What is VisionIP?
VisionIP is basically a modern type of CCTV with none of the disadvantages and many advantages over video-based, conventional systems. It is a PC-based software solution that uses networked digital cameras.
When is CCTV not CCTV and when is it VisionIP?
CCTV stands for 'Closed Circuit Television'. The transmission of television signals along wires (rather than through the air) has been around for a long time and its disadvantages are well known. VisionIP achieves a far better end result and at a reduced cost, through the use of modern digital techniques. Since pictures are only taken when the system is activated, then Event Driven Digital Surveillance is a better description of VisionIP .
There are a lot of Digital Video systems around. Why choose VisionIP?
Digital Video Systems use digital video recorders and require a large network bandwidth. Technology is changing fast and these can become obsolete. VisionIP uses PC's and normal network cabling so there is less risk to the customer.
Video system need high bandwidth Networks don't they?
Yes - normal digital video systems do require a high bandwidth network. And it is for this reason that Network Managers often won't entertain Digital Video systems. VisionIP doesn't use Video signals. It takes 2 pictures (JPEGs) a second and only when the system is triggered. Therefore network bandwidth becomes a non-issue immediately.
2 Pictures per second? Is that enough?
If you watch normal digital video you will often see the picture jumping. This is because the network has to serve a number of activities rather than giving time to the camera system! VisionIP acknowledges network performance in this respect and manages this jumping at 2 frames per second. At this rate no movement is missed, but the overhead on the network is small.
But there are Digital Video systems working on Networks. How do they manage the bandwidth problem?
Digital Video systems use a standard called MPEG. This uses advanced techniques by sending only the difference between two frames. Also complex compression algorithms are used to reduce the amount of data needed. Whilst preserving network bandwidth, this results in degradation of picture quality. VisionIP stores JPEG images (still pictures like you get from a digital camera) and the whole picture is sent in its entirety. The end result is that every picture is crystal clear.
Is VisionIP easily scalable?
VisionIP will work on a single PC with a single camera. It will also work across the enterprise where many cameras at several locations are connected via a LAN/WAN. Live viewing can be achieved from anywhere to anywhere.
Can VisionIP replace my Burglar Alarm?
When an intruder triggers a camera, a series of pictures are sent to a local PC on the network. This PC can send these actual pictures on to another PC connected through the Internet. Taking individual pictures has a huge advantage allowing 100% verification of a true break in. There is no need to "dial in" to have a look because the remote PC will now have the actual picture files from all the cameras that have been triggered. These can be instantly printed or e-mailed to security staff, or the Police. You can always view live video images through the Viewer software.
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