
Q&A
POISED FOR GROWTH
Sony is at the forefront of the digital surveillance revolution, offering a wide
ranging portfolio of products and solutions. Magesh Srinivasan, Marketing
Manager, Sony Professional Solutions Middle East, encapsulates some of the key
trends in the regional market.
16
17. camera is expensive, over time ’economies
Magesh Srinivasan, Marketing
Manager, Sony Professional of scale’ should bring down the end-user
Solutions Middle East price. Sony’s range of mini-dome and box
cameras are equipped with ‘Light Funnel
Function’ and ExWavePRO for high sensitivity
and are also capable of ‘Intelligent Motion
Detection’. These features allow effective
implementation on projects that may have
very bright or dark environments, face
identification, number plate recognition and
other such applications.
One of the issues with the IP surveillance market
is lack of market education and lack of open
standards. How do you tackle this issue?
We invest a large portion of our resources
towards market education and training
on the IP video security technology .
With regards to the issue of ‘lack of open
standards’ a key event occurred during
IFSEC ’08.Three leading vendors of
network video products – Sony, Axis and
Bosch – began working collaboratively to
establish a global open interface standard.
Open Network Video Interface Forum
– ONVIF will be the governing body to
formulate and communicate the industry
standards. A standard interface will achieve
interoperability between all different
vendors’ products – allowing customers
to “pick & mix” equipment from various
companies and then simply “plug & play”.
Is Sony bullish about the surveillance market in security market. The technology enables This new standard will offer increased
the Middle East? Do you see a technology shift a new set of applications which could be flexibility to integrators and users of
from analogue to IP? delivered owing to greater visual clarity network video equipment.
Yes, we are quite optimistic in our outlook for surveillance. However, the end-user
towards this market. Clearly, with security applications are still in the early stages and What is Sony doing to boost partner expertise in
being on top of both public and private it would take at least another year to check network video solutions?
organizations there will be a greater focus and confirm if the intended benefits come We ensure that our channel partners are
on this technology for years to come. through with acceptable trade-off on IP have access to free technical training on a
Further, video surveillance has various network bandwidth and processing power regular basis as well as acquire professional
emerging applications for example for the of the server. guidance in key projects. Further, we are
retail and sports industry both of which putting in place a process of accreditation
are high growth areas in this region. With Will mega pixel cameras be more expensive for our channel. This requires the
regards to transition from analogue to IP and what kind of applications do you see for prospective dealer or system integrator
we’ve seen a big growth in demand for IP this technology? to comply with the specialist skill set and
cameras since ’06 and it will continue to Yes, mega pixel will cost more as the knowledge base as required to provide
rise. The market has adapted by making technology required to build a mega pixel video security solutions to end-users.
available hybrid products which support
both analogue as well as IP cameras, such
as Sony’s new Hybrid NSR-1000 series of
Network Surveillance Recorders. We ensure that our channel partners
What impact will have the new generation of are have access to free technical
training on a regular basis as well as
megapixel technology have on the market and
enterprise networks?
acquire professional guidance in key
High Definition is the name of the game in
all current and future visual communication
technologies. We’ve seen HD wave
influencing all Consumer and Professional projects. Further, we are putting in
electronic technologies across the globe.
Video Security has seen the beginnings place a process of accreditation for
of HD transition with the introduction
of ‘mega pixel’ IP cameras, specifically our channel.
designed to meet the needs of the video
17
18. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
Q&A
THE DIGITAL WAVE
operators remains the same, the system’s overall
effectiveness increases.
With the rise of IP-based digital systems,
video surveillance has become another
application on the corporate network managed
by the IT department.
IP video-surveillance systems offer features far more advanced than Do IP based systems go beyond just monitoring? What
what you can get from standard analogue CCTV. Simon Nash, Senior new applications are emerging?
Yes, in fact many customers are using the
European Marketing Manager, Network Video Monitoring, Sony counting capabilities of our cameras and
Europe, talks about why these systems are becoming increasingly management software. We are seeing an
increase of this being used for many other
popular in the enterprise. applications outside of traditional security
applications.
What implications will video surveillance have on
enterprise networks as it becomes an application?
What do CIOs need to keep in mind while designing a
surveillance infrastructure?
With the increased popularity of the megapixel
cameras, this is having an impact on the
bandwidth requirements. It is important to
work with a manufacturer that has a heritage
in producing H.264 cameras. Sony has been
producing cameras with H.264 compression
since 2006. We now have eight cameras using
this algorithm.
Can video analytics help companies to draw
intelligence from their surveillance video?
Yes, intelligent video analysis is being used for
many other applications. For example, retail
owners are using IP cameras to not only provide
traditional security, but also heatmapping
functions to show hot spots in their stores.
Can you tell us more about Sony’s Distributed Enhanced
Processing Architecture?
Sony’s new IP based security architecture is
Simon Nash, Senior a fundamental departure from today’s back
European Marketing
Manager, Network Video heavy, centralised processor systems. As its
Monitoring, Sony Europe name suggests, DEPA distributes processing
power throughout the system to avoid
Video surveillance has traditionally been a closed- cameras’ role within an installation. The the performance bottlenecks inherent to
circuit analogue affair run by the physical security system designer can create highly customised previous designs. A DEPA system assigns
staff. Now, what is driving the shift towards IP-based installations where each camera is set to deliver specific processing tasks appropriate to each
digital systems? a range of alarms to signal when various separate component while sharing processing
We are experiencing a rapid shift from existing events occur so that operators can respond power between like components. This opens
analogue systems to IP. This is mainly due appropriately. Such a fine tuned system with new opportunities for system flexibility and
to customers taking advantage of the latest a high degree of filtering makes efficient use scalability. Overall system costs are greatly
intelligent video analysis. Current motion of the operator’s attention. They do not have reduced by closely integrating pre processing
detection analysis can only alert operators to watch multiple screens simultaneously, and analysis and metadata generation in Sony, DEPA
when and where to look at images, but are images that are selected and presented are enabled IP cameras, with back end processing
unable to identify specific behaviours. With looked at carefully. Intelligent video analysis in network video recorders. In addition, the
intelligent video analysis, a system can be that makes better use of operator attention front end analysis operates across all the
tuned to send an alert based on highly specific produces greater accuracy in monitoring with cameras simultaneously. This significantly raises
conditions appropriate to the individual faster response times. While the number of the overall security capabilities.
18
19. CIOSURVIVALGUIDE
H.264
Experts Group. We should note that MPEG
compression techniques can also be used for
video that is sent over non-IP networks like
broadcast cable television systems.
MPEG-4 Part 10 has also been
incorporated into the latest ITU standards
and this most recent standard is referred to
as H.264 or Advanced Video Coding. MPEG-4
provides a significant improvement in both
picture quality and it doubles bandwidth
efficiency when compared to MPEG-2, MPEG-
4 Part 2, or H.263 techniques.
For video, the two most common
compression techniques—MPEG-2
and MPEG-4 were established the
Motion Picture Experts Group.
H.264 explained
In MPEG-4 compression, each frame is sub-
divided into an Initial Video Object Plane (I-
VOP), which contains all the anchor data, and
H.264 PRIMER
several Predictive Video Object Planes
(P-VOPs), which predict the difference
between the current image and the previous
VOP. H.264 works on the same principle, but
adjusts its data capture for the P-VOPs in real-
time, to focus more accurately on the area
where movement has occurred. This achieves
enhanced images whilst actually transmitting
How video over IP works
significantly less data.
Less bandwidth
V
For network security users, H.264 offers all
ideo encoding and session control is sorts of practical benefits. Using network
more complex than techniques used H.264 requires less bandwidth, cameras designed to work with H.264, you
for voice because it must allow for while delivering better picture quality will need less bandwidth. MPEG-4 requires
a wider allowance of bandwidth, it approximately one-third of the bandwidth
must include protocols for presenting pictures PSNR (dB) Video Parameters: used by JPEG; H.264 requires just one-
on a multiple kinds of screens, and it must -10 frames/s fifth. That’s almost a 40% saving between
- QCIF
also include an audio component to allow for 40
(176x144 pixels) standard MPEG-4 and H.264.
- 10 seconds of video
sound that accompanies the picture. (100 frames)
In the voice world, the ITU-T has 38 Reduced storage
established a series of standards including 36
H.264 MPEG-4 JPEG With better compression, your stored files
G.711, G.721, G.722, G.726, G.727, G.728, 35 will take up much less room on your server,
and G.729. And once digitized and encoded, 34 potentially saving significant sums in your
voice transmissions (or sessions) are typically 32 network storage requirements.
controlled by H.323 or Session Initiation
Protocol, with SIP being the strategically 30 Improved quality
controlled protocol. 28 Because the P-VOP elements of each frame
For video, the two most common Bit rate (Kb/s) are more accurate, H.264 will provide
compression techniques—MPEG-2 and 0 100 200 300 better images with more detail. In security
MPEG-4 were established the Motion Picture applications, this could make a real difference.
19
20. TECHNOLOGY AND EXHIBITION FORUM
Innovation is not necessarily about new inventions, but is more about finding beneficial applications. Recently
Network World Middle East in partnership with Sony Professional Solutions ME held the You & Sony an executive
technology and exhibition forum which showcased the latest B2B AV IT products and solutions for the workplace.
NWME’s Mark Cantalejo was there to capture this memorable event held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
(l to r) William
Sarakikya, GM;
A1 Outdoor,
James Glosser
vertical manager;
Emirates
computers, Nick
Deen; senior
marketing
Manager PDS &
RTV, Sony Europe
and Haneef
Al Raisi, CEO;
Raisani Media.
Philip Robinson, CIO; Sharjah Teaching Hospital (l to r) Mohammad
Shah, CTO; KEC,
Saudi, Ashi Seth,
director IT;American
University of
Sharjah, Nuno
Martins, EMEA
business manager;
Sony Professional
Solutions and
Hazem Awni Jarrar,
IT Manager, King
Faisal Foundation.
21. Delegates at the
Sony Technology
Forum listening
to Masahiro Soga,
senior GM,B2B
Solutions Group,
Sony deliver his
keynote address.
Delegates listen in to
one of the executive
panel discussions.
(l to r) Dr Mustafa Qurban, IT director; King
Fahd Military Medical Complex, Hatta Michihiro,
product marketing; Sony Professional Solution
and Alexandra Tarazi; IT director; Dubai
Healthcare City.
A delegate gets first
hand information
on Sony’s healthcare
solutions offerings.
Attendees listen in
at the Sony Digital
Signage stand.
22. Masahiro Soga,
senior GM; B2B
Solutions Group,
Sony, shares
insights on Sony’s
B2B solutions.
(l to r) GV Rao, GM, ICT; Pearl Qatar, Raghavan
Selvamani, Group information Security Officer; Noor
Investment Group and Dr Abdulrahman Al Shenaifi,
Sr Advisor, IT & Security, Saudi Interior Ministry
(from left)
Mohammed Khatib,
director IT; Amman
Stock Exchange and
Bharat Raigangar,
CSO, Royal Bank of
Scotland.
Executives listen in
while Simon Nash,
senior European
marketing manager;
Video Security, Sony
Professional Solutions,
shares views on IP
surveillance solutions.
(l to r) Simon Nash, senior European
marketing manager; Video Security,
Sony Professional Solutions, UV Kumar,
CIO; Doha Bank and Mohammed Khatib,
director IT; Amman Stock Exchange.
The Sony 3D
TelePresence
conference room
23. Sony and ‘IPELA’ are registered trademarks of the Sony Corporation, Japan.
Give him the best
tools for the job
Talk to Sony.
www.sonybiz.net/nvm
Intelligent video analysis… Security for a modern world.
The Sony range of Network Video Monitoring solutions brings together the best cameras, recorders
and management software to support your security staff in delivering an immediate response to
your security needs.
To find out more please contact magesh.srinivasan@eu.sony.com OR call +971506240081