Home	C.C.T.V. - Continued - 3 DIGITAL RECORDING The introduction of 'new generation' Digital Recorders has meant a price break-through bringing bespoke Digital Recording for CCTV Systems into an area where they can be considered as affordable for most systems. With the advent of the Data Protection Act and the need to keep Tape Logs when using VCR's with CCTV Systems, the need to use quality tapes and renew them regularly has become highlighted. The cost saving when using a tapeless system can be considerable over a period of time and should be taken into account when comparing systems. Digital recording brings superior picture quality to recorded images by eliminating analogue VCR's which are often the weakest link with tapes not being replaced resulting in illegible recordings. They come in many forms with different manufactures choosing different storage mediums. It must be appreciated that even with compression, video information requires a large amount of memory. For many, the advantage of using a system which does not depend on tapes or any reliance on personnel changing those tapes is a major deciding factor. It is often desirable for the system to effectively look after itself with attention only needed following an incident. Accordingly, a recording device must be selected which will have a sufficient capacity to store the information for the required period of time before it is overwritten. Consideration must also be given to the means of archiving any relevant information for evidence purposes etc. Many systems can be linked to Networks (LAN or WAN) for both live viewing and reviewing recordings. (Networking) Single Channel Digital Recorders Single Channel Digital Recorders are available but due to the low demand, often cost more than a four channel machine which also allows for the possible introduction of additional cameras at a later date. Multi Camera Input Digital Recorders Digital Recorders with a multiple camera input can offer many enhanced features, particularly when searching for incidents. Various manufacturers produce recorders with differing features such as the ability to search a particular section of a picture for activity within a chosen time window. They are available with a similar number of inputs to Multiplexers (they effectively replace both multiplexer and VCR), usually 4, 8, 9, 16 or 32 camera. Consideration therefore must be given to potential future expansion of a system when choosing a recorder to avoid the need to replace the unit if for example, one more additional camera is required. The main categories of Digital Recorders are as follows; P.C. Based Systems Integral Hard Disk Systems DVD Systems. Due to the vast amount of memory required for a multi-camera system over a practical amount of time and the need for images to be archived, most P.C. and multi channel Hard Disk based systems incorporate the facility to allow storage to CD. Many now incorporate an integrated CD-RW drive. The level of requirement for storage depends on the situation of the system and what level of attention it gets. Clearly, if a system is in a dedicated Control Room with trained security personnel who can frequently archive the data, the memory within the recording device is not so critical. Where days, weeks or even months of recorded images are to be stored within a recorder which receives no attention in between, storage space is of paramount importance. Some systems incorporate the facility to update frames only if a change has taken place (even down to a specifically designated area of an individual camera image) to avoid wasting storage space. The operation of a P.C. based system might well require special training and skills which again, should not present a problem within a control room type of environment or where IT skills are evident. A system which uses familiar controls to a VCR and Muliplexer, can replace a VCR or VCR/Multiplexer combination far more easily in a more every day situation where the operation of a system is a small part of a persons other duties. Digital recording devices which have multi-camera inputs and accordingly, remove the need for a Multiplexer (they are in effect a Multiplexer and Recorder combined) provide the best option for a new system where there is no existing equipment. Most Digital Recorders provide recordings complete with Time and Date and many are now 'watermarked' to prevent any tampering which means they are acceptable as evidence in a court of law. Entry level machines can provide many features. Such a machine may for example, not facilitate recording and reviewing of recordings simultaneously. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that a Multiplexer / VCR combination did not provide that option either. In conclusion, the practical aspects of the operation of the equipment and the costs involved should be carefully considered before deciding which system to opt for. Networking & Self Monitoring Many Digital recorders have the ability to be connected to a network (LAN or WAN) and some straight to a modem. Others include a modem for direct connection to a telephone line. Some offer this a standard part of the package whereas with others some or all of these features are an option extra. Some manufacturers will provide software as a part of the package whereas again, some charge extra or limit the number of users. The possibilities when using networking or telephone line transmission to monitor CCTV systems are endless, from just monitoring your premises on your own PC or Lap Top to sophisticated monitoring and retreival of recordings from numerous sites from any of the individual sites or even the creation of your own centralised security control centre. Covert Exit Camera Identificationn of shoplifters presents a problem, particularly in smaller shops which do not have a CCTV control room and rely purely on recordings. The all NEW Exit Camera is designed specifically to provide a close-up image of persons as they leave the premises. Whereas other cameras at the premises show images of persons committing offences etc., the close up images from the exit camera provide identification as they leave. This camera housing has been designed and developed in-house in response to a specific need. The use of 'off the shelf' plastic boxes was considered and dismissed on the basis of aesthetics and resistance to damage. It has been designed from scratch to provide the best possible results with all parts being specially manufactured Compact Design to fit on side of door frame Disguised as a Proximity Reader Does not look out of place at Eye Level Shaped for Camera to be at Optimum Angle Aesthetically Pleasing Vandal Resistant Construction Stainless Steel Outer Cover Can also be fitted to top of door frame   Vehicle Number Plate Recognition Vehicle number plate recogniton systems offer a positive means of vehicle applications whether used as 'stand alone' (with a VCR etc.) or in conjunction with a bespoke database. Vista Number Plate Recognition (VNPR) Camera Unit Number Plate Capture Up to 50 metres range 24 Hour operation - no other illumination required High reliability - low maintenance system Average life of illuminator up to 10 years No focus shift between daytime & IR operation Discrete, compact design Hi-Resolution monochrome EXview™ camera This is a complete solution for consistent, reliable number plate capture and recording.The unit combines the latest in camera, optics, illumination and filter technology to provide clear images of number plates at distances up to 50 metres during both day and night. The camera head is a fully integrated unit which captures number plates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Low maintenance and excellent reliability are assured with the system delivering average illuminator life of up to 10 years depending on distances required. The system has been designed to work with VANPR software but can also be used to work on a stand-alone basis with VCR or Digital Recorders.The VNPR camera units unique combination of camera and IR technology has overcome many of the problems normally associated with vehicle number plate recognition such as speed, daytime highlights, reflectivity of number plate, accurate focus during both day & night operation and car headlights.   Vista Number Plate Recognition (VNPR) System Ideal for applications such as: Car Park Entry / Exit Control Traffic Monitoring Toll Booth Monitoring Airports Hotels Hospitals Congestion Monitoring Freight Yards Ports / Harbours Health / Golf Clubs Vista has brought to the market a powerful new tool that provides solutions to many traffic related issues by combining camera, filtering and illumination technologies (VNPRC camera range) with a flexible number plate recognition system. The VNPR system locates, reads and then interprets number plates. The information can then be compared to a database that is held within the controller. The result of this comparison can then be used to trigger events such as: - Raising car park barriers, switching traffic lights, displaying messages on LED signs, alerting security staff, calculating car park tolls and many more. The recommended camera for capture of number plates is the VNPRC camera. A "context" or "overview" camera can be added to provide colour stills of the car make and model or driver. VNPRC camera Overview Camera The controller is provided complete with VistaBase software, which includes the following facilities, Live views Review & Search Database entry/amendment The software is pre loaded onto a controller. The equipment is provided with the necessary video capture cards, relay cards and lane licences. The controller has been carefully chosen in order to ensure that the CE regulations, which came into force in January 2002, are met. The chassis is based on an industrial design and is robust in construction. In order to assure that the best possible customer support is provided, the controller's hard drive is partitioned three ways. Each section has both the operating software (Windows) and the application software (VistaBase) loaded on to it. This offers increased reliability with the ability to change to an alternate drive in the event of application errors. Vista Base Live VistaBase Live is included with the standard VNPR system controller. Live searches the VNPR camera's pictures for any rectangles. When one is found it searches each individual section of information and compares it to letters A-Z and numbers 0-9. As an option we can include European number plate matching (Cyrillic plates cannot be recognised). This technique allows the number plate to be analysed up to 50 times a second. In this way we are able to capture number plates from cars travelling at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The following details are available on the VistaBase: Images Vehicle details Driver Details Output Messages VNPR camera image Make & Model Name On Screen Overview camera image Colour ID Number Audible Warnings Captured "Plate Patch" Category (e.g. Visitors) LED signs. Transmitted Plate Photo ID Vista Base Review VistaBase Review is included with the standard VNPR system controller. Review allows you to carry out a search of the recorded information. The system is capable of storing up to 1.6 million images per 10Gb of hard disk space (384,000 if an overview camera "snapshot" is also to be stored). These captured images are easily retrieved by time, date, full or partial number plate. Images Vehicle details Driver Details Search Options VNPR camera image Make & Model Name History of all vehicle movements Overview camera image Colour ID Number By Date Stored "Plate Patch" Category (e.g. Visitors) By Time Transmitted Plate Photo ID By lane By full / partial plate Vista Database Vista Database is included with the standard VNPR system controller. In order for the system to be used to trigger barriers to be raised a simple database must be completed. This can be imported from an existing database providing it is available in comma separated value (.csv) format. The database can be tailored to make it simply contain the registration number and name or alternatively the following fields may be included: Vehicle Details Registration Number Vehicle Make & Model Colour Photo ID Driver Details Title Forename Surname ID Number Category e.g. Visitor Last Entry Messages Action LED Sign Other Tag Expiry Date Auxiliary Plate Controller Options A Remote controller is available which operates on a dial-up network and allows any Vista VNPR controller to be accessed from any other PC using standard web browser software. It allows you to interrogate, upload or download vehicle hot lists, view site CCTV cameras and produce summary graphs of traffic activity e.g. average length of stay etc. The designated central controller will have the manager software loaded. Manager will enable that controller to "talk" to other controllers on the network. You will be able to review the event log and update the database. Each controller on the network will have the VistaStream software loaded. At the central control point you will be able to view all live images on the network, search all transactions and manage the database.