LIVEDARSHAN.COM - IP CAMERAS vs. Analog Cameras

Standalone NVR(IPcorder) for IP Cameras

2010-10-12T19:18:00.001+05:30

KNR-090 IPCorder 4 channel Compact NVR.

The KNR-090 IPCorder is unique standalone Network Video Recorder (NVR) solution for systems with IP cameras, including the latest multi megapixel resolution cameras which support 4 cameras/video servers.

The general supported brands are:- ACTi, Arecont Vision*, AXIS, D-Link, Dallmeier*, Hikvision*, IQinVision, Linksys*, Lumenera*, Panasonic, Sony, StarDot*, VIVOTEK, Y-Cam.

Connection Diagram of IPcorder with IP Cameras

Features:-

· Standalone Linux based NVR

· Manage/Record/View up to 4 IP cameras/video servers simultaneously

· Screwless hard drive installation

· Web based access using Java - supports Microsoft Windows (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox etc.), Linux and Apple Mac OS

· Open solution - support of various IP cameras from different manufacturers

· Easy setup of the unit and connected devices (many tasks done automatically)

· Easy recordings search, playback and export

· Easy remote access from the Internet - Fully automatic or Manual router setup

· Trully Megapixel Ready - up to 5 megapixel cameras supported

· Rule scripting language for programming custom scripts

· Support of I/O devices, values also available for scripting

· 1× 3.5" SATA I or II hard drive (not included)

· High stability, no viruses, no spyware

· Compact size and quiet operation

· Low power consumption - green and cost effective solution

This unique standalone IP corder 4 channel can be used in small offices, houses, shops, showrooms where up to 4 cameras need to be recorded.

Advantages of IPCorder(NVR) over a Personal Computer.

· IPCorder uses 10 watts of power compared to a normal PC that takes 240 watts

· IPCorder is a Linux based NVR so no chance of it getting virus infected compared to a PC.

· In case of Power failure, the IPCorder is having high stability wherein the Hard Disk Drive cannot crash unlike a normal PC where there is a high chance of the Hard Disk Drive crashing.

IP IPCorder are very portable compared to a normal PC.

IP IPcorder comes with its own inbuilt software for both LIVE viewing as well as Recording which enables a viewer to view locally through a PC, over the network or internet through web browsers like FIREFOX, INTERNET EXPLORER,SAFARI,CHROME without downloading any additional software, all the channels can be LIVE viewed at the same time. While in a normal PC one needs to install separate software for both LIVE viewing as well as Recording. Over the internet, the live viewing can be done through FIREFOX, INTERNET EXPLORER, SAFARI,CHROME on channel at a time.

The KNR-090 IPCorder 4 channel NVR’s Interface

CD-ROM size device

Network /USB/Power Port

Easily add/remove HDD

Browser Interface

Easy display of motion detected in video in red.

Play video selecting any date/time/camera.

Easily backup video through a single click on your computer

View all cameras from any brand together in a single interface.

Control PTZ any camera from the left panel.

Control devices and also easy digital zoom in while

possible in live and recorded video

Auto configure and manage cameras into the system

IPCorder can automatically detect cameras setup within the network.

If you would like to purchase the IPCorder or have any further questions about it.Please feel free to contact us

at sales@livedarshan.com or 91-22-66359179

Cabling for IP Camera vs. Analog Camera Solutions

2010-05-07T13:12:00.004+05:30

You can see the large density of cables in an Analog Camera setup.Also due to the long distance between the DVR and the cameras boosters will be required and quality of video will be degraded

Only a single fibre or Cat - 6 cable needs to run from the top of the building to the bottom and no cabling mess required.Also the solution is flexible and easily scalable. Other services can also be operated through the same fibre cable.

Thief Caught on Camera,Mumbai,India

2010-05-06T13:35:00.001+05:30

A bakery in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai,India was installed with 20 IP cameras FDLIV7131 . All the cameras were connected using POE switches and setup for 24 hour recording.
Due the high quality of the video is was very easy to record the face of the thieves in the video who were later caught by the police.They stole a mobile phone from an unsuspecting victim. Please have a look at the video.
Now with Megapixel IP Cameras you can zoom into the recorded video and get much better detail and see faces of people standing in a distance.
We now have a new range of 2 Megapixel cameras coming up and will be able to offer 5 megapixel cameras to you by June.

For such solutions for your premises do feel free to contact us.

Are IP Cameras Cheaper than Analog Cameras

2009-10-27T15:08:00.008+05:30

4 IP Camera System	DVR + 4 Analog Camera System
Cost of Night Vision IP Camera with MPEG-4 and MJPEG compression. Rs.10,000	Cost of Analog Camera Night Vision with equivalent quality of IP Camera Rs.5,000
No DVR is required. You can use an existing computer since a 4 channel recording software comes free with the IP Camera	DVR required for recording. Cost of a 4 channel DVR with a Hard drive would be approx Rs.20,000
Since you are using a computer you will already have an existing monitor	Since you have bought a DVR you will have to buy another monitor or TV to see the output.approx Rs.3000. If you have an existing TV then you can use the RGB input.
The wire for IP Camera is simple CAT – 5 or LAN wire which costs about Rs.11 per m. Consider atleast 50m cable for all cameras Cost Rs.550 (for longer cable runs the cost will increase drastically for analog cameras)	The wire required for analog video which will have to be pulled all the way to the DVR from wherever the camera is installed is Rs.30 per m Consider atleast 50m cable for all cameras Cost Rs.1500 (this is a hidden cost which most people don’t realize and come to know only after the installation.
You will get video and audio from all 4 channels and will be able to record video and audio simultaneously.	Most DVR’s support only single channel audio.
After an Electricity failure the IP Cameras will come on and will be available immediately over the network for you to view remotely.	The DVR has a soft button and has to be booted every time the electricity goes. You will not be able to view the cameras remotely until the DVR is rebooted. However the recording will stop in both cases(IP and Analog) until the systems are rebooted.
Total : 40,550 plus taxes(approx)	Total : Rs.44,500 plus taxes(approx)

However if you need to purchase a new computer the cost of the IP Camera System will be higher
by about Rs.10,000 but however as the IP Camera System has far many advantages over an
Analog/DVR system the extra cost will be worth it.

For More information visit www.livedarshan.com

Converting Analog CCTV to IP Surveillance

2009-10-27T15:08:00.007+05:30

Converting Analog CCTV to IP Surveillance - by www.livedarshan.com

CCTV has traditionally been recorded to VCRs (video cassette recorders), and because of its perceived ease of use and manageable price point, analog was probably the right choice at the time of purchase. However, the rise of digital has laid bare analog’s many shortcomings. Analog CCTV systems are generally maintenance intensive, offer no remote accessibility, and are notoriously difficult to integrate with other systems. Despite these obvious deficiencies, the end user who has invested in cameras, cables, and more, and is satisfied with the current quality is right to ask, "Why buy new equipment?"

Implementing a digital system does not require throwing away those trusted (and already paid-for) cameras. With IP-Surveillance, you can still use all the cameras, lenses, and cables in place through this step-by-step migration to digital technology. And if this is not enough reason to seriously consider an upgrade, examine the TLV, or time-lapse video, recording component. These systems are highly labor intensive because of the need to change tapes and perform system maintenance. Tape wear and tear is an ever-present problem. Furthermore, the actual quality of the images recorded is often unsatisfactory, particularly if used for official investigations. With the introduction of digital video recorder (DVR) technology, the storage media are no longer dependent on operator intervention or tape quality. And with IP-Surveillance technology, the video server and network server represent the next level of improvement by connecting existing cameras to the network with a video server and then storing the images on the network server.

Digital’s many benefits. With the spread of digital recording technology, its many advantages have become apparent: ease of use, advanced search capabilities, simultaneous record and playback, no image degradation, improved compression and storage, integration potential, and so on. But with digital technology as its core, IP-Surveillance provides all these advantages and many more:
Remote accessibility. The main benefit from connecting those analog cameras to a network is that the user can now see surveillance images from any computer on the network—without the need and expense of additional hardware or software. If you have a port to Internet, you can securely connect from anywhere in the world to view a chosen facility or even a single camera from your surveillance system. By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the company intranet, you can manage password-protected access to images from the surveillance system. Similar to secure payment over the Internet, a user’s images and information are kept secure and viewed only by approved personnel.

Unlimited, secure storage. Store as many hours of images as you want—provided you have hard disk capacity. And store and view images off-site in any location in cases where monitoring and storage are mission critical or need back up.

Flexible, pro-active image distribution. Take snapshots of an intruder or incident and send by e-mail to police or appropriate authorities. Also, police or other password-approved parties can log on to cameras and view activities around a user’s facilities.

Automatic alerts. The video server can automatically send an e-mail with an alarm image to selected e-mail addresses, so the right people have the information they need to take timely action.

Total cost of ownership and performance. At the beginning of this section, we listed the many advantages of digital technology, but it bears repeating that with no further need of time-lapse video equipment, no more tapes and no more tape changing and cataloging are required. Maintenance costs go way down. And while system performance and results markedly increase, total cost of ownership over time will continue to decrease.
IP-Surveillance provides all the superior functionality of digital technology, plus the tremendous benefits of increased accessibility, storage and distribution of images, and a superior cost-benefit picture. At this point, analog owners are convinced it’s time to make the switch, but what factors bear consideration?

In the configuration above, the video server provides the connection between the analog cameras and the network. With the simple addition of this technology, a whole new list of features and functions becomes available:
• Remote access of images utilizing the computer network—eliminating the need for dedicated security monitors in a central office
• Password-protected access anywhere there is an Internet connection
• Connect to a remote control station to view what is going on and control cameras and other aspects of the surveillance system
• Ease of integration with other systems and applications
• Lower TCO (total cost of ownership) by leveraging existing network infrastructure and legacy equipment
• Creates a future-proof system, so no more complete system overhauls

WWW.LIVEDARSHAN.COM

Difference between IP Camera Optical and Digital ZOOM

2009-10-27T15:07:00.002+05:30

Most IP Cameras in the market come with Optical and Digital Zoom options.
Buyers should not get confused between the two as
sellers will often not mention whether the zoom is Digital or Optical .
They will convince the buyer that the camera supports 10X Zoom without mentioning the fact that it is Digital Zoom.

In a Optical Zoom IP Camera the lenses actually move close and apart varying the focal length and bringing a distant object closer without affecting the quality of the Picture or Video.
Optical Zoom is similar to what we see in binoculars.Where distant objects come closer without degradation of quality of the picture.

However in a Digital Zoom IP Camera I cannot stress enough the loss of quality that results when you use the digital zoom instead of the optical zoom.Digital zoom works by scaling up the pixels in the video after it is captured. This is very similar to cropping and resizing your video in any video editor except that the camera does it for you.Simply doubling the size of the pixels creates a very "jaggy" or stair-stepped appearance.

All IP Cameras support Digital Zoom functionality, but the ones that support Optical Zoom will definitely cost a lot more and give uncomparabily better performance than Digital Zoom Cameras.

For e.g
An IP Camera with 360 degree Pan 130 degree Tilt with 10X Digital Zoom can effectively cover an area of 500 square feet.

An IP Camera with 360 degree Pan 130 degree Tilt with 10X Optical Zoom can effectively cover an area of 5000 square feet.

Sample IP Camera Images

Original Snapshot from IP Camera

Snapshot from IP Camera using Digital Zoom(4X)

Snapshot from IP Camera using Optical Zoom(4X)

To purchase IP Cameras and for turnkey IP Camera solutions visit
Livedarshan.com

IP vs Analog - What your system provider wont tell you

2009-10-27T15:05:00.001+05:30

*DVR*	*IP Cameras*
1.End to interlace problems
· Interlaced scan · Each image formed from two interlace fields · Blurriness from capturing moving objects, even when connected to a DVR	· Progressive Scan · Entire image captured at one time · Crystal clear images even with a high degree of motion in the scene
2.Megapixel resolution
Stuck with NTSC/PAL resolution 0.4 Megapixel at 4CIF and 0.1 at CIF Limited image details	Many resolutions 1 Megapixel is 10x the resolution of CIF, 2 Megapixel is 20x! Different aspect ratios Digital PTZ
3.Integrated PTZ and I/O control and storage
Analog cameras need separate Rs-485 cable and equipment(joystick) for control) Costly and cumbersome I/O only possible in DVR not on camera Recording not possible onboard camera.So if DVR is shut all lost.	PTZ control over the same network that transports the video PTZ commands sent over the IP network Integrated I/O can Trigger anything Can be triggered by anything
4.Audio
Only possible with separate audio lines to the DVR	Audio captured at the camera Synchronized with the video Can be integrated into the same video stream 2-way audio (Duplex, Half Duplex, Simplex)
5.Secure Communication
No encryption	Video encryption Authentication using encrypted certificates Authorization: to verify and approve the identity of the device Privacy watermarks
6.Flexible cost effective infrastructure
Expensive coax, proprietary fiber, wireless Distance affects image quality Adding power, I/O and audio further complicates this situation	· IP = established, standardized, interoperable · Digital images = no quality reduction · Many streams transmitted over the same line · A single network wire = hundreds of simultaneous full frame rate video streams
7.True Digital Solution
With every conversion image quality is lost: Analog signal digitized in camera’s DSP Analog signal converted back to analog for transport over coax Signal once again digitized at the DVR for recording	Images digitized once Stay digital No unnecessary conversions No image degradation
8.POE
Not Available	Both network cameras with and without built-in support for PoE can take advantage of a UPS device Cost savings Reliability with centralized power backup Simple installation

Typical IP Camera Network Diagram

2009-10-27T15:04:00.004+05:30

The diagram explains how a IP (Internet Protocol) Network camera can be used in your Network. It is suitable for both Wired and Wireless(802.11G built in) Networks. If you have an existing network the system is simply plug and play.

The IP Camera can be connected directly to the Internet without using a computer. So when the power goes off and comes on your camera will automatically come online. No need to restart the Computer or the DVR manually.Hence the operation of the IP Camera is Standalone.Visit www.livedarshan.com for more information

Video Recording Options ( NVR ,DVR or a PC )

2009-10-27T15:02:00.000+05:30

As more and more people purchase surveillance systems everyday.Storing and recording video has become and important part of the surveillance system.An NVR,DVR or a PC has become the heart of a Video Surveillance System.In a series of writeups i will try and discuss storage issues,advantages and disadvantages.

1.Recording video/audio in a NVR(Network Video Recorder)?

A NVR is a device which is used to record IP Cameras over a Network.The IP Cameras stream video over a LAN(Local Area Network)/Internet and the video/audio streams can be recorded in a NVR.The cameras can be viewed live also on the NVR by connecting a monitor to the NVR device.

A NVR is a standalone recorder for IP Cameras just like a DVR which is a standalone recorder for Analog cameras. They are similar in functionality.

A DVR converts Analog Video/Audio to Digital before recording it to a Hard drive,whereas a NVR directly records the digital stream to a Hard Drive.

Some NVR's can automatically recognize the IP Cameras in the Local Network and configure them to the system,making installation very easy.

Image 1 : Rear view of NVR(9 channel Audio/Video with 4 channel POE)

NVR solutions however are a little expensive as of today.

At Rs.50,000/- you record streams from 9 cameras(audio/video).This also include POE(Power Over Ethernet) for 4 cameras.Where the cameras can also receive power through the ports of the NVR.(you do not need a seperate POE switch).But if you want to connect more than 4 cameras you will need to connect an extra switch.

DVR's have BNC inputs at the back of the box.As per the number of Video/Audio inputs Analog cameras can be connected to a DVR.

Image 2 : Rear view of DVR(8 channel Analog Audio/Video)

DVR's are a little cheaper.Most of them the cheaper ones however offer 4 Video inputs and a single audio input.

A DVR of the similar confirguration as the NVR we recommend supports 8 video/4 audio channels costing around Rs.45,000/-

However the quality of Video/Audio in a NVR is much better than in a DVR.This is also depends heavily on the quality of cameras used.

A NVR however offers better manageability over the Network and more flexibility than a DVR

Analog cameras are rendered useless in case of the failure of the DVR since the cameras can not even be seen online.IP cameras are yet available online or on the LAN even if the NVR is shut off.So you can simply put software on any PC and start recording as a backup incase of failure.This gives the IP Camera solution a big edge.

2.Recording in a PC(Personal Computer)?

If you decide to use a PC for recording IP Cameras then you have maximum flexibility.You do not need to install any hardware at all in the PC and the recording/viewing is simply done on the PC.Most IP camera companies including Livedarshan(www.livedarshan.com) will offer you a 16 channel software absolutely free for recording audio/video.

Video can be regularly backed up on an external hard drive and even if your PC fails,parts for the same are easily available in the market and your not stuck with a defunct DVR or DVR card once the warranty period is over.You can also easily increase your storage space by adding extra Hard Drives in a PC as your need increases to record more video.(In a DVR you will have restrictions to the number of HDD's you can add and at the same time the number of cameras you can connect to the DVR(4,8,16 channel DVR's are available as a standard)).With IP cameras you can keep adding them in your network as your demand increases and on request even get a 32 channel software if required.

Also consider a situation when you want to view the camera at various locations in your premise.You can simply log-on to any computer key in the passwords and access the video/audio and control the cameras with ease.

Why IP Cameras

2009-10-27T15:00:00.001+05:30

Some Observations
• Scalability is superior in IP based systems, where one camera at a time can be added
• Flexibility is greater in IP based system, when moving a camera means only moving a network drop if PoE is used
• The image quality of network cameras is superior to analog
• Megapixel cameras are beginning to be specified, which can only be addressed by network cameras
• IP infrastructure is often already in place, and can be used by the network video system
• Analog Coax cabling much harder to troubleshoot than IP design costs typically included at no additional cost
• IP system can be remotely serviced, e.g. adjusted / diagnosed over the network
• Brand name PC servers used in IP systems often have superior warranty and service plans compared to DVRs
• IT equipment likely to drop faster in price than analog
Conclusion
• IP based systems of 40 cameras have a lower total cost of ownership than analog based systems. Based on a typical deployment scenario; the cost to acquire, install, and operate an IP based system is 3.4% lower than an Analog based solution.
• 32 cameras is the break even point for IP systems versus analog. Based on common scenarios for costs scenarios, beyond 32 cameras the IP based system is lower cost, and between 16 and 32 the cost is quite similar even though slightly lower for analog systems.
• If IP infrastructure is installed the IP system is always lower cost. For any size system IP system will always be lower cost if IP infrastructure by means of cabling already exists.
• Many non-quantifiable advantages for IP systems. Improved images quality, better maintenance and service, increase flexibility, easier to trouble shooting, are just some of the advantages that exist but were not quantified. Additionally, IT equipment is expected to fall in price faster than analog CCTV equipment, making the comparison even more favorable in the future.
Visit www.livedarshan.com for more information and Surveillance Solutions.

Do IP Cameras require an Internet connection?

2009-05-02T18:26:00.001+05:30

Do IP Cameras require an Internet connection?

There is a common misconception that IP Cameras work only using an Internet Connection.Well IP Cameras DO NOT require an internet connection to work.

They have all the features of an Analog camera and much more.The IP Cameras can simply be connected together terminating in any Network LAN Switch which can then be connected to a computer or a standalone NVR for recording.

Hence the video from the IP Cameras can be monitored/recorded on the Central PC using the IP Camera Software.The recorded video can then be viewed as required.This works just like any Analog Camera/DVR system only the cable used is a CAT5 LAN cable and the performance and quality is better.An internet connection will be required only if the cameras have to be viewed over the internet.

WHY IP CAMERAS by livedarshan.com

2008-01-25T13:13:00.000+05:30

WHY IP CAMERAS ?

Some Observations

• Scalability is superior in IP based systems, where one camera

at a time can be added

• Flexibility is greater in IP based system, when moving a camera means only moving a network drop if PoE is used

• The image quality of network cameras is superior to analog

• Megapixel cameras are beginning to be specified, which can only be addressed by network cameras

• IP infrastructure is often already in place, and can be used by the network video system

• Analog Coax cabling much harder to troubleshoot than IP design costs typically included at no additional cost

• IP system can be remotely serviced, e.g. adjusted / diagnosed over the network

• Brand name PC servers used in IP systems often have superior warranty and service plans compared DVRs

• IT equipment likely to drop faster in price than analog

Conclusion

• IP based systems of 40 cameras have a lower total cost of ownership than analog based systems.

Based on a typical deployment scenario; the cost to acquire, install, and operate an IP based system is 3.4% lower than an Analog based solution.

• 32 cameras is the break even point for IP systems versus analog. Based on common scenarios for

costs scenarios, beyond 32 cameras the IP based system is lower cost, and between 16 and 32 the

cost is quite similar even though slightly lower for analog systems.

• If IP infrastructure is installed the IP system is always lower cost. For any size system IP system

will always be lower cost if IP infrastructure by means of cabling already exists.

• Many non-quantifiable advantages for IP systems. Improved images quality, better maintenance

and service, increase flexibility, easier to trouble shooting, are just some of the advantages that

exist but were not quantified. Additionally, IT equipment is expected to fall in price faster than

analog CCTV equipment, making the comparison even more favorable in the future.

Livedarshan

022-66359179

http://www.livedarshan.com/

Fort,

Mumbai-01

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