MISSION CONTROL
Your choice of video management software is probably the most critical factor in how effective your surveillance system will be. Security Middle East reports on some of the latest developments
Video Management Software (VMS) sits at the heart of modern security systems and increasingly defines the way security operations are handled. As programming innovations make more things possible – from video analytics to greater automation – so security teams need to adapt their working patterns. For example, increasingly reliable video motion detection allows more efficient staffing of control rooms, with fewer operators needed to effectively watch over the cameras. System improvements also make remote security provision an increasingly viable, cost-effective alternative to on-site guarding.
Systems today do more than just allow operators to control cameras and recorders – they allow a wide range of functions to be controlled, from alarm system management to remote door opening. They also allow the security planner to control the way that events are handled, whether it be through establishing pre-set virtual tours, or by pre-determining automated and manual responses to different types of alarm events.
The German CCTV manufacturer Dallmeier advises users, when choosing their software, to consider compatibility with the controlling equipment and, of course, interfaces for other software and hardware. Good video management software should not only be able to control the whole of its own manufacturer’s product range, but also to control components from other manufacturers. This is doubly important when an existing surveillance system is to be expanded.
In Dallmeier’s case user-specific software modules bring together hard disk recorders, video motion detectors and cameras to form total intelligent systems. This is designed to ensure simple configuration of all individual components as well as effective, intuitive control of even the largest CCTV solutions.
PView software provides the operator with a multifunctional, user friendly solution for control, configuration and picture analysis for one or more Dallmeier’s recorders. PView is designed to be the central control and analysis instrument via LAN/WAN for all recording systems in a CCTV network, managing the entire video surveillance system.
PView also allows the control of output contacts via a network as well as dome and PTZ cameras, programmable virtual tours, specific event and picture analysis and automated backup via a network onto a local hard disk or external media.
The adjustment of viewed recorded video is possible without affecting the recorded video. The operator may also change brightness, contrast, saturation and hue through the GUI.
Using PView software, relevant footage from networked recorders can be saved to the local PView computer’s hard disk. Doing this protects the back-up footage from being overwritten in the recorder. Picture files archived in this way are then available for easy exporting to a CD-Rom or a DVD.
For large integrated systems, for example casino applications, Dallmeier offers its SeMSy virtual matrix management system. SeMSy enables convenient use and management of various media data streams and also provides live playback and recording of video and audio data anywhere within the networked system. Additional components can be integrated into the network at a later date without restriction.
Axis Communications provides video management software for network cameras & video encoders. Its solutions have been implemented in various verticals across the region, including banking and finance, education, retail, government, and transportation.
The company says it has a growing commitment to the region and considers the Middle East to be one of biggest markets for IP surveillance due to its growing security and safety needs. Despite the current global financial crisis, Axis expects to see a significant growth in IT security spending. The company also argues that the business case for IP video is especially strong in the Middle East as deployments are not replacing existing analogue systems, and security infrastructure is often being implemented from scratch.
Axis IP-surveillance software complements its network cameras and video encoders. AXIS Camera Station is an IP-surveillance software that works with Axis network cameras and video encoders to provide video monitoring, recording and event management functions. Users can record video continuously, on schedule, on alarm and/or on motion detection. The software has multiple search functions for recorded events. Remote viewing and playback are also possible with the use of the AXIS Camera Station Windows client.
For many users, especially in small-to-medium-sized installations, it is important that the application is both quick to install, and easy to configure and use. The user-friendly interface and simplified management of AXIS Camera Station 3.0 is designed to meet these demands. The support for H.264 in AXIS Camera Station will allow users to build cost-efficient video surveillance systems that deliver superior video image quality.
Axis also offers other IP-surveillance options such as the AXIS Camera Station One which is a software solution for simultaneous viewing and recording of high-quality video from a single surveillance camera. Axis’ Application Development Partners (ADP), which comprise of more than 500 companies, enables users to choose from a wide variety of software applications for security surveillance, remote monitoring or broadcasting needs.
Modular system
Sicura Systems’ DigiFend is a Network Digital Management (NDM) software solution for CCTV and other security purposes. It is a modular application that encompasses NVR (network video recorder), event manager, CMS (content management system) and a GUI. These modules can be purchased or deployed as one solution or separately. For the deployment of the modules, Sicura provides the application program interface for easy integration with other products.
DigiFend NDM is designed to offer total flexibility. It can be integrated with existing security and surveillance applications or form the lynchpin of new security installations. It sits at the heart of a control room and is completely scalable. It can also be customised or provided as an off-the-shelf product.
The system is a windows-based front-end application with a user friendly and comprehensive GUI. Several users can remotely and simultaneously monitor, view, manage and record locally across multiple sites, regardless of their geographical location on the network, from any point on that network. Performance is dependent only on bandwidth size.
Devices can be configured remotely and live and recorded video can be viewed at the same time, with security log-ons and password protected levels within the application ensuring a full audit trail.
DigiFend can be integrated with analogue/IP-based CCTV components – for example cameras (static and PTZ), monitors, keyboards, de-encoders and RAID storage. The system also allows users to analyse xtensive quantities of recorded material, using motion, time and camera search criteria and recordings can be played back without interrupting current recording for up to 16 cameras.
DigiFend supports events such as motion detection, video loss, alarm activation and trigger relays, storing all these events and allowing reports of single or multiple events via the CMS.
Finally, two companies which last year established a partnership in this field are Hikvision, the IP surveillance product developer, and Milestone Systems, which develops open platform IP video management software.
As a result of their partnership, Hikvision’s IP surveillance products, such as network cameras and multi-purpose digital video servers, are now compatible with the Milestone XProtect IP video management platform. The two companies say this integration of Hikvision’s high performance IP video surveillance products with Milestone’s reliable and scalable video management software, will meet various requirements up to critical security applications. 
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