GeoVision Access Control

GeoVision surveillance systems offer various means of access control. Access control is a way of restricting certain people's access to certain areas. For instance, the lock on your car door is an access control system that keeps everyone but the key-holder (you) from gaining access to your car and using it. GeoVision access control works just like this, though a physical key is not always the means of granting access.  Other means include facial recognition (with a camera reader), fingerprint readers, card readers and PIN code readers.

Depending on your situation, one form of access control may be more suitable. For instance, if you require top level security in a certain area, you want a form of access control that is more secure. A PIN code can be shared or leaked and a card can be lost or stolen; these are not the most secure forms of access control. For these situations fingerprint readers and facial recognition are better choices because it is extremely hard to find a loophole that grants access.

GeoVision offers everything you need to complete an access control system, from the software to the controller, to electronic locks and all types of readers. If you're interested in an access control system or need further information, contact a Camerasecuritynow.com agent at 877-422-1907.

Read & Track License Plates

If your business owns a parking lot, or a large dumpster and receiving area where vehicles come and go, being able to read license plates on vehicles from the vantage point of a security camera is a highly valuable capability. Not only can you read license plates, but you can also set your security camera system to memorize and recognize particular license plates that pass through the camera's field of view. So you can even set your surveillance system to alert you when a particular vehicle comes onto your premises.  Geovision has cameras that are designed for reading and recognizing license plates from a distance:

The GV‐LPR CAM is a weatherproof IR camera that provides 570TVL high-contrast video in deep shadow, strong or low sunlight, which allows it to read license plates in almost any lighting environment.
 

Key Features:

• Built-in powerful IR LED illuminator
• Built-in always-on blower  
• Weatherproof (IP66 standard)  
• Sun-shield 

You can contact a security consultant from CameraSecurityNow.com to purchase this Geovision camera now!

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GeoVision Playback on Your Smartphone

GeoVision offers options for utilizing your smartphone to remotely view live video as well as previously recorded footage from your GeoVision system. You can connect to GV-Systems or GV-IP devices with a simple application download. GeoVision has applications for all types of smartphones and tablets including Android, iOS devices (like iPhones, iPods and iPads), Blackberry devices, and Windows smartphones. Below is an screen capture (another useful tool for smartphones offered by GeoVision apps) using the GeoVision iPhone application (Scott in the picture below is actually taking a screen capture of himself using his iPhone). You can see how useful it is, allowing multiple camera views, screen capture, PTZ, etc...

 

Being able to view your surveillance footage (whether live or recorded) so readily is helpful to anyone who owns a surveillance system. It not only gives the owner the ability to check on things while they're out, but also allows the owner to review past footage whenever and wherever they want to do it. These applications for the smartphone are invaluable and can be accessed almost instantaneously. For quality control, quick references, screen shots and just general peace of mind, you can't go wrong with GeoVision's smartphone apps.

For more information on GeoVision systems or to get a quote on a surveillance system that can utilize smartphone applications, give camerasecuritynow.com a call at 877-422-1907.

Streamlining DVR Storage

Geovision's storage system is a high-performance storage system based on iSCSI technology for users looking for a cost-effective and shared storage solution within a network. If you have an existing network, it is easy to implement the GV-Storage into it without having to establish a new one. You don't need any specialized adapters, switches or cables for DVR servers in order to integrate the GV-Storage into your system, and it is perfectly scalable.

If you use Backup Server, the GV-Storage System can store recorded files from GV-System version 8.2 or above on the network itself. With Backup Viewer you can access the video recordings and log data backed up on the GV-Storage System from any computer in the network. The GV-Storage System is a powerful addition to any video surveillance system.

Key Features:

• Extended storage over Ethernet
• No license fee for each connection
• Easy to operate and maintain
• 16TB storage capacity or higher (Max. 480 FPS for 16 Weeks)
• Dual Gigabit iSCSI ports
• Hardware health monitor
• Easy data backup with Backup Server

The Difference Between DVR and NVR

Digital Video Recorders (DVR)
Traditional DVRs use dedicated point-to-point analog cabling to bring the analog signal from a security camera location to the DVR. The analog video signal from the security camera is a one-directional signal carrier that ends at the DVR station.

GeoVision's DVR series is a PC-based surveillance system that processes, records and stores video and audio data from local (or remote) security cameras. All video, audio, data and I/O devices are combined into one system. GeoVision's DVR is an all-inclusive system and through their unique uniform software platform interface, the system is very versatile and can be a solution to many surveillance requirements. The special features this DVR offers convert into low cost installation and unlimited connectivity options.

Network Video Recorder (NVR)
An NVR is an IP-based video recorder that uses TCP/IP network technology as the mode for transporting information. The digitized video and audio streams of a network IP security camera can be transmitted by connecting its LAN port to the network. So essentially, the NVR can be placed anywhere as long as it has network access. NVR is multi-directional, allowing information to be sent and received from the IP camera. There are several benefits to an NVR system such as higher image quality, remote accessibility, scalability, cost effectiveness, and more flexible storage.  

GeoVision's NVR series records video and audio data over TCP/IP networks. Like the DVR, this system is very comprehensive and can fulfill many surveillance requirements. It stands as one of the most sophisticated IP surveillance software systems on the market. With monitoring features, video analytics, integration with license plate recognition, Point of sales/ATM, Access Control systems, as well as compatibility with a wide range of third party IP cameras, it's easy to see why it is one of the best solutions for industrial, commercial and residential IP surveillance.

If you're interested in a GeoVision NVR or DVR, check our our GeoVision DVR Surveillance Packages or call one of our specialists at 877-422-1907.

Video Analytics With The GV-Smart Box

One of the possible functions of a video surveillance that often gets overlooked is video analytics. With the proper features in a DVR, a surveillance system can double as a security system and as a tool for gathering relevant data on what passes through the view of a strategically placed camera. The various features that allow for this kind of video analysis are discussed in Security & Marketing Analysis: Two Birds With One Stone. Discussed here is the Geovision Smart Box, which can be used in conjunction with some of Geovision's analytic features.

The GV-Smart Box is a standalone device that is specifically designed for counting various kinds of objects. The Smart Box can count the number of visitors, vehicles or faces, and can work with any analog camera. Having this data not only helps you deter theft, violence or vandalism on or around your assets, but also helps identify peak traffic hours, providing valuable information that can inform marketing decisions. The GV-Smart Box requires no software, and you can access the live camera feeds with counting data from anywhere on a computer using an IE browser.

Key GV Smart Box Features:

• Counts the number of visitors
• Counts the number of faces
• Counts the number of vehicles
• Easily accessible Web-based interface to watch live views, query database, and customize settings
• Triggers alarm when faces covered with masks are detected
• Supports adjustment of video attributes
• Sets detection mode by schedule
• Supports UMTS and WiFi
• Integrates with GV-Web Report, GV-System or GV-Compact DVR
• Connects to VSM and sends alerts in the event of I/O trigger, video lost and network disconnection
• Supports adjustment of video attributes

Geovision's GV-Smart Box is definitely a great asset for any surveillance system, and you can contact a security consultant at CameraSecurityNow.com to get a quote on a complete video surveillance system that includes this feature.

Solutions for Challenging Surveillance Lighting

Lighting challenges are very common when setting up a surveillance system. However, it is usually one of the last things people think about when setting up their security cameras. It's not until the cameras are installed that the user looks at the feed, only to be disappointed by bad or challenging lighting. Challenging lighting can come in a variety of flavors: very dark, low light, too bright, and the really annoying case of back lighting where the intensity of the light can vary a lot, namely areas when there are both very bright and very dark areas simultaneously in the camera's field of view.
 

Solutions

Areas that are too dark: Sometimes the area is too dark or even pitch black. This can be solved simply by using an Infrared (IR) Security Camera. By using IR emitters (usually IR LEDs), the camera can send out infrared light to illuminate its target area. The image below was taken from an IR camera in a pitch black room using an iPhone application. The more emitters a camera has, the more effective is it at illuminating a target.

Outdoor areas with low or varying light: The best solution for these types of areas are day and night cameras. These cameras have the ability to see the picture during the day, when there is plenty of sunlight, and also during the night in total darkness. Using photocell activation, the camera recognizes changes in lighting conditions so that once the infrared is no longer needed it switches to non-IR modes.

Areas with back lighting and high-contrast lighting: Take the scenario below as an example, you have a security camera in your lobby. These can be very frustrating areas because when the sun is shining through windows or doors, a standard IP camera will display the door area looking like a big white sheet of light and nothing can be seen outside [see photo 1 below]. Conversely, the dark areas inside the lobby will appear to be black and hard to see [see photo 2 below]. In these situations, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) cameras work great. WDR allows the camera to filter the intense back light surrounding the area. In areas with back lighting (usually in areas where light enters from various angles such as a multi-window room) where the camera points towards the light source (doors or windows), the background washes out the area during the daytime [again photo 1]. With WDR the camera will be able to see through the intense sunlight (or artificial light) resulting in what you see in photo 3.

Photos from geovision.com.tw

For more information about lighting conditions or to purchase cameras equipped with these technologies, visit us at camerasecuritynow.com or call one of our specialists at 1-877-422-1907.

DVR Software Can Detect Theft As It Happens

One of the features not many people know about on the Geovision DVR system is the Missing Object Detection feature. This feature allows the DVR to look at a particular object, and if that object moves, this action will cause an alarm to be sounded. Geovision has a demo of this feature on their website here: http://www.geovision.com.tw/demo/vid/demo4.htm

There are many applications for a feature like this, especially in places where valuables may be easily accessible to the public. Imagine a sports bar that has a signed piece of memorabilia at the bar. Bartenders often get busy and may not notice if a patron were to quickly swipe the piece and leave. By setting up a Geovision DVR system to the watch the bar and especially the memorabilia, the bar owner can ensure that the piece doesn't get stolen regardless of whether their staff is paying attention to it or not.

This instant notification is much better for security protection than just being able to review the video after the theft. It is easy to conceal one's identity and hide one's face with the use of hoods, ball caps, etc. When reviewing video of a theft, oftentimes it is impossible to get a clear identity of the thief. With the instant notification that Missing Object Detection gives you, you can catch the thief while he or she is still on the premises and before they've disappeared.

If you'd like to see other demonstrations about the Geovision Missing Object Detection feature or get a quote on getting a Geovision DVR system in your business, contact CameraSecurityNow.com at 877-422-1907.

Security & Marketing Analysis: Two Birds With One Stone

Did you know that a Geovision DVR can count? Geovision has the technology to count the number of people entering and exiting a given space. By doing nothing other than setting up a video surveillance system with a Geovision DVR, you can instantly know how many people have passed by the visual field of a security camera. This built-in feature can have many interesting applications and can turn your surveillance system into a data gathering tool. While insuring security and gathering relevant data simultaneously and through the same means, you really can 'kill two birds with one stone' using a Geovision DVR.

Data Sampling For Marketing Analysis
You can keep a close eye on traffic to and from your store each day and even have an accurate ratio of customers who purchased to customers who were just 'window shopping'. If your cameras are placed strategically enough, you can even use this feature to gather data on how many people pass by a given product display or particular retail department, allowing you to gather market viability of a product or its display.

For Large Events
If an event like a convention or trade show is large enough, boosted video surveillance is a good idea. In addition to added security, you can also keep track of how many attendees you have. By setting up cameras connected to a Geovision DVR, you can let the People Counting feature run and always have an updated number on people currently attending your event. With strategically placed cameras, you can even keep track of where attendees tend to gravitate, giving you an accurate impression of the relevant markets that your event might focus on. If you are exhibiting at a trade show, you might even set up a small surveillance system to track how many people enter and exit your own exhibition space.

When in the market for a video surveillance system, it is important to be aware of all that you can get out of the system that you purchase or rent. With features like the People Counting feature, as well as other useful features, a Geovision DVR allows for multiple applications of a surveillance system over and above mere security. Which makes its purchase, lease or rental well worth your investment.

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GeoVision's new 5MP Fisheye

GeoVision's newest 5 Megapixel Fisheye is capable of doing what a system of several cameras does all by itself. With a 360 degree view that has no blind spot and features an interface that is both user-intuitive and user-friendly, this security camera makes a perfect addition to an inclusive surveillance system.

Features that make this camera so great:
5-MP: High resolution and clear, crisp images.
Moving Object Tracking: Target a person or object and track it. Simple as that.
Desired View: 360 degrees of source image allows the user to view at any angle and any zoom level.
Privacy Mask: Block out portions of the video to ensure privacy.
Rugged: Good for outdoor use.
Tampering Alarm: Alert beforehand any damage to the camera view
Other Features: Virtual PTZ, Auto Pan, Visual Automation, Electronic Day/Night, Built-in Microphone and Speaker

Having one of these cameras could reduce the number of cameras necessary in your surveillance system, saving you money.

To get an idea of what this camera is capable of, check out Andy's video demo below of the comparable 4MP Fisheye.

DIY: Build and Configure a GeoVision DVR

Camera Security Now is proud to present a 10 Part Do-It-Yourself GeoVision Series on how to build and configure a CCTV DVR. GeoVision is widely considered to be the leader in business class DVR technology and from the beginning Camera Security Now has identified GeoVision as the best value for our clients.

In these video tutorials, Brian Wood (Woodio) of Camera Security Now teaches the basics of how to build your own CCTV DVR so that our customers can learn the ins and outs of their security camera systems.

Check out the 10 Part Series:

Part 1: Building a DVR Server
Part 2: Setting a Storage Location
Part 3: Setting Up a Dynamic DNS
Part 4: Backing Up Your Video
Part 5: Setting a Motion Detection Mask

Part 6: Opening Firewall Ports
Part 7: CCTV Cable Crimping
Part 8: Weatherproof IR Camera Demo
Part 9: Installing a PTZ Camera
Part 10: Audio Interface Adapters

When choosing a Security Camera vendor for your security needs remember that Camera Security Now offers an unprecedented level of pre and post sale support.

For more information on building or configuring a DVR or to inquire about purchasing one, contact our CCTV experts at 877-422-1907 or visit us at CameraSecurityNow.com