Criteria for choosing video management software; by manufacturers Videor Technical.
The number of commercially available video management software solutions for networked video surveillance is ever increasing. But their complexity, numerous features and required IT skills do not make it easy to choose the "correct" product. <br><br>Communication over TCP/IP<br><br>In simplified terms, a video management system is designed to cater for viewing, management and recording from a large number of cameras. It is not at all uncommon for today’s CCTV systems with cameras numbering hundreds or thousands to have the same requirements as in IT: communication over the TCP/IP network, 24/7 operation is expected, unlimited storage capacity and global access. With such magnitudes it is not possible to assign a single monitor to each camera. A video management system allows manual camera selection and assignment to specific monitors or automatic switching to monitors for camera groups or individual cameras. Personnel no longer need to attend to system operation and control, as the management system controls all picture-switching functions during an alarm as well as at all other times.<br><br>Clarify system requirements in planning <br><br>The requirements to be satisfied by the video management system should be thoroughly considered in the planning phase. If the system is to have a large number of cameras with expansion potentials then a client/server architecture solution is recommended. Client/server solutions are ideal for LAN and WAN operation regardless of the transmission medium. A menu-prompted user interface is used to define all functions for IP-based audio and video surveillance: live observation, recording, alarm management and image analysis. Once functions have been specified, the management system takes over control of the video control centre and operates automatically in the background. Such a solution equipped with appropriate interfaces permits integration with different security systems. Furthermore users can gain access to the surveillance system from any location over the standard browser. <br><br>Flexibility <br><br>The client/server architecture and modular structure of video management systems permit adaptation to different application scenarios. Open software platforms offer demand-led system expansion based on the number of active video inputs. In addition to further system components and network cameras, analogue cameras can also be connected. Systems are expandable with suitable software modules step-by-step, as they comprise a modular server as well as a Windows client for users and administration with TCP/IP communication. The server operating system can be Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 as well as Linux systems such as Red Hat Enterprise or the free open source version CentOS. The same Windows versions can be used for the client, though operating systems such as Mac OS or Linux/Unix are also possible depending upon which programs are run. Hardware requirements are dependant upon the required application with the general rule: the more, the better. Numerous manufacturers specify a 2.8 GHz processor and 1024 MB RAM as the minimum server requirements.<br><br>Expansion variants, features<br><br>Most management systems offer numerous expansion variants and features. Therefore, in addition to continuous recording at different frame rates and quality levels, recording can also be set by activity, time or by operation of external contacts. The rule here is to focus initially upon the decisive functions.<br><br>Motion detection <br><br>If the software program features motion detection, camera images are not only continuously recorded but, for instance, recording is only activated when there is motion in the picture. It is also possible to combine both variants. Programmable motion detection supports server-based motion detection that reacts to changes in pixels, colour or brightness as well as in-camera motion detection. It is helpful if motion detection incorporates the archive, as offered by Netavis Observer II, so that specific events and situations can be identified afterwards. Archive playback allows direct access to scenes where relevant motion was ascertained.<br><br>Some software solutions support the AAC audio format including voice anonymisation: many EU states prohibit the transmission and recording of human voices. The possible identification of a person based on voice is the crucial factor; this is prevented through anonymisation of audio signals by distortion.<br><br>Multi-monitor operation <br><br>It should be remembered that the client is optimised especially for multi-monitor operation. Ideally the system has the potential to operate three or four monitors at one workstation. Some solutions support multi-screen graphics cards, clients are launched automatically and over batch files in full screen as well as without window frames. A site plan function is advisable that permits automatic actions as well as camera tracking and switching in response to motion detectors or door contacts. Furthermore, it should be possible to store archived recordings externally when the storage media is full. Commonly used export formats include JPEG, AVI, MPEG4 und SAFE. <br><br>Integration in third-party systems <br><br>Universal interfaces and possible integration in third-party systems are further features that identify a high-performance video management software program. They allow integration of external POS systems, vehicle number plate recognition systems, video analysis and people counting systems, RFID systems as well as connection to BMS/GMS. Whilst fire or intrusion detection systems can be connected over API or the OPC interface, some systems give access to full functionality over a HTTP/SML interface (SNAP). This allows interchange of live and archived imagery data and events as well as data and control integration with external applications and systems. <br><br>Conclusion<br><br>Selection of the correct software is dependant upon network structures as well as many additional factors. The most important criteria for reaching a decision include flexibility through open system architecture, and a modular structure to ensure system expandability. Equally critical are intelligent features such as motion detection for recording movements, activating alarms automatically and for supporting precisely programmable detection routines. Extensive image storage functions and analysis functions are vital when imagery is submitted as evidence. Additionally, the financial aspect must also be considered when existing CCTV components are integrated. Last but not least, attention should be given to user-friendliness as well as clarity when selecting video management software, otherwise there will be operating errors just when a hectic alarm situation occurs.
