When it comes to surveillance cameras, visibility is key. Some of the obstacles surrounding a camera’s capability to retain clear images such as lighting, camera installation, and type of camera are somewhat within our control, others are not. Uncontrollable issues of extreme brightness, like light produced from headlights and the sun, or extreme darkness are not necessarily easily overcome. However, as with anything, technological progression helps change these harrowing limitations. As industry professionals our team at Perfect Connections, Inc. has been providing security system solutions, including surveillance, to organizations throughout northern and central New Jersey for the past 23 years. We’ve seen the impact changing technology has on the equipment we install and how it can be beneficial to our customers.
Surveillance systems are in the midst of a transition from using conventional analog equipment to IP (Internet Protocol). Why? For one, image quality. The tricky thing with IP cameras is not all are created equal. There isn’t necessarily a defined industry standard that is accepted by all integrators and camera manufacturers when it comes to “best” image quality. For example some might argue that the higher the megapixel count the better, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better image. At least with HD (high definition) cameras there are standards manufacturers must comply with in order to be considered HD.
Aside from pixel count, an IP camera’s display threshold in extreme conditions is critical, but limited. This limit, specifically when referring to extreme brightness or darkness, is typically known as “dynamic range.” Wide dynamic range (WDR), “allows cameras to capture much more detail in scenes where there are varying levels of light, much like the way the human eye ‘processes’ these types of scenes.” You know the feeling of widening your eyes in the dark to try to see clearer because you’re eyes haven’t quite adjusted yet? It’s sort of the same idea with WDR cameras and how they adapt in both light and dark conditions. However, their adjustments aren’t a physical strain and transitions are typically quicker than ours.
The images above show the difference between a parking garage being monitored by a camera with no WDR or WDR turned off on the left, and on the right the same area monitored by a camera with WDR enabled. The difference is clear as day. Why do they differ so much? The camera with the WDR enabled has two internal Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD). The two devices, or sensors, scan an image at different speeds, one low and one high, the image processor then combines the separate images producing a clearer, more balanced picture with better contrast and lighting. This process happens quickly enough to produce a stream of clear recorded footage. There are many different manufacturers that produce these WDR cameras in the market today, and not all of them use the same type of sensor and image processing combinations. The best way to ensure you are getting the best camera for your specific application is to hire a licensed security systems integrator who is educated in which camera specifications will work best in variant conditions.
WDR technology, like anything else, is not perfect. Depending on the camera manufacturer, you could end up with a camera that takes up to 15 seconds to adjust with varying light levels. That doesn’t sound like that long, but it could mean the difference between catching a perpetrator and them getting away. Another issue you might run into are cameras that don’t have the ability to turn WDR settings on and off automatically. Without the automation the transition becomes the responsibility of someone on site, which can be time consuming and ineffective in a time sensitive situation. This is why it is vital to consult a professional security systems integrator who is educated in the differences between product specifications and their appropriate applications.
The clarity of recorded video footage is crucial to the security of any organization. As a business owner you don’t want to be left wondering why your recordings are grainy, washed out, or so dark they become unusable. No one can control the external factors that affect an organization, but you can be prepared for them by taking the proper precautions. Licensed system integrators are there to help. Our team at Perfect Connections, Inc. has been providing comprehensive security system solutions to businesses throughout northern and central New Jersey since 1992. We recognize the importance of utilizing quality security products that not only perform well but perform to their intended specifications.
If you live or run a business in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.
Image Credit: Image by IQinVision-Google-Creative Commons
The technological climate is swiftly changing the way we connect and interact with the physical world. Endless runs of cable and spaghetti wiring is becoming an antiquated notion with the development of wireless internet based equipment. This is evident in the way some security system integrators are approaching system design and installation. As industry professionals, our team at 
As the technology driven world continues to evolve, our lives are becoming more and more connected. Virtual distances are shrinking. This has been happening since the inception of the internet. You no longer have to fly across the world to have a meeting, you simply login to a virtual meeting where you can talk “in-person” via video chat. Although it may be imperfect, technology has certainly had an impact on all of our lives in one way or another.
Whether you are installing a new surveillance system or changing an existing one you need to consider the type of system and the operating implications associated with it. The desire for advanced image quality, video analytics, ease of integration, and remote access has ushered in the era of IP (Internet Protocol) surveillance systems. IP surveillance systems have opened the door to a more integrated security system and they provide increased scalability which is important to company growth and future adaptation. This type of surveillance system typically relies on an internet network, and as they say “therein lies the rub.”
Fire is an unpredictable force that can wreak havoc on any business. It is imperative as a business owner, facility manager, or building owner that the proper precautions are in place to help prevent catastrophe. The 
When you picture a surveillance monitoring station what do you see? Is it a half awake guard staring blankly at multiple monitors? If that’s the case you can scratch that image from your mind. The future of monitoring services is quickly shifting and adapting to our society’s need for streamlined and efficient processes. As surveillance systems migrate from analog to IP with megapixel network cameras, and our world becomes more and more connected through the IoT (Internet of Things), the desire to access and monitor footage from anywhere increases. This is where the idea of remote monitoring comes into play.
The days of struggling to carry 50 pounds of groceries while simultaneously trying to dig your house keys out of your pocket or purse, might be coming to an end. As a homeowner your door locks have always been an essential line of defense when it comes to protecting your home. While our everyday lives are saturated with technological advancement, it only makes sense that our physical structures should follow suit. That being said, using a key to unlock your doors may be a thing of the past with wireless access control on the rise.
We’ve all seen those puffy white, wondrous, water vapor creations up in the sky, commonly known as clouds. These natural wonders are not the clouds we’ll be investigating here. Instead we’ll be taking a look at what the “cloud” is in relation to business networks and their security infrastructure.
Not all surveillance cameras are created equally. It may seem as simple as selecting a surveillance camera and popping it into place, but what about the external factors that affect the quality of recorded images? One of the top concerns for industry professionals and end-users alike is a cameras ability to function in the dark or varied light conditions. Whether you’re using interior or external cameras, their ability to function under varied light conditions is paramount. Our experts at 